Pediatric Nephrotoxicity: How Aware Are We?

Abstract

Vancomycin and aminoglycosides are potentially nephrotoxic broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can be used both in the treatment of severe infections and in surgical prophylaxis, in pediatric patients. Prolonged antibiotic therapy and high trough concentrations are associated with toxicity. Additionally, several individual factors contribute to nephrotoxicity increasing the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and consequent chronic kidney disease in the future. We developed a retrospective and observational study in the Pediatrics Department of a tertiary hospital in Portugal, to analyze clinical practice regarding monitoring and surveillance of vancomycin and aminoglycosides. The results showed low rates of monitoring, which reinforces the importance of raising awareness about this issue, recognizing its importance, and adopting preventive measures that may mitigate the risk of toxicity and improve children’s renal prognosis in adult life.