Paediatric acute kidney injury induced by vancomycin monotherapy versus combined vancomycin and meropenem

[Potential Nephrotoxicity of Combination of Vancomycin and Piperacillin-Tazobactam: Recommendations from the AG ABS of the DGPI supported by experts of the GPN]

The combination of vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam (V+P/T) is used for empirical antibiotic treatment of severe infections, especially in immunocompromised patients and those colonized with multidrug-resistant bacteria. Nephrotoxicity is a frequently observed adverse effect of vancomycin. Its risk can be reduced by therapeutic drug monitoring and adjusted dosing. Piperacillin/tazobactam (P/T) rarely causes interstitial nephritis. The results of retrospective cohort studies in children predominantly show a low, clinically irrelevant, additive nephrotoxicity (defined as an increase in creatinine in the serum) of both substances. Due to the limitations of the existing publications, the ABS working group of the DGPI and experts of the GPN do not recommend against the use of P/T plus vancomycin. Preclinical studies and a prospective study with adult patients, which evaluated different renal function tests as well as clinical outcomes, do not support previous findings of additive nephrotoxicity. Time-restricted use of V+P/T can minimize exposure and the potential risk of nephrotoxicity. Local guidelines, developed in collaboration with the antibiotic stewardship team, should define the indications for empirical and targeted use of P/T and V+P/T. When using combination therapy with V+P/T, kidney function should be monitored through clinical parameters (volume status, balancing, blood pressure) as well as additional laboratory tests such as serum creatinine and cystatin C.

Risk factors for acute kidney injury associated with intravenous vancomycin in neurosurgical inpatients: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

Vancomycin (VAN) is widely used in neurosurgical patients for intracranial infections. We aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors for VAN-associated acute kidney injury (VA-AKI) in this population.

METHODS

A case-control study of patients who treated with vancomycin in neurosurgery from January 2020 to December 2022 was conducted. Demographics and potential risk factors were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for VA-AKI. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Guidelines (KDIGO).

RESULTS

A total of 345 patients participated with a VA-AKI incidence of 17.1% (59 cases). Among them, 15 patients had renal impairment (Stage 2 or higher), and 2 required dialysis. With univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis, we found that the use of mannitol (OR: 4.164; 95% CI: 1.606-10.792; P = 0.003), loop diuretics (OR: 3.371; 95% CI: 1.633-6.958; P = 0.001), three or more antimicrobial applications (OR: 3.623; 95% CI: 1.600-8.206; P = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure 80-89 mm Hg (OR: 5.532; 95% CI: 1.677-18.250; P = 0.005) and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg (OR: 6.845; 95% CI: 1.518-30.866; P = 0.012) were independent risk factors for VA-AKI. In addition, according to the Youden Index, the trough concentration of vancomycin should not exceed 15.845 mg/L.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of VA-AKI in neurosurgical patients was 17.1%. The concomitant use of mannitol and loop diuretics, along with higher diastolic blood pressure and the combined use of more than three antimicrobial agents, were associated with an increased risk of neurosurgical VA-AKI.

Incidence of Antimicrobial-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Children: A Structured Review

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a commonly reported adverse effect of administration of antimicrobials. While AKI can be associated with poorer outcomes, there is little information available to understand rates of AKI in children exposed to various antimicrobials. We performed a structured review using the PubMed and Embase databases. Articles were included if they provided an AKI definition in patients who were < 19 years of age receiving an antimicrobial and reported the frequency of AKI. Author-defined AKI rates were calculated for each study and mean pooled estimates for each antimicrobial were derived from among all study participants. Pooled estimates were also derived for those studies that reported AKI according to pRIFLE (pediatric risk, injury, failure, loss, end stage criteria), AKIN (acute kidney injury network), or KDIGO (kidney disease improving global outcomes) creatinine criteria. A total of 122 studies evaluating 28 antimicrobials met the inclusion criteria. Vancomycin was the most commonly studied drug: 11,514 courses across 44 included studies. Among the 27,285 antimicrobial exposures, the overall AKI rate was 13.2% (range 0-42.1% by drug), but the rate of AKI varied widely across studies (range 0-68.8%). Cidofovir (42.1%) and conventional amphotericin B (37.0%) had the highest pooled rates of author-defined AKI. Eighty-one studies used pRIFLE, AKIN, or KDIGO AKI criteria and the pooled rates of AKI were similar to author-defined AKI rates. In conclusion, antimicrobial-associated AKI is reported to occur frequently in children, but the rates of AKI varies widely across studies and drugs. Most published studies examined hospitalized patients and heterogeneity in study populations and in author definitions of AKI are barriers to a comparison of nephrotoxicity risk among antimicrobials in children.

