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Introduction: Infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) in critically ill patients present a challenge for timely and appropriate antibiotic treatment. This is particularly important in patients undergoing extracorporeal life-support techniques such as renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. These techniques can introduce additional pharmacokinetic alterations, potentially leading to suboptimal exposure to antibiotics. This study aims to outline dosing strategies and therapeutic drug monitoring protocols for new β-lactam antibiotics effective against MDR-GNB in critically ill patients undergoing extracorporeal life-support techniques at a national level. Additionally, the study seeks to develop a consensus document, based on available evidence., Methods: The project will comprise two main phases: I) a national survey and II) the development of a consensus document. This consensus document, undertaken according to ACCORD guidelines, will encompass: a) establishment of a multidisciplinary panel of experts, b) prospective registration of the consensus, c) evidence synthesis, d) modified Delphi rounds. The antimicrobials to be included will be: meropenem, ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, cefiderocol, meropenem/vaborbactam, imipenem/relebactam, and aztreonam. Extracorporeal life-support techniques will include continuous renal replacement therapy, conventional intermittent hemodialysis, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation., Discussion: The availability of extracorporeal life-support techniques has expanded significantly in recent years, alongside a rise in the prevalence of infections caused by MDR-GNB. There is a need to develop evidence-based tools of high quality to standardize dosing and monitoring strategies for new β-lactam antibiotics., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Khalid Saeed Khan is a researcher at the University of Granada under the Beatriz Galindo program (senior modality) of the Spanish Ministry of Education; María Núñez-Núñez has a research contract from the Carlos III Research Institute (Juan Rodés JR23/00025)., (Copyright © 2024. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Objective: To analyze the differences in pharmacokinetic and clinical parameters (bleeding rates and joint health) before and after switching from standard half-life factor VIII (FVIII) to extended half-life pegylated FVIII in patients with severe/moderate hemophilia A on prophylaxis, one year before and after the switch in real-life., Method: This is a single-center, comparative, observational, sequential, retrospective, and multidisciplinary study. Population pharmacokinetic models from the WAPPS-Hemo® application were used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters and individualize prophylaxis. The annual rate of total and joint bleeds, joint health (Hemophilia Joint Health Score), plasma half-life and area under the curve ratios, FVIII consumption, administration frequency, and cost were analyzed., Results: Thirty-eight adult patients with hemophilia A who switched from standard half-life FVIII to extended half-life pegylated FVIII were analyzed. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in all pharmacokinetic parameters, with plasma half-life and area under the curve improvement ratios of 1.5 and 1.9, respectively, as well as reductions in annual total and joint bleeding rates were registered. A higher number of patients with zero total (16.0 vs. 29.0) and joint bleeds (23.0 vs. 33.0) was also observed. The median reductions in administration frequency and dose/kg/week were 30.0% and 19.7%, respectively, avoiding 44.3 infusions/patient/year, resulting in savings of 20,843 €/patient/year. Furthermore, joint health improved (23.0 vs. 21.0; p = 0.017), and target joints resolved after the switch., Conclusions: The pharmacokinetically guided switch from standard half-life FVIII to pegylated FVIII demonstrated significant clinical benefits with reduced bleeding rates and improvements in joint health. Additionally, improvements in pharmacokinetic parameters were observed, allowing for reduced treatment burden by decreasing administration frequency, as well as lower consumption and costs., (Copyright © 2024. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Iodinated contrast media enable greater attenuation of vascular and visceral structures in radiological studies and are widely used due to their high degree of safety, easy administration, acceptable level of tolerance, wide distribution and rapid excretion, qualities determined by their composition. Automated power injectors are used to administer contrast media. Once injected, contrast is distributed throughout the body, remaining in the intravascular space during its first passage before reaching the organs and spreading into the extracellular interstitial space, followed by a recirculation phenomenon. In CT studies, the level of contrast enhancement obtained is determined by multiple factors including patient-related factors, contrast medium characteristics, method of administration, equipment and technique. Different methods are available for determining the scan timing depending on the aim of the exploration., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 SERAM. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) in critically ill patients present a challenge for timely and appropriate antibiotic treatment. This is particularly important in patients undergoing extracorporeal life support techniques such as renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. These techniques can introduce additional pharmacokinetic alterations, potentially leading to suboptimal exposure to antibiotics. This study aims to outline dosing strategies and therapeutic drug monitoring protocols for new β-lactam antibiotics effective against MDR-GNB in critically ill patients undergoing extracorporeal life support techniques at a national level. Additionally, the study seeks to develop a consensus document, based on available evidence., Methods: The project will comprise two main phases: I) A national survey, and II) the development of a consensus document. This consensus document, undertaken according to ACCORD guidelines, will encompass: a) establishment of a multidisciplinary panel of experts, b) prospective registration of the consensus, c) evidence synthesis, d) modified Delphi rounds. The antimicrobials to be included will be: meropenem, ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, cefiderocol, meropenem/vaborbactam, imipenem/relebactam, and aztreonam. Extracorporeal life support techniques will include continuous renal replacement therapy, conventional intermittent hemodialysis, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation., Discussion: The availability of extracorporeal life support techniques has expanded significantly in recent years, alongside a rise in the prevalence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB). There is a need to develop evidence-based tools of high quality to standardize dosing and monitoring strategies for new β-lactam antibiotics., (Copyright © 2024 Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria (S.E.F.H). