Population pharmacokinetic analysis of dexmedetomidine in children using real-world data from electronic health records and remnant specimens.

Aims: Our objectives were to perform a population pharmacokinetic analysis of dexmedetomidine in children using remnant specimens and electronic health records (EHRs) and explore the impact of patient's characteristics and pharmacogenetics on dexmedetomidine clearance.

Methods: Dexmedetomidine dosing and patient data were gathered from EHRs and combined with opportunistically sampled remnant specimens. Population pharmacokinetic models were developed using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling.

ICU sedation with dexmedetomidine after severe traumatic brain injury.

Objective: To comprehensively describe the use of dexmedetomidine in a single institutional series of adult ICU patients with severe TBI. This study describes the dexmedetomidine dosage and infusion times, as well as the physiological parameters, neurological status and daily narcotic requirements before, during and after dexmedetomidine infusion.

Methods: This study identified 85 adult patients with severe TBI who received dexmedetomidine infusions in the Trauma ICU at Vanderbilt University Medical Center between 2006-2010.

Pragmatic pharmacology: population pharmacokinetic analysis of fentanyl using remnant samples from children after cardiac surgery.

Aims: One barrier contributing to the lack of pharmacokinetic (PK) data in paediatric populations is the need for serial sampling. Analysis of clinically obtained specimens and data may overcome this barrier. To add evidence for the feasibility of this approach, we sought to determine PK parameters for fentanyl in children after cardiac surgery using specimens and data generated in the course of clinical care, without collecting additional blood samples.

Opioid use after cardiac surgery in children with Down syndrome.

Objectives: To determine the cumulative opioid doses administered to patients with Down syndrome after cardiac surgery and compare them with patients without Down syndrome.

Design: Retrospective observational comparative study.

Setting: PICU in a university-affiliated freestanding pediatric teaching hospital.