Food safety in scavenger conservation: Diet-associated exposure to livestock pharmaceuticals and opportunist mycoses in threatened Cinereous and Egyptian vultures

Pharmaceuticals from veterinary treatments may enter terrestrial food webs when medicated livestock are available to wildlife in supplementary feeding stations aimed at the conservation of endangered scavengers. Here, we hypothesized that the exposure risk to livestock fluoroquinolones, as indicators of pharmaceutical burden in food, is related to the variable reliance of scavengers on domestic versus wild animal carcasses. Since the misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics is a major predisposing factor for opportunistic mycoses, we evaluated disease signs potentially associated with diet-dependent drug exposure in nestlings of two threatened vultures. A greater occurrence (100%, n=14) and concentration of fluoroquinolones (mean±SD=73.0±27.5µgL^-1, range=33.2-132.7), mostly enrofloxacin, were found in Cinereous vultures, Aegypius monachus, due to their greater dependence on livestock carcasses than Egyptian vultures, Neophron percnopterus (fluoroquinolones occurrence: 44%, n=16, concentration: 37.9±16.6µgL^-1, range=11.5-55.9), which rely much more on carcasses of wild animals (42% of remains vs. 23% in the cinereous vulture). The chaotic, chronic and pulsed ingestion of these drugs throughout nestling development is proposed as one of the most plausible explanations for the high occurrence and intensity of oral Candida-like lesions in nestling vultures. The high occurrence of fluoroquinolone residues and disease hindered the probing of a cause-effect relationship between both factors in individual vultures. This relationship could be evaluated through a population-based approach by sampling vultures not exposed to these drugs. The high dependence of vultures on domestic animals today compared to past decades and the growing intensification of livestock farming, imply an expected increase in the impact of pharmaceuticals on scavenger populations. This requires further evaluation due to potential consequences in biodiversity conservation and environmental health. We encourage the prioritization of efforts to promote the use of less medicated free-ranging livestock carcasses left in the countryside, rather than stabled stocks made available in vulture restaurants. Additionally, attention should be paid to the population recovery of wild species that dominated scavenger diets in the past.

Using Vancomycin Concentrations for Dosing Daptomycin in a Morbidly Obese Patient with Renal Insufficiency

Objective:

To report a case in which vancomycin clearance was used to determine the daptomycin dosing interval in a morbidly obese patient with renal impairment.

Case Summary:

A 46-year-old man (209 kg; 178 cm) failed a 42 day course of vancomycin therapy for treatment of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus–infected wound and cellulitis. The median trough vancomycin concentration was 12.6 μg/mL (range 7.3–24.1) through his course of therapy. Estimation of creatinine clearance (Clcr) was confounded in this clinical scenario, given the patient's weight and a lack of valid equations in this patient population. Daptomycin was administered empirically at 6 mg/kg dosed every 48 hours based on estimated clearance from measured vancomycin concentrations. Steady-state plasma concentrations of daptomycin were determined, and the daptomycin half-life in this patient was more accurately estimated using vancomycin clearance as a surrogate. In addition, a 4 mg/kg dose of daptomycin would have been sufficient based on plasma concentrations. The patient demonstrated rapid clinical improvement and remained free of cellulitis for 6 months after completion of daptomycin and a 12 week course of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

Discussion:

The dosing interval of daptomycin is adjusted based on Clcr. However, estimation of Clcr is difficult in morbidly obese patients with renal impairment, given a lack of valid equations. In this clinical scenario, vancomycin concentrations were used to estimate Clcr and served as a surrogate measure to determine the daptomycin dosing interval. Measured daptomycin concentrations validated this approach and confirmed the inadequacy of commonly used Clcr equations.

Conclusions:

In this clinical scenario, vancomycin concentrations more accurately estimated Clcr, thereby facilitating determination of the daptomycin dosing interval.

[Ultrasound physiotherapy treatment of prostatitis]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Develop a method of treatment of prostatitis based on the use of a standard antibiotic, immunomodulatory therapy, and transrectal ultrasound physiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The dynamics of the accumulation of the antibiotic was investigated in male rats. Sonication was performed immediately before the administration of the antibiotic and its accumulation in the process at 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 min after dosing. The clinical study included 138 patients with chronic prostatitis. Patients of the experimental group, in addition to standard therapy, 10 sessions of transrectal ultrasound physical therapy was performed. The efficacy of treatment was assessed after 14 and 28 days after initiation.

RESULTS

and its discussion. Experiments on laboratory animals have shown that the highest concentration and the residence time of antibiotic in the prostate tissue is noted ultrasonic treatment in the period of maximum blood concentration of the test drug. The data obtained allow to determine that the ultrasonic treatment must be performed considering the pharmacokinetics of the antibiotic. In conducting clinical trials on day 14 of treatment and clinical manifestations of prostatitis bacterial microflora in prostatic secretions were no patients in both groups. In 15% of patients of the experimental group the number of leukocytes decreased to the normal range. After 28 days the amount of leukocytes was normal in 51% of patients in the control and 85% in the experimental group.

CONCLUSION

In animal experiments defined the optimal time interval separating the moment of injection of the antibiotic from the beginning of sonication. Clinical studies have shown that the transrectal ultrasound exposure during the period of maximum concentration of the antibiotic in the blood, improves patient outcomes by 33.8%.

Application of vancomycin in patients with varying renal function, especially those with augmented renal clearance

CONTEXT

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) refers to enhanced renal elimination of circulating solute, and has attracted wide attention in recent years.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the effects of ARC on serum vancomycin concentration in patients administered vancomycin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study in patients receiving vancomycin treatment at a dose of 1000 mg in every 12 h and undergoing serum monitoring admitted over a 2-year period (May 2013 to May 2015), in order to estimate the influence of ARC on serum vancomycin concentration. In this study, statistical comparisons were made on the results from patients grouped according to creatinine clearance (CL_cr).

RESULTS

One hundred forty-eight patients were enrolled in our study. The results showed that ARC patients were significantly younger, with a significantly lower S_cr and higher GFR. The CL_cr and steady-state trough concentrations of serum vancomycin exhibited a logarithmic correlation (Rs = -0.699, R²=0.488, p < 0.01) in the patients included in our study. The trough vancomycin concentrations of 62.9% patients in high CL_cr group were under 10 μg/mL.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Since ARC was significantly associated with subtherapeutic serum vancomycin concentration, it was necessary to devise adjusted dosage regimens for these patients based on their CL_cr.

A validated UPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of linezolid and a novel oxazolidinone derivative (PH027) in plasma and its application to tissue distribution study in rabbits

OBJECTIVES

Linezolid is the first approved oxazolidinone antibacterial agent, whereas PH027 is a novel compound of the same class that exhibits good in vitro antibacterial activity. The objective of this study was to develop an UPLC-MS/MS assay for the analysis of linezolid and PH027 in plasma and to apply the method for comparative pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies of both compounds.

METHOD

Plasma samples and calibrators were extracted with diethyl ether after addition of the internal standard solution. After evaporation of the ether layer, the residue was reconstituted in mobile phase and injected into UPLC-MS/MS. The mobile phase consisted of 2mM ammonium acetate buffer solution and acetonitrile (70:30) at a flow rate of 0.2ml/min. Separation was achieved using UPLC BEH C₁₈ column, and quantitative determination of the analytes was performed using multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) scanning mode. The method was validated by analyzing quality control tissue homogenate samples, and was applied to analyze tissue homogenate samples obtained following IV injections of linezolid and PH027 in rabbits.

RESULTS

The developed UPLC-MS/MS method was linear in the concentration range of 50-5000ng/ml. Validation of the method proved that the method's precision, selectivity and stability were all within the acceptable limits. Linezolid and PH027 concentrations were accurately determined in the quality control tissue homogenate samples, and analysis of samples obtained following IV administration of the two compounds showed that the tissue to plasma concentration ratio of PH027 was higher than that of linezolid probably due to its higher lipophilicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed UPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of linezolid and PH027 in rabbit's plasma can accurately determine the concentrations of these compounds in different tissues.

Population Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam in Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients Admitted with Acute Pulmonary Exacerbation

Ceftolozane-tazobactam has potent activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogen associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) acute pulmonary exacerbations (APE). Due to the rapid elimination of many antibiotics, CF patients frequently have altered pharmacokinetics. In this multicenter, open-label study, we described the population pharmacokinetics and safety of ceftolozane-tazobactam at 3 g every 8 h (q8h) in 20 adult CF patients admitted with APE. Population pharmacokinetics were determined using the nonparametric adaptive grid program in Pmetrics for R. A 5,000-patient Monte Carlo simulation was performed to determine the probability of target attainment (PTA) for the ceftolozane component at 1.5 g and 3 g of ceftolozane-tazobactam q8h across a range of MICs using a primary threshold exposure of 60% free time above the MIC (fT>MIC). In these 20 adult CF patients, ceftolozane and tazobactam concentration data were best described by 2-compartment models, and ceftolozane clearance (CL) was significantly correlated with creatinine clearance (r = 0.71, P < 0.001). These data suggest that ceftolozane and tazobactam clearance estimates in CF patients are similar to those in adults without CF (ceftolozane CF CL, 4.76 ± 1.13 liter/h; tazobactam CF CL, 20.51 ± 4.41 liter/h). However, estimates of the volume of the central compartment (Vc) were lower than those for adults without CF (ceftolozane CF Vc, 7.51 ± 2.05 liters; tazobactam CF Vc, 7.85 ± 2.66 liters). Using a threshold of 60% fT>MIC, ceftolozane-tazobactam regimens of 1.5 g and 3 g q8h should achieve PTAs of ≥90% at MICs up to 4 and 8 μg/ml, respectively. Ceftolozane-tazobactam at 3 g q8h was well tolerated. These observations support additional studies of ceftolozane-tazobactam for Pseudomonas aeruginosa APE in CF patients. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT02421120.).

