CONTINUOUS-INFUSION OF VANCOMYCIN IN NEWBORN-INFANTS

Twenty-five infants with suspected or confirmed coagulase negative staphylococcal infection were studied. Continuous administration of vancomycin was used because it is usual with infusions prepared daily for catheterized patients, and because continuous infusions are well tolerated and achieve better penetration in tissues and CSF. Vancomycin acts as a time-dependent antibiotic. The aim was to obtain a level of 20-25 mg/l. in serum. Fifteen newborns term 27-35 weeks (m = 30.3) aged 7-30 days (m = 16.1) received 10 to 45 mg/kg/day of vancomycin and were monitored for 2 to 12 days. The sample for assay was taken in a peripheral vein, and the results were the same during the infusion or 15 minutes after its end. The daily dose of vancomycin necessary varied from 25 to 40 mg/kg for newborns with serum creatinine < 70 mmol/l and 10 to 30 mg/kg with serum creatinine greater-than-or-equal-to 90 mmol/l. Except for a newborn with multiorgan failure, serum creatinine rapidly decreased. Four newborns term 38-40 weeks (m = 39.5) aged 2-12 days (m = 8.3) received 20 to 45 mg/kg/day of vancomycin and were monitored for 2 to 12 days. The daily dose necessary varied from 30 to 40 mg/kg/day with important individual variations, and 20 mg/kg/day in a newborn with a high level of creatinine. In 6 infants aged 2-22 months receiving 22-45 mg/kg/day of vancomycin, a mean daily dosage of 40-45 mg/kg was adequate, with important individual variations. Continuous infusion of vancomycin achieves concentrations intermediate between peaks and thoughs observed with discontinuous infusion, and makes possible constantly effective levels of vancomycin, a time-dependent antibiotic.