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Therapeutic monitoring of antibiotics and antifungals based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) parameters is a strategy increasingly used for the optimization of therapy to improve efficacy, reduce the occurrence of toxicities, and prevent the selection of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in vulnerable patients including neonates and the critical or immunocompromised paediatric host. In neonates and children, infections account for a high percentage of hospital admissions, and anti-infectives are the most used drugs. However, paediatric PK/PD studies and the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of some newly marketed antibiotics and antifungals-usually used off-label in paediatrics-to determine the optimal drug dosage regimens are limited. It is widely known that this population presents important differences in the PK parameters (especially in drug clearance and volume of distribution) in comparison with adults that may alter antimicrobial exposure and, therefore, compromise treatment success. In addition, paediatric patients are more susceptible to potential adverse drug effects and they need closer monitoring. The aim of this document, developed jointly by the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy and the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, is to describe the available evidence on the indications for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of antibiotics and antifungals in newborn and paediatric patients, and to provide practical recommendations for TDM in routine clinical practice to optimise their dosing, efficacy and safety. Of antibiotics and antifungals in the paediatric population., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest regarding the content of this consensus document., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Therapeutic monitoring of antibiotics and antifungals based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, is a strategy increasingly used for the optimization of therapy to improve efficacy, reduce the occurrence of toxicities, and prevent the selection of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in vulnerable patients including neonates and the critical or immunocompromised host. In neonates and children, infections account for a high percentage of hospital admissions and anti-infectives are the most used drugs. However, pediatric pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies and the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of some newly marketed antibiotics and antifungals -usually used off-label in pediatrics- to determine the optimal drug dosage regimens are limited. It is widely known that this population presents important differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters (especially in drug clearance and volume of distribution) in comparison with adults that may alter antimicrobial exposure and, therefore, compromise treatment success. In addition, pediatric patients are more susceptible to potential adverse drug effects and they need closer monitoring. The aim of this document, developed jointly between the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH) and the Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SEIP), is to describe the available evidence on the indications for therapeutic drug monitoring of antibiotics and antifungals in newborn and pediatric patients and to provide practical recommendations for therapeutic drug monitoring in routine clinical practice to optimize pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, efficacy and safety of antibiotics and antifungals in the pediatric population., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Therapeutic monitoring of antibiotics and antifungals based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) parameters is a strategy increasingly used for the optimization of therapy to improve efficacy, reduce the occurrence of toxicities, and prevent the selection of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in vulnerable patients including neonates and the critical or immunocompromised paediatric host. In neonates and children, infections account for a high percentage of hospital admissions, and anti-infectives are the most used drugs. However, paediatric PK/PD studies and the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of some newly marketed antibiotics and antifungals-usually used off-label in paediatrics-to determine the optimal drug dosage regimens are limited. It is widely known that this population presents important differences in the PK parameters (especially in drug clearance and volume of distribution) in comparison with adults that may alter antimicrobial exposure and, therefore, compromise treatment success. In addition, paediatric patients are more susceptible to potential adverse drug effects and they need closer monitoring. The aim of this document, developed jointly by the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy and the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, is to describe the available evidence on the indications for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of antibiotics and antifungals in newborn and paediatric patients, and to provide practical recommendations for TDM in routine clinical practice to optimise their dosing, efficacy and safety. Of antibiotics and antifungals in the paediatric population., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest regarding the content of this consensus document., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: Studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of switching to the biosimilar infliximab (CT-P13) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, there is limited research directly comparing the effectiveness, drug survival, and pharmacokinetic profiles of the reference infliximab (IFX) and CT-P13 in real clinical settings., Objective: To compare the effectiveness and drug survival of CPT-13 and reference IFX at weeks 26 and 52, and to determine the pharmacokinetic profiles and safety profile in real-world settings., Methods: A retrospective observational cohort analysis was conducted at a single center. The study compared the proportion of patients achieving clinical remission and experiencing poor clinical outcomes at weeks 26 and 52. The drug survival rate of CT-P13 and reference infliximab was also assessed during the follow-up period., Results: A total of 153 patients were included in the study, 39.2% receiving CPT-13 and 60.8% reference IFX. At week 26, clinical remission rates were 66.7% (CPT-13: 74.4% vs. reference IFX: 62.3%, p=0.178), and at week 52, they were 64% (CPT-13: 85.4% vs. reference IFX: 63.0%, p=0.012). Subgroup analysis with therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) found no significant differences at week 26 (CPT-13: 74.4% vs. reference IFX: 58.8%, p=0.235) or at week 52 (CPT-13: 85.4% vs. reference IFX: 68.8%, p=0.153)., Conclusion: Our study demonstrates comparable efficacy, drug survival, pharmacokinetic profiles, and incidence of immunogenicity between both drugs in a real clinical setting. Further studies with greater statistical power are needed to validate these findings., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical and biochemical response of inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with vedolizumab, 16 weeks after transitioning from intravenous (iv) to subcutaneous (sc)., Methods: An observational, prospective, single-center cohort study was performed. