Engineering Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetic Models Using Recursive Finite Difference Equations

摘要

Pharmacokinetic models have typically been developed using traditional exponential equations. This paper summarizes a mathematical technique of transforming multi-compartment models, for both bolus and infusion data, into recursive finite difference equations (RFDEs). Specifically, a bolus can be represented as homogenous RFDE whereas an infusion can be represented as inhomogenous RFDE. In addition to being identically as accurate as traditional exponential equations, RFDE pharmacokinetic models have fewer coefficients. The coefficients of the RFDE also appear to have an overall reduction in patient-to-patient variability when compared to those of the traditional exponential models from which they were derived. However, initial conditions for RFDEs have to be specified. Pharmacokinetic modeling, using RFDEs, is feasible and may offer advantages over traditional exponential equations.