Therapeutic drug monitoring
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Population Pharmacokinetics of Levobupivacaine During Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Children.
Levobupivacaine is commonly used during transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in pediatric patients. However, the dosing regimen is still empirical, and the pharmacokinetic properties of levobupivacaine are not considered. Here, the pharmacokinetics of levobupivacaine during an ultrasound-guided TAP block were evaluated to optimize dosing regimen, regarding the between-subject variability (BSV) and the volume of levobupivacaine injected. ⋯ For improved efficiency in the pediatric population, the dose of levobupivacaine should be greater than 0.4 mg/kg. Children's weight should be considered to anticipate any risk of toxicity.