[THE FEATURES OF PHARMACOKINETICS ANTIBIOTIC CEFTRIAXONE WITH INTRAVENOUS WAY THAT ARE DEPOSITED IN AUTOLOGOUS ERYTHROCYTES AND LEUKOCYTES OF RABBIT]

In the experiment on 18 rabbits Сeftriaxone pharmacokinetics after intravenous injection of the medication deposited in autologous erythrocytes and leukocytes were studied. The features of the pharmacokinetics when administered Сeftriaxone in erythrocytes ghost and leukocytes as compared to traditional intravenous drug administration have been determined.It is discussed the possibility of antibiotics transport in the surgical site of infection via cellular carriers in the article. We do the comparative analysis of the main pharmacokinetic parameters of Ceftriaxone in experimental conditions of leukocyte, erythrocyte transport and intravenous way. Based on these results the authors come to the conclusion about the benefits of leukocyte antibiotic transport to the site of surgical infection.

What is the Intraarticular Concentration of Tobramycin Using Low-dose Tobramycin Bone Cement in TKA: An In Vivo Analysis?

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic-impregnated bone cement has increased in popularity as an effort to reduce the risk of infection in high-risk TKAs. However, limited data has been reported regarding antibiotic levels achieved when using tobramycin-impregnated bone cement after implanting total knee components.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked: (1) What is the tobramycin serum and knee intraarticular levels in patients undergoing primary TKA using tobramycin cement? (2) What is the intraarticular tobramycin level for patients receiving only intravenous tobramycin?

METHODS

All patients undergoing primary TKA by one of the two study surgeons (GV, JP) during a 6-month period were evaluated for inclusion and invited to participate. The study enrolled 15 patients undergoing primary TKA by one of two surgeons (GV, JP) who met inclusion criteria; treatment allocation was assigned randomly through blinded envelope. The study group consisted of 10 patients whose components were implanted using a commercially prepared low-dose tobramycin bone cement mixture (1 g/40 g). The control group consisted of five patients who received standard weight-based dose intravenous tobramycin. Samples of serum and Hemovac^® drain-collected intraarticular hematoma were analyzed at 6, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Tobramycin levels were measured using an immunoassay technique with a low-end sensitivity of 0.28 μg/mL. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare the serum and intraarticular tobramycin concentrations at each time in the independent variable of group (Control and Study).

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range [IQR]) intraarticular tobramycin concentrations for the study group, with tobramycin-impregnated bone cement, was 31.8 (29.0) μg/mL at 6 hours, 17.1 (13.1) μg/mL at 24 hours, and 6.8 (6.8) μg/mL at 48 hours. The intraarticular tobramycin concentrations of this study group were larger than those for the control group at 6 hours (median = 1.3; IQR = 0.7; p = 0.002), 24 hours (median = 1.3, IQR = 1.0; p = 0.002), and 48 hours (median = 1.4; IQR = 1.0; p = 0.02). The serum concentrations for the tobramycin-impregnated bone cement group were 0.3 μg/mL or less for all samples whereas serum concentrations and median (IQR) for the control group were 1.2 (2.6) μg/mL, 1.6 (4.4) μg/mL, and 2.0 (3.3) μg/mL at 6, 24, and 48 hours respectively. The serum levels for the tobramycin-impregnated cement group were less than those for the control group at 6 hours (p = 0.001), 24 (p = 0.001), and 48 hours (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Tobramycin-impregnated bone cement provides a way to deliver antibiotics in patients undergoing TKA. This supratherapeutic short-term prophylactic perioperative antibiotic local delivery can be achieved with limited systemic absorption, whereas joint tobramycin levels were less than therapeutic levels when given intravenously alone. In the control group, with only intravenous tobramycin, a subtherapeutic (< 2.0 μg/mL) level of tobramycin was found in all the intraarticular samples at 6, 24, and 48 hours. Based on the evidence obtained in this study, commercially prepared low-dose tobramycin bone cement can be used to obtain short-term supratherapeutic local concentrations in the knee while maintaining serum tobramycin levels at a minimum.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, therapeutic study.

Effects of biobanking conditions on six antibiotic substances in human serum assessed by a novel evaluation protocol

BACKGROUND

Although therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for antibiotics in critically ill patients is recommended by expert panels, no commercial tests are available for most antibiotics. Therefore, we previously developed a multi-analyte method for the quantification of piperacillin, tazobactam, cefepime, meropenem, ciprofloxacin and linezolid in serum. However, limited stability data were available, and the relevant studies did not address the coefficients of variation of the methods applied, which may be important for verifying the storage dependency of the observed effects. Here we aimed to evaluate the storage effects of antibiotics by applying a novel evaluation protocol.

METHODS

Serum-based test samples were aliquoted and stored at room temperature, 4 °C, -20 °C or -80 °C for up to 180 days. Using an innovative evaluation protocol (considering the coefficient of variation, p-value, and criterion of monotony of observed changes), we assessed whether relevant changes (defined as ≥15% in comparison with baseline) were storage dependent (defined as substantial changes).

RESULTS

Storage at -80 °C for up to 180 days did not lead to substantial changes for any analyte. In contrast, storage at -20 °C induced substantial decreases after ≥7 days for piperacillin, tazobactam, cefepime and meropenem; after 90 days at -20 °C, only ≤23% of the initial concentrations were found for these parameters. No substantial changes were observed for linezolid and ciprofloxacin at any storage condition. All of the observed substantial changes were monotonic decreases.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend a storage temperature of -80 °C for β-lactam antibiotics. The applied evaluation protocol yielded conclusive results and may be generally useful for stability studies.

Effects of quercetin on pharmacokinetics of cefprozil in Chinese-Han male volunteers

1. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of quercetin on the pharmacokinetics of cefprozil. The secondary objective was to evaluate the safety of the combined use of cefprozil and quercetin. 2. An open-label, two-period, crossover phase I trial among 24 Han Chinese male subjects was conducted. Participants were given 500 mg of quercetin orally once daily for 15 d followed by single dose of cefprozil (500 mg) on day 15. Serum concentrations of cefprozil were then measured in all participants on day 15. A 15-d washout period was then assigned after which a 500 mg dose of cefprozil was administered and measured in the serum on day 36. 3. All subjects completed the trial, and no serious adverse events were reported. We measured mean serum concentrations of cefprozil in the presence and absence of quercetin in all participants. The maximum serum concentration of cefprozil in the presence of quercetin was 8.18 ug/ml (95% CI: 7.55-8.81) versus a maximum cefprozil concentration of 8.35 ug/ml (95% CI: 7.51-9.19) in the absence of quercetin. We conclude that the concurrent use of quercetin has no substantial effect on serum concentrations of orally administered cefprozil. 4. Co-administration of quercetin showed no statistically significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of cefprozil in healthy Chinese subjects.

Pharmacokinetic Studies in Neonates: The Utility of an Opportunistic Sampling Design

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The use of an opportunistic (also called scavenged) sampling strategy in a prospective pharmacokinetic study combined with population pharmacokinetic modelling has been proposed as an alternative strategy to conventional methods for accomplishing pharmacokinetic studies in neonates. However, the reliability of this approach in this particular paediatric population has not been evaluated. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of an opportunistic sampling strategy for a population pharmacokinetic estimation, as well as dose prediction, and compare this strategy with a predetermined pharmacokinetic sampling approach.

METHODS

Three population pharmacokinetic models were derived for ciprofloxacin from opportunistic blood samples (SC model), predetermined (i.e. scheduled) samples (TR model) and all samples (full model used to previously characterize ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetics), using NONMEM software. The predictive performance of developed models was evaluated in an independent group of patients.

RESULTS

Pharmacokinetic data from 60 newborns were obtained with a total of 430 samples available for analysis; 265 collected at predetermined times and 165 that were scavenged from those obtained as part of clinical care. All datasets were fit using a two-compartment model with first-order elimination. The SC model could identify the most significant covariates and provided reasonable estimates of population pharmacokinetic parameters (clearance and steady-state volume of distribution) compared with the TR and full models. Their predictive performances were further confirmed in an external validation by Bayesian estimation, and showed similar results. Monte Carlo simulation based on area under the concentration-time curve from zero to 24 h (AUC24)/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using either the SC or the TR model gave similar dose prediction for ciprofloxacin.

CONCLUSION

Blood samples scavenged in the course of caring for neonates can be used to estimate ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetic parameters and therapeutic dose requirements.

