Augmented Renal Clearance of Vancomycin in Suspected Sepsis: Single-Center, Retrospective Pediatric Cohort.

Objectives: To identify associations between augmented renal clearance (ARC) in pediatric patients treated for suspected sepsis and vancomycin pharmacokinetics. ARC has been associated with lower serum drug levels in both adult and pediatric cohorts for multiple drugs. We hypothesize that presence of ARC is associated with subtherapeutic initial vancomycin trough level (VTL).

Clonidine for the Treatment of Agitation After Dexmedetomidine Discontinuation in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: Dexmedetomidine has become a widely used drug in PICUs for sedation. We aim to determine the effects of clonidine on pediatric patients after dexmedetomidine use.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study that evaluated all pediatric patients admitted to a tertiary PICU who received dexmedetomidine infusion for >48 hours.

Pediatric Antiviral Stewardship: Defining the Potential Role of Ribavirin in Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Lower Respiratory Illness.

Objectives: Although no longer included in the American Academy of Pediatrics guideline, ribavirin was shown to be beneficial in a subset of adult patients with severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated bronchiolitis. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for progression to severe acute respiratory tract infections in hospitalized pediatric patients with RSV-associated bronchiolitis to identify which patients may benefit from inhaled ribavirin therapy, despite its substantial cost, diffcult administration, and potential complications.

Methods: Patients were identified by ICD-9 codes for RSV bronchiolitis and were only included if they had a confirmed positive result for RSV via polymerase chain reaction for detection and typing of respiratory viruses.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone for the treatment of West Syndrome in children.

Objective: To review the current literature on the efficacy and safety of low- versus high-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regimens, low-dose ACTH regimens, and comparison of ACTH with oral corticosteroids or vigabatrin for the treatment of West syndrome.

Data Sources: A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, and Inter national Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1975-November 2012) to identify studies for inclusion. In addition, reference citations from identified publications were reviewed.

Continuous and extended infusions of β-lactam antibiotics in the pediatric population.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of available data on the use of extended or continuous infusion of β-lactam and monobactam therapy in the pediatric population (aged 0-18 years).

Data Sources: A literature search was performed using PubMed (1975-May 2012), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-May 2012), and Web of Science (1977-May 2012) to identify studies for inclusion. In addition, reference citations from identified publications were reviewed.