Incidence and risk factors of drug-induced kidney injury in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To comprehensively summarize the incidence and risk factors of drug-induced kidney injury (DIKI) in children.

METHODS

We systematically searched seven databases from inception to November 2022. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Meta-analyses were conducted to quantify the incidence and risk factors of DIKI in children.

RESULTS

A total of 69 studies comprising 195,894 pediatric patients were included. Overall, the incidence of DIKI in children was 18.2% (95%CI: 16.4%-20.1%). The incidence of DIKI in critically ill children (19.6%, 95%CI: 15.9%-23.3%) was higher than that in non-critically ill children (16.1%, 95%CI: 12.9%-19.4%). Moreover, the risk factors for DIKI in children were intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.42-1.78, P = 0.000), treatment days (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03-1.05, P = 0.000), surgical intervention (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.00-2.02, P = 0.048), infection (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.44-3.66, P = 0.000), patent ductus arteriosus (OR = 4.78, 95% CI: 1.82-12.57, P = 0.002), chronic kidney disease (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.92-4.02, P = 0.000), combination with antibacterial agents (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.54-2.55, P = 0.000), diuretics (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.51-2.56, P = 0.000), combination with antiviral agents (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.11-2.04, P = 0.008), combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.40-2.28, P = 0.000), and combination with immunosuppressive agents (OR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.47-5.47, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of DIKI in children is high, especially in critically ill children. Identifying high-risk groups and determining safer treatments is critical to reducing the incidence of DIKI in children. In clinical practice, clinicians should adjust medication regimens for high-risk pediatric groups, such as ICU admission, some underlying diseases, combination with nephrotoxic drugs, etc., and regularly evaluate kidney function throughout treatment.

Vancomycin-associated acute kidney injury epidemiology in children: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Vancomycin is a recognised cause of drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the incidence of, and the risk factors for, vancomycin-associated AKI (v-AKI) in children.

DESIGN

A systematic search was performed in November 2020 on the search engines PubMed, Web of Science and Medline, using predefined search terms. The inclusion criteria were primary paediatric studies, intervention with vancomycin and studies that included AKI as an outcome. Study quality was assessed using the relevant Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. The data are reported using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

890 studies were identified and screened with 25 studies suitable for inclusion. A cohort of 12 730 patients with v-AKI were included and the incidence of v-AKI in children was found to be 11.8% (1.6%-27.2%). The median age of the cohort was 2.5 years (range 0-23) and 57% were male patients. Risk factors that increased the likelihood of v-AKI were concomitant use of nephrotoxic medications, increased trough concentrations and, to a lesser extent, increased dose, longer duration of treatment, impaired renal function and if the patient required paediatric intensive care.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of v-AKI in children is significant and methods to reduce this risk should be considered. Further prospective interventional studies to understand the mechanisms of nephrotoxicity from vancomycin are needed and targeting risk factors may make vancomycin administration safer.

Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients Treated with Vancomycin and Zosyn or an Alternative: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Zosyn^® (piperacillin-tazobactam; Pfizer Medical, New York, NY), a valuable antibiotic against gram-negative bacteria, combined with vancomycin (Z+V) is known for its high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU), leading to the frequent use of alternatives for gram-negative coverage (Alt+V). Because there are limited data describing AKI on these alternative antibiotic agents, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine if these regimens were indeed associated with decreased rates of AKI. Patients and Methods: A literature review was performed electronically from its inception to November 1, 2018, screening for relevant literature by title, abstract and full text according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines within the following databases: PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies were included if they contained adults who had been admitted to the ICU for treatment and had received a combination of intravenous Z + V or Alt+V as well as had AKI measured during administration of these antibiotic agents. Studies were excluded if they represented pediatric populations, did not receive care in an ICU during their hospital admission, only received monotherapy for antibiotic treatment or received antibiotic treatment for less than 48 hours. Independent extraction was performed by two reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) methodology for retrospective studies. Random-effects models were used to calculate any differences between rates of AKI after Z + V or Alt + V. Results: Fourteen articles (totaling 30,399 patients) were included. All studies available were retrospective in design. Compared with Alt + V, Z + V was associated with a higher risk ratio of AKI (1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-2.19; p < 0.001). Cefepime (C + V) was the most common alternative to Zosyn, and Z + V was associated with higher rates of kidney injury compared with C + V (1.70; 95% CI, 1.36-2.12; p < 0.00001). However, there was substantial heterogeneity in the data collected as well as high risk of bias. Conclusions: Zosyn plus vancomycin is associated with more risk of AKI compared with Alt+V coverage in ICU adult populations. However, the conclusions were limited by the retrospective nature of the studies, high bias of included articles, and heterogeneity of the included studies.

