Rapidly maturing fentanyl clearance in preterm neonates

Swantje Voller*, Robert B. Flint, Peter Andriessen, Karel Allegaert, Luc J. I. Zimmermann, Kian D. Liem, Birgit C. P. Koch, Sinno H. P. Simons, Catherijne A. J. Knibbe, DINO Study Grp

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background Fentanyl is frequently used off-label in preterm newborns. Due to very limited pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data, fentanyl dosing is mostly based on bodyweight. This study describes the maturation of the pharmacokinetics in preterm neonates born before 32 weeks of gestation. Methods 442 plasma samples from 98 preterm neonates (median gestational age: 26.9 (range 23.9-31.9) weeks, postnatal age: 3 (range 0-68) days, bodyweight 1.00 (range 0.39-2.37) kg) were collected in an opportunistic trial and fentanyl plasma levels were determined. NONMEM V.7.3 was used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model and to perform simulations. Results Fentanyl pharmacokinetics was best described by a two-compartment model. A pronounced non-linear influence of postnatal and gestational age on clearance was identified. Clearance (L/hour/kg) increased threefold, 1.3-fold and 1.01-fold in the first, second and third weeks of life, respectively. In addition, clearance (L/hour/kg) was 1.4-fold and 1.7-fold higher in case of a gestational age of 28 and 31 weeks, respectively, compared with 25 weeks. Volume of distribution changed linearly with bodyweight and was 8.7 L/kg. To achieve similar exposure across the entire population, a continuous infusion (mu g/kg/hour) dose should be reduced by 50% and 25% in preterm neonates with a postnatal age of 0-4 days and 5-9 days in comparison to 10 days and older. Conclusion Because of low clearance, bodyweight-based dosages may result in fentanyl accumulation in neonates with the lowest postnatal and gestational ages which may require dose reduction. Together with additional information on the pharmacodynamics, the results of this study can be used to guide dosing.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)F598-F603
Number of pages6
JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood-fetal and Neonatal Edition
Volume104
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2019

Keywords

  • HUMAN LIVER
  • DRUG-TREATMENT
  • PHARMACOKINETICS
  • PAIN
  • 3A4
  • METABOLISM
  • CHILDREN
  • NEWBORNS
  • EFFICACY
  • WEIGHT

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Rapidly maturing fentanyl clearance in preterm neonates'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this