[Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in the pediatric surgical field]

Amikacin (AMK) was intravenously administered to pediatric surgical patients, and its pharmacokinetics was studied. The results obtained are summarized as follow: 1. The serum levels following administration were similar to those which had been reported by others. Urinary excretion was excellent. 2. The concentration of AMK in pleural effusion of a postoperative premature baby was an effective level higher than MIC's to target organisms. 3. Bile levels of AMK were the highest soon after surgery on patients with biliary atresia, these declined as time passed. The high levels obtained were in the effective range where the levels were higher than MIC's against organisms isolated from bile of patients with biliary tract infections. Biliary excretions were good in cases with good hepato-enteric circulation. 4. Biliary and urinary excretion rates were well correlated.