Clinical audit of gentamicin use by Bayesian pharmacokinetic approach in critically ill children

Abstract

IntroductionCritically ill children tend to have altered gentamicin pharmacokinetics (PK); and so we carried out an audit of gentamicin use using the estimated peak concentrations (Cmax), trough concentrations (Cmin) and area-under-the-concentration-time curve (AUCs) by Bayesian approach. MethodsCritically ill children with at least one serum gentamicin concentrations available were recruited. We used multiple models Bayesian adaptive control to estimate Cmax, and AUC0-t following each dose. Pediatric risk, injury, failure, loss, end stage renal disease (pRIFLE) criteria was used to identify the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). ResultsSeventy-three children (961 doses and 143 concentrations) were analysed. AUC0-24 was observed to be higher in earlier age groups with a steady decline in older children. Similar changes were observed in Cmax, Cmin and AUC0-24 at steady state. Significantly higher proportions of children in the other age groups were estimated to have Cmax between 5 and 10 mg/L compared to neonates. Neonates had a higher risk of Cmax above 10 mg/L. Patients with augmented renal clearance exhibited lower AUC0-24 and reduced proportion achieving the target AUC0-24 levels. Nearly one-third of children were observed to meet the pRIFLE criteria for AKI. ConclusionWe observed higher initial doses and peak concentrations of gentamicin in neonates and infants compared to older age groups in critically ill children. Uniformity in the paediatric-specific standard treatment guidelines for gentamicin is the need of the hour.