Effects of inducers of cytochrome P450s on enrofloxacin N-deethylation in crucian carp Carassius auratus gibelio

In this study with crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio), the effect on enrofloxacin (EF) and its metabolite ciprofloxacin (CF) and on the activity of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) and cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) was estimated following the oral administration of rifampicin (RIF) (12mg/kg) and β-naphthoflavone (BNF) (12mg/kg), respectively. First, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to detect the pharmacokinetics of EF with continual blood sampling. In RIF-treated, BNF-treated and control groups, the value of the CmaxCF/CmaxEF ratio was 4.41, 0.81 and 0.95, and the corresponding value of the AUC0-t-CF/AUC0-t-EF ratio was 3.69, 1.84 and 1.76, respectively. In the RIF-treated, BNF-treated and control groups, the MRT values of EF were 26.57, 27.45 and 30.88h, and the corresponding values for CF were 5.79, 35.18 and 38.11h, respectively. Based on these results for crucian carp, the accumulation and elimination of EF and CF in the RIF-treated group were more rapid than in BNF-treated and control groups. Second, liver microsomes were pretreated with the inducer of CYP1A for BNF and that of CYP3A for RIF, and then the enzymatic activities of CYP1A and CYP3A were measured, respectively. The activities of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylation (EROD) and erythromycin-N-demethylation (ERND) increased significantly (P<0.05) for CYP1A and CYP3A, respectively. However, in further experiments on the formation of CF, the level of EF N-deethylation was significantly induced by RIF and inhibited by ketoconazole (KTZ) for CYP3A but had no influence for CYP1A, BNF and berberine chloride (BER). We concluded that CYP3A might be responsible for the N-deethylation of EF and because of this activity, could also serve as a toxicity biomarker in crucian carp.

Ceftiofur pharmacokinetics in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus after intracardiac and intramuscular administrations

Ceftiofur is a broad-spectrum third generation cephalosporin, which acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as Aeromonas hydrophila and β-lactamase-producing strains, which are common pathogens in freshwater fish. Ceftiofur pharmacokinetics in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were studied following single intracardiac (i.c.) or intramuscular (i.m.) administration of ceftiofur sodium (NAXCEL®) in a dose of 5 mg ceftiofur kg-1 body weight. After i.c. injection, ceftiofur plasma concentrations decreased biexponentially, suggesting a 2-compartmental open model. Distribution and elimination half-lives (t0.5(α) and t0.5(β)) were 0.61 ± 0.22 and 0.14 ± 0.03 h mean ±SD, respectively. Elimination constant (Kel) and total body clearances (Cltot) were 3.22 ± 0.48 h-1 and 1.64 ± 0.47 l h-1 kg-1, respectively. Volume of distribution (Vss) and areas under curves (AUC) were 0.12 ± 0.03 l kg-1 and 24.18 ± 8.81 µg ml-1 h, respectively. Following i.m. injection of ceftiofur, plasma concentrations were best described by a 1-compartment open model with a first order absorption; bioavailability was quite high (96.85 ± 23.74%). Plasma maximum concentration (Cmax) was 12.32 ± 6.53 µg ml-1; achieved at time of maximum concentration (Tmax) of 0.74 ± 0.04 h. Absorption and elimination half-lives (t0.5ab and t0.5β) were 0.49 ± 0.06 and 0.53 ± 0.03 h, respectively. In conclusion, i.m. injection of ceftiofur sodium produced extremely high bioavailability with high plasma concentrations that persisted up to 6 h post injection, which may make ceftiofur a useful alternative antibiotic for treatment of brood stock or important ornamental fishes.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Extended Infusion Versus Short Infusion Piperacillin-Tazobactam in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing CRRT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Infection is the most common cause of death in severe AKI, but many patients receiving continuous RRT do not reach target antibiotic concentrations in plasma. Extended infusion of β-lactams is associated with improved target attainment in critically ill patients; thus, we hypothesized that extended infusion piperacillin-tazobactam would improve piperacillin target attainment compared with short infusion in patients receiving continuous RRT.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We conducted an institutional review board-approved observational cohort study of piperacillin-tazobactam pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in critically ill patients receiving continuous venovenous hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration at three tertiary care hospitals between 2007 and 2015. Antibiotic concentrations in blood and/or dialysate samples were measured by liquid chromatography, and one- and two-compartment pharmacokinetic models were fitted to the data using nonlinear mixed effects regression. Target attainment for piperacillin was defined as achieving four times the minimum inhibitory concentration of 16 μg/ml for >50% of the dosing cycle. The probabilities of target attainment for a range of doses, frequencies, and infusion durations were estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation method. Target attainment was also examined as a function of patient weight and continuous RRT effluent rate.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight participants had data for analysis. Regardless of infusion duration, 6 g/d piperacillin was associated with ≤45% target attainment, whereas 12 g/d was associated with ≥95% target attainment. For 8 and 9 g/d, target attainment ranged between 68% and 85%. The probability of target attainment was lower at higher effluent rates and patient weights. For all doses, frequencies, patient weights, and continuous RRT effluent rates, extended infusion was associated with higher probability of target attainment compared with short infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Extended infusions of piperacillin-tazobactam are associated with greater probability of target attainment in patients receiving continuous RRT.

Pharmacokinetics of a single intramuscular injection of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid in red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pharmacokinetics and adverse effects at the injection site of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (CCFA) following IM administration of 1 dose to red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis).

ANIMALS

7 adult nonreleasable healthy red-tailed hawks.

PROCEDURES

In a randomized crossover study, CCFA (10 or 20 mg/kg) was administered IM to each hawk and blood samples were obtained. After a 2-month washout period, administration was repeated with the opposite dose. Muscle biopsy specimens were collected from the injection site 10 days after each sample collection period. Pharmacokinetic data were calculated. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of ceftiofur for various bacterial isolates were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean peak plasma concentrations of ceftiofur-free acid equivalent were 6.8 and 15.1 μg/mL for the 10 and 20 mg/kg doses, respectively. Mean times to maximum plasma concentration were 6.4 and 6.7 hours, and mean terminal half-lives were 29 and 50 hours, respectively. Little to no muscle inflammation was identified. On the basis of a target MIC of 1 μg/mL and target plasma ceftiofur concentration of 4 μg/mL, dose administration frequencies for infections with gram-negative and gram-positive organisms were estimated as every 36 and 45 hours for the 10 mg/kg dose and every 96 and 120 hours for the 20 mg/kg dose, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Study results suggested that CCFA could be administered IM to red-tailed hawks at 10 or 20 mg/kg to treat infections with ceftiofur-susceptible bacteria. Administration resulted in little to no inflammation at the injection site. Additional studies are needed to evaluate effects of repeated CCFA administration.

Simultaneous Determination of Eight β-Lactam Antibiotics, Amoxicillin, Cefazolin, Cefepime, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Cloxacillin, Oxacillin, and Piperacillin, in Human Plasma by Using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet Detection

A simple and rapid ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method using UV detection was developed for the simultaneous determination of eight β-lactam antibiotics in human plasma, including four penicillins, amoxicillin (AMX), cloxacillin (CLX), oxacillin (OXA), and piperacillin (PIP), and four cephalosporins, cefazolin (CFZ), cefepime (FEP), cefotaxime (CTX), and ceftazidime (CAZ). One hundred-microliter samples were spiked with thiopental as an internal standard, and proteins were precipitated by acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid. Separation was achieved on a pentafluorophenyl (PFP) column with a mobile phase composed of phosphoric acid (10 mM) and acetonitrile in gradient elution mode at a flow rate of 500 μl/min. Detection was performed at 230 nm for AMX, CLX, OXA, and PIP and 260 nm for CFZ, FEP, CTX, and CAZ. The total analysis time did not exceed 13 min. The method was found to be linear at concentrations ranging from 2 to 100 mg/liter for each compound, and all validation parameters fulfilled international requirements. Between- and within-run accuracy errors ranged from -5.2% to 11.4%, and precision was lower than 14.2%. This simple method requires small-volume samples and can easily be implemented in most clinical laboratories to promote the therapeutic drug monitoring of β-lactam antibiotics. The simultaneous determination of several antibiotics considerably reduces the time to results for clinicians, which may improve treatment efficiency, especially in critically ill patients.

Quantification of cefazolin in serum and adipose tissue by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-Tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS): application to a pilot study of obese women undergoing cesarean delivery

Higher doses of cefazolin are required in obese patients for preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, owing to its low lipophilicity. An ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to quantify cefazolin in serum and adipose tissue from 6 obese patients undergoing cesarean delivery, and using stable-isotope labeled cefazolin as an internal standard. The method has a 2μg/g lower limit of quantitation. The concentration in adipose tissue was 3.4±1.6μg/mL, which is less than half of the reported minimum inhibitory concentration of 8μg/mL for cefazolin. Serum cefazolin concentrations were more than 30-fold higher than in adipose tissue.

