Published studies report conflicting results regarding the efficacy of combined furosemide and albumin. Although it is difficult to generate firm conclusions, it appears the combination may provide clinical benefits for select patients. Given these findings, we believe that the addition of albumin to enhance diuretic efficacy should be reserved for patients with recalcitrant edema or ascites in whom diuretic doses have been maximized and those with severe hypoalbuminemia.

Purpose The data describing the compatibility of tobramycin and ceftazidime in icodextrin-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution is limited. The objective of this study was to assess the chemical stability of tobramycin and ceftazidime in icodextrin PD solution in polyvinyl chloride containers. Methods Commercially available 2-L bags of icodextrin 7.5% PD solution were used for each sample. Nine tobramycin study samples were prepared by adding 80 mg tobramycin HCl to each bag. Nine ceftazidime samples were prepared by adding 1000 mg ceftazidime to each bag. Three bags of tobramycin–icodextrin solution were stored under each of the following conditions: refrigeration (4°C), room temperature (25°C), and body temperature (37°C). Three bags of ceftazidime–icodextrin solution were also stored at each of the respective temperatures. Samples were withdrawn from each bag immediately after preparation and at predetermined intervals (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 168, and 336 hours after preparation). Solutions were visually inspected for precipitation, cloudiness, and discoloration at each sampling interval. All samples were immediately frozen (–80°C) after collection and stored prior to assay. Total concentrations of tobramycin and ceftazidime in dialysate fluid were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The last time point when tobramycin or ceftazidime concentration was >90% from baseline was used to denote stability. Results All solutions were clear in appearance and no color change or precipitation was observed during the study. For tobramycin, under refrigeration, a mean of 94.6% ± 2.3% of the initial concentration remained at 336 hours (14 days); at room temperature, 90.5% ± 4.3% remained at 168 hours (7 days); at body temperature, 90.0% ± 8.1% remained at 24 hours. For ceftazidime, under refrigeration, a mean of 98.0% ± 0.3% of the initial concentration remained at 168 hours (7 days); at room temperature, 91.6% ± 2.0% remained at 48 hours; at body temperature, 93.9% ± 1.1% remained at 8 hours. Stability was not assessed beyond these respective time points. Conclusion Premixed tobramycin–icodextrin PD solution remains stable for 336 hours (14 days) when refrigerated (4°C) and for 168 hours (7 days) at room temperature (25°C). Ceftazidime–icodextrin PD solution is stable for 168 hours and 48 hours, respectively, when stored at 4°C and 25°C. It is recommended that the bags be kept refrigerated whenever possible. Tobramycin–icodextrin solution stored at body temperature was stable up to 24 hours, and ceftazidime–icodextrin solutions up to 8 hours, permitting the practice of pre-warming solutions prior to administration.

Premixed vancomycin-icodextrin PD solutions, whether stored refrigerated or at room temperature, were found to be stable for up to 7 days. However, we recommend that these solutions be kept refrigerated whenever possible. Solutions stored at body temperature were stable for up to 24 hours, permitting the practice of prewarming solutions prior to administration.

Pre-mixed cefepime-icodextrin PD solutions stored at room temperature were stable for up to 48 hours. However, it is recommended that these be kept refrigerated whenever possible. When refrigerated, cefepime-icodextrin solutions were found to be stable for up to 7 days. Solutions stored at body temperature were stable up to 4 hours, permitting the practice of pre-warming solutions prior to administration.

Objective To identify correlations between the pharmacokinetic variables that describe drug disposition in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and the measures used to assess dialysis adequacy. Design and Methods This retrospective study re-evaluated data collected during previous pharmacokinetic studies for intraperitoneally administered cefazolin, ceftazidime, and gentamicin in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, and intravenous cefazolin and tobramycin in automated PD patients. Pharmacokinetic variables were compared to creatinine clearance (CCr), Kt/V, and peritoneal equilibration test data using the Pearson product correlation coefficient ( r). Results Prominent correlations were found between renal CCr and renal Kt/V, with renal clearances of CAPD cefazolin and ceftazidime, and automated PD tobramycin and cefazolin ( r values ranged from 0.698 to 0.986; p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings support current peritonitis treatment recommendations that patients with residual renal function may require higher doses or more frequent drug administration.