Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Intensive Care

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Drugs".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2023) | Viewed by 22983

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
Interests: antimicrobial stewardship; therapeutic drug monitoring; sepsis and septic shock; antibiotic therapy

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Guest Editor
Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Interests: clinical pharmacometrics; therapeutic drug monitoring; alternative sampling; biosensors; dosing software

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial dosing in critically ill patients remains a challenging problem. Evidence has shown that for many of the drugs used, the pharmacokinetic variability is huge and may lead to critical under/inadequate dosing in a large number of patients. Although our understanding of the problem has advanced significantly, a host of questions remain, and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is often cited as one of the potential solutions for this problem.

In this Special Issue, we wish to focus on different aspects of model-informed precision dosing and TDM in the ICU, including practical issues, technical considerations, performance, application in clinical practice, dosing tools, and other aspects. For this, we will consider different types of manuscripts, as long as they are focused on the topic of this issue.

We look forward to your contribution.

Prof. Dr. Jan De Waele
Prof. Dr. Birgit C. P. Koch
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • therapeutic drug monitoring
  • sepsis
  • septic shock
  • pharmacometrics
  • antibiotics
  • model-informed precision dosing
  • antimicrobial stewardship
  • anti-infectives

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1571 KiB  
Article
Could an Optimized Joint Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment of Continuous Infusion Piperacillin-Tazobactam Be a Valuable Innovative Approach for Maximizing the Effectiveness of Monotherapy Even in the Treatment of Critically Ill Patients with Documented Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales Bloodstream Infections and/or Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia?
by Milo Gatti, Matteo Rinaldi, Tommaso Tonetti, Antonio Siniscalchi, Pierluigi Viale and Federico Pea
Antibiotics 2023, 12(12), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12121736 - 14 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1963
Abstract
(1) Background: Piperacillin-tazobactam represents the first-line option for treating infections caused by full- or multi-susceptible Enterobacterales and/or Pseudomonas aeruginosa in critically ill patients. Several studies reported that attaining aggressive pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets with beta-lactams is associated with an improved microbiological/clinical outcome. We aimed [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Piperacillin-tazobactam represents the first-line option for treating infections caused by full- or multi-susceptible Enterobacterales and/or Pseudomonas aeruginosa in critically ill patients. Several studies reported that attaining aggressive pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets with beta-lactams is associated with an improved microbiological/clinical outcome. We aimed to assess the relationship between the joint PK/PD target attainment of continuous infusion (CI) piperacillin-tazobactam and the microbiological/clinical outcome of documented Gram-negative bloodstream infections (BSI) and/or ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) of critically ill patients treated with CI piperacillin-tazobactam monotherapy. (2) Methods: Critically ill patients admitted to the general and post-transplant intensive care unit in the period July 2021–September 2023 treated with CI piperacillin-tazobactam monotherapy optimized by means of a real-time therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)-guided expert clinical pharmacological advice (ECPA) program for documented Gram-negative BSIs and/or VAP were retrospectively retrieved. Steady-state plasma concentrations (Css) of piperacillin and of tazobactam were measured, and the free fractions (f) were calculated according to respective plasma protein binding. The joint PK/PD target was defined as