Related Experiment Videos
Removal of vancomycin during plasmapheresis
S D McClellan1, C H Whitaker, R C Friedberg
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Alabama Hospital at Birmingham, USA.
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|October 24, 1997
Summary
Plasmapheresis removes a small amount of vancomycin, making supplemental dosing unnecessary. Vancomycin serum concentrations may redistribute after plasmapheresis, requiring further study for optimal timing of drug level monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacokinetics
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Vancomycin is a critical antibiotic for treating serious infections.
- Plasmapheresis is a procedure used to remove plasma components, including drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify vancomycin removal during plasmapheresis.
- To assess the need for supplemental vancomycin dosing post-procedure.
- To investigate vancomycin serum concentration redistribution after plasmapheresis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 12 patients undergoing therapeutic plasmapheresis while on vancomycin.
- Measured vancomycin concentrations in blood and removed plasma.
- Calculated drug removal, increased clearance, and pharmacokinetic parameters.
Main Results:
- Plasmapheresis removed a mean of 6.3% of the total body vancomycin.
- Vancomycin clearance increased by an average of 285% during plasmapheresis.
- Observed vancomycin redistribution in serum concentrations in 90% of patients post-procedure.
Conclusions:
- One-volume plasmapheresis does not significantly deplete vancomycin, negating the need for supplemental dosing.
- A redistribution phenomenon of vancomycin serum concentrations occurs post-plasmapheresis.
- Further research is required to establish optimal vancomycin monitoring times after plasmapheresis.