AUC-Guided Vancomycin Dosing in Adolescent Patients With Suspected Sepsis

Vancomycin is a first-line treatment for β-lactam-resistant Gram-positive bacterial infections. Understanding the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics of vancomycin in an adolescent population is of clinical importance in this often overlooked pediatric population. This retrospective study investigated vancomycin PK-PD in an adolescent cohort (12 to 18 years of age) of 463 patients (57% male, 81% white) admitted to the Intermountain Healthcare System between January 2006 and December 2013. Population PK modeling was performed in NONMEM 7.3. Vancomycin PK was well described with a 1-compartment model that identified both body weight (WT) and creatinine clearance (CRCL) as covariates significantly impacting vancomycin disposition. The model was then utilized to determine dosing strategies that achieved the targeted area under the 24-hour time curve vs minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC_0-24 /MIC) ratio of ≥400. Additionally, these data were correlated with minimum steady-state concentrations (C_ss,min ) to find an acceptable target trough concentration range in adolescents. This analysis demonstrated that C_ss,min ranging from 10 to 12.5 mg/L were highly predictive of achieving an AUC_0-24 /MIC ≥400 when the MIC was ≤1 mg/L. These results suggest that the target trough concentration for adolescents may be lower than that for adults.

Tissue and plasma concentrations of cephuroxime during cardiac surgery in cardiopulmonary bypass — a microdialysis study

Aim: Wound and mediastinal infections are still very serious complications of open-heart surgery, in spite of the use of prophylactic antibiotics. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with profound physiological changes affecting the pharmacokinetic behaviour of antibiotics.

The aim of this pilot study was to monitor the tissue concentrations of cephuroxime (prophylactic antibiotic) in skeletal muscle during cardiac surgery using CPB by interstitial microdialysis. These concentrations were compared with plasma concentrations of cephuroxime.

Material and methods: Nine adult patients operated on using CPB were enrolled in this study. Cephuroxime was used as a prophylactic antibiotic (1st dose — 3 g of cefuroxime i.v. with anesthesia induction, 2nd dose — 1.5 g i.v. after CPB with protamine sulphate, 3rd dose — 1.5 g i.v. 8 hours after the surgery).

Interstitial microdialysis was performed by probe CMA 60 (CMA Microdialysis AB, Sweden) inserted into the patient's deltoid muscle. Concentrations of cephuroxime in dialysates and in plasma were determined by the modified fluid chromatography method. The unbound cephuroxime fraction in plasma was obtained by using an ultrafiltration method. Samples of dialysates were collected at the following intervals: before CPB, each 30 minutes of CPB, at the end of CPB. Samples of blood were collected at these intervals: incision, start of CPB, each 30 minutes of CPB, at the end of CPB, at the end of surgery. Concentrations of cephuroxime in tissue were corrected by in vivo recoveries of the microdialysis probes.

Results: Plasma concentrations of cephuroxime were 163.5 ± 40.1, 79.3 ± 17.4, 73.7 ± 16.8, 66.1 ± 18.3, 57.0 ± 10.9, 120.7 ± 29.9 (mg . L—1) and concentrations of free plasma fraction of cephuroxime were 119.5 ± 35.2, 67.8 ± 15.5, 66.0 ± 12.5, 54.8 ± 12.2, 49.6 ± 9.8, 102.6 ± 26.0 (mg . L—1).

The concentrations of cephuroxime in dialysates were 44.3 ± 15.7, 36.1 ± 11.6, 31.9 ± 9.3, 34.6 ± 12.3, 27.6 ± 12.9, 56.7 ± 17.6 (mg . L—1).

The mean in vivo recovery of cephuroxime in this study was 30%.

Corrected concentrations (calculated by in vivo recovery) of cephuroxime in skeletal muscle were 148, 120, 106, 115, 92, 189 (mg . L—1).

Conclusion: Our preliminary results show that CPB can modify the time course of cephuroxime plasma and tissue concentrations. A decrease in plasma drug concentrations occurred at the start of CPB and lasted until CPB ended. An increase in plasma concentrations corresponds to the second drug dose after CPB. The concentrations of cephuroxime in skeletal muscle (corrected by recovery) during CPB are higher than plasma concentrations. It is influenced by important changes during CPB; closely associated with hemodilution, a shift of intravascular volume, solutes and albumin to the extravascular space and inconstant protein binding of cephuroxime during operation. Perfusion (2007) 22, 129—136.

Determination of fluoroquinolone antibiotic residues in the plasma of Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) in Spain

Due to the possible toxicological impact, the accumulation of pharmaceuticals in wildlife as a consequence of human practices is of growing concern. The consumption of carrion at feeding stations - the so-called 'vulture restaurants' - with no management of the veterinary drugs it contains may expose scavengers to pharmaceuticals. To demonstrate this, we analyzed plasma from Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) originating from two different areas of Spain for antibiotics such as enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, its primary metabolite. Quinolone residues were detected in about 65% (n=106) of birds, of which 15.1% (16/106) had quantifiable amounts of enrofloxacin (0.049±0.102μg/mL) and 5.7% (6/106) of ciprofloxacin (0.009±0.007μg/mL). The differences in exposure between the two sampled areas are attributable to different types of carrion management: the vultures that fed in areas with a high density of dead livestock (supplied directly to feeding stations) were more prone to exposure than those that sought food in areas where carcass availability is more unpredictable. Our findings are evidence that vultures have access to medicated livestock and that there are quantifiable levels of livestock antibiotics in vulture plasma. However, the vultures analyzed in this study had maximum antibiotic concentrations of only 0.4μg/mL, much less than the concentrations used in the clinical treatment of scavengers and a level that is probably too small to cause intoxication.

Plasma and Tissue Disposition of Moxifloxacin in Japanese Quail ( Coturnix japonica )

Plasma disposition and depletion of moxifloxacin were investigated in Japanese quail ( Coturnix japonica ) after single intravenous, intramuscular, and oral administration of 5 mg/kg and after intramuscular and oral administration of 5 mg/kg q24h for 5 consecutive days, respectively. Drug concentrations in plasma and tissues were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. After intravenous injection, plasma drug concentration-time curves were best described by a 2-compartment open model. The decline in plasma drug concentration was biexponential with half-lives of 0.3 hours and 2.18 hours for distribution and elimination phases, respectively. Steady-state volume of distribution and total body clearance after intravenous administration were estimated to be 1.12 L/kg and 0.41 L/h per kilogram, respectively. After intramuscular and oral administration of moxifloxacin at the same dose, the peak plasma concentrations were 2.14 and 1.94 μg/mL and were obtained at 1.4 and 1.87 hours, respectively, and the elimination half-lives were 2.56 and 1.97 hours, respectively. The systemic bioavailabilities were 92.48% and 87.94%, respectively. Tissue levels after intramuscular and oral administration were highest in liver and kidneys, respectively, and decreased in the following order: plasma, lungs, and muscle. Moxifloxacin concentrations after intramuscular and oral administration were below the detection limit of the assay in tissues and plasma after 120 hours.

Single- and Repeated-Dose Pharmacokinetics of Ceftaroline in Plasma and Soft Tissues of Healthy Volunteers for Two Different Dosing Regimens of Ceftaroline Fosamil

Ceftaroline fosamil (CPT-F) is currently approved for use for the treatment of complicated skin and soft tissue infections and community-acquired pneumonia at 600 mg twice daily (q12h), but other dosing regimens are under evaluation. To date, very limited data on the soft tissue pharmacokinetics (PK) of the active compound, ceftaroline (CPT), are available. CPT concentrations in the plasma, muscle, and subcutis of 12 male healthy volunteers were measured by microdialysis after single and repeated intravenous administration of 600 mg CPT-F q12h or three times daily (q8h) in two groups of 6 subjects each. Relevant PK and PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters were calculated and compared between groups. In plasma, the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from 0 to 24 h for total CPT and the cumulative percentage of the dosing interval during which the free drug concentrations exceeded the MIC (fTMIC) for unbound CPT for the currently established threshold of 1 mg/liter were significantly higher in the group receiving CPT-F q8h. Exposure to free drug in soft tissues was higher in the group receiving CPT-F q8h, but high interindividual variability in relevant PK parameters was observed. The mean ratios of the AUC from time zero to the end of the dosing interval (AUC0-τ) for free CPT in soft tissues and the AUC0-τ for the calculated free fraction in plasma at steady state ranged from 0.66 to 0.75. Administration of CPT-F q8h led to higher levels of drug exposure in all investigated compartments. When MIC values above 1 mg/liter were assumed, the calculated fTMIC after dosing q12h was markedly lower than that after dosing q8h. The clinical implications of these differences are discussed in light of recently completed clinical phase III and PK/PD studies.

Evaluation of a Once/Day Tobramycin Regimen to Achieve Target Concentrations in Adult Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the success of an initial tobramycin dosing regimen to achieve target peak and trough concentrations in adult patients with pulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis (CF).

DESIGN

Retrospective single-center medical record review.

SETTING

Large tertiary care academic medical center.

PATIENTS

A total of 186 patient encounters where 112 patients with CF were treated for acute pulmonary exacerbations with 10 mg/kg/day of tobramycin between January 1, 2009, and December 5, 2014.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, tobramycin data, and pharmacokinetic variables were collected. The primary outcome evaluated the success of the initial tobramycin dosing regimen in attaining the target peak concentration. Secondary end points were achievement of the target trough concentration, achievement of combined peak and trough targets, and incidence of nephrotoxicity. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with achieving target concentrations. Of the 186 patient encounters, 41% achieved the target peak with the first dosing regimen, 62% achieved a target trough, and 23% achieved the target peak and trough. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 10% of patient encounters. A body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2) was associated with higher odds of meeting the target peak compared with a BMI lower than 18.5 kg/m(2) (odds ratio [OR] 24.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2-117.2). Conversely, a BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2) was associated with lower odds of attaining the target trough compared with a BMI lower than 18.5 kg/m(2) (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.05-0.56). Higher volume of distribution and elimination rate constants (Kel ) were associated with significantly lower odds of achieving the target peak. In addition, higher Kel values were associated with significantly higher odds of achieving the target trough.

