Inflammation and cardiovascular status impact midazolam pharmacokinetics
in critically Ill children: an observational, prospective, controlled
study
Abstract
Aims: Altered physiology caused by critical illness may change midazolam
pharmacokinetics (PK) and thereby result in adverse reactions and
outcomes in this vulnerable patient population. This study set out to
determine which critical illness related factors impact on midazolam
pharmacokinetics in children using population PK modelling. Methods: An
observational, prospective, controlled study of children admitted to
University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust receiving IV midazolam as part
of routine care. Children recruited into the study were either
critically-ill receiving continuous infusions of midazolam or otherwise
well, admitted for elective day-case surgery (control) who received a
single IV bolus dose of midazolam. Blood midazolam and 1-OH-midazolam
concentration and patient clinical data were used to develop a
population PK model and to determine covariates which affect midazolam
disposition during critical illness. Results: 35 patients were recruited
into the critically ill arm of the study, 54 children into the control
arm. Modelling demonstrated a significant change in midazolam clearance
with acute inflammation (measured using C-Reactive Protein, CRP),
cardio-vascular status and weight. Simulations predict that elevated CRP
and compromised cardiovascular function in critically ill children
result in midazolam concentrations up to 10-fold higher than healthy
children. Conclusions: Raised CRP and compromised cardiovascular
function significantly reduce midazolam clearance. The extremely high
levels of midazolam observed in some critically-ill children indicate
that the current therapeutic dosing regimen for midazolam can lead to
over-dosing. Clinicians should be aware of this risk and intensify
monitoring of such patients.