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Biomedical subjects

K A Rodvold

Publications and source records attributed to K A Rodvold.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Bayesian forecasting of serum vancomycin concentrations in neonates and infants.

A dynamic pharmacokinetic model for i.v. vancomycin administration was developed and tested in 47 neonates and infants. Twenty-nine patients (Group 1), having two or more concentrations, were used to estimate population parameters by nonlinear least-squares analysis. Multiple stepwise linear regression techniques showed that estimated creatinine clearance, Clcr, and postnatal age were significant demographic factors related to vancomycin clearance (CL). No strong associations were found for the apparent volume of distribution. A one-compartment model was constructed using the associations of CLcr and postnatal age with vancomycin CL. Eighteen patients (Group 2), receiving 35 courses of vancomycin therapy, with both initial and subsequent sets of peak and trough concentrations, were used to test the predictive performance of the model with and without the use of Bayesian forecasting. Using only population-based parameters, the respective mean error (ME) (bias) and mean absolute error (MAE) (precision) for predicting subsequent peak concentrations were -1.20 and 3.89 mg/L and for trough concentrations, 0.83 and 2.23 mg/L, respectively. For the Bayesian method, these values were, respectively, 0.45 and 4.13 mg/L for peak concentrations and 1.55 and 2.40 mg/L for trough concentrations. When predicted concentrations occurred within 30 days of feedback concentrations, the Bayesian method tended to be slightly less biased and more precise than the population-based parameters. The opposite was true > 30 days of the initial set of feedback concentrations. The use of population-specific pharmacokinetic parameters and Bayesian forecasting should allow accurate dosage regimen design as well as minimize the need for monitoring serum vancomycin concentrations in neonates and young infants.

Bayes Theorem

Piperacillin/tazobactam: a new beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effect profile of piperacillin/tazobactam, a new beta-lactan/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination. DATA SOURCES: Literature was identified by MEDLINE search of the medical literature, review of selected references, and data provided by the manufacturer. STUDY SELECTION: In vitro susceptibility data were surveyed from studies following the methods of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Data evaluating clinical efficacy were selected from all published trials and abstracts. Additional information concerning safety, chemistry, and pharmacokinetics was reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: The antimicrobial activity of piperacillin is enhanced by addition of tazobactam against gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria. Tazobactam is active against a broad spectrum of plasmid and chromosomally mediated enzymes and has minimal ability to induce class I chromosomally mediated beta-lactamase enzymes. Piperacillin/tazobactam's expanded activity appears encouraging in the treatment of mixed aerobic and anaerobic infections. Direct comparisons of ticarcillin/clavulanate and piperacillin/tazobactam for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections showed piperacillin/tazobactam to be clinically superior, and in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections the 2 agents were comparable. For the treatment of intraabdominal infections, piperacillin/tazobactam was at least as effective as imipenem/cilastatin and clindamycin plus gentamicin. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of tazobactam with piperacillin results in an antimicrobial agent with enhanced activity against most beta-lactamase-producing organisms. Preliminary data indicate that piperacillin/tazobactam has proven clinical efficacy in the treatment of a variety of infections, especially polymicrobic infections.

Bacterial Infections

Steady-state pharmacokinetics of cefoperazone and sulbactam in patients with acute appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the steady-state pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered cefoperazone and sulbactam when given in combination to patients with acute appendicitis. METHODS: Six patients with normal renal and hepatic function received cefoperazone 2 g with sulbactam 1 g prior to appendectomy and then every 12 hours. Serial blood samples were collected after each patient received at least three doses of cefoperazone/sulbactam. RESULTS: Cefoperazone and sulbactam could be best described by a two-compartment model. Mean +/- SD values for cefoperazone steady-state volume of distribution (Vssd), elimination half-life (t1/2 beta), clearance (Cl), and area under the curve (AUC0-t) were 19.8 +/- 8.0 L, 3.97 +/- 1.06 h, 62.6 +/- 16.3 mL/min, and 556.9 +/- 122.0 mg.h/L, respectively. Sulbactam Vssd, t1/2 beta, Cl, and AUC0-t were 34.7 +/- 13.9 L, 1.39 +/- 0.4 h, 288.6 +/- 68.2 mL/min, and 64.8 +/- 24.5 mg.h/L, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with data from healthy volunteers, cefoperazone exhibited a decreased Cl and increased Vssd and t1/2 beta in patients with acute appendicitis. An increased Vssd also was observed for sulbactam. The disposition of cefoperazone/sulbactam is altered in this group of patients; however, these changes are not likely to warrant a dosage reduction.

Acute Disease

Prediction of gentamicin concentrations in neonates and infants using a Bayesian pharmacokinetic model.