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and maintenance treatment with vedolizumab, stable for at least 4 months, were offered to switch to sc formulation. At the same time of treatment administration a blood test was performed, with vedolizumab levels and fecal calprotectin., Results: Forty-three patients were included, 12 of them (27.9%) chose to transition to sc formulation. All included patients remained in remission during follow-up. At week 16 no significant differences were found in terms of calprotectin levels in patients on iv treatment (mean 146.6±SD 45.9) vs. sc (159.26±53.9) (p=0.9). Vedolizumab serum levels at week 16 were higher in the sc group (22,364.3±5141.6) vs. iv (11,425.9±1514.2) (p=0.009). At week 16, 9 (75%) of the patients in the sc group were highly satisfied with the medication and 11 (91.7%) considered it easy to administer. Four patients (12.9%) in the iv group and 2 (16.6%) in the sc group presented mild adverse effects. The 2 cases (100%) of the sc group the adverse event was local inflammation at the injection site., Conclusion: In our experience, vedolizumab sc is a convenient alternative to iv administration. Vedolizumab serum levels in patients who transitioned to sc were higher than iv formulation., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The treatment of inflammatory bowel disease has undergone a significant transformation following the introduction of biologic drugs. Thanks to these drugs, treatment goals have evolved from clinical response and remission to more ambitious objectives, such as endoscopic or radiologic remission. However, even though biologics are highly effective, a significant percentage of patients will not achieve an initial response or may lose it over time. We know that there is a direct relationship between the trough concentrations of the biologic and its therapeutic efficacy, with more demanding therapeutic goals requiring higher drug levels, and inadequate exposure being common. Therapeutic drug monitoring of biologic medications, along with pharmacokinetic models, provides us with the possibility of offering a personalized approach to treatment for patients with IBD. Over the past few years, relevant information has accumulated regarding its utility during or after induction, as well as in the maintenance of biologic treatment, in reactive or proactive strategies, and prior to withdrawal or treatment de-escalation. The aim of this document is to establish recommendations regarding the utility of therapeutic drug monitoring of biologics in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, in different clinical practice scenarios, and to identify areas where its utility is evident, promising, or controversial., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Emicizumab is the first non-replacement therapy for prophylaxis in severe hemophilia A., Aims: The principal aim of this study is to describe the results of our patients in prophylaxis with emicizumab, according to the usual clinical practice., Material and Methods: Follow-up of 13 patients from the start of prophylaxis, recording of bleeding, surgeries, adverse reactions and the need or not for factor therapy. Plasma levels were measured at follow-up visits, the technique was coagulative in one stage, modified by 1:20 dilution., Results: Median plasma levels were 52.2mg [30.7-71.9]. Prophylaxis was safe and effective; only one spontaneous haemorrhage was recorded over time and no treatment was required. There were no thromboembolic events or serious hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis or anaphylactoid reactions. The incidence of injection site reactions was 8%. Perioperative management in minor interventions was carried out without adjuvant factorial therapy, in 2 major surgeries a dose of plasmatic FVIII concentrate was required in the patient with hemophilia A without inhibitor and FVII in the patient with inhibitor, and it was sufficient to stop the bleeding., Conclusion: This study demonstrated emicizumab pharmacokinetics and its half life ensure optimal levels with prophylaxis treatment at doses established in the technical data sheet., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze and describe the concentrations of eculizumab and the complement blockade in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and C3 glomerulopathy, and to define a therapeutic margin where there is a high probability of achieving therapeutic efficacy., Methods: Observational, ambispective and multicenter study that included adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with aHUS and C3 glomerulopathy from September 2020 to October 2022 in five hospitals in Spain. Eculizumab was administered at the doses recommended by the data sheet according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Pre-dose and post-dose concentrations of eculizumab were determined, as well as blockade of the classical complement pathway (CH50). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. To establish the cut-off point for eculizumab concentrations that predicted complement blockade, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Lastly, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to contrast the differences in different parameters according to eculizumab concentrations., Results: Twenty-five patients were included, 19 adults (76.0%) and 6 pediatrics (24.0%), with median ages of 43.4 (IQR 35.7-48.8) and 10.1 (IQR 9.6-11.3) years, respectively. Of these, 22 (88.0%) patients were diagnosed with aHUS and 3 (12.0%) with C3 glomerulopathy. A total of 111 eculizumab concentrations were determined. Mean pre-dose and post-dose concentration values detected during the maintenance phase were 243.8 (SD 240.6) μg/mL and 747.4 (SD 444.3) μg/mL, respectively. Increased complement blockade was observed at higher pre-dose concentrations (p=0.002) and decreased serum creatinine at both higher pre- and post-dose concentrations (p=0.001 and p=0.017, respectively). Using ROC curves, it was determined that a pre-dose concentration >149.0 μg/mL was optimal to achieve complement blockade, with an AUC of 0.87 (0.78-0.95). Finally, high inter-individual (48.9% CV) with low intra-individual variabilities (11.9% CV) in eculizumab clearance were observed., Conclusions: The present study reports supratherapeutic concentrations of eculizumab in patients with aHUS, and defines higher concentrations than those described in the data sheet to achieve blockade, thus encouraging the personalization of treatment with eculizumab., (Copyright © 2023 Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria (S.E.F.H). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze and describe the concentrations of eculizumab and the complement blockade in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and C3 glomerulopathy, and to define a therapeutic margin where there is a high probability of achieving therapeutic efficacy., Methods: Observational, ambispective, and multicenter study that included adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with aHUS and C3 glomerulopathy from September 2020 to October 2022 in 5 hospitals in Spain. Eculizumab was administered at the doses recommended by the data sheet according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Pre- and post-dose concentrations of eculizumab were determined, as well as blockade of the classical complement pathway (CH50). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. To establish the cut-off point for eculizumab concentrations that predicted complement blockade, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Lastly, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to contrast the differences in different parameters according to eculizumab concentrations., Results: Twenty-five patients were included, 19 adults (76.0%) and 6 pediatrics (24.0%), with median ages of 43.4 (interquartile range (IQR) 35.7-48.8) and 10.1 (IQR 9.6-11.3) years, respectively. Of these, 22 (88.0%) patients were diagnosed with aHUS and 3 (12.0%) with C3 glomerulopathy. A total of 111 eculizumab concentrations were determined. Mean pre- and post-dose concentration values detected during the maintenance phase were 243.8 (SD 240.6) μg/mL and 747.4 (standard deviation (SD) 444.3) μg/mL, respectively. Increased complement blockade was observed at higher pre-dose concentrations (P = .002) and decreased serum creatinine at both higher pre- and post-dose concentrations (P = .001 and P = .017, respectively). Using ROC curves, it was determined that a pre-dose concentration >149.0 μg/mL was optimal to achieve complement blockade, with an AUC of 0.87 (0.78-0.95). Finally, high inter-individual (48.9% variation coefficient (CV)) with low intra-individual variabilities (11.9% CV) in eculizumab clearance were observed., Conclusions: The present study reports supratherapeutic concentrations of eculizumab in patients with aHUS, and defines higher concentrations than those described in the data sheet to achieve blockade, thus encouraging the personalization of treatment with eculizumab., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None declared., (Copyright © 2023 Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria (S.E.F.H). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Monitoring plasma levels of Infliximab plays an important role in optimising treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the following study has been to determine the predictive potential of monitoring infliximab plasma levels for sustained clinical response and evaluate its usefulness to improve treatment efficacy and symptom control, in patients with IBD., Methods: This single-centre retrospective study (2017-2019) included patients diagnosed with IBD treated with infliximab. Serum levels and the occurrence of drug-associated immunogenicity were analysed at Week 8 post-induction and 6, 12 and 24 months. Clinical parameters and inflammatory markers were recorded such as subjective global assessment (SGA), C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin (FC). Factors associated with early discontinuation and dose intensification of infliximab were determined., Results: Multivariate analysis determined that IFX concentrations>7μg/mL at week 8, and at 6 months, are associated with inflammatory remission (p=0.046, 0.045). IFX>7μg/mL at 12 months predicted remission at 18 months of treatment (p=0.006). IFX values>3μg/mL at 12 months are associated with stable SGA at 18 months (p=0.001). Such values at 18 months are associated with stable SGA at 24 months (p=0.044)., Conclusions and Relevance: The predictive potential of monitoring IFX plasma levels as a strategy to evaluate sustained long-term clinical response was confirmed. Our results highlight the importance of its introduction into routine clinical practice to enable early identification of non-responders, treatment optimisation, relapse prevention and improve long-term therapy maintenance., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Chagas disease is a neglected parasitosis caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This infection is present in most Latin American countries, although, due to migratory movements, it is a growing cause for concern in non-endemic countries. The only two drugs currently available for its treatment-benznidazole and nifurtimox-were marketed 50 years ago. While they are very effective for acute and recent infection, and for the prevention of maternofoetal transmission, their efficacy declines in people who have chronic infection, especially those older than 18 years of age. In the presence of visceral involvement, parasiticidal treatment is of little or no value. The safety profile of both drugs is far from ideal, with frequent adverse events and high rates of drug discontinuation, mainly in adults. So far, new drugs and new strategies have not been shown to improve the results of the current nitroimidazoles, although the results are promising. In this review, we focus on the aspects that allow clinicians to make the best use of currently available drugs. In addition, we discuss new therapeutic options and ongoing research in the field., (Copyright © 2020 Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Liposomal amphotericin B is a lipid formulation of the antifungal drug amphotericin B with some distinguishing characteristics in its pharmacological behavior that entail some clinical differences of great interest. The significant improvement in the systemic and renal tolerability is one of them. This fact is related to the great stability of the liposome, promoted by its negative charge, the presence of cholesterol and the remarkable thermo-stability of the remaining lipids that compose it. In this situation, amphotericin B seems to be released from the liposome not spontaneously but when the liposome binds to the ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane. For this reason, there is almost no free amphotericin B in plasma or tissues, although it seems that its availability is greater when there is fungal infection. As a consequence, when the pharmacokinetic behavior is studied, the concentration and availability of liposomal amphotericin B are very high, and its volume of distribution is reduced in comparison with the other formulations., (Copyright © 2021 Asociación Española de Micología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Chagas disease is a neglected parasitosis caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This infection is present in most Latin American countries, although, due to migratory movements, it is a growing cause for concern in non-endemic countries. The only two drugs currently available for its treatment-benznidazole and nifurtimox-were marketed 50 years ago. While they are very effective for acute and recent infection, and for the prevention of maternofoetal transmission, their efficacy declines in people who have chronic infection, especially those older than 18 years of age. In the presence of visceral involvement, parasiticidal treatment is of little or no value. The safety profile of both drugs is far from ideal, with frequent adverse events and high rates of drug discontinuation, mainly in adults. So far, new drugs and new strategies have not been shown to improve the results of the current nitroimidazoles, although the results are promising. In this review, we focus on the aspects that allow clinicians to make the best use of currently available drugs. In addition, we discuss new therapeutic options and ongoing research in the field., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.)

