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Kontou A, Agakidou E, Chatziioannidis I, Chotas W, Thomaidou E, Sarafidis K. Antibiotics, Analgesic Sedatives, and Antiseizure Medications Frequently Used in Critically Ill Neonates: A Narrative Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:871. [PMID: 39062320 PMCID: PMC11275925 DOI: 10.3390/children11070871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic, analgesic sedative, and antiseizure medications are among the most commonly used medications in preterm/sick neonates, who are at high risk of nosocomial infections, central nervous system complications, and are exposed to numerous painful/stressful procedures. These severe and potentially life-threatening complications may have serious short- and long-term consequences and should be prevented and/or promptly treated. The reported variability in the medications used in neonates indicates the lack of adequate neonatal studies regarding their effectiveness and safety. Important obstacles contributing to inadequate studies in preterm/sick infants include difficulties in obtaining parental consent, physicians' unwillingness to recruit preterm infants, the off-label use of many medications in neonates, and other scientific and ethical concerns. This review is an update on the use of antimicrobials (antifungals), analgesics (sedatives), and antiseizure medications in neonates, focusing on current evidence or knowledge gaps regarding their pharmacokinetics, indications, safety, dosage, and evidence-based guidelines for their optimal use in neonates. We also address the effects of early antibiotic use on the intestinal microbiome and its association with long-term immune-related diseases, obesity, and neurodevelopment (ND). Recommendations for empirical treatment and the emergence of pathogen resistance to antimicrobials and antifungals are also presented. Finally, future perspectives on the prevention, modification, or reversal of antibiotic resistance are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Kontou
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokrateion General Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (I.C.); (K.S.)
| | - Eleni Agakidou
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokrateion General Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (I.C.); (K.S.)
| | - Ilias Chatziioannidis
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokrateion General Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (I.C.); (K.S.)
| | - William Chotas
- Department of Neonatology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Evanthia Thomaidou
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Kosmas Sarafidis
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokrateion General Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (I.C.); (K.S.)
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Sturrock S, Sadoo S, Nanyunja C, Le Doare K. Improving the Treatment of Neonatal Sepsis in Resource-Limited Settings: Gaps and Recommendations. Res Rep Trop Med 2023; 14:121-134. [PMID: 38116466 PMCID: PMC10728307 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s410785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal sepsis causes significant global morbidity and mortality, with the highest burden in resource-limited settings where 99% of neonatal deaths occur. There are multiple challenges to achieving successful treatment of neonates in this setting. Firstly, reliable and low-cost strategies for risk identification are urgently needed to facilitate treatment as early as possible. Improved laboratory capacity to allow identification of causative organisms would support antimicrobial stewardship. Antibiotic treatment is still hampered by availability, but also increasingly by antimicrobial resistance - making surveillance of organisms and judicious antibiotic use a priority. Finally, supportive care is key in the management of the neonate with sepsis and has been underrecognized as a priority in resource-limited settings. This includes fluid balance and nutritional support in the acute phase, and follow-up care in order to mitigate complications and optimise long-term outcomes. There is much more work to be done in identifying the holistic needs of neonates and their families to provide effective family-integrated interventions and complete the package of neonatal sepsis management in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sturrock
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, St George’s, University of London, London, UK
| | - Samantha Sadoo
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Carol Nanyunja
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Kirsty Le Doare
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, St George’s, University of London, London, UK
- UK Health Security Agency, Salisbury, UK
- Makerere University, Johns Hopkins University, Kampala, Uganda
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3
