Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury Induced by Intravenous Polymyxin B in Chinese Patients with Severe Infection

PURPOSE: To analyze the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by intravenous polymyxin B in Chinese patients with severe infection and to provide a reference for clinicians and pharmacists. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients treated with intravenous polymyxin B from August 2018 to August 2020 in a Chinese teaching hospital. Renal function was evaluated during therapy with polymyxin B and at the end of the treatment. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine risk factors for the nephrotoxicity of polymyxin B. RESULTS: A total of 321 patients were included, and the incidence of AKI was 26.2% and 25.1% during polymyxin B therapy and at the end of treatment, respectively. Independent risk factors for AKI during therapy with polymyxin B were septic shock, coadministration of vancomycin or loop diuretics, and advanced age (≥60 years), while the incidence of AKI during treatment with polymyxin B was considered to be an independent risk factor for AKI at the end of the treatment. CONCLUSION: Septic shock, coadministration of vancomycin or loop diuretics, and advanced age (age ≥60 years) were found to be risk factors for AKI induced by intravenous polymyxin B. Clinicians and pharmacists should consider these factors when designing and recommending treatment with polymyxin B.