Lowered Risk of Nephrotoxicity through Intervention against the Combined Use of Vancomycin and Tazobactam/Piperacillin: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The combined use of vancomycin (VCM) and tazobactam/piperacillin (TAZ/PIPC) is a major risk factor for nephrotoxicity. We sought to evaluate interventions against the combined use of VCM and TAZ/PIPC. This retrospective cohort study involved patients who considered the combined use of VCM and TAZ/PIPC as a treatment. Patients that had either or both antimicrobials replaced were assigned to the intervention group, whereas those who were continued on combination therapy were assigned to the comparison group. The primary endpoint was the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). The survival rate of patients on day 30 was evaluated as the secondary endpoint. The comparison and intervention groups were composed of 65 and 68 patients, respectively, and the incidence rates of AKI were 44.6% and 17.6%, respectively. Cox proportional hazard analysis identified the intervention as the only independent factor against AKI development, with a hazard ratio of 0.282 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.141 to 0.565). For the incidence of AKI of grade greater than 1, the hazard ratio was 0.114 (95% CI, 0.025 to 0.497). The survival rates on day 30 in the comparison and intervention groups were 92.3% and 91.2%, respectively, with a relative risk of 0.988 (95% CI, 0.892 to 1.094). The trough VCM concentration was not associated with the incidence of AKI in patients receiving the combination therapy. This study demonstrated that intervention against the combined use of VCM and TAZ/PIPC can lower the risk of nephrotoxicity. IMPORTANCE The combined use of vancomycin (VCM) and tazobactam/piperacillin (TAZ/PIPC) is a major risk factor for nephrotoxicity. We retrospectively evaluated interventions against the combined use of VCM and TAZ/PIPC. Patients for whom either or both antimicrobials were replaced were assigned to the intervention group (65 patients), whereas those who were continued on combination therapy were assigned to the comparison group (68 patients). The primary endpoint was the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). The incidence rates of AKI in the intervention and comparison groups were 44.6% and 17.6%, respectively. Cox proportional hazard analysis identified intervention as the only independent factor against AKI development, with a hazard ratio of 0.282 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.141 to 0.565). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that intervention against the combined use of VCM and TAZ/PIPC can lower the risk of nephrotoxicity.

Evaluating and Mitigating Risk of Acute Kidney Injury with the Combination of Vancomycin and Piperacillin-Tazobactam in Children

The antibiotic combination of vancomycin (VAN) and piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ) has been associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in both adult and pediatric patients. In this review, we highlight some of the limitations of existing pediatric studies evaluating the combination of VAN/PTZ, focusing on AKI risk in specific pediatric patient populations. We also review the variability in defining AKI in children and provide guidance to clinicians for use of prospective surveillance and stewardship in mitigating the risk of AKI in pediatric patients treated with combination of VAN/PTZ. Based on review of available pediatric studies, if the combination of VAN/PTZ is selected as an empirical antibiotic combination, it should be used in those at low risk for AKI and should be used with extreme caution in patients with additional nephrotoxic risks. Systems should be in place to monitor the use of VAN/PTZ and associated renal function in those receiving this antibiotic combination.

Acute kidney injury following the concurrent administration of antipseudomonal β-lactams and vancomycin: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury is a major complication of vancomycin treatment, especially when it is co-administered with other nephrotoxins.

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis aims to comparatively assess the nephrotoxicity of antipseudomonal β-lactams when combined with vancomycin.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Scopus, CENTRAL and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were systematically searched from inception through 20 August 2019.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies evaluating acute kidney injury risk following the concurrent use of antipseudomonal β-lactams and vancomycin were selected.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult and paediatric patients treated in hospital or intensive care unit.

INTERVENTIONS

Administration of vancomycin combined with any antipseudomonal β-lactam.