Objective: to evaluate the usefulness of serum concentrations (Sc) of adalimumab (ADA) as a predictor of medication adherence using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and Morisky Green test (MGT) in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases., Material and Method: Design a prospective descriptive cohort study., Inclusion Criteria: adult patients diagnosed with inflammatory arthropathy (IA) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with ADA., Exclusion Criteria: positive anti-adalimumab antibody., Variables: sex, age, diagnosis, dosage regimen, Sc (mg/mL), MPR (MPR ≥ 80% adherent) and MGT (non-adherent or adherent). Statistical analysis was performed using STATA v13.0., Results: Forty-five patients (23 women) with an age of 52.22 (14.39) years, 17 IBD (37.78%), 26 IA (57.78%) and 2 with both conditions (4.44%) treated with 40mg ADA every 14 days (42/45; 93.33%) or every 7 days (3/45; 6.67%). We detected subtherapeutic Sc in 22.22% of patients (10/45); 10% (1/10) were classified as non-adherent and 90% (9/10) as adherent according to MGT and MPR. The quantification of Sc shows weak agreement with MPR, as was the case with the indirect methods of each (MPR and MGT). The association was slightly greater when the indirect methods were compared to each other (0.244 vs. 0.378)., Conclusion: the determination of Sc of ADA alone has limited utility in the detection of non-adherent patients., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Reumatología y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. All rights reserved.)

Symtuza ® is the first and only treatment for HIV-1 that combines 2 nucleos(t)ide analogues (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) together with a boosted protease inhibitor (darunavir/cobicistat) in a once-daily single tablet regimen (STR). This combination is active against a wide variety of HIV strains and, in turn, avoids bone and renal toxicity associated with the use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, combining efficacy, convenience, tolerability and high genetic barrier. Pharmacokinetic studies of its components show a favourable profile, allowing its use in a wide variety of patients and clinical situations. Although, as in any boosted combination, possible interactions with concomitant medication should be borne in mind, cobici-stat inhibits cytochrome P-450 more selectively and has no inducing effect, so it has a more predictable interaction profile than ritonavir. Supplement information: This article is part of a supplement entitled "Co-formulated cobicistat-boosted darunavir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide for the treatment of HIV infection", which is sponsored by Janssen., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Isavuconazole is a new azole, structurally related to fluconazole and voriconazole, that presents a very high oral absorption with no first-pass effect which is not interfered by the presence of food, gastric pH modifications, or mucositis. Its distribution volume is very high, probably also to cerebrospinal fluid, in spite of the fact that it circulates highly bound to plasma proteins. It is extensively metabolized through the CYP3A4 isoenzyme. Due to this reason, it is recommended to avoid co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inducers. In addition, isavuconazole may inhibit CYP3A4. Moreover, it may induce CYP2B6 and P-glycoprotein. Interestingly, this inhibitory activity seems to be lower compared to other azoles. Therefore, the management of any interaction with other medicines is easier, which is probably the most important advantage of this antifungal., (Copyright © 2018 Asociación Española de Micología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The risk of systemic bupivacaine toxicity is a persistent problem, which makes its pharmacokinetic study fundamental for regional anesthesia safety. There is little evidence of its influence on plasma peak at different concentrations. The present study compares two bupivacaine concentrations to establish how the concentration affects this drug plasma peak in axillary brachial plexus block. Postoperative latency and analgesia were also compared., Methods: 30 patients were randomized. In the 0.25% Group, 0.25% bupivacaine (10mL) was injected per nerve. In the 0.5% Group, 0.5% bupivacaine (5mL) was injected per nerve. Peripheral blood samples were collected during the first 2hours after the blockade. For sample analyses, high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was used., Results: Plasma peak occurred 45minutes after the blockade, with no difference between groups at the assessed time-points. Plasma peak was 933.97 ± 328.03 ng.mL -1 (mean ± SD) in 0.25% Group and 1022.79 ± 253.81 ng.mL -1 in 0.5% Group (p = 0.414). Latency was lower in 0.5% Group than in 0.25% Group (10.67 ± 3.71 × 17.33min ± 5.30, respectively, p = 0.004). No patient had pain within the first 4hours after the blockade., Conclusion: For axillary brachial plexus block, there was no difference in bupivacaine plasma peak despite the use of different concentrations with the same local anesthetic mass. The concentration inversely influenced latency., (Copyright © 2017. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda.)

