Population Pharmacokinetics and Probability of Target Attainment of Different Dosing Regimens of Ceftazidime in Critically Ill Patients with a Proven or Suspected Infection.

Altered pharmacokinetics (PK) of hydrophilic antibiotics in critically ill patients is common, with possible consequences for efficacy and resistance. We aimed to describe ceftazidime population PK in critically ill patients with a proven or suspected infection and to establish optimal dosing. Blood samples were collected for ceftazidime concentration measurement.

The assessment of environmental and external cross-contamination in preparing ready-to-administer cytotoxic drugs: a comparison between a robotic system and conventional manual production.

Objectives: The primary aim of the study was to compare environmental and external (cross-) contamination of traces of cytostatics, during preparation of 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide using a robotic system (APOTECAchemo) or the conventional manual compounding procedure. The secondary aim was to validate the cleaning procedure of the robot.

Methods: Eighty ready-to-administer (RTA) infusion bags with 5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide or sodium chloride were compounded using both techniques on 3-5 days.

Smoking rates and smoking cessation preferences of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of two large Australian maternity hospitals.

Background: Tobacco smoking is the most important preventable cause of many adverse pregnancy outcomes. Some women continue to smoke during pregnancy although the harmful effects are evident.

Aims: To characterise pregnant smokers and to understand their smoking behaviours and preferences for smoking cessation.