METHODS

Acute kidney injury incidence was defined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included severity, onset, duration, need of renal replacement therapy, length of hospitalization and mortality. Quality of evidence was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool and the Confidence In Network Meta-Analysis approach.

RESULTS

Forty-seven cohort studies were included, with a total of 56 984 patients. In the adult population, the combination of piperacillin-tazobactam and vancomycin resulted in significantly higher nephrotoxicity rates than vancomycin monotherapy (odds ratio (OR) 2.05, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.17-3.46) and its concurrent use with meropenem (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.02-3.10) or cefepime (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.13-2.77). In paediatric patients, acute kidney injury was significantly higher with vancomycin plus piperacillin-tazobactam than vancomycin alone (OR 4.18, 95% CI 1.01-17.29) or vancomycin plus cefepime OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.08-11.24). No significant differences were estimated for the secondary outcomes. Credibility of outcomes was judged as moderate, mainly due to imprecision and inter-study heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam is associated with higher acute kidney injury rates than its parallel use with meropenem or cefepime. Current evidence is exclusively observational and is limited by inter-study heterogeneity. Randomized controlled trials are needed to verify these results and define preventive strategies to minimize nephrotoxicity risk.

Desired vancomycin trough concentration to achieve an AUC0-24 /MIC ≥400 in Chinese children with complicated infectious diseases

A vancomycin steady-state trough concentration (C_min ) of 15-20 mg/L is recommended for achieving a ratio of the 24-hour area under the curve to the minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC_0-24 /MIC) of ≥400 in adults. Since few paediatric data are available, our objectives were to (a) measure the pharmacokinetic indices of vancomycin and (b) determine the correlation between C_min and AUC_0-24 /MIC in paediatric patients. Population-based pharmacokinetic modelling was performed for paediatric patients to estimate the individual parameters. The relationship between C_min and the calculated AUC_0-24 /MIC was explored using linear regression and a probabilistic framework. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted using Monte Carlo simulations. Body-weight significantly influenced the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin. Based on real data and simulations, C_min ranges of 5.0-5.9 and 9.0-12.9 mg/L were associated with AUC_0-24 /MIC ≥400 for MIC values of ≤0.5 and ≤1 mg/L, respectively. Vancomycin regimens of 10 and 15 mg/kg every 6 hours achieved a C_min of 5.0-5.9 mg/L and AUC_0-24 /MIC ≥400 in >90% of the children when MIC was ≤0.5 mg/L. At a MIC of ≤1 mg/L, vancomycin at 15 mg/kg every 6 hours achieved C_min of 9.0-12.9 mg/L and AUC_0-24 /MIC ≥400 in 2.0- and 1.6-fold as many children compared to a dose of 10 mg/kg every 6 hours, respectively. Vancomycin C_min values of 5.0-12.9 mg/L were strongly predictive of achieving AUC_0-24 /MIC ≥400, and rational dosing regimens of 10-15 mg/kg q6h were required in paediatric patients, depending on the pathogen.

The association of acute kidney injury with the concomitant use of vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Concomitant use of vancomycin plus piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) has been associated with increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized adults. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed and EMBASE for pediatric studies examining this hypothesis, with reference to vancomycin monotherapy or in combination with another beta-lactam antibiotic. Out of 1381 non-duplicate studies, 10 met our inclusion criteria. We performed a random effects meta-analysis, based on crude odds ratios, and we accounted for both quality of included studies and publication bias. In primary analysis, concomitant vancomycin and TZP use yielded a statistically significant association with the development of AKI. More specifically, children with AKI had higher odds to have been exposed to vancomycin plus TZP, in comparison with vancomycin monotherapy (OR 8.15; 95% CI: 3.49-18.99), or vancomycin plus any other beta-lactam antibiotic (OR 3.48; 95% CI: 2.71-4.46). Based on the results of the Newcastle Ottawa Scale quality assessment, a secondary analysis including only higher quality studies (6 out of 10 studies) yielded again higher odds of exposure to vancomycin plus TZP, compared to vancomycin plus another beta-lactam antibiotic (OR 3.76; 95% CI: 2.56-5.51). Notably, even after controlling for possible publication bias our results remained statistically significant (OR 3.09; 95% CI: 2.30-4.14). In conclusion, the concomitant use of vancomycin and TZP could be associated with AKI development and the clinical significance of this potential association needs to be studied further in the pediatric population.