optimal whenever both the piperacillin fCss/MIC ratio was >4 and the tazobactam fCss/target concentration (CT) ratio was > 1 (quasi-optimal or suboptimal whenever only one or none of the two weas achieved, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for testing variables potentially associated with microbiological outcome. (3) Results: Overall, 43 critically ill patients (median age 69 years; male 58.1%; median SOFA score at baseline 8) treated with CI piperacillin-tazobactam monotherapy were included. Optimal joint PK/PD target was attained in 36 cases (83.7%). At multivariate analysis, optimal attaining of joint PK/PD target was protective against microbiological failure (OR 0.03; 95%CI 0.003–0.27; p = 0.002), whereas quasi-optimal/suboptimal emerged as the only independent predictor of microbiological failure (OR 37.2; 95%CI 3.66–377.86; p = 0.002). (4) Conclusion: Optimized joint PK/PD target attainment of CI piperacillin-tazobactam could represent a valuable strategy for maximizing microbiological outcome in critically ill patients with documented Gram-negative BSI and/or VAP, even when sustained by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales. In this scenario, implementing a real-time TDM-guided ECPA program may be helpful in preventing failure in attaining optimal joint PK/PD targets among critically ill patients. Larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Intensive Care)
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19 pages, 1894 KiB  
Article
Predicting Beta-Lactam Target Non-Attainment in ICU Patients at Treatment Initiation: Development and External Validation of Three Novel (Machine Learning) Models
by André Wieringa, Tim M. J. Ewoldt, Ravish N. Gangapersad, Matthias Gijsen, Nestor Parolya, Chantal J. A. R. Kats, Isabel Spriet, Henrik Endeman, Jasper J. Haringman, Reinier M. van Hest, Birgit C. P. Koch and Alan Abdulla
Antibiotics 2023, 12(12), 1674; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12121674 - 28 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1349
Abstract
In the intensive care unit (ICU), infection-related mortality is high. Although adequate antibiotic treatment is essential in infections, beta-lactam target non-attainment occurs in up to 45% of ICU patients, which is associated with a lower likelihood of clinical success. To optimize antibiotic treatment, [...] Read more.
In the intensive care unit (ICU), infection-related mortality is high. Although adequate antibiotic treatment is essential in infections, beta-lactam target non-attainment occurs in up to 45% of ICU patients, which is associated with a lower likelihood of clinical success. To optimize antibiotic treatment, we aimed to develop beta-lactam target non-attainment prediction models in ICU patients. Patients from two multicenter studies were included, with intravenous intermittent beta-lactam antibiotics administered and blood samples drawn within 12–36 h after antibiotic initiation. Beta-lactam target non-attainment models were developed and validated using random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), and naïve Bayes (NB) models from 376 patients. External validation was performed on 150 ICU patients. We assessed performance by measuring discrimination, calibration, and net benefit at the default threshold probability of 0.20. Age, sex, serum creatinine, and type of beta-lactam antibiotic were found to be predictive of beta-lactam target non-attainment. In the external validation, the RF, LR, and NB models confirmed good discrimination with an area under the curve of 0.79 [95% CI 0.72–0.86], 0.80 [95% CI 0.73–0.87], and 0.75 [95% CI 0.67–0.82], respectively, and net benefit in the RF and LR models. We developed prediction models for beta-lactam target non-attainment within 12–36 h after antibiotic initiation in ICU patients. These online-accessible models use readily available patient variables and help optimize antibiotic treatment. The RF and LR models showed the best performance among the three models tested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Intensive Care)
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8 pages, 554 KiB  
Article
Real-Life Vancomycin Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcal Bacteremia in Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Are We Underestimating Augmented Renal Clearance?
