Population pharmacokinetics of piperacillin in the early phase of septic shock – does standard dosing result in therapeutic plasma concentrations?

Kristina Margareta Öbrink-Hansen, Rasmus Vestergaard Juul, Merete Storgaard, Marianne Kragh Thomsen, Tore Forsingdal Hardlei, Birgitte Brock, Mads Kreilgaard, Jakob Gjedsted

    15 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Antibiotic dosing in septic shock patients poses a challenge for clinicians due to the pharmacokinetic (PK) variability seen in this patient population. Piperacillin-tazobactam is often used for empirical treatment, and initial appropriate dosing is crucial for reducing mortality. Accordingly, we determined the pharmacokinetic profile of piperacillin (4 g) every 8 h, during the third consecutive dosing interval, in 15 patients treated empirically for septic shock. We developed a population pharmacokinetic model to assess empirical dosing and to simulate alternative dosing regimens and modes of administration. Time above the MIC (T>MIC) predicted for each patient was evaluated against clinical breakpoint MIC for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16 mg/liter). Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets evaluated were 50%fT>4XMIC and 100% fT>MIC. A population PK model was developed using NONMEM, and data were best described by a two-compartment model. Central and intercompartmental clearances were 3.6 liters/h (relative standard error [RSE], 15.7%) and 6.58 liters/h (RSE, 16.4%), respectively, and central and peripheral volumes were 7.3 liters (RSE, 11.8%) and 3.9 liters (RSE, 9.7%), respectively. Piperacillin plasma concentrations varied considerably between patients and were associated with levels of plasma creatinine. Patients with impaired renal function were more likely to achieve predefined PK/PD targets than were patients with preserved or augmented renal function. Simulations of alternative dosing regimens showed that frequent intermittent bolus dosing as well as dosing by extended and continuous infusion increases the probability of attaining therapeutic plasma concentrations. For septic shock patients with preserved or augmented renal function, dose increment or prolonged infusion of the drug needs to be considered.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
    Volume59
    Issue number11
    Pages (from-to)7018-7026
    Number of pages9
    ISSN0066-4804
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2015

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