Impact of initial vancomycin pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters on the clinical and microbiological outcomes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in children

Optimal vancomycin exposure is important to minimize treatment failure of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia. We aimed to analyze the impact of initial vancomycin pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) parameters, including the initial vancomycin C (trough) and the area under the curve (AUC)/minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) on the outcomes of pediatric MRSA bacteremia. The study population consisted of hospitalized children aged between 2 months and 18 years with MRSA bacteremia, in whom C (trough) was measured at least one time within the time period of January 2010 to March 2018. Demographic profiles, underlying diseases, and clinical/microbiological outcomes were abstracted retrospectively. During the study period, 73 cases of MRSA bacteremia occurred in children with a median age of 12.4 months. Severe clinical outcomes leading to intensive care unit stay and/or use of mechanical ventilation occurred in 47.5% (35/73); all-cause 30-day mortality was 9.7% (7/72). The median dosage of vancomycin was 40.0 mg/kg/day. There was a weak linear relationship between C (trough) and the corresponding AUC/MIC (r = 0.235). ROC curves for achieving an AUC/MIC of 300 suggested that the initial C (trough) at 10 μg/mL could be used as a cut-off value with a sensitivity of 90.5% and a specificity of 44%. Although persistent bacteremia at 48–72 hours after vancomycin administration was observed more frequently when the initial C (trough) was < 10 μg/mL and initial AUC/MIC was < 300, initial AUC/MIC < 300 was the only risk factor associated with persistent bacteremia at 48–72 hours (adjusted OR 3.05; 95% CI, 1.07–8.68). Initial C (trough) and AUC/MIC were not associated with 30-day mortality. Although there was a weak relationship between C (trough) and AUC/MIC, initial AUC/MIC < 300 could be used as a predictor of persistent MRSA bacteremia at 48–72 hours. Further prospective data on optimal vancomycin dosing are necessary to improve clinical and microbiological outcomes in pediatric MRSA bacteremia.