by Claudia Sette, Marcello Mariani, Luca Grasselli, Alessio Mesini, Carolina Saffioti, Chiara Russo, Roberto Bandettini, Andrea Moscatelli, Luca A. Ramenghi and Elio Castagnola
Antibiotics 2023, 12(11), 1566; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12111566 - 26 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1673
Abstract
Bloodstream infections (BSI) from coagulase-negative-staphylococci (CoNS) are among the most frequent healthcare-related infections. Their treatment involves the use of vancomycin, a molecule whose optimal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target for efficacy and safety is an area-under-curve/minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC) ratio ≥ 400 with AUC < [...] Read more.
Bloodstream infections (BSI) from coagulase-negative-staphylococci (CoNS) are among the most frequent healthcare-related infections. Their treatment involves the use of vancomycin, a molecule whose optimal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target for efficacy and safety is an area-under-curve/minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC) ratio ≥ 400 with AUC < 600. BSIs from CoNS in pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit that occurred at the Gaslini Institute over five years were evaluated to investigate the efficacy of vancomycin therapy in terms of achieving the desired PK/PD target and determining whether any variables interfere with the achievement of this target. AUC/MIC ≥ 400 with AUC < 600 at 48 and 72 h after therapy initiation was achieved in only 21% of the neonatal population and 25% of the pediatric population. In the pediatric population, an inverse correlation emerged between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and achieved AUC levels. Median eGFR at 72 h was significantly higher (expression of hyperfiltration) in events with AUC < 400, compared with those with AUC ≥ 400 (p < 0.001). A cut-off value of eGFR in the first 72 h has been identified (145 mL/min/1.73 m2), beyond which it is extremely unlikely to achieve an AUC ≥ 400, and therefore a higher dose or a different antibiotic should be chosen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Intensive Care)
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16 pages, 1744 KiB  
Article
Meropenem Model-Informed Precision Dosing in the Treatment of Critically Ill Patients: Can We Use It?
by Letao Li, Sebastiaan D. T. Sassen, Tim M. J. Ewoldt, Alan Abdulla, Nicole G. M. Hunfeld, Anouk E. Muller, Brenda C. M. de Winter, Henrik Endeman and Birgit C. P. Koch
Antibiotics 2023, 12(2), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12020383 - 13 Feb 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2571
Abstract
The number of pharmacokinetic (PK) models of meropenem is increasing. However, the daily role of these PK models in the clinic remains unclear, especially for critically ill patients. Therefore, we evaluated the published meropenem models on real-world ICU data to assess their suitability [...] Read more.
The number of pharmacokinetic (PK) models of meropenem is increasing. However, the daily role of these PK models in the clinic remains unclear, especially for critically ill patients. Therefore, we evaluated the published meropenem models on real-world ICU data to assess their suitability for use in clinical practice. All models were built in NONMEM and evaluated using prediction and simulation-based diagnostics for the ability to predict the subsequent meropenem concentrations without plasma concentrations (a priori), and with plasma concentrations (a posteriori), for use in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Eighteen PopPK models were included for evaluation. The a priori fit of the models, without the use of plasma concentrations, was poor, with a prediction error (PE)% of the interquartile range (IQR) exceeding the ±30% threshold. The fit improved when one to three concentrations were used to improve model predictions for TDM purposes. Two models were in the acceptable range with an IQR PE% within ±30%, when two or three concentrations were used. The role of PK models to determine the starting dose of meropenem in this population seems limited. However, certain models might be suitable for TDM-based dose adjustment using two to three plasma concentrations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Intensive Care)
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Review