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Petkova V, Georgieva D, Dimitrov M, Nikolova I. Off-Label Prescribing in Pediatric Population-Literature Review for 2012-2022. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2652. [PMID: 38139994 PMCID: PMC10747118 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Off-label prescribing is widespread among pediatricians, and it is unlikely that this trend will soon be bound by a uniform legal framework. This is necessitated by the fact that there are four variables: the patient's health condition, the physician's experience and knowledge, the legislative measures (laws, directives, guidelines, and recommendations), and finally, the pharmaceutical industry. There is considerable concern worldwide about the use of off-label medicines in children. We may call it an enormous global problem that is much talked about and written about; however, we should not forget that the goal around which everyone should unite is the patient's life. For healthcare providers, the most important thing will always be the health and preservation of the patient's life, particularly when it comes to children with life-threatening conditions in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICU and PICU). The study aimed to examine the prevalence of off-label drug use in pediatrics. Literature research was conducted, and we included studies from 2012 to 2022 that evaluated off-label drug prevalence in various pediatric patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Petkova
- Department of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dilyana Georgieva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; (D.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Milen Dimitrov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; (D.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Irina Nikolova
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria;
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Kontou A, Kourti M, Iosifidis E, Sarafidis K, Roilides E. Use of Newer and Repurposed Antibiotics against Gram-Negative Bacteria in Neonates. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1072. [PMID: 37370391 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has become a significant public health problem globally with multidrug resistant Gram negative (MDR-GN) bacteria being the main representatives. The emergence of these pathogens in neonatal settings threatens the well-being of the vulnerable neonatal population given the dearth of safe and effective therapeutic options. Evidence from studies mainly in adults is now available for several novel antimicrobial compounds, such as new β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors (e.g., ceftazidime-avibactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, imipenem/cilastatin-relebactam), although old antibiotics such as colistin, tigecycline, and fosfomycin are also encompassed in the fight against MDR-GN infections that remain challenging. Data in the neonatal population are scarce, with few clinical trials enrolling neonates for the evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and dosing of new antibiotics, while the majority of old antibiotics are used off-label. In this article we review data about some novel and old antibiotics that are active against MDR-GN bacteria causing sepsis and are of interest to be used in the neonatal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Kontou
- 1st Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Maria Kourti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Elias Iosifidis
- Infectious Diseases Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
- Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Kosmas Sarafidis
- 1st Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Roilides
- Infectious Diseases Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
- Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
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Hughes JH, Tong DMH, Faldasz JD, Frymoyer A, Keizer RJ. Evaluation of Neonatal and Paediatric Vancomycin Pharmacokinetic Models and the Impact of Maturation and Serum Creatinine Covariates in a Large Multicentre Data Set. Clin Pharmacokinet 2023; 62:67-76. [PMID: 36404388 PMCID: PMC9898357 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-022-01185-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Infants and neonates present a clinical challenge for dosing drugs with high interindividual variability due to these patients' rapid growth and the interplay between maturation and organ function. Model-informed precision dosing (MIPD), which can account for interindividual variability via patient characteristics and Bayesian forecasting, promises to improve individualized dosing strategies in this complex population. Here, we assess the predictive performance of published population pharmacokinetic models describing vancomycin in neonates and infants, and analyze the robustness of these models in the face of clinical uncertainty surrounding covariate values. METHODS The predictive precision and bias of nine pharmacokinetic models were compared in a large multi-site data set (N = 2061 patients, 5794 drug levels, 28 institutions) of patients aged 0-365 days. The robustness of model predictions to errors in serum creatinine measurements and gestational age was assessed by using recorded values or by replacing covariate values with 0.3, 0.5 or 0.8 mg/dL or with 40 weeks, respectively. RESULTS Of the nine models, two models (Dao and Jacqz-Aigrain) resulted in predicted concentrations within 2.5 mg/L or 15% of the measured values for at least 60% of population predictions. Within individual models, predictive performance often 2 differed in neonates (0-4 weeks) versus older infants (15-52 weeks). For preterm neonates, imputing gestational age as 40 weeks reduced the accuracy of model predictions. Measured values of serum creatinine improved model predictions compared to using imputed values even in neonates ≤1 week of age. CONCLUSIONS Several available pharmacokinetic models are suitable for MIPD in infants and neonates. Availability and accuracy of model covariates for patients will be important for guiding dose decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine H Hughes
- InsightRX, 548 Market St. #88083, San Francisco, CA, 94104, USA.