Continuous adjustment of Propofol in manual delivery of anesthesia for conducting a surgical procedure overburdens the workload of an anesthetist who is working in a multi-tasking scenario. Going beyond manual administration and Target Controlled Infusion, closed-loop control of Propofol infusion has the potential to offer several benefits in terms of handling perturbations and reducing the effect of inter-patient variability. This paper proposes a closed-loop automated drug administration approach to control Depth Of Hypnosis in anesthesia. In contrast with most of the existing research on anesthesia control which makes use of linear control strategies or their improved variants, the novelty of the present research lies in applying robust control strategy i.e. Sliding Mode Control to accurately control drug infusion. Based on the derived patient's model, the designed controller uses measurements from EEG to regulate DOH on Bispectral Index by controlling infusion rate of Propofol. The performance of the controller is investigated and characterized with real dataset of 8 patients undergoing surgery. Results of this in silico study indicate that for all the patients, with 0% overshoot observed, the steady state error lies in between ±5. Clinically, this implies that in all the cases, without any overdose, the controller maintains the desired DOH level for smooth conduction of surgical procedures., (Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Continuous adjustment of Propofol in manual delivery of anesthesia for conducting a surgical procedure overburdens the workload of an anesthetist who is working in a multi-tasking scenario. Going beyond manual administration and Target Controlled Infusion, closed-loop control of Propofol infusion has the potential to offer several benefits in terms of handling perturbations and reducing the effect of inter-patient variability. This paper proposes a closed-loop automated drug administration approach to control Depth Of Hypnosis in anesthesia. In contrast with most of the existing research on anesthesia control which makes use of linear control strategies or their improved variants, the novelty of the present research lies in applying robust control strategy i.e. Sliding Mode Control to accurately control drug infusion. Based on the derived patient's model, the designed controller uses measurements from EEG to regulate DOH on Bispectral Index by controlling infusion rate of Propofol. The performance of the controller is investigated and characterized with real dataset of 8 patients undergoing surgery. Results of this in silico study indicate that for all the patients, with 0% overshoot observed, the steady state error lies in between ±5. Clinically, this implies that in all the cases, without any overdose, the controller maintains the desired DOH level for smooth conduction of surgical procedures., (Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Dalbavancin is a new lipoglycopeptide antibiotic whose structure influences its pharmacokinetic profile. It is not absorbed after oral administration and is therefore administered intravenously. It is distributed through intracellular fluid, reaching adequate concentrations in the skin, bone, blister fluid and synovial fluid. Plasma protein binding is very high. Concentrations in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are inadequate. Excretion is through non-microsomal metabolism with inactive metabolites and through the kidneys by glomerular filtration. Dalbavancin is eliminated slowly, as shown by its clearance value and its terminal elimination half-life, which exceeds 300 hours. This means that adequate concentrations of the drug remain in plasma and tissues for a prolonged period and explains the dosing regimen: a first dose of 1g followed 7 days later by a 500mg dose. The pharmacokinetics are linear and show little intra- and interindividual variability. There are no pharmacokinetic interactions. Dose adjustment is not required for patients with mild or moderate renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance ≥ 30 to 79ml/min). Dosage adjustment is not required in patients regularly receiving elective haemodialysis (3 times/week) and the drug can be administered without consideration of haemodialysis times. In patients with chronic renal insufficiency, whose creatinine clearance is < 30ml/min and who are not regularly receiving elective haemodialysis, the recommended dose should be reduced to 750mg per week, followed 1 week later by 375mg. Dosage adjustment does not seem necessary in patients with liver failure or in older patients. There is no information on the most appropriate dosage in children. The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics parameter that best describes the effectiveness of dalbavancin is the ratio between the area under the curve and the minimum inhibitory concentration., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare the Cortínez and Schnider models in effect-site TCI mode (3 mcg/ml) in healthy volunteers., Methods: Ten healthy volunteers were prospectively studied on 2 occasions. Propofol was administered with the Cortínez or the Schnider models, as randomly assigned. Times and predicted concentrations at the time of loss and recovery of consciousness (LOC and ROC), mass of drug administered, BIS, and haemodynamic variables were compared. Statistical analysis was with paired Wilcoxon test. A P<.05 was considered significant., Results: The propofol bolo was higher (1.4 [1.3-1.6] versus 0.9 [0.7-1.3] mg/kg, P=.005) and the LOC occurred earlier (1.33 [0.67-6.83] versus 3.87 [1.66-11.08] minutes, P=.02) with the Cortínez model compared to the Schnider model. With the Cortínez model, LOC occurred at an effect site concentrations of 2.6 (1.65-3.0) mcg/ml. With the Schnider model, LOC occurred at 3.87 min (1.66-11.8) after reaching the target of 3 mcg/ml. (P=.001). BIS values, infusion rates, and haemodynamic variables were similar between models after 20minutes of infusion (P>.5). Recovery (ROC) was longer with the Cortínez model (11.6 [8.1-16.2] vs. 8.5 [4.7-15.5] min, P=.003)., Conclusions: The Cortínez model is a good alternative to the Schnider model for use in effect-site TCI mode in normal weight subjects. With the target used in this study (3 mcg/ml), the slower Ke0 incorporated into the Cortínez model better discriminated the LOC time., (Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac is highly toxic to Gyps vultures, and its recent widespread use in South Asia caused catastrophic declines in at least 3 scavenging raptors. The manufacture of veterinary formulations of diclofenac has since been banned across the region with mixed success. However, at least 12 other NSAIDs are available for veterinary use in South Asia. Aceclofenac is one of these compounds, and it is known to metabolize into diclofenac in some mammal species. The metabolic pathway of aceclofenac in cattle, the primary food of vultures in South Asia, is unknown. We gave 6 cattle the recommended dose of aceclofenac (2 mg/kg), collected blood thereafter at intervals for up to 12 h, and used liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry in a pharmacokinetic analysis of aceclofenac and diclofenac in the plasma. Nearly all the aceclofenac administered to the cattle was very rapidly metabolized into diclofenac. At 2 h, half the aceclofenac had been converted into diclofenac, and at 12 h four-fifths of the aceclofenac had been converted into diclofenac. Therefore, administering aceclofenac to livestock poses the same risk to vultures as administering diclofenac to livestock. This, coupled with the risk that aceclofenac may replace diclofenac in the veterinary market, points to the need for an immediate ban on all aceclofenac formulations that can be used to treat livestock. Without such a ban, the recovery of vultures across South Asia will not be successful., (© 2016 Society for Conservation Biology.)