CONCLUSIONS

The current initial tobramycin regimen did not achieve target serum tobramycin concentrations reliably. Optimization of the initial CF tobramycin dosing regimen is warranted.

Solithromycin Pharmacokinetics in Plasma and Dried Blood Spots and Safety in Adolescents

We assessed the pharmacokinetics and safety of solithromycin, a fluoroketolide antibiotic, in a phase 1, open-label, multicenter study of 13 adolescents with suspected or confirmed bacterial infections. On days 3 to 5, the mean (standard deviation) maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration versus time curve from 0 to 24 h were 0.74 μg/ml (0.61 μg/ml) and 9.28 μg · h/ml (6.30 μg · h/ml), respectively. The exposure and safety in this small cohort of adolescents were comparable to those for adults. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01966055.).

Pharmacokinetics of Rifampin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol in Infants Dosed According to Revised WHO-Recommended Treatment Guidelines

There are limited pharmacokinetic data for use of the first-line antituberculosis drugs during infancy (<12 months of age), when drug disposition may differ. Intensive pharmacokinetic sampling was performed in infants routinely receiving antituberculosis treatment, including rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, using World Health Organization-recommended doses. Regulatory-approved single-drug formulations, including two rifampin suspensions, were used on the sampling day. Assays were conducted using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; pharmacokinetic parameters were generated using noncompartmental analysis. Thirty-nine infants were studied; 14 (36%) had culture-confirmed tuberculosis. Fifteen (38%) were premature (<37 weeks gestation); 5 (13%) were HIV infected. The mean corrected age and weight were 6.6 months and 6.45 kg, respectively. The mean maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) for rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol were 2.9, 7.9, 41.9, and 1.3 μg/ml, respectively (current recommended adult target concentrations: 8 to 24, 3 to 6, 20 to 50, and 2 to 6 μg/ml, respectively), and the mean areas under the concentration-time curves from 0 to 8 h (AUC0-8) were 12.1, 24.7, 239.4, and 5.1 μg · h/ml, respectively. After adjusting for age and weight, rifampin exposures for the two formulations used differed inCmax(geometric mean ratio [GMR],2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47 to 4.41;P= 0.001) and AUC0-8(GMR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.34 to 4.73;P= 0.005). HIV status was associated with lower pyrazinamideCmax(GMR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.96;P= 0.013) and AUC0-8(GMR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.90;P< 0.001) values. No other important differences were observed due to age, weight, prematurity, ethnicity, or gender. In summary, isoniazid and pyrazinamide concentrations in infants compared well with proposed adult target concentrations; ethambutol concentrations were lower but similar to previously reported pediatric studies. The low rifampin exposures require further investigation. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01637558.).

Comparative bioavailability and pharmacokinetic study of Cefadroxil capsules in male healthy volunteers of Pakistan

The current study was aimed to judge bioequivalence between two formulations of cefadroxil capsules as guided by FDA guidelines. Another objective was to conduct pharmacokinetic evaluation in Pakistani population. A single-dose, randomized, cross-over pharmacokinetic study was conducted during the month of May'2013 to August'2013. Washout period was one week. Fourteen healthy male adult volunteers were enrolled in the study, however twelve completed the study. Cefadroxil plasma concentration was analyzed by using validated HPLC method. Protein precipitation was achieved by the addition of 6% tri chloro acetic acid in 1:1 ratio and detection was done at 260 nm. Retention time was 7.792 min and correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.9953 showing linearity of the method. Blood sampling was carried out at different time intervals after administration of either test (TEST 500 mg) or reference (REF® 500 mg) formulation. Pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC0→ ∞, AUC0→ t, Cmax, Tmax, t1/2 and kel) were calculated using Kinetica® PK/PD software. The geometric mean ratios and 90% confidence interval (CI) of these pharmacokinetic parameters for cefadroxil (test and reference) formulations were 0.986 (90.83-106.98%) for AUC0→ t; 0.967 (89.13-104.92%) for AUC0→ ∞ and 0.999 (91.06-109.69%) for Cmax. The differences between Tmax of both formulations were not found to be statistically significant (p-value was more than 0.05). The 90% CI of the test/reference AUC and Cmax ratio of cefadroxil were within the FDA recommended range for bioequivalence. Maximum plasma concentration Cmax was 12.5 μg/ml for test and 12.47 μg/ml for reference formulations. Average time to reach Cmax for test and reference formulation was 1.54 and 1.5 hrs. The two formulations of cefadroxil studied during the above study were verified bioequivalent. Maximum plasma concentration of cefadroxil was lower than those mentioned in some previous studies, while Tmax and half-life were near to values reported in literature.

Decreased placental and transcellular permeation of cefuroxime in pregnant women with diabetes

BACKGROUND

The present study investigated the transcellular and placental permeation of cefuroxime, an antibiotic used in cesarean sections, in pregnant women with diabetes and hypertension.

METHODS

Fifty-three women scheduled for cesarean section were divided into three groups: healthy women (n = 18), women with arterial hypertension (n = 21), and women with gestational diabetes (n = 14). All women received 1.5 g, i.v., cefuroxime. Cefuroxime concentrations were measured in maternal venous plasma before, during, and after delivery, as well as in fetal umbilical cord vein and artery plasma during delivery. The effects of diabetes and hypertension on cefuroxime placental-permeation were assessed by the fetomaternal plasma concentration ratios. Pharmacokinetic non-compartmental model analyses were performed and results were compared using anova.

RESULTS

Fetomaternal drug concentration ratios were lower in the diabetic group than in the hypertensive and control groups. There were no significant differences in umbilical arterial : venous plasma drug concentration ratios in the diabetic and hypertensive groups compared with the control group. Apparent volume of distribution and clearance were significantly lower in the diabetic group compared with the control and hypertensive groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes led to decreased placental transfer of cefuroxime, as well as volume of distribution and clearance, but did not affect other pharmacokinetic parameters. Hypertension had no significant effect on the permeation of cefuroxime or on its pharmacokinetics. Prophylactic concentrations of cefuroxime were reached in all groups, but the dosing time of cefuroxime should not be less than 30 min or greater than 2 h prior to delivery.

Detection of benzo[a]pyrene-induced immunotoxicity in orange spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) on immune status of orange spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). Fish were injected with 2, 20 and 35 mg/kg-bw of BaP and were kept under laboratory conditions for 14 days. Blood samples were taken at days 1, 4, 7, and 14 and changes in total WBC and RBC, phagocytosis, lysozyme activity, lysosomal membrane stability, immunoglobulin M (IgM) level and antibacterial activity were evaluated. Also BaP bioaccumulation in fish muscle was measured. BaP concentration in the muscle of treated fish reached a maximum level after 4 days (P < 0.05). Exposure of fish to BaP resulted in a significant decrease of total RBC and WBC, lysozyme activity, lysosomal membrane stability, IgM level and antibacterial activity after 4 days and phagocytosis after 7 days of the experiment (P < 0.05). Totally, the results revealed BaP ability to suppress the fish immune function.

Comparison of Active Drug Concentrations in the Pulmonary Epithelial Lining Fluid and Interstitial Fluid of Calves Injected with Enrofloxacin, Florfenicol, Ceftiofur, or Tulathromycin

Bacterial pneumonia is the most common reason for parenteral antimicrobial administration to beef cattle in the United States. Yet there is little information describing the antimicrobial concentrations at the site of action. The objective of this study was to compare the active drug concentrations in the pulmonary epithelial lining fluid and interstitial fluid of four antimicrobials commonly used in cattle. After injection, plasma, interstitial fluid, and pulmonary epithelial lining fluid concentrations and protein binding were measured to determine the plasma pharmacokinetics of each drug. A cross-over design with six calves per drug was used. Following sample collection and drug analysis, pharmacokinetic calculations were performed. For enrofloxacin and metabolite ciprofloxacin, the interstitial fluid concentration was 52% and 78% of the plasma concentration, while pulmonary fluid concentrations was 24% and 40% of the plasma concentration, respectively. The pulmonary concentrations (enrofloxacin + ciprofloxacin combined) exceeded the MIC₉₀ of 0.06 μg/mL at 48 hours after administration. For florfenicol, the interstitial fluid concentration was almost 98% of the plasma concentration, and the pulmonary concentrations were over 200% of the plasma concentrations, exceeding the breakpoint (≤ 2 μg/mL), and the MIC₉₀ for Mannheimia haemolytica (1.0 μg/mL) for the duration of the study. For ceftiofur, penetration to the interstitial fluid was only 5% of the plasma concentration. Pulmonary epithelial lining fluid concentration represented 40% of the plasma concentration. Airway concentrations exceeded the MIC breakpoint for susceptible respiratory pathogens (≤ 2 μg/mL) for a short time at 48 hours after administration. The plasma and interstitial fluid concentrations of tulathromcyin were lower than the concentrations in pulmonary fluid throughout the study. The bronchial concentrations were higher than the plasma or interstitial concentrations, with over 900% penetration to the airways. Despite high diffusion into the bronchi, the tulathromycin concentrations achieved were lower than the MIC of susceptible bacteria at most time points.

A physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model for the antibiotic ertapenem

Ertapenem is an antibiotic commonly used to treat a broad spectrum of infections, which is part of a broader class of antibiotics called carbapenem. Unlike other carbapenems, ertapenem has a longer half-life and thus only has to be administered once a day. A physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to investigate the uptake, distribution, and elimination of ertapenem following a single one gram dose. PBPK modeling incorporates known physiological parameters such as body weight, organ volumes, and blood flow rates in particular tissues. Furthermore, ertapenem is highly bound in human blood plasma; therefore, nonlinear binding is incorporated in the model since only the free portion of the drug can saturate tissues and, hence, is the only portion of the drug considered to be medicinally effective. Parameters in the model were estimated using a least squares inverse problem formulation with published data for blood concentrations of ertapenem for normal height, normal weight males. Finally, an uncertainty analysis of the parameter estimation and model predictions is presented.

Pharmacokinetics of sarafloxacin in allogynogenetic silver crucian carp, Carassius auratus gibelio

The pharmacokinetic properties of sarafloxacin were investigated after single intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) administration of 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) in allogynogenetic silver crucian carp at 24-26 °C. The plasma concentrations of sarafloxacin were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. After i.v. administration, the plasma concentration-time data were described by an open two-compartment model. The elimination half-life (T(1/2β)) was estimated to be 22.58 h. The volume of distribution, V(d(area)), was estimated to be 5.95 L/kg, indicating good tissue penetration of sarafloxacin in the fish. Area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and total body clearance of sarafloxacin were 56.86 µg·h/mL and 0.18 L/h/kg, respectively. Following p.o. administration, the maximum plasma concentration (C(max)), T(1/2β), and AUC of sarafloxacin were 0.79 µg/mL, 46.68 h, and 16.58 µg·h/mL, respectively. Absorption of the drug was not good with a bioavailability (F) of 29.15%. Based on a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.00625 to 0.045 μg/mL for susceptible strains, sarafloxacin p.o. administration at a dose 10 mg/kg could be efficacious against common pathogenic bacteria of fish.

Simultaneous determination of ceftaroline, daptomycin, linezolid and rifampicin concentrations in human plasma by on-line solid phase extraction coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection is a serious clinical problem worldwide. Ceftaroline, daptomycin, linezolid in combination with rifampicin are particularly used in this indication. To allow monitoring of these antibiotics, an on-line solid phase extraction coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay requiring a 100 μL aliquot of human plasma has been developed. Besides, significance of 25-O-desacetylrifampicin concentrations was evaluated. Sample pre-treatment is limited to protein precipitation with methanol. After centrifugation 10 μL of supernatant are injected into the chromatographic system, which consists of an on-line solid phase extraction followed by a separation on a phenyl-hexyl column and detected by a tandem mass spectrometer. Plasma drug concentrations were determined by multiple reaction monitoring in positive ion mode, and assay performance was evaluated. 25-O-Desacetylrifampicin activity, was compared to rifampicin using a microbiological method. Sample preparation using methanol precipitation followed by solid-phase extraction yielded good recovery and ionization efficiency, with chromatographic separation achieved within 3 min per sample. Within-run and between-run precisions ranged respectively from 1.22% to 9.35% and from 1.61% to 9.36%. Lower limits of quantification were 0.04 mg/L for linezolid, 0.1mg/L for rifampicin, 0.2mg/L for ceftaroline and 0.5mg/L for daptomycin. It appears that 25-O-desacetylrifampicin displays a substantial intrinsic bactericidal activity against S. aureus. This assay provides simple, rapid, sensitive and accurate quantification of the four antibiotic drugs and one metabolite and can be routinely used to monitor drug concentration in methicillin-resistant S. aureus infected patients.

Pharmacokinetics of Short- and Long-acting Formulations of Oxytetracycline After Intramuscular Administration in Chickens

Both short- and long-acting formulations of oxytetracycline are commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat animals infected with gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, rickettsiae, mycoplasma, and chlamydiae. To compare pharmacokinetics of short- and long-acting oxytetracycline in chickens, injectable formulations from the same pharmaceutical company were administered to healthy 6-week-old broiler chickens in accordance to the labeled instructions. Fourteen chickens were separated into 2 groups: chickens in group A (n = 7) were administered the short-acting formulation (10 mg/kg IM q24h) for 4 consecutive days, whereas those in group B (n = 7) were treated with a single dose (20 mg/kg IM) of the long-acting formulation. Blood samples were collected into heparinized tubes before and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 24 hours after initial treatment. Thereafter, blood samples were taken every 24 hours up to 120 hours. Plasma concentrations of oxytetracycline were determined by competitive enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay, and pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained. Both formulations delivered therapeutic plasma concentrations of oxytetracycline for approximately 100% of their respective dosing intervals as recommended. However, considering the additional labor, patient stress, and mortalities associated with handling, in addition to rejection of the carcass due to tissue necrosis resulting from multiple injections, we recommend use of the long-acting instead of the short-acting injectable formulation in broiler chickens.

A rapid and sensitive assay for determination of doxycycline using thioglycolic acid-capped cadmium telluride quantum dots

A rapid, simple and inexpensive spectrofluorimetric sensor for determination of doxycycline based on its interaction with thioglycolic acid-capped cadmium telluride quantum dots (TGA/CdTe QDs) has been developed. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the sensor exhibited a fast response time of <10s. The results revealed that doxycycline could quench the fluorescence of TGA/CdTe QDs via electron transfer from the QDs to doxycycline through a dynamic quenching mechanism. The sensor permitted determination of doxycycline in a concentration range of 1.9×10(-6)-6.1×10(-5)molL(-1) with a detection limit of 1.1×10(-7)molL(-1). The sensor was applied for determination of doxycycline in honey and human serum samples.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Analyses of Ceftaroline in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ceftaroline in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).

DESIGN

Open-label, single-center, prospective study.

SETTING

University-affiliated teaching institution.

PATIENTS

Eight patients with a diagnosis of CF and a history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus who were treated with ceftaroline between November 2013 and September 2014.

INTERVENTION

All patients received at least three doses of intravenous ceftaroline 600 mg every 12 hours, administered as a 60-minute infusion, to achieve steady-state concentrations before blood sample collection. After an interim analysis of the first four patients' pharmacokinetic data, the remaining four patients received a change in dosage of ceftaroline to 600 mg every 8 hours.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patients' blood samples were collected at two time points, 2 and 6 hours after infusion initiation, after administration of at least three doses of ceftaroline. Serum ceftaroline concentrations were determined by using a validated mass spectrometry, with a lower limit of detection of 20 ng/ml. These ceftaroline concentrations were used to estimate patient-specific pharmacokinetic parameters, and 10,000-patient Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine the pharmacodynamic probability of target attainment (PTA) for ceftaroline in adults with CF. A PTA of 90% or higher for the desired pharmacodynamic target was considered adequate. The PTA for 60% or higher of the dosing interval during which free (unbound) drug concentrations exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration (%fT > MIC) was simulated for various MICs. Compared with values previously reported in other populations, the volume of distribution was increased in the study patients, and the estimated half-life was shorter. Monte Carlo simulations revealed that a dose of ceftaroline 600 mg every 8 hours, infused over 60 minutes, maintained a higher than 90% PTA for %fT > MIC of 60% or higher for an MIC at the susceptibility breakpoint of 1 mg/L.

CONCLUSION

The pharmacokinetics of ceftaroline is altered in adults with CF, which suggests the need for modified dosing in this patient population to achieve adequate %fT > MIC. A dosage of intravenous ceftaroline 600 mg every 8 hours administered as a 60-minute infusion should be considered to achieve 60% fT > MIC.

Cefoxitin Plasma and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Concentration in Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy

PURPOSE

Antibiotic dosing in obese surgical patients has not been adequately evaluated. The objective of this study was to identify whether currently prescribed doses of cefoxitin achieve adequate and sustained plasma and tissue concentrations in obese patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy.

METHODS

A prospective evaluation of plasma and tissue cefoxitin concentrations in patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy was performed. On the day of the surgical procedure, venous blood samples (5 mL) were collected just before cefoxitin administration and then at 5, 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after dose administration. In addition, subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected from the surgical site at the time of surgical incision and at closure. Cefoxitin concentrations in the collected samples were quantified by using an HPLC-ultraviolet method. A standard noncompartmental analysis was performed for each individual cefoxitin plasma concentration-time profile. In addition, the ratio of tissue to plasma concentration was calculated for all patients.

FINDINGS

Plasma and tissue pharmacokinetics of cefoxitin were evaluated in 6 patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. The mean age and BMI were 48.7 (6.2) years and 42.8 (7.1) kg/m(2), respectively. At the time of surgical closure, subcutaneous adipose tissue concentrations of cefoxitin were subtherapeutic (<8 µg/mL) in all evaluated patients.

