Current drug metabolism
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Current drug metabolism · Feb 2013
ReviewVasopressin and terlipressin in neonates and children with refractory septic shock.
Vasopressin and its analogue terlipressin are potent vasopressors which have been recently proposed in the treatment of catecholamine-resistant septic shock. We review the physiology, metabolism and pharmacology of vasopressin and terlipressin, as well as the available data on their efficacy and safety in neonates and children with septic shock. In adults, vasopressin deficiency can contribute to refractory shock states associated with sepsis. ⋯ In particular, terlipressin has a higher selectivity for V1-receptors and a longer half-life when compared to vasopressin, allowing for intermittent bolus doses. However, the pharmacology of vasopressin/terlipressin in newborns and children has not been sufficiently investigated and data on potential short and long-term adverse effects are still lacking. Further clinical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies are needed to better define the role of vasopressin and terlipressin in septic shock, as well as to prove their effectiveness and safety in infants and children.
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Current drug metabolism · Feb 2013
ReviewPharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical use of valganciclovir in newborns with symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection.
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is the most common cause of nonhereditary sensorineural hearing loss and an important cause of psychomotor retardation. Newborns suffering from symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection have been typically treated with i.v. ganciclovir (GCV). Nowadays valganciclovir (V-GCV), a mono-valyl ester pro-drug of GCV, is available as an oral syrup. ⋯ In neonates, V-GCV oral formulation proved stable and constant GVC plasma concentrations, in the suggested therapeutic range. The syrup demonstrated to be clinically effective and well tolerated and to be appropriate for a prolonged post-discharge therapy avoiding the discomfort of hospitalization, reducing the risk for nosocomial infections and decreasing the cost for the National Health Service. This article reviews all the available literature about V-GCV syrup in the treatment of newborns and infants with congenital CMV infection with the regard to pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic properties and clinical use, focussing on new data and on our experience.
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Current drug metabolism · Jul 2012
ReviewPharmacogenetics of opioids for the treatment of acute maternal pain during pregnancy and lactation.
There have been an increasing number of clinical studies investigating the relationship between interindividual genetic variability and the safety and efficacy of opioid analgesics. Despite the widespread use of opioids in pregnant and lactating women for the treatment of acute pain, few studies have investigated the interplay of genetic factors and pregnancy-related physiological alterations in relation to opioid metabolism and response. Some interesting avenues of research require further pursuit- including evidence of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) induction during pregnancy and its effect on the generation of the active opioid metabolites morphine, oxymorphone, O-desmethyltramadol, and hydromorphone following the administration of codeine, oxycodone, tramadol, and hydrocodone respectively. Studies investigating the duration of maternal CYP2D6 induction after delivery are also needed to shed light on genotype to phenotype correlations in breastfeeding mothers using opioid analgesics in the postpartum period.
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Current drug metabolism · Jul 2012
ReviewPharmacotherapy in neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
ECMO support is an established life saving therapy for potentially reversible respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Improvement of outcome depends on effective treatment of the primary diagnosis and complications. ⋯ Most studies show altered volume of distribution and clearance for the drugs studied. This article gives an overview of the available PK and PD studies in neonates and children on ECMO, suggests possible mechanisms of altered PK and PD and identifies areas of interest for further research.