The efficacy of dicoumarin anticoagulants has been shown in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. However, they have drawbacks such as the need to adjust the dosage and the interaction with drugs and food. Direct oral anticoagulants are an effective and safe alternative and have a less complicated clinical management. There is considerable debate on the selection criteria for the posology regimens of direct oral anticoagulants. The differences among them and their administration regimens have raised questions about the clinical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic selection criteria that support the posology. This review critically analyses the available evidence and its impact on the final selection of the dosage regimen., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI). All rights reserved.)

Objective: Determine the best propofol pharmacokinetic model that meets patient requirements and is devoid of major haemodynamic side effects., Material and Methods: Prospective, randomised, open-label, clinical trial was performed on an intention to treat basis. It included 280 patients with ASA physical status i-iii, aged 18 to 80 years and weight range between 45 to 100kg, scheduled for surgery under general anaesthesia. They were randomized into 2 groups according to the pharmacokinetic model: Modified Marsh group and Schnider group. The haemodynamic changes that occurred during the induction and intubation were analysed. A propofol target controlled infusion was started to achieve and maintain a bispectral index value between 35 and 55. At minute 6, orotracheal intubation was performed and the study finished at minute 11. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure and their product (HR×MAP) were measured and recorded every minute throughout the study. Every HR×MAP value was compared to its baseline value to determine the minimum value before intubation, the maximum value after intubation, the maximum variation after intubation, and its final value. The GRADIENTE (MIN, MAX) variable (primary endpoint of this study) analyses the difference between maximal and minimal values related to intubation. Propofol doses and calculated concentrations and any hypotensive events were also recorded., Results: No differences were found between groups regarding haemodynamic performance. GRADIENTE (MIN, MAX) values and the percentage of hypotensive events were: Modified Marsh group median 77.41% vs. Schnider group 84.86% (p= 0.821) and 17.3% vs. 12.8% (p = 0.292), respectively., Conclusion: The study failed to demonstrate any haemodynamic difference between the 2 groups, even though the Modified Marsh group received a larger dose of propofol., (Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Aflibercept is a fusion protein whose chemical structure combines the constant fraction of any IgG with a variable fraction constructed with fundamental parts of VEGF receptors. Consequently, it is able to bind to various VEGF as well as to placental growth factor (PIGF), which has been related to a possible synergistic effect in efficacy. The affinity of this drug is higher than that of ranibizumab and bevacizumab. Moreover, it has an intraocular antiinflammatory effect. Intravitreal administration leads to the presence of traces of the drug in plasma but the concentrations are so reduced that the presence of systemic adverse effects, including arterial hypertension, is practically nil. Because of its prolonged intraocular elimination half-life and high affinity, the drug can be administered in convenient regimens, since, after an initial monthly injection for the first three doses, the interval between injections is increased to one every two months and, after the first 12 months, the dosing will depend on the visual and anatomical results., (Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Dolutegravir is a second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), whose potential and binding half-life in the integrase are far superior to those of raltegravir and elvitegravir, conferring it with unique characteristics in terms of its genetic barrier to resistance and activity against viruses with one or more mutations in the integrase. The pharmacokinetic properties of dolutegravir allow once-daily dosing (50 mg), with or without food, maintaining concentrations far above those effective against wild-type viruses. If integrase resistance mutations are present, the recommended dosing regimen is 50 mg/12 h. The distribution of dolutegravir in cerebrospinal fluid is good and effective concentrations are also reached in the male and female genital tracts. Dolutegravir is metabolized by UGT1A1 and, to a lesser extent, by CYP3A4, without being an inducer or inhibitor of the usual metabolic systems. It has a very low potential for drug interactions and can be administered in routine doses with most drugs. Dose adjustment is not required, even in patients with renal insufficiency or mild or moderate liver failure. Increasing the dose of dolutegravir (50 mg/12 h) is only recommended when administered with efavirenz, nevirapine, fosamprenavir/r, tipranavir/r, rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital. Coadministration of dolutegravir with etravirine is not recommended without a protease inhibitor or with Hypericum perforatum. Dolutegravir should be administered 2 h before or 6 h after antacids or products with polyvalent cations. Dolutegravir can reduce renal tubule secretion of substances excreted via OCT2, with a slight initial increase in creatinine, with no risk of renal toxicity. The drug can also increase metformin concentrations and consequently monitoring is recommended in case dose adjustment is required. In summary, dolutegravir has excellent pharmacokinetic and drug interaction profiles., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the reproducibility of a protocol for dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for the pharmacokinetic study of breast tumors., Material and Methods: We carried out this prospective study from October 2009 through December 2009. We studied 12 patients with stage ii-iii invasive breast cancer without prior treatment. Our center's research ethics committee approved the study. The 12 patients underwent on two consecutive days DCE-MRI with a high temporal resolution protocol (21 acquisitions/minute). The data obtained in an ROI traced around the largest diameter of the tumor (ROI 1) and in another ROI traced around the area of the lesion's highest K(trans) intensity (ROI 2) were analyzed separately. We used parametric and nonparametric statistical tests to study the reproducibility and concordance of the principal pharmacokinetic variables (K(trans), Kep, Ve and AUC90)., Results: The correlations were very high (r>.80; P<.01) for all the variables for ROI 1 and high (r=.70-.80; P<.01) for all the variables for ROI 2, with the exception of Ve both in ROI 1 (r=.44; P=.07) and in ROI 2 (r=.13; P=.235). There were no statistically significant differences between the two studies in the values obtained for K(trans), Kep and AUC90 (P>.05 for each), but there was a statistically significant difference between the two studies in the values obtained for Ve in ROI 2 (P=.008)., Conclusions: The high temporal resolution protocol for DCE-MRI used at out center is very reproducible for the principal pharmacokinetic constants of breast., (Copyright © 2012 SERAM. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Although the first study on the efficacy of methotrexate in the treatment of psoriasis was reported in 1958, scientific evidence for this indication has been scant until quite recently. We now have new data on the pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action of methotrexate and new subcutaneous formulations that have improved the bioavailability, efficacy, and ease of administration of the drug. The results of recent clinical trials comparing methotrexate with several biologic agents have shown it to be the first-line therapy among the classic systemic treatments for psoriasis. Moreover, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for subcutaneous methotrexate has been shown to be superior to that of ciclosporin, adalimumab, and infliximab., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier España, S.L. and AEDV. All rights reserved.)

