We found that 4 mg/kg gentamicin given every 24 hours achieved significantly higher peak SGCs and safe trough concentrations in all infants, compared to the twice-daily regimen of 2.5 mg/kg. We suggest that SGCs may not need to be followed in term infants prescribed a short course of this once-daily regimen for suspected early-onset sepsis if renal functions are normal.

No abstract

The effect of indomethacin on the control of breathing was simultaneously evaluated in 10 premature infants who had significant patent ductus arteriosus and received indomethacin therapy. In an attempt to maintain high plasma level in these infants of advanced postnatal age (≥ 6 weeks), indomethacin was administered intravenously at a dosage of 0.3 mg/kg, at 8-hour intervals, for a total of three doses. Following indomethacin therapy, there was a significant increase in tidal volume, minute ventilation, tidal volume/inspiratory time and in airway pressure (P(0.1), P(max)) generated during airway occlusion. Seven infants required lower ventilatory rates after study. In spite of desirable plasma indomethacin level, there was no significant improvement in echo left atrium/aortic root dimension ratio, cardiovascular dysfunction score and in blood pH, PO(2) and PCO(2). None of the infants showed clinical evidence of ductus closure. The results of the study suggested that indomethacin may stimulate respiration and that endogenous prostaglandin may play a role in the regulation of breathing.

Simultaneous administration of one dose of indomethacin (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) and furosemide (1 mg/kg, i.v.) was given to 8 consecutive premature infants who had patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and oliguria because of prerenai failure. Four infants responded with ductus closure and 2 infants showed improvement in echocardiogram and clinical distress. There was a significant increase in U/O, GFR, FE(Na) and FE(C1) following drug administration. This study suggests that simultaneous administration of indomethacin and furosemide can be safely used in infants with PDA and oliguria.