Dose derivation of once-daily dosing guidelines for gentamicin in critically ill pediatric patients.

Objectives: To determine dose and eligibility criteria for once-daily dosing (ODD) of gentamicin in critically ill pediatric patients.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit or Cardiac Critical Care Unit at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) who received traditionally dosed intravenous (IV) gentamicin (January 2008 to June 2010). Statistically significant patient characteristics associated with gentamicin pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were determined by multiple linear regression.

Use of milrinone in critically ill children.

Background: Optimal dose adjustment of milrinone in critically ill children is challenging because of conflicting information about the association between dose and outcomes in this age group.

Objectives: To describe the use of milrinone in critically ill children and to explore associations between milrinone dosing and clinical outcomes, specifically effectiveness and adverse events.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed in a consecutive sample of children admitted to a university-affiliated critical care unit (January to June 2004).

Systematic evaluation of errors occurring during the preparation of intravenous medication.

Introduction: Errors in the concentration of intravenous medications are not uncommon. We evaluated steps in the infusion-preparation process to identify factors associated with preventable medication errors.

Methods: We included 118 health care professionals who would be involved in the preparation of intravenous medication infusions as part of their regular clinical activities.

12-hour versus 24-hour creatinine clearance in critically ill pediatric patients.

Measurement of renal function is important to optimize drug dosing in critically ill pediatric patients and to prevent dose-related toxicities caused by medications that are eliminated or metabolized by the kidney. In clinical practice, the 24-h creatinine clearance (CrCl) is used as a surrogate marker of renal function. However, a 24-h urine collection period delays the availability of the result and increases the potential for collection errors.