IMPLICATIONS

Current dosing strategies for cefoxitin in obese surgical patients may be inadequate, and there is an urgent need to define the appropriate dosage.

Pharmacodynamics of Ceftazidime and Avibactam in Neutropenic Mice with Thigh or Lung Infection

Avibactam is a new non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor that shows promising restoration of ceftazidime activity against microorganisms producing Ambler class A extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases such as KPCs, class C β-lactamases (AmpC), and some class D enzymes. To determine optimal dosing combinations of ceftazidime-avibactam for treating infections with ceftazidime-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, pharmacodynamic responses were explored in murine neutropenic thigh and lung infection models. Exposure-response relationships for ceftazidime monotherapy were determined first. Subsequently, the efficacy of adding avibactam every 2 h (q2h) or q8h to a fixed q2h dose of ceftazidime was determined in lung infection for two strains. Dosing avibactam q2h was significantly more efficacious, reducing the avibactam daily dose for static effect by factors of 2.7 and 10.1, whereas the mean percentage of the dosing interval that free drug concentrations remain above the threshold concentration of 1 mg/liter (%fT>C(T) 1 mg/liter) yielding bacteriostasis was similar for both regimens, with mean values of 21.6 (q2h) and 18.5 (q8h). Dose fractionation studies of avibactam in both the thigh and lung models indicated that the effect of avibactam correlated well with %fT>C(T) 1 mg/liter. This parameter of avibactam was further explored for four P. aeruginosa strains in the lung model and six in the thigh model. Parameter estimates of %fT>C(T) 1 mg/liter for avibactam ranged from 0 to 21.4% in the lung model and from 14.1 to 62.5% in the thigh model to achieve stasis. In conclusion, addition of avibactam enhanced the effect of ceftazidime, which was more pronounced at frequent dosing and well related with %fT>C(T) 1 mg/liter. The thigh model appeared more stringent, with higher values, ranging up to 62.5% fT>C(T) 1 mg/liter, required for a static effect.

Successful treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis with combination therapy using linezolid and rifampicin under therapeutic drug monitoring

Linezolid is an effective antibiotic against most gram-positive bacteria including drug-resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Although linezolid therapy is known to result in thrombocytopenia, dosage adjustment or therapeutic drug monitoring of linezolid is not generally necessary. In this report, however, we describe the case of a 79-year-old woman with recurrent methicillin-resistant S. aureus osteomyelitis that was successfully treated via surgery and combination therapy using linezolid and rifampicin under therapeutic drug monitoring for maintaining an appropriate serum linezolid concentration. The patient underwent surgery for the removal of the artificial left knee joint and placement of vancomycin-impregnated bone cement beads against methicillin-resistant S. aureus after total left knee implant arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. We also initiated linezolid administration at a conventional dose of 600 mg/h at 12-h intervals, but reduced it to 300 mg/h at 12-h intervals on day 9 because of a decrease in platelet count and an increase in serum linezolid trough concentration. However, when the infection exacerbated, we again increased the linezolid dose to 600 mg/h at 12-h intervals and performed combination therapy with rifampicin, considering their synergistic effects and the control of serum linezolid trough concentration via drug interaction. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection improved without reducing the dose of or discontinuing linezolid. The findings in the present case suggest that therapeutic drug monitoring could be useful for ensuring the therapeutic efficacy and safety of combination therapy even in patients with osteomyelitis who require long-term antibiotic administration.

An open-label, non-randomised, phase 1, single-dose study to assess the pharmacokinetics of ceftaroline in patients with end-stage renal disease requiring intermittent haemodialysis

For patients with normal renal function, the recommended ceftaroline fosamil dose is a 600 mg 1-h intravenous (i.v.) infusion every 12 h (q12h). In patients with a creatinine clearance of ≤30 mL/min, including those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the recommended dose is a 200 mg 1-h i.v. infusion q12h. This phase 1 study (NCT01664065) evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of ceftaroline fosamil 200 mg 1-h i.v. infusion in patients with ESRD. Patients with ESRD (n=8) participated in two treatment periods (ceftaroline fosamil 200 mg administered pre- and post-haemodialysis) separated by >1 week. Healthy volunteers (n=7) received a single 600 mg dose of ceftaroline fosamil. Blood (pre- and post-haemodialysis) and dialysate samples were obtained for pharmacokinetic analysis. In patients with ESRD, the geometric mean [coefficient of variation (%CV)] plasma ceftaroline area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0-∞) following post-haemodialysis ceftaroline fosamil 200 mg infusion was 64.8 (38.9)μg·h/mL, similar to that in volunteers following a 600 mg infusion [62.7 (9.4)μg·h/mL]. Ceftaroline AUC0-∞ decreased by ca. 50% when infusion was initiated pre-haemodialysis. In the pre-haemodialysis treatment period, 80% of the ceftaroline fosamil dose was recovered in dialysate as ceftaroline (73%) and ceftaroline M-1 (7%). The frequency of adverse events was similar across patients with ESRD (pre- and post-haemodialysis) and volunteers (43%, 50% and 43% of subjects, respectively). Ceftaroline fosamil 200 mg 1-h i.v. infusion q12h, administered post-haemodialysis on dialysis days, is an appropriate dosage regimen for ESRD patients.

Gentamicin-induced ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity vary with circadian time of treatment and entail separate mechanisms

The aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin can cause both ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, the severity of which varies with circadian time of daily treatment. However, it is not yet resolved if such drug-induced adverse effects are independent or interdependent phenomena. Two groups of 9 female Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g), each housed separately and entrained to a 12 h light (06:00-18:00 h) - 12 h dark cycle, received a daily subcutaneous injection of 100 mg/kg gentamicin. One group was treated at the beginning of the activity span, 2 Hours After Lights On (HALO), and the other at the beginning of the rest span, 14 HALO. Global toxicity was gauged by both body weight loss relative to the pre-treatment baseline and number of deaths. Ototoxicity, i.e., hearing loss, was assessed by changes in auditory brainstem response (ABR) for pure tone stimuli of 8, 16, 24, and 32 kHz before and after 2 and 4 weeks of gentamicin treatment. Renal toxicity was evaluated by changes in urinary N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase (NAG)/creatinine (CR) concentration ratio before and after each week of treatment. In a complementary substudy of separate but comparable 2 and 14 HALO groups of rats, blood samples were obtained before and 30, 60, 120, and 240 min post-subcutaneous injection of 100 mg/kg gentamicin. Number of animal deaths was greater in the 2 (4 deaths) than 14 HALO (1 death) group, mirroring more severe initial (first two weeks of treatment) body weight losses from baseline, being more than 2-fold greater in animals of the 2 than 14 HALO group. Ototoxicity progressively worsened during the treatment; although, the extent of hearing loss varied according to circadian time of treatment across all frequencies (p < 0.05), particularly the 24 and 32 kHz ones (both p < 0.005), both at the 2 and 4 week assessments. At 32 kHz after 4 weeks of gentamicin dosing, the 2 HALO group showed an average 42 dB hearing loss, while the 14 HALO group exhibited only an average 10 dB loss. ABR response latencies were longer for the 2 than 14 HALO rats. The time course of nephrotoxicity differed from that of ototoxicity. The mean urinary NAG/CR ratio peaked after the first week of treatment, averaging 13.64-fold greater than baseline for the 2 HALO-treated animals compared to 7.38-fold greater than baseline for the 14 HALO-treated ones. Ratio values declined thereafter; although, even after the second week of dosing, they remained greater in the 2 than 14 HALO group (averaging 8.15-fold greater and 2.23-fold greater than baseline, respectively). Pharmacokinetic analysis of the blood gentamicin values revealed slower clearance, on average by ∼25% (p < 0.001), in the rats of the 14 than 2 HALO group (x ± S.E.: 3.22 ± 0.49 and 4.53 ± 0.63 mL/min/kg, respectively). The study findings indicate robust difference of the time course in rats of both treatment groups of gentamicin-induced ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, supporting the hypothesis these organ toxicities are independent of one another, and further suggest the observed treatment-time differences in gentamicin adverse effects may be more dependent on local cell, tissue, or organ circadian (chrono) pharmacodynamic than (chrono) pharmacokinetic mechanisms.

Ceftolozane/tazobactam pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic-derived dose justification for phase 3 studies in patients with nosocomial pneumonia

Ceftolozane/tazobactam is an antipseudomonal antibacterial approved for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) and complicated intra‐abdominal infections (cIAIs) and in phase 3 clinical development for treatment of nosocomial pneumonia. A population pharmacokinetic (PK) model with the plasma‐to‐epithelial lining fluid (ELF) kinetics of ceftolozane/tazobactam was used to justify dosing regimens for patients with nosocomial pneumonia in phase 3 studies. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine ceftolozane/tazobactam dosing regimens with a >90% probability of target attainment (PTA) for a range of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets at relevant minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for key pathogens in nosocomial pneumonia. With a plasma‐to‐ELF penetration ratio of approximately 50%, as observed from an ELF PK study, a doubling of the current dose regimens for different renal functions that are approved for cUTIs and cIAIs is needed to achieve >90% PTA for nosocomial pneumonia. For example, a 3‐g dose of ceftolozane/tazobactam for nosocomial pneumonia patients with normal renal function is needed to achieve a >90% PTA (actual 98%) for the 1‐log kill target against pathogens with an MIC of ≤8 mg/L in ELF, compared with the 1.5‐g dose approved for cIAIs and cUTIs.

