Describing vancomycin serum levels in pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) patients: are expected goals being met

摘要

BackgroundIn the pediatric population, infections by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are associated with significant morbidity and hospital costs. Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic, widely used for the treatment of serious infections by Gram-positive microorganisms, especially MRSA. It is recommended to keep the serum level of vancomycin between 10 and 20 mg/L, that correlates with AUC/MIC > 400 in adults. This pharmacodynamic target is extrapolated to pediatric patients despite the lack of similar evidence. However, recent studies suggest that serum levels between 7 and 10 mg/L are predictive of reaching the pharmacodynamic target in this population. In spite of widespread use, ideal information about dosage for the pediatric population remains limited.