Beta-lactam allergy in patients: an antibiotic stewardship challenge.

Background: Patients are commonly reported as being allergic to beta-lactam (BL) antibiotics. However, many patients with this reported allergy are able to receive BL treatments because they do not have true allergies. In many cases these are simply intolerances due to side effects reported as an allergy.

Population Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modelling of Daptomycin for Schedule Optimization in Patients with Renal Impairment.

The aims of this study are (i) to develop a population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model of daptomycin in patients with normal and impaired renal function, and (ii) to establish the optimal dose recommendation of daptomycin in clinical practice. Several structural PK models including linear and non-linear binding kinetics were evaluated. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted with a fixed combination of creatinine clearance (30-90 mL/min/1.

Design and validation of a predictive equation to estimate unbound valproic acid concentration.

Objectives: Total plasma levels of valproic acid (VPA) may mask an increased risk of adverse effects in hypoalbuminaemic patients since, in these patients, the free fraction is higher. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between plasma levels of total and free VPA (VPA) in hypoalbuminaemic patients and define an equation that allows the estimation of VPA concentration, as well as to validate the obtained equation.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study conducted between January 2015 and January 2020.

Vancomycin and daptomycin stability in heparin or sodium citrate lock solutions.

Background: We investigated physical and chemical stability of daptomycin and vancomycin in heparin or sodium citrate lock solutions. The aim of this study was to find the optimal combination of antimicrobials and additives for lock solutions, which maximized patient safety.

Methods: Vancomycin and daptomycin were diluted with heparin or sodium citrate to achieve final concentrations of vancomycin-heparin 2.

[Catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients receiving central parenteral nutrition: prevalence, associated factors, and treatment].

Background: catheter-related infection is one of the complications of central parenteral nutrition treatment with the highest morbidity and mortality. Objectives: the primary endpoint of this study was to analyze the prevalence of bloodstream infection in patients with central parenteral nutrition. Secondary objectives included: a) an assessment of whether type of central catheter, duration of parenteral nutrition treatment, body mass index, or being admitted to the intensive care unit are factors associated with the development of bloodstream infection; b) an analysis of the therapeutic approach.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of levetiracetam in daily clinical practice: high-performance liquid chromatography versus immunoassay.

Objectives: Although levetiracetam presents an easy dosing and tolerability, therapeutic drug monitoring may be recommended in certain situations. Measurement of levetiracetam in serum plasma is commonly done by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). After ARK Diagnostics marketed an enzyme immunoassay (IA) for levetiracetam in serum or plasma, automated determinations are possible.