This study retrospectively characterized population-based pharmacokinetic parameters for gentamicin in neonates and young infants, and evaluated the predictive performance of these parameters in a Bayesian forecasting program. Population parameter estimates were determined from the serum concentration-time data of 19 neonates and infants using a one-compartment open infusion model and nonlinear least-squares regression analysis. Univariate and multiple stepwise linear regression analyses were used to determine significant relationships between demographic characteristics and gentamicin pharmacokinetic parameters. Creatinine clearance and postnatal age were the most significant predictors of weight-standardized gentamicin clearance (model r2 = 0.86). The relationships between patient characteristics and population-based parameters were incorporated into the one-compartment Bayesian forecasting model. A second group of 17 neonates and infants receiving 35 courses of gentamicin therapy were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the population-based parameters and a Bayesian forecasting model. The population parameters provided accurate prediction of steady state gentamicin concentrations throughout multiple courses of therapy within the same patient. Bayesian forecasting further minimized the mean prediction error (bias) once a set of steady state peak and trough serum gentamicin concentrations became available (peak concentrations: -0.062 vs. -0.273 mg/l; trough concentrations: -0.006 vs. -0.161 mg/l). The mean absolute error (accuracy) was similar for the two sets of parameters. The observed accuracy of both the population parameters and Bayesian forecasting suggests that monitoring of serum gentamicin concentrations can be kept to minimum in neonates and infants.

Aging

Pharmacokinetics of lorazepam in critically ill neonates with seizures.

Pharmacokinetic data were evaluated in 10 term neonates with seizures after intravenous administration of lorazepam, 0.05 mg/kg or 0.1 mg/kg. All seizure activity ceased, with no adverse effects. Pharmacokinetic data revealed a decreased volume of distribution and clearance, and a prolonged half-life in comparison with data from older children and adults. These findings are consistent with physiologic differences in the neonate.

Critical Illness

Phenobarbital pharmacokinetics in obesity. A case report.

A morbidly obese woman [190 kg total bodyweight (TBW)] was admitted to hospital with a rapidly progressing wound infection. Over the next 2 weeks the patient developed congestive heart failure, acute renal failure, septic shock and multiple seizure episodes. Intravenous phenobarbital was added to phenytoin therapy to achieve seizure control. A total loading dose of phenobarbital 3700 mg (19.5 mg/kg TBW) was administered in 3 divided doses. The initial dose of 1100 mg resulted in a serum phenobarbital concentration of 6.3 mg/L 5h postinfusion, a second 1100 mg dose increased the concentration to 13.1 mg/L 1h postinfusion and a final dose of 1500 mg resulted in a 22.5 mg/L concentration at the end of the infusion. A phenobarbital maintenance regimen of 120 mg every 12h was then started. Peak serum concentrations of 19.8 and 17.8 mg/L were measured. All of the available serum phenobarbital concentrations and dosage amounts were fitted with least-squares nonlinear regression analysis to a 1-compartment model. An apparent volume of distribution (Vd) of 154.9L (0.82 L/kg TBW), total body clearance (CL) of 29 ml/min (1.74 L/h) and elimination half-life of 61h were determined. Our case report suggests that the dose of intravenous phenobarbital should be calculated using TBW. Additional studies are needed to precisely define the appropriate dosage weight, serum concentrations and clinical efficacy associated with intravenous phenobarbital in morbidly obese patients.

Adult

Clarithromycin and azithromycin: new macrolide antibiotics.

The chemistry, mechanism of action, antimicrobial spectrum, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, drug interactions, and dosage and administration of clarithromycin and azithromycin are described. Clarithromycin and azithromycin are new macrolide antibiotics that are similar in structure to erythromycin. Compared with erythromycin, clarithromycin demonstrates increased activity against Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, Legionella pneumophila, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Chlamydia trachomatis. Clarithromycin also has in vitro activity against Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and Toxoplasma gondii. Azithromycin has increased gram-negative activity compared with erythromycin, including activity against Haemophilus influenzae, while maintaining activity against gram-positive organisms. Azithromycin also has activity against sexually transmitted organisms including Chlamydia trachomatis. The pharmacokinetic profiles of clarithromycin and azithromycin are characterized by good oral bioavailability, excellent tissue penetration and persistence, and long elimination half-lives, which allow for once-daily or twice-daily dosing. Initial data show that clarithromycin and azithromycin are effective for the treatment of upper-respiratory-tract and lower-respiratory-tract infections and infections of the skin and skin structures. Azithromycin has been shown to be effective for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Clarithromycin and azithromycin have been used to treat MAC and Toxoplasma infections in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The most frequently reported adverse effects for both agents have been nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Oral formulations of clarithromycin and azithromycin have recently been approved by the FDA. Clarithromycin and azithromycin are new macrolide antibiotics that have potential advantages over erythromycin; however, the role of these agents will be better defined as results of more ongoing trials become available for evaluation.