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10 pages, 1084 KiB  
Review
Real-Time Monitoring of Antibiotics in the Critically Ill Using Biosensors
by Ruvimbo Dephine Mishi, Michael Andrew Stokes, Craig Anthony Campbell, Kevin William Plaxco and Sophie Lena Stocker
Antibiotics 2023, 12(10), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12101478 - 22 Sep 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2102
Abstract
By ensuring optimal dosing, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) improves outcomes in critically ill patients by maximizing effectiveness while minimizing toxicity. Current methods for measuring plasma drug concentrations, however, can be challenging, time-consuming, and slow to return an answer, limiting the extent to which [...] Read more.
By ensuring optimal dosing, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) improves outcomes in critically ill patients by maximizing effectiveness while minimizing toxicity. Current methods for measuring plasma drug concentrations, however, can be challenging, time-consuming, and slow to return an answer, limiting the extent to which TDM is used to optimize drug exposure. A potentially promising solution to this dilemma is provided by biosensors, molecular sensing devices that employ biorecognition elements to recognize and quantify their target molecules rapidly and in a single step. This paper reviews the current state of the art for biosensors regarding their application to TDM of antibiotics in the critically ill, both as ex vivo point-of-care devices supporting single timepoint measurements and in vivo devices supporting continuous real-time monitoring in situ in the body. This paper also discusses the clinical development of biosensors for TDM, including regulatory challenges and the need for standardized performance evaluation. We conclude by arguing that, through precise and real-time monitoring of antibiotics, the application of biosensors in TDM holds great promise for enhancing the optimization of drug exposure in critically ill patients, offering the potential for improved outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Intensive Care)
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14 pages, 666 KiB  
Review
Beta-Lactam Dose Optimisation in the Intensive Care Unit: Targets, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Toxicity
by Amy Legg, Sinead Carmichael, Ming G. Chai, Jason A. Roberts and Menino O. Cotta
Antibiotics 2023, 12(5), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12050870 - 8 May 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5446
Abstract
Beta-lactams are an important family of antibiotics used to treat infections and are commonly used in critically ill patients. Optimal use of these drugs in the intensive care unit (ICU) is important because of the serious complications from sepsis. Target beta-lactam antibiotic exposures [...] Read more.
Beta-lactams are an important family of antibiotics used to treat infections and are commonly used in critically ill patients. Optimal use of these drugs in the intensive care unit (ICU) is important because of the serious complications from sepsis. Target beta-lactam antibiotic exposures may be chosen using fundamental principles of beta-lactam activity derived from pre-clinical and clinical studies, although the debate regarding optimal beta-lactam exposure targets is ongoing. Attainment of target exposures in the ICU requires overcoming significant pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) challenges. For beta-lactam drugs, the use of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to confirm if the desired exposure targets are achieved has shown promise, but further data are required to determine if improvement in infection-related outcomes can be achieved. Additionally, beta-lactam TDM may be useful where a relationship exists between supratherapeutic antibiotic exposure and drug adverse effects. An ideal beta-lactam TDM service should endeavor to efficiently sample and report results in identified at-risk patients in a timely manner. Consensus beta-lactam PK/PD targets associated with optimal patient outcomes are lacking and should be a focus for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Intensive Care)
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17 pages, 1152 KiB  
Review
The Current Status and Future Perspectives of Beta-Lactam Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Critically Ill Patients
by Emmanuel Novy, Hugo Martinière and Claire Roger
Antibiotics 2023, 12(4), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12040681 - 30 Mar 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3368
Abstract
Beta-lactams (BL) are the first line agents for the antibiotic management of critically ill patients with sepsis or septic shock. BL are hydrophilic antibiotics particularly subject to unpredictable concentrations in the context of critical illness because of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) alterations. [...] Read more.
Beta-lactams (BL) are the first line agents for the antibiotic management of critically ill patients with sepsis or septic shock. BL are hydrophilic antibiotics particularly subject to unpredictable concentrations in the context of critical illness because of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) alterations. Thus, during the last decade, the literature focusing on the interest of BL therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting has been exponential. Moreover, recent guidelines strongly encourage to optimize BL therapy using a PK/PD approach with TDM. Unfortunately, several barriers exist regarding TDM access and interpretation. Consequently, adherence to routine TDM in ICU remains quite low. Lastly, recent clinical studies failed to demonstrate any improvement in mortality with the use of TDM in ICU patients. This review will first aim at explaining the value and complexity of the TDM process when translating it to critically ill patient bedside management, interpretating the results of clinical studies and discussion of the points which need to be addressed before conducting further TDM studies on clinical outcomes. In a second time, this review will focus on the future aspects of TDM integrating toxicodynamics, model informed precision dosing (MIPD) and “at risk” ICU populations that deserve further investigations to demonstrate positive clinical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Intensive Care)
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Other

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10 pages, 1278 KiB  
Brief Report
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Antimicrobials in Critically Ill Obese Patients
by Julie Gorham, Fabio S. Taccone and Maya Hites
Antibiotics 2023, 12(7), 1099; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12071099 - 24 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3164
Abstract
Obesity is a significant global public health concern that is associated with an elevated risk of comorbidities as well as severe postoperative and nosocomial infections. The treatment of infections in critically ill obese patients can be challenging because obesity affects the pharmacokinetics and [...] Read more.
Obesity is a significant global public health concern that is associated with an elevated risk of comorbidities as well as severe postoperative and nosocomial infections. The treatment of infections in critically ill obese patients can be challenging because obesity affects the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antibiotics, leading to an increased risk of antibiotic therapy failure and toxicity due to inappropriate dosages. Precision dosing of antibiotics using therapeutic drug monitoring may help to improve the management of this patient population. This narrative review outlines the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes that result from obesity and provides a comprehensive critical review of the current available data on dosage adjustment of antibiotics in critically ill obese patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Intensive Care)
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