| | | | | | - Adam Frymoyer
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ron J Keizer
- InsightRX, 548 Market St. #88083, San Francisco, CA, 94104, USA
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Simeoli R, Cairoli S, Decembrino N, Campi F, Dionisi Vici C, Corona A, Goffredo BM. Use of Antibiotics in Preterm Newborns. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11091142. [PMID: 36139921 PMCID: PMC9495226 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11091142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to complex maturational and physiological changes that characterize neonates and affect their response to pharmacological treatments, neonatal pharmacology is different from children and adults and deserves particular attention. Although preterms are usually considered part of the neonatal population, they have physiological and pharmacological hallmarks different from full-terms and, therefore, need specific considerations. Antibiotics are widely used among preterms. In fact, during their stay in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), invasive procedures, including central catheters for parental nutrition and ventilators for respiratory support, are often sources of microbes and require antimicrobial treatments. Unfortunately, the majority of drugs administered to neonates are off-label due to the lack of clinical studies conducted on this special population. In fact, physiological and ethical concerns represent a huge limit in performing pharmacokinetic (PK) studies on these subjects, since they limit the number and volume of blood sampling. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a useful tool that allows dose adjustments aiming to fit plasma concentrations within the therapeutic range and to reach specific drug target attainment. In this review of the last ten years’ literature, we performed Pubmed research aiming to summarize the PK aspects for the most used antibiotics in preterms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Simeoli
- Division of Metabolic Diseases and Drug Biology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cairoli
- Division of Metabolic Diseases and Drug Biology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Nunzia Decembrino
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital “Policlinico-San Marco” Catania, Integrated Department for Maternal and Child’s Health Protection, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Campi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Dionisi Vici
- Division of Metabolic Diseases and Drug Biology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Corona
- ICU and Accident & Emergency Department, ASST Valcamonica, 25043 Breno, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Goffredo
- Division of Metabolic Diseases and Drug Biology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0668592174; Fax: + 39-0668593009
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Population Pharmacokinetics of Teicoplanin in Preterm and Term Neonates: Is It Time for a New Dosing Regimen? Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01971-19. [PMID: 31932366 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01971-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model in order to evaluate the currently recommended dosing regimen in term and preterm neonates. By using an optimal design approach, a prospective PK study was designed and implemented in 60 neonates with postmenstrual ages (PMA) of 26 to 43 weeks. A loading dose of 16 mg/kg was administered at day 1, followed by a maintenance dose of 8 mg/kg daily. Plasma concentrations were quantified by high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Population PK (popPK) analysis was performed using NONMEM software. Monte-Carlo (MC) simulations were performed to evaluate currently recommended dosing based on a pharmacodynamic index of area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/MIC ratio of ≥400. A two-compartment model with linear elimination best described the data by the following equations: clearance (CL) = 0.0227 × (weight [wt]/1,765)0.75 × (estimated creatinine clearance [eCRCL]/22)0.672, central compartment volume of distribution (V1) = 0.283 (wt/1,765), intercompartmental clearance (Q) = 0.151 (wt/1,765)0.75, and peripheral compartment volume (V2) = 0.541 (wt/1,765). The interindividual variability estimates for CL, V1, and V2 were 36.5%, 45.7%, and 51.4%, respectively. Current weight (wt) and estimated creatinine clearance (eCRCL) significantly explained the observed variability. MC simulation demonstrated that, with the current dosing regimen, an AUC/MIC ratio of ≥400 was reached by only 68.5% of neonates with wt of <1 kg when the MIC was equal to 1 mg/kg, versus 82.2%, 89.7%, and 92.7% of neonates with wt of 1 to <2, 2 to <3, or ≥3 kg, respectively. Augmentation of a maintenance dose up to 10 or 11 mg/kg for preterm neonates with wt of 1 to <2 or <1 kg, respectively, increases the probability of reaching the therapeutic target; the recommended doses seem to be adequate for neonates with wt of ≥2 kg. Teicoplanin PK are variable in neonates, with wt and eCRCL having the most significant impact. Neonates with wt of <2 kg need higher doses, especially for Staphylococcus spp. with an MIC value of ≥1 mg/liter.
