Smith, Brandi

Abstract Background Pharmacokinetics of beta-lactams vary widely in neonatal and pediatric patients due to developmental biology and critical illness. Cefepime (FEP), meropenem (MEM), and piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) are highly susceptible to pharmacokinetic changes as hydrophilic, small molecules with renal clearance. Subtherapeutic levels are associated with clinical and microbiologic failure, and supratherapeutic levels associated with toxicity. Beta-lactam therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may optimize the effectiveness and safety of these agents. The purpose of this investigation is to describe the % of pediatric and neonatal patients with beta-lactam serum levels within target range. Methods In August 2023, TDM launched at the Mayo Clinic Children’s Center for select patients treated with FEP, MEM, or TZP with expected durations ≥ 48 hours, or who were on kidney replacement therapy (KRT), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), weighed > 120 kg, had a BMI > 95th percentile, or at the discretion of pediatric ID team. Validated drug assays were performed daily, Monday through Friday. A two-level sampling strategy was preferred with a peak 1 hour after the end of the infusion and a trough 30 minutes before the next dose. Empiric trough target ranges were set at FEP 8-50 mg/L, MEM 2-30 mg/L, and piperacillin 16-150 mg/L. These target ranges were adjusted with confirmed microbiology to a time above the minimum inhibitory concentration of the organism for 100% of the dosing interval (100%T > MIC). Results From August 2023 to April 2024, 74 episodes of TDM were performed on 45 patients. Thirty-seven (82%) patients were in an intensive care unit (ICU) at the time of TDM, 8/45 (22%) of whom were in the neonatal ICU. Target range was achieved in 67% of patients on FEP, 50% on MEM, and 52% on TZP. Median (IQR) trough values were 22.1 (8.6, 44.2) mg/L for FEP, 0.6 (0, 4.1) mg/L for MEM, and 15.5 (3.8, 27.1) mg/L for TZP. Seven levels were above target for FEP and 0 for MEM and TZP. Seven levels were below target for FEP, 4 for MEM, and 11 for TZP. Conclusion Implementation of a TDM program for FEP, MEM and TZP in pediatric and neonatal patients revealed drug levels frequently outside target range. TDM may facilitate dose individualization to optimize medication efficacy and minimize toxicity. Disclosures Raymond Stetson, MD, MS, Moderna: Grant/Research Support Christina G. Rivera (O'Connor), Pharm.D, Gilead Sciences: Board Member Erin F. Barreto, PharmD, MSc, Baxter Health: Advisor/Consultant|Wolters Kluwer: Advisor/Consultant

Introduction: Invasive candidiasis has a high morbidity and mortality among premature neonates. Antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole significantly lowers the risk of invasive fungal infection in this population. We noted the use of fluconazole prophylaxis in our level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was variable and sought to standardize prescribing of prophylactic fluconazole. Methods: We formed a multidisciplinary team to develop an evidence-based protocol using literature and expert consensus to guide appropriate use of fluconazole prophylaxis in our level IV NICU. After determining baseline fluconazole prophylaxis prescribing before protocol implementation, we used plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles to introduce protocolized prescribing and incorporate it into daily practice. A 6-month intervention phase was followed by a 2-year control phase, in which monthly audits were performed to evaluate protocol adherence. Results were displayed in a statistical process control chart. Results: Before protocol implementation, fluconazole prophylaxis prescribing adhered to the protocol in 81% of patients. During the first PDSA cycle, adherence increased significantly to 94.5% (86/91 patients), which further increased to 98.7% (74/75 patients) during the second PDSA cycle and remained at 96% (120/125 patients) during the control phase (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: A multidisciplinary group-designed protocol was successful in standardizing fluconazole prophylaxis prescribing for infants in the level IV NICU. Adherence to protocol was high following implementation and was sustained for the duration of the project. There were no cases of invasive candidiasis noted.

Introduction: Infants in neonatal intensive care units require painful and noxious stimuli as part of their care. Judicious use of analgesic medications, including opioids, is necessary. However, these medications have long- and short-term side effects, including potential neurotoxicity. This quality improvement project’s primary aim was to decrease opioid exposure by 33% in the first 14 days of life for infants less than 1,250 g at birth within 12 months. Methods: A multidisciplinary care team used Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control methodology to identify root causes of the quality gap including: (1) inconsistent reporting of objective pain scales; (2) variable provider prescribing patterns; and (3) variable provider bedside assessment of pain. These root causes were addressed by two interventions: (1) standardized reporting of the premature infant pain profile scores and (2) implementation of an analgesia management pathway. Results: Mean opioid exposure, measured in morphine equivalents, in infants less than 1,250 g at birth during their first 14 days of life decreased from 0.64 mg/kg/d (95% confidence interval 0.41–0.87) at baseline to 0.08 mg/kg/d (95% confidence interval 0.03–0.13) during the postintervention period (P < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in rates of days to full feedings, unintentional extubations, or central line removals between epochs. Conclusions: Following the implementation of consistent pain score reporting and an analgesia management pathway, opioid exposure in the first 14 days of life for infants less than 1,250 g was significantly reduced by 88%, exceeding the project aim.