XXXX in paediatrics: current prescribing practice and the need to monitor.

@entity1 @entity8 @entity114 @entity109 @entity3174 @entity2755 @entity1445
Two hundred and fifty-five neonates, @entity1 and @entity1 , from 45 hospitals, who were receiving @entity2755 therapy for serious infections were the subject of this study. Samples of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were assayed for @entity2755 and the @entity1 ' treatment regimens analysed. Less than 50% of neonates and 25% of @entity1 received the "recommended" dose of @entity2755 . In older @entity1 the recommended dose was used. Only 34% babies under 1 year of age and 50% older children had serum concentrations within the therapeutic range (15-25 mg/l). Thirty-one percent of neonates and @entity1 had potentially toxic serum concentrations. Forty-three percent of neonates receiving @entity2755 every 6 h had subtherapeutic peak serum levels compared to 20% of those receiving the antibiotic every 12 h. Concomitant administration of @entity109 or @entity3174 had no effect on mean serum @entity2755 levels. Serum concentrations of @entity2755 were significantly higher in @entity1 also receiving @entity114 . CSF levels in 77 samples (39 @entity1 ) ranged from 1-60 mg/l. CSF from 44% @entity1 contained less than 4 mg/l. Twelve neonates and @entity1 (5.5%) suffered toxic side effects, four died. A further eight babies received an accidental 2- to 10-fold @entity1445 and in three others an @entity1445 was assumed following assay. No @entity1445 or toxic effects were reported in @entity1 over 1 year of age. Eight @entity1 with @entity8 had elevated serum levels and three showed toxic effects. In 22% @entity1 dosage regimens were altered following assay.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