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Pokorná P, Šíma M, Černá O, Allegaert K, Tibboel D, Slanař O. Actual body weight-based vancomycin dosing in neonates. J Chemother 2019; 31:307-312. [PMID: 30983533 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2019.1599574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore vancomycin pharmacokinetics and its covariates in critically ill neonates and to propose an easy applicable dosing nomogram for initial treatment. Individual vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated based on therapeutic drug monitoring data using a one-compartmental model. A linear regression model was used for examination of covariates. The mean (SD) volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance (CL) for vancomycin were 0.73 (0.31) L/kg and 0.052 (0.020) L/h/kg, respectively. Vd was related to actual body weight (ABW), gestational and postmenstrual age. CL was also associated with ABW, gestational, postmenstrual age and also creatinine clearance. ABW was the strongest predictor for vancomycin pharmacokinetics and consequently dosing. Loading dose (mg) of 11.81 × ABW (kg) + 7.86 and maintenance dose (mg/day) of 40.92 × ABW (kg) -22.18 most closely approximated pharmacokinetic target. Vancomycin pharmacokinetics was mainly influenced by ABW in neonates and a practical ABW-based dosing algorithm was developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Pokorná
- Department of Pediatrics - PICU/NICU, General University Hospital, 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University in Prague , Prague , Czech Republic.,Department of Pharmacology, General University Hospital, 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University in Prague , Czech Republic , Prague , Czech Republic.,Intensive Care and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC and Department of Neonatology- Sophia Childrens Hospital , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Martin Šíma
- Department of Pharmacology, General University Hospital, 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University in Prague , Czech Republic , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Olga Černá
- Department of Pediatrics - PICU/NICU, General University Hospital, 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University in Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Intensive Care and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC and Department of Neonatology- Sophia Childrens Hospital , Rotterdam , The Netherlands.,Department of development and regeneration , Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Dick Tibboel
- Department of Pediatrics - PICU/NICU, General University Hospital, 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University in Prague , Prague , Czech Republic.,Intensive Care and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC and Department of Neonatology- Sophia Childrens Hospital , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Ondřej Slanař
- Department of Pharmacology, General University Hospital, 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University in Prague , Czech Republic , Prague , Czech Republic
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Rational Use of Antibiotics in Neonates: Still in Search of Tailored Tools. Healthcare (Basel) 2019; 7:healthcare7010028. [PMID: 30781454 PMCID: PMC6473895 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare7010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rational medicine use in neonates implies the prescription and administration of age-appropriate drug formulations, selecting the most efficacious and safe dose, all based on accurate information on the drug and its indications in neonates. This review illustrates that important uncertainties still exist concerning the different aspects (when, what, how) of rational antibiotic use in neonates. Decisions when to prescribe antibiotics are still not based on robust decision tools. Choices (what) on empiric antibiotic regimens should depend on the anticipated pathogens, and the available information on the efficacy and safety of these drugs. Major progress has been made on how (beta-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, vancomycin, route and duration) to dose. Progress to improve rational antibiotic use necessitates further understanding of neonatal pharmacology (short- and long-term safety, pharmacokinetics, duration and route) and the use of tailored tools and smarter practices (biomarkers, screening for colonization, and advanced therapeutic drug monitoring techniques). Implementation strategies should not only facilitate access to knowledge and guidelines, but should also consider the most effective strategies (‘skills’) and psychosocial aspects involved in the prescription process: we should be aware that both the decision not to prescribe as well as the decision to prescribe antibiotics is associated with risks and benefits.
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Allegaert K. Rational Use of Medicines in Neonates: Current Observations, Areas for Research and Perspectives. Healthcare (Basel) 2018; 6:healthcare6030115. [PMID: 30223533 PMCID: PMC6165407 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare6030115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A focused reflection on rational medicines use in neonates is valuable and relevant, because indicators to assess rational medicines use are difficult to apply to neonates. Polypharmacy and exposure to antibiotics are common, while dosing regimens or clinical guidelines are only rarely supported by robust evidence in neonates. This is at least in part due to the extensive variability in pharmacokinetics and subsequent effects of medicines in neonates. Medicines utilization research informs us on trends, on between unit variability and on the impact of guideline implementation. We illustrate these aspects using data on drugs for gastroesophageal reflux, analgesics or anti-epileptic drugs. Areas for additional research are drug-related exposure during breastfeeding (exposure prediction) and how to assess safety (tools to assess seriousness, causality, and severity tailored to neonates) since both efficacy and safety determine rational drug use. To further improve rational medicines use, we need more data and tools to assess efficacy and safety in neonates. Moreover, we should facilitate access to such data, and explore strategies for effective implementation. This is because prescription practices are not only rational decisions, but also have psychosocial aspects that may guide clinicians to irrational practices, in part influenced by the psychosocial characteristics of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Allegaert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Doctor Molenwaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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