[Therapeutic monitoring of intravenous vancomycin in a pediatric critical care unit]

BACKGROUND

In critically ill pediatric patients vancomycin distribution and elimination is altered underscoring the need for pharmacokinetic monitoring; however the therapeutic trough ranges have not been validated for children.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the pharmacokinetics of intravenous vancomycin in critically ill pediatric patients using plasmatic vancomycin monitoring.

METHODS

Retrospective, descriptive study performed in a paediatric critical care unit. Vancomycin serum levels (Cmin and Cpeak), t ½ and Vd were determined in 1 month to 12 year old patients receiving ≥ 40 mg per-kg-per day. Plasmatic levels were measured at therapy onset and during follow up, evaluating the proportion of trough level determinations within therapeutic range, the average trough concentration, and the Cpeak achieved.

RESULTS

A total of 65 plasmatic vancomycin monitorings were analysed in 45 patients. The average values for Ctrough, Cpeak, t1/2 and Vd were 10.4 μg/mL, 22.7 μg/mL, 3,1 h and 0.7 L/kg, respectively. An average dose of 47,1 mg/kg/day achieved initial Ctrough levels < 10 mg/mL in 60% of patients (n = 27), between 10 and 14,9 μg/mL in 22,2% (n = 10), between 15 to 20 μg/mL in 4% (n: 2), and > 20 μg/mL in 13,3% (n: 6).

CONCLUSIONS

Vancomycin doses of 40 mg/kg/day are insufficient for critically ill paediatric patients without renal failure. A higher starting dose and monitoring of plasma levels must be considered in this population.

HPLC Plasma Assay of a Novel Anti-MRSA Compound, Kaempferol-3-O-Alpha-L-(2",3"-di-p-coumaroyl)rhamnoside, from Sycamore Leaves

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious pathogen that is resistant to current antibiotic therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents that can effectively combat these new strains of drug-resistant "superbugs". Recently, fractionation of an extract from Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore) leaves produced an active kaempferol molecule, 3-O-alpha-L-(2",3"-di-p-coumaroyl)rhamnoside (KCR), in four isomeric forms; all four isomers exhibit potent anti-MRSA activity. In order to further the preclinical development of KCR as a new antibiotic class, we developed and validated a simple analytical method for assaying KCR plasma concentration. Because KCR will be developed as a new drug, although comprising four stereoisomers, the analytical method was devised to assay the total amount of all four isomers. In the present work, both a plasma processing procedure and an HPLC method have been developed and validated. Mouse plasma containing KCR was first treated with ethanol and then centrifuged. The supernatant was dried, suspended in ethanol, centrifuged, and the supernatant was injected into an HPLC system comprising a Waters C18, a mobile phase composing methanol, acetonitrile, and trifluoroacetic acid and monitored at 313 nm. The method was validated by parameters including a good linear correlation, a limit of quantification of 0.27 microg/mL, and high accuracy. In summary, this method allows a rapid analysis of KCR in the plasma samples for pharmacokinetics studies.

Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and safety of single and multiple ceftaroline fosamil infusions in healthy Chinese and Western subjects

OBJECTIVES

Two phase I studies in healthy Chinese (NCT01458743) and Western (NCT01612507) subjects evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of single and multiple ceftaroline fosamil 600 mg infusions administered every 8 or 12 hours (q8h or q12h).

METHODS

Each study enrolled subjects sequentially into 1 of 2 cohorts (cohort 1: 60-minute infusions; cohort 2: 120-minute infusions). All subjects in the Chinese (n = 26) study received open label ceftaroline fosamil; in the Western study, subjects (n = 41) in each cohort were randomized 3 : 1 to ceftaroline fosamil or placebo infusions. Single infusions were administered on days 1 and 8. On days 2 - 7 (3 - 7 for Chinese study, cohort 1) subjects received q12h or q8h infusions. Plasma and urine were collected on days 1 and 8 for PK analysis.

RESULTS

Ceftaroline PK was linear and time-independent following single and multiple doses of ceftaroline fosamil. The magnitude and timing of peak plasma concentrations of ceftaroline (active metabolite), ceftaroline fosamil (prodrug), and ceftaroline M-1 (inactive metabolite) varied according to the ceftaroline fosamil dosing schedule (q12h or q8h) and infusion duration (60 minutes or 120 minutes), but overall plasma ceftaroline exposures within the respective dosing intervals were broadly similar across cohorts. The most frequent adverse events were rash/drug eruption, most of which were of mild-moderate intensity and considered related to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Ceftaroline PK was broadly similar in healthy Chinese and Western subjects receiving equivalent dose regimens. The tolerability profile of ceftaroline fosamil in Chinese and Western subjects was consistent with previous clinical trials.

A validated method for the quantification of fosfomycin on dried plasma spots by HPLC-MS/MS: application to a pilot pharmacokinetic study in humans

Quantification of fosfomycin in the plasma samples of patients is the basis of clinical pharmacokinetic studies from which evidence based dosing regimens can be devised to maximise antibiotic effectiveness against a pathogen. We have developed and validated a LC-MS/MS method to quantify fosfomycin using dried plasma spot sampling. Following HILIC chromatography, fosfomycin and ethylphosphonic acid, used as internal standard, were measured using negative-ion multiple reaction monitoring. The method was linear over the calibration range of 5-2000mg/L of fosfomycin. Intra-day assay results for dried plasma spot quality control samples at 15.6, 79.9 and 1581mg/L of fosfomycin had precision of ±4.2, 8.2, and 2.0%, respectively, and accuracy of +3.9, -0.1, and -1.2%, respectively. Recovery of fosfomycin from dried plasma spots was calculated as 83.6% and the dried plasma spot samples were found to be stable stored at room temperature for three months and when stored for four hours at 50°C. A Bland-Altman plot comparing DPS to plasma sampling found a negative bias of 16.6%, with all but one sample within the mean limits of agreement (-2.6 to 30.6%). Dried plasma spot sampling provides a useful tool for pharmacokinetic research of fosfomycin.

Amoxicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanate reduce ethanol intake and increase GLT-1 expression as well as AKT phosphorylation in mesocorticolimbic regions

Studies have shown that administration of the β-lactam antibiotic ceftriaxone (CEF) attenuates ethanol consumption and cocaine seeking behavior as well as prevents ethanol-induced downregulation of glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) expression in central reward brain regions. However, it is not known if these effects are compound-specific. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of two other β-lactam antibiotics, amoxicillin (AMOX) and amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin, AUG), on ethanol drinking, as well as GLT-1 and phosphorylated-AKT (pAKT) levels in the nucleus accumbens (Acb) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of alcohol-preferring (P) rats. P rats were exposed to free-choice of ethanol (15% and 30%) for five weeks and were given five consecutive daily i.p. injections of saline vehicle, 100 mg/kg AMOX or 100mg/kg AUG. Both compounds significantly decreased ethanol intake and significantly increased GLT-1 expression in the Acb. AUG also increased GLT-1 expression in the mPFC. Results for changes in pAKT levels matched those for GLT-1, indicating that β-lactam antibiotic-induced reductions in ethanol intake are negatively associated with increases in GLT-1 and pAKT levels within two critical brains regions mediating drug reward and reinforcement. These findings add to a growing literature that pharmacological increases in GLT-1 expression are associated with decreases in ethanol intake and suggest that one mechanism mediating this effect may be increased phosphorylation of AKT. Thus, GLT-1 and pAKT may serve as molecular targets for the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse/dependence.

Evaluation of a protocol for vancomycin administration in critically patients with and without kidney dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Administration of vancomycin in critically ill patients needs close regulation. While subtherapeutical vancomycin serum concentration (VSC) is associated with increased mortality, accumulation is responsible for nephrotoxicity. Our study aimed to estimate the efficacy of a vancomycin-dosing protocol in reaching appropriate serum concentration in patients with and without kidney dysfunction.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study in critically ill patients treated with continuous infusion of vancomycin. Patients with creatinine clearance > 50 ml/min (Group A) were compared to those with creatinine clearance ≤ 50 ml/min (Group B).

RESULTS

348 patients were enrolled (210 in Group A, 138 in Group B). At first determination, patients with kidney dysfunction (Group B) had a statistically higher percentage of vancomycin in target range, while the percentage of patients with a VSC under the range was almost equal. These percentages differed at the subsequent measurements. The number of patients with low vancomycin concentration progressively decreased, except in those with augmented renal clearance; the percentage of patients with VSC over 30 mg/L was about 28 %, irrespective of the presence or absence of kidney dysfunction. Patients who reached a subtherapeutic level at the first VSC measurement had a significant correlation with in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our protocol seems to allow a rapid achievement of a target VSC particularly in patients with kidney dysfunction. In order to avoid subtherapeutical VSC, our algorithm should be implemented by the estimation of the presence of an augmented renal clearance.