Azithromycin

High-dose carmustine and autologous bone marrow reinfusion in the treatment of refractory or relapsed small cell lung carcinoma.

Fourteen patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung in relapse or with disease refractory to chemotherapy were treated with carmustine (BCNU) at doses of 600 to 1000 mg/m2 intravenously followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation. All patients previously were treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and etoposide. Seven of the 14 patients responded to the high-dose BCNU (50% response with 95% confidence limits ranging from 23% to 77%). Three patients had a complete response, and four had a partial response. Regrowth of tumor occurred within 60 days of treatment in the responding patients. Death occurred in six patients before the recovery of the platelet count to 50,000 cells/microliters. Although the response rate was high, the toxicity was excessive. In the dosage range of 600 to 1000 mg/m2 in heavily pretreated patients, BCNU is not recommended, but additional investigation may be warranted in patients with central nervous system metastases who previously were treated with radiation therapy.

Adult

A comparative evaluation of the safety and efficacy of cefotetan and cefoxitin in surgical prophylaxis.

Safety and efficacy were evaluated and compared retrospectively in 77 patients who received cefotetan (CTN) and 51 patients who received cefoxitin (CFX) for surgical prophylaxis. Both groups were similar with respect to age and gender. Surgical procedures were similar between groups (e.g., obstetric/gynecologic, renal transplant, colon, exploratory laparotomy, gastroduodenal, hernia repair). Postoperative infectious complications were more common in the CTN group (11.6 percent [9/77]) than in the CFX (7.8 percent [4/51]) group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. A higher incidence of wound infections was noted in the CTN group (5.2 percent [4/77]) than in the CFX group (2.0 percent [1/51]); this difference was also not significant. Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy were more likely to develop infectious complications when CTN was used for prophylaxis (p = 0.0001). Clinically significant blood loss was not noted during surgery. Elevations in prothrombin times (greater than 1 sec) occurred in 27.3 percent (3/11) of CTN and 11.1 percent (1/9) of CFX patients (not significant). Except for the small subset of patients receiving concomitant immunosuppressive therapy, CTN appeared to be as safe and effective as CFX when used for surgical prophylaxis. Although not statistically significant, the increased incidence of wound infections in the CTN-treated patients requires further study in a prospective randomized comparison.

Adult

An updated comparison of drug dosing methods. Part I: Phenytoin.

The relationship between a dose of phenytoin and the resultant serum concentration is difficult to predict, and numerous dosing methods have been developed to quantify the dose required to achieve a specific concentration. This review brings up to date the earlier article in the Journal regarding predictive algorithms, various pharmacokinetics-based dosing techniques and Bayesian feedback methods for phenytoin dosing. The latest data support the original conclusions that dosing methods for phenytoin which incorporate an individualised approach or Bayesian principles tend to offer results superior to those from predictive algorithms. Bayesian methods have the additional advantage of using only 1 serum concentration, obtained under either steady-state or non-steady-state conditions. There is still a need for future investigations that include prospective evaluations of predictive performance and cost-effectiveness data.

Aging

An updated comparison of drug dosing methods. Part II: Theophylline.

This article updates the previous review in the Journal regarding theophylline dosing methods. Among the predictive algorithms evaluated, the dose-titration scheme of Weinberger and Hendeles was extensively tested in 1073 asthmatic patients. When the scheme was followed appropriately, 78% of initial serum concentrations and 66% of repeat serum concentrations were within the therapeutic range of 10 to 20 mg/L. Several authors have also demonstrated that the 'condition correction factor' method for estimating theophylline clearance is of limited value. The individualised methods of Chiou, Koup and Vozeh have been evaluated in over 300 patients. In addition, numerous authors have reported the relative predictive performance of Bayesian dosing programs for theophylline. All methods continue to be a rapid and accurate means of individualizing dosing requirements for patients with a diverse range of theophylline disposition characteristics. Overall, the Bayesian predictions have been less biased and slightly more precise than the pharmacokinetics-based dosing methods. The most recent cost-effectiveness data has shown that a pharmacokinetic dosing program resulted in fewer toxic serum concentrations (18.9% vs 37.8%), a shorter mean duration of hospital stay (6.3 vs 8.7 days) and more therapeutic concentrations with subsequent oral therapy (71.1% vs 44.4%) than among control patients receiving dosages prescribed by physicians.

Algorithms

An updated comparison of drug dosing methods. Part III: Aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Aminoglycoside antibiotics continue to be useful for the treatment of Gram-negative infections. Available dosing methods include predictive algorithms and nomograms, pharmacokinetics-based dosing methods, and methods that incorporate Bayesian forecasting. The individualised Sawchuk-Zaske and Bayesian methods have been extensively evaluated since the previous review in the Journal. Both methods continue to be rapid and accurate means of individualising dosage requirements for patients with diverse pharmacokinetic profiles. The predictive performance of the Bayesian method can be further enhanced when population-based parameters reflect the patient population being monitored. There are now several cost-effectiveness studies that demonstrate that pharmacokinetic dosing services for aminoglycosides result in cost savings, better therapeutic concentrations, fewer toxic serum concentrations, and shorter mean durations of hospital stay and aminoglycoside therapy. Further studies are needed for cost-effectiveness and comparison of various dosing methods in paediatric and neonatal patients.

