A study to evaluate the first dose of gentamicin needed to achieve a peak plasma concentration of 30 mg/l in patients hospitalized for severe sepsis.

Previous studies have shown that the high dose of gentamicin (8 mg/kg) rarely achieves the desired peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of ≥30 mg/l in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. The aim of this study was to determine the first dose of gentamicin needed to achieve a Cmax ≥ 30 mg/l. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study in one intensive care unit.