Therapeutic drug monitoring of antiretroviral drugs at home using dried blood spots: a proof-of-concept study.

Background: In HIV-infected patients, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of antiretroviral drugs is recommended in special populations and in specific situations to optimize therapy. Currently, TDM is performed via measurement of drug plasma concentrations; however, dried blood spots (DBS) may offer a patient friendly and cost-effective alternative. Therefore, this proof-of-concept study assessed the feasibility of TDM of antiretroviral drugs using DBS with sampling at home.

RT-PCR detection of respiratory pathogens in newborn children admitted to a neonatal medium care unit.

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of respiratory pathogens among newborns admitted to a neonatal medium care unit (NMCU) and to identify clinical predictors.

Methods: A 1-y observational study was performed of neonates admitted to an NMCU in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected for the detection of respiratory viruses and bacteria by real-time PCR (RT-PCR).

Use of dried blood spots for the determination of plasma concentrations of nevirapine and efavirenz.

Objectives: Plasma concentrations are frequently used for therapeutic drug monitoring of antiretroviral drugs. Dried blood spot sampling offers a patient-friendly and easy alternative to plasma sampling. However, dried blood spot concentrations are not necessarily equal to plasma concentrations and therefore the objective of this work was to establish the relationship between nevirapine and efavirenz dried blood spot and plasma concentrations to facilitate clinical implementation of dried blood spot sampling.

Characterization of 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza in a population of Dutch children with influenza-like signs and symptoms.

Aim: To determine causative respiratory pathogens and describe epidemiological and clinical characteristics in a paediatric population with influenza-like illness during the 2009 H1N1-pandemic.

Methods: Observational study of 412 children visiting an outpatient clinic of a Dutch teaching hospital.

Results: From August to December 2009, 412 children were tested at the clinic; 32% proved H1N1-positive, confirmed by reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR).

Low attack rate of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection among healthcare workers: a prospective study in a setting with an elaborated containment plan.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine incidence rates of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection among healthcare personnel with different exposure risks during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Methods: From August 2009 until April 2010, 66 healthcare workers from a 410 bed teaching hospital in Amsterdam were monitored. The following three different exposure groups were created: a high- (n = 26), intermediate- (n = 20), and low-risk group (n = 20).

Adult outpatient experience of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic: clinical course, pathogens, and evaluation of case definitions.

Objectives: The aim was to describe causative agents and clinical characteristics in adult outpatients with upper airway symptoms during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and to evaluate case definitions that are used in clinical practice.

Methods: From August through December 2009, 964 symptomatic adult outpatients were included. RT-PCR was used to detect the following pathogens: influenza A (H1N1) and B, parainfluenza 1-4, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, human rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus, human coronavirus (OC43, 229E, NL63), Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella species.