Ceftaroline is administered intravenously in the form of a prodrug, ceftaroline fosamil, which is rapidly hydrolyzed by plasma phosphatases to its active form, ceftaroline. In general, the pharmacokinetics of ceftaroline differ little from those of other cephalosporins. A proportional increase in both the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and the area under the curve (AUC) have been observed when the drug is administered in increasing doses, which demonstrates its linear pharmacokinetics. Half the dose of ceftaroline is excreted actively through the kidneys. The pharmacokinetic parameters of ceftaroline administered through the intramuscular route in diverse animal species were similar to those observed when the drug was administered intravenously and consequently clinical research into ceftaroline administered through this alternative route would be appropriate. Patients with moderate-severe alterations of renal function and those undergoing hemodialysis require dose adjustments. There is limited experience of the pharmacokinetics of ceftaroline in children, which has given rise to several schedules stratified by age groups. The pharmacodynamics of the drug have been studied in models of animal infection and in in vitro infections caused mainly by Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA], strains with intermediate vancomycin sensitivity [hVISA or hGISA]) and by Streptococcus pneumoniae strains with distinct sensitivities to penicillin. Because ceftaroline is a time-dependent antibiotic, the most widely studied pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indicator is the time interval during which drug concentrations are maintained above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), calculated both as total drug (T > MIC) and as free fraction of the drug (fT > MIC). The PK/PD simulations carried out in these models, developed on the basis of the concentrations obtained with routine doses in humans, have shown that ceftaroline has a good PK/PD profile against these microorganisms, including strains with reduced sensitivity to vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We investigated how ventilation with low tidal volumes affects the pharmacokinetics of sevoflurane uptake during the first minutes of inhaled anaesthesia., Methods: Forty-eight patients scheduled for lung resection were randomly assigned to three groups. Patients in group 1, 2 and 3 received 3% sevoflurane for 3 min via face mask and controlled ventilation with a tidal volume of 2.2, 8 and 12 ml kg(-1), respectively (Phase 1). After tracheal intubation (Phase 2), 3% sevoflurane was supplied for 2 min using a tidal volume of 8 ml kg(-1) (Phase 3)., Results: End-tidal sevoflurane concentrations were significantly higher in group 1 at the end of phase 1 and lower at the end of phase 2 than in the other groups as follows: median of 2.5%, 2.2% and 2.3% in phase 1 for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P<0.001); and 1.7%, 2.1% and 2.0% in phase 2, respectively (P<0.001). End-tidal carbon dioxide values in group 1 were significantly lower at the end of phase 1 and higher at the end of phase 2 than in the other groups as follows: median of 16.5, 31 and 29.5 mm Hg in phase 1 for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P<0.001); and 46.2, 36 and 33.5 mm Hg in phase 2, respectively (P<0.001)., Conclusion: When sevoflurane is administered with tidal volume approximating the airway dead space volume, end-tidal sevoflurane and end-tidal carbon dioxide may not correctly reflect the concentration of these gases in the alveoli, leading to misinterpretation of expired gas data., (Copyright © 2013 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.)

Rilpivirine is a potent nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) with high efficacy in the treatment of HIV infection in treatment-naïve patients. This drug is active against both wild-type HIV-1 and a wide variety of first-generation NNRTI. Rilpivirine has a highly favorable pharmacokinetics profile, but, because its absorption depends on gastric pH, it should be administered with food to ensure correct absorption. Rilpivirine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A and consequently potential interactions should be considered when it is administered with P450 (CYP) 3A inducers or inhibitors. Although higher doses can behave as enzyme inducers, at a dose of 25mg/day, rilpivirine is unlikely to alter the concentrations of other drugs metabolized through this pathway. Because of its prolonged half-life, rilpivirine can be administered orally once daily., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)