Changes in fluconazole pharmacokinetics can impact on antifungal effectiveness in critically ill burn patients: a Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) approach.

Objectives: The Fluconazole pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship was investigated in a few clinical settings and only limited studies regarding burned patients are available. Thus, the authors aimed to investigate fluconazole pharmacokinetics changes and its impact on antifungal therapy coverage against dose-dependent Candida spp. applying the PK/PD approach in critically ill severely burned patients.

Methods: Fluconazole was administered as a one-hour intravenous infusion of 200 mg q12h. Doses were increased according to the coverage based on the PK/PD approach. Blood samples were collected at the end of the infusion (1^st hour), two hours after (3^rd hour), and before the next dose (12^th or 24^th hour). Serum concentrations were obtained by HPLC-UV. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by noncompartmental analysis and compared with data described in healthy subjects. The effectiveness predictive index was based on the AUC^ss_0-24h/MIC ratio, with a target above 25.

Results: Every pharmacokinetic parameter was reduced throughout all three sets of the study. Compared to healthy subjects, the volume of distribution was decreased about 3‒7 times, biological half-life was 2‒3 times shorter and total body clearance was slightly altered but statistically significant. Both half-life and total body clearance were correlated to the volume of distribution. Consequently, an increase in fluconazole daily dose was necessary to improve empiric coverage.

Conclusions: Fluconazole pharmacokinetics is altered in critically ill severely burned patients, mainly related to the volume of distribution. Doses higher than usual may be necessary to reach the PK/PD target and guarantee antifungal coverage against dose-dependent Candida spp. up to MIC 32 mg/L.