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BACKGROUND: Gentamicin and vancomycin are commonly used in neonatal units for the treatment of life-threatening infections. This study aimed to describe the dosage regimen and the approach to therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for both antibiotics in units that participate in a UK neonatal network. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to all units across the Extended Neonatal Network, requesting details of each unit's dosing regimen and TDM practice. RESULTS: A total of 43 (of 114) units replied to the gentamicin questionnaire and 29 to the vancomycin questionnaire. Ten different gentamicin dosing regimens were used, depending on gestational age and weight. Most units (79%) followed British National Formulary for Children dosing guidance regarding vancomycin, but there were nine variations in TDM practice. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variation in gentamicin and vancomycin dosing regimens and TDM guidance across a UK network of neonatal units. The development of standardized, evidence-based protocols should be prioritized.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/jac/dkr351

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Antimicrob Chemother

Publication Date

11/2011

Volume

66

Pages

2647 - 2650

Keywords

Anti-Bacterial Agents, Drug Administration Schedule, Drug Monitoring, Drug Utilization, Female, Gentamicins, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Intensive Care Units, Neonatal, Male, Practice Patterns, Physicians', Surveys and Questionnaires, Vancomycin