Pharmacotherapy during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: toward an evidence-based approach

Van der Vorst and coworkers recently illustrated the large variability in furosemide regimens used in their unit. This finding at least suggests that we need more data on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of this drug in neonates during treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, in order to ensure quality of care and safety, and to promote evidence-based prescription. The implementation of population pharmacokinetic models can further increase both the feasibility of such studies and the relevance of the results generated.