Pharmacokinetics of Fluconazole in Children (2-18 Years)

Invasive Fungal Infections

Pharmacokinetics, Antifungal drugs, Pediatrics

30 pediatric patients aged 2-18 years receiving fluconazole as part of standard care for the treatment or prophylaxis of an invasive fungal infection will be included in the study. Between day 2 and 10, 6 samples will be collected on two days. In the case a patient switches from oral to intravenous therapy, an additional PK-day consisting of 3 samples will be scheduled. Fluconazole plasma concentrations will be determined. A pharmacokinetic model will be fitted to the data from all individuals simultaneously. Data will be analysed using non-linear mixed effects modelling (NONMEM). Monte Carlo simulations will guide the establishment of an improved fluconazole dosing regimen for pediatric and adolescent patients.

Fluconazole has been available since 1990, however a limited number of studies addressed the pharmacokinetics (PK) of fluconazole in children and adolescent patients. Solid PK data are lacking, despite there being expected variation due to physiological differences with adults likely resulting in significant clinical impact. Especially in the paediatric population where fluconazole is extensively used, including in patients who have moderate to severe renal function disturbances, this information is needed. Therefore, it seems prudent to conduct a study in a cohort of paediatric patients who receive fluconazole as prophylaxis or treatment. The primary objective of the study is to establish an improved fluconazole dosing regimen for paediatric and adolescent patients aged 2-18 years. A total of pediatric 30 patients will be included in this observational PK-study. Patients will receive standard fluconazole therapy according to (local) protocol. Blood samples will be collected from already placed arterial or central venous catheter. Between day 2 and 10, six blood samples will be collected for the purpose of PK analysis. Samples will be collected on two different days. On the first PK-day, 3 samples will be collected on t = 0, 1, and 5 hours after fluconazole administration and on the second PK-day, 3 samples will be collected on t = 0.5, 3, and 7 hours after fluconazole administration. If the patient is expected to switch from iv to oral therapy or vice versa within an additional 30 days, the patient will remain in the study to collect data on absolute oral bioavailability. An additional PK-curve of maximum 3 samples may be drawn. Plasma concentrations of fluconazole will be measured in all available samples by means of a validated Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method. A pharmacokinetic model will be fitted to the data from all individuals simultaneously. Data will be analysed using non-linear mixed effects modelling (NONMEM).After selection of the final model, a simulation study is performed using this model to assess exposure following various dosing regimens.

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