Current drug metabolism
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Current drug metabolism · Feb 2013
ReviewParacetamol (acetaminophen) efficacy and safety in the newborn.
Neonates can perceive pain, therefore an adequate analgesic therapy is a major issue not only from an ethical perspective but also to improve short- and long-term outcome. Fever during the neonatal period requires hospitalization and needs a treatment with an antipyretic agent because of the high risk of severe complications. ⋯ Moreover, drug tolerability is discussed in the light of its potential hepatotoxicity and the unique characteristics of the newborn patient. By analyzing the available literature and the dosing guidelines, a mismatch exists between the current clinical use of paracetamol and the recommendations, suggesting a cautious approach particularly in extremely preterm neonates.
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Current drug metabolism · Feb 2013
ReviewPharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical use of valganciclovir in newborns with symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection.
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is the most common cause of nonhereditary sensorineural hearing loss and an important cause of psychomotor retardation. Newborns suffering from symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection have been typically treated with i.v. ganciclovir (GCV). Nowadays valganciclovir (V-GCV), a mono-valyl ester pro-drug of GCV, is available as an oral syrup. ⋯ In neonates, V-GCV oral formulation proved stable and constant GVC plasma concentrations, in the suggested therapeutic range. The syrup demonstrated to be clinically effective and well tolerated and to be appropriate for a prolonged post-discharge therapy avoiding the discomfort of hospitalization, reducing the risk for nosocomial infections and decreasing the cost for the National Health Service. This article reviews all the available literature about V-GCV syrup in the treatment of newborns and infants with congenital CMV infection with the regard to pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic properties and clinical use, focussing on new data and on our experience.
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Current drug metabolism · Jul 2012
ReviewPharmacotherapy in neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
ECMO support is an established life saving therapy for potentially reversible respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Improvement of outcome depends on effective treatment of the primary diagnosis and complications. ⋯ Most studies show altered volume of distribution and clearance for the drugs studied. This article gives an overview of the available PK and PD studies in neonates and children on ECMO, suggests possible mechanisms of altered PK and PD and identifies areas of interest for further research.
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Current drug metabolism · Jul 2012
ReviewPharmacogenetics of opioids for the treatment of acute maternal pain during pregnancy and lactation.
There have been an increasing number of clinical studies investigating the relationship between interindividual genetic variability and the safety and efficacy of opioid analgesics. Despite the widespread use of opioids in pregnant and lactating women for the treatment of acute pain, few studies have investigated the interplay of genetic factors and pregnancy-related physiological alterations in relation to opioid metabolism and response. Some interesting avenues of research require further pursuit- including evidence of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) induction during pregnancy and its effect on the generation of the active opioid metabolites morphine, oxymorphone, O-desmethyltramadol, and hydromorphone following the administration of codeine, oxycodone, tramadol, and hydrocodone respectively. Studies investigating the duration of maternal CYP2D6 induction after delivery are also needed to shed light on genotype to phenotype correlations in breastfeeding mothers using opioid analgesics in the postpartum period.