BackgroundThe cardiovascular complications of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be attributed to the hyperinflammatory state leading to increased mortality in patients with COVID-19. HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (statins) are known to have pleiotropic and anti-inflammatory effects and may have antiviral activity along with their cholesterol-lowering activity. Thus, statin therapy is potentially a potent adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 infection. This study investigated the impact of statin use on the clinical outcome of critically ill patients with COVID-19.MethodsA multicenter, retrospective cohort study of all adult critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Eligible patients were classified into two groups based on the statin use during ICU stay and were matched with a propensity score based on patient's age and admission APACHE II and SOFA scores. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality, while 30 day mortality, ventilator-free days (VFDs) at 30 days, and ICU complications were secondary endpoints.ResultsA total of 1,049 patients were eligible; 502 patients were included after propensity score matching (1:1 ratio). The in-hospital mortality [hazard ratio 0.69 (95% CI 0.54, 0.89), P = 0.004] and 30-day mortality [hazard ratio 0.75 (95% CI 0.58, 0.98), P = 0.03] were significantly lower in patients who received statin therapy on multivariable cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Moreover, patients who received statin therapy had lower odds of hospital-acquired pneumonia [OR 0.48 (95% CI 0.32, 0.69), P < 0.001], lower levels of inflammatory markers on follow-up, and no increased risk of liver injury.ConclusionThe use of statin therapy during ICU stay in critically ill patients with COVID-19 may have a beneficial role and survival benefit with a good safety profile.

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IntroductionVancomycin dosing in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates is challenging. Compared with the general neonatal population, VLBW neonates are less likely to achieve the vancomycin therapeutic targets. Current dosing recommendations are based on studies of the general neonatal population, as only a very limited number of studies have evaluated vancomycin pharmacokinetics in VLBW neonates. The main aim of this study was to develop a vancomycin population pharmacokinetic model to optimize vancomycin dosing in VLBW neonates.MethodsThis multicenter study was conducted at six major hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The study included VLBW neonates who received vancomycin and had at least one vancomycin serum trough concentration measurement at a steady state. We developed a pharmacokinetic model and performed Monte Carlo simulations to develop an optimized dosing regimen for VLBW infants. We evaluated two different targets: AUC0–24 of 400–600 or 400–800 µg. h/mL. We also estimated the probability of trough concentrations >15 and 20 µg/mL.ResultsIn total, we included 236 neonates, 162 in the training dataset, and 74 in the validation dataset. A one-compartment model was used, and the distribution volume was significantly associated only with weight, whereas clearance was significantly associated with weight, postmenstrual age (PMA), and serum creatinine (Scr).DiscussionWe developed dosing regimens for VLBW neonates, considering the probability of achieving vancomycin therapeutic targets, as well as different toxicity thresholds. The dosing regimens were classified according to PMA and Scr. These dosing regimens can be used to optimize the initial dose of vancomycin in VLBW neonates.