• Jonathan E Constance, Alfred H Balch, Chris Stockmann, Matthew W Linakis, E Kent Korgenski, Jessica K Roberts, Robert M Ward, Catherine M T Sherwin, and Michael G Spigarelli.
• Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
• Arch. Dis. Child. Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2016 May 1; 101 (3): F236-43.

BackgroundThe incidence of nephrotoxicity among vancomycin-treated neonates has been reported to range from 2% to 20%. These widely varying estimates have led to confusion and controversy regarding the safety of vancomycin among neonates.ObjectiveEvaluate the incidence of nephrotoxicity among neonates receiving vancomycin concomitantly with gentamicin.DesignRetrospective observational cohort study using propensity score matching to provide covariate balance between neonates who did or did not receive vancomycin based on factors known to be related to the development of renal dysfunction.SettingHospitals (n=22) throughout the Intermountain West, including a quaternary care children's hospital.PatientsNeonates ≤44 postmenstrual weeks (median gestational age: 31 (IQR 28-36) weeks) receiving intravenous gentamicin with or without exposure to vancomycin from January 2006 to December 2012.Main Outcome MeasuresNephrotoxicity based on the modified Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria for acute kidney injury (AKI) or serum creatinine concentration ≥1.5 mg/dL persisting for ≥48 h.ResultsThe final cohort was comprised of 1066 neonates (533 receiving vancomycin and gentamicin vs 533 receiving gentamicin). In a propensity score-matched cohort that was well balanced across 16 covariates, AKI was not associated with vancomycin use (16 neonates receiving vancomycin vs 7 controls experienced AKI; OR 1.5; 95% CI 0.6 to 4.0). However, the presence of a patent ductus arteriosus, concomitant non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, ≥1 positive blood cultures, low birth weight and higher severity of illness and risk of mortality scores were associated with an increased risk of nephrotoxicity.ConclusionsThese results corroborate several earlier reports and much anecdotal evidence describing the infrequent occurrence of nephrotoxicity in neonates receiving concomitant vancomycin and gentamicin.Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

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