Aim: Vancomycin guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) aim to maximise efficacy while minimising toxicity and resistance. Vancomycin is effective against Staphylococcus aureus when it achieves area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 400. Studies in children have shown that target trough concentrations poorly correlate to AUC/MIC > 400; however, they are used in practice for clinical convenience. This review in paediatric inpatients aims to audit performance against TDM guidelines and consider what changes are needed to optimise vancomycin monitoring. Methods: Vancomycin prescriptions in patients younger than 18 years old were collected over a 15-month period. Primary outcome measures were vancomycin initial dose (mg/kg/day) and the timing and result of first trough concentration (mg/L). Secondary outcome measures were the numbers achieving recommended targets and whether appropriate dose adjustments were made in response to TDM. Results: A total of 133 courses reached the time when TDM should occur. Average patient age was 6.5 years, and the average initial dose was 52.55 mg/kg/day (range 19.05-86.54 mg/kg). Only 25% of courses (n = 34) had a trough concentration measured at the recommended time. The mean trough concentration was 11.6 mg/L (range < 2.0-39.7). Of 40 patients with a low trough concentration, 50% continued without dose adjustment. Conclusion: As shown in the literature, there is a poor correlation between the vancomycin dose given and the trough concentration achieved. Given that recommendations for trough concentration monitoring are designed to simplify the process yet are poorly adhered to, a strategic plan to address these issues is needed.
Background:Previous studies linked metformin use to vitamin B12 deficiency and demonstrated that the prevalence of vitamin B12 monitoring remains low.Objective:This study aimed to assess the occurrence of monitoring vitamin B12 levels in a diverse population.Methods:This was a retrospective chart review of adult patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin doses ≥ 1000 mg for ≥ 6 months at five Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and one Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Charts were reviewed for occurrence of monitoring vitamin B12 levels in the past 5 years. Data collected included patient demographics, laboratory data, other potential vitamin B12 level lowering agents, active prescription for vitamin B12 supplementation, concomitant diabetes medications and metformin total daily dose.Results:Of the 322 patients included, 25% had a vitamin B12 level measured in the previous five years. Among the patients with a vitamin B12 level, 87.7% were within the normal range (>350 pg/mL), 11.1% were low (200-300 pg/mL), and only one patient (1.2%) was deficient (<200 pg/mL). These patients were older (69.2 vs. 56.4, p<0.001); more likely to be white (56.8% vs. 37.8%, p=0.04); and more likely to use proton pump inhibitors (34.6% vs. 20.7%, p=0.02) and vitamin B12 supplementation (27.2% vs. 4.6%, p<0.001). Vitamin B12 monitoring differed between the FQHC (15.2%) and PACE (97.4%) sites (p<0.001). Each greater year of age was associated with a 5% increased odds of vitamin B12 monitoring (a OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.08).Conclusions:The majority of patients seen at the FQHC sites did not have vitamin B12 levels monitored, however, most of the patients who were monitored had normal vitamin B12 levels, which may warrant extending the monitoring time. This finding may also support monitoring patients who have additional risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency such as concurrent medication use with other vitamin B12 lowering agents or clinical symptoms of deficiency such as peripheral neuropathy. Future studies are needed to determine appropriate frequency of monitoring.
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