Aminoglycosides

An updated comparison of drug dosing methods. Part IV: Vancomycin.

The resurgence of the use of and interest in vancomycin, in conjunction with the high degree of interpatient variability in its pharmacokinetic profile, has prompted the development of many and varied dosing methods. Several dosing nomograms have been proposed and evaluated, methods which are useful for initial dosing but do not allow for individualisation of dosage. Given these constraints, several investigators have attempted to apply conventional least-squares regression techniques and, more recently, Bayesian methodologies using either 1- or 2-compartment pharmacokinetic models. Comparative information evaluating algorithmic methods demonstrates that those of Moellering and Lake offer the least biased and most precise predictions of vancomycin dosage. Patient individualisation using conventional least-squares methodology offers some improvement over nomogram-based methods, both in predictive performance and in dosage adjustment once serum concentration data are available. Overall, the latest data indicate that regimens which incorporate Bayesian principles tend to give better results than nomogram-based or conventional least-squares dosing methods for this drug. Despite the advances in methods for dosing vancomycin, several questions remain to be answered. A lack of convincing evidence of a correlation between serum concentrations and therapeutic outcome has prompted debate over the need for serum concentration monitoring and, if it is needed, over which patient population would most benefit. Secondly, little comparative information is currently available as to the dosing of vancomycin in paediatric and neonatal patient populations. Several nomograms for initial dosing have been proposed, but only 2 have been subject to subsequent testing. Finally, information regarding cost-effectiveness and the quality of patient outcome is lacking from the current literature.

Bayes Theorem

Clinical pharmacokinetics of daptomycin.

Daptomycin is a new lipopeptide antibiotic for which preliminary pharmacokinetic data in adults have been limited to normal healthy volunteers and patients with renal insufficiency. We report the clinical pharmacokinetics of the first and fifth doses of iv daptomycin 150 mg (2 mg/kg) q24h in a 29-year-old man being treated for a gram-positive cellulitis and thrombophlebitis. Individual pharmacokinetic parameters yielded similar results during doses one and five. The pharmacokinetic profile observed in our patient did not markedly differ from data obtained from healthy volunteers.

Adult

Bayesian forecasting of serum gentamicin concentrations in intensive care patients.

This study retrospectively evaluated the predictive performance of a 1-compartment Bayesian forecasting program in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients with stable renal function. A comparison was made of the reliability of 3 sets of population-based parameter estimates and 2 serum concentration monitoring strategies. A larger mean error for prediction of peak gentamicin concentrations was seen with literature-derived parameters than when ICU population-based parameter estimates were used. Bias and precision improved when non-steady-state peak and trough concentrations were used to predict those at steady-state; the addition of steady-state values did not provide additional information for predictions once non-steady-state feedback concentrations were incorporated. The addition of 4 serial gentamicin concentrations obtained at both non-steady-state and steady-state did not noticeably improve the predictive performance. The results demonstrate that initial ICU pharmacokinetic parameter estimates for a 1-compartment Bayesian model provide accurate prediction of steady-state gentamicin concentrations. Prediction bias and precision showed the greatest improvement when non-steady-state gentamicin concentrations were used to determine individualised pharmacokinetic parameters.

Adult

Nizatidine suppression of basal gastric acid output: a comparison of two intravenous dosage regimens.

To study the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of two intravenous nizatidine dosing regimens, serial plasma concentrations and continuous intragastric pH were monitored simultaneously in 10 subjects with a documented history of duodenal or gastric ulcers. A 24-hour gastric pH profile was characterized for a 300 mg daily dose of nizatidine randomly administered both as 100 mg every 8 hours and 150 mg every 12 hours. No significant differences were observed in the mean pharmacokinetic parameters between the two dosing regimens. Pharmacodynamic parameters for the 100 mg every 8 hours versus the 150 mg every 12 hours regimen were not significantly different except for percent of time during the 24-hour study period that the pH was maintained greater than 4 (43.6 +/- 20.7 versus 34.7 +/- 18.3, P less than .05). A significant relationship was demonstrated for both regimens (P less than .05) between the percent time pH greater than 4 and area under the plasma curve for the 24 hour study period. The lack of a significant difference in nizatidine pharmacokinetics between the two dosage regimens suggests a pharmacodynamic cause for the greater cumulative pH effect of the every 8 hour regimen.

Adult