Variation in vancomycin dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring practices in neonatal intensive care units.
Anouk van der VeenAnnemie SomersSophie VanhaesebrouckRob Ter HeineRoger J M BrüggemannKarel AllegaertPieter A J G de CockPublished in: International journal of clinical pharmacy (2021)
Background Vancomycin is a frequently used antibiotic in neonates. However, there is no consensus guideline on the optimal dosing regimen and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) practices in this patient population. Objective To document the variability in the current dosing and TDM practices in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Setting Belgian and Dutch NICUs. Method An online questionnaire was disseminated by e-mail to potential respondents. Main outcome measure Differences in vancomycin dosing and TDM practices in comparison with a reference source, the Dutch Paediatric Formulary. Results Eighteen NICUs (response rate 62%) participated. Eleven different dosing regimens are applied, with 83% using intermittent dosing regimens. Stratifying covariates used to determine the (initial) dosage include gestational age, postnatal age, serum creatinine, concurrent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, birth weight and current weight. Large variability is observed with regard to TDM practice as well, both for the concentration target range and the times of (re)sampling. Dosing calculators are more commonly used in the Netherlands than Belgium. Conclusion Significant inter-centre variability in dosing and TDM practices was found. The development of international consensus guidelines is required to optimize therapy. Dosing calculators to guide dosing are not yet considered as part of standard-of-care.
Keyphrases
- healthcare
- primary care
- intensive care unit
- gestational age
- birth weight
- anti inflammatory drugs
- emergency department
- preterm infants
- weight gain
- body mass index
- palliative care
- stem cells
- preterm birth
- cross sectional
- mesenchymal stem cells
- quality improvement
- high intensity
- mechanical ventilation
- acute respiratory distress syndrome
- low birth weight
- cell therapy