A Loading Micafungin Dose in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration or Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodiafiltration: A Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis.

Background In the present study, the authors aimed to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of micafungin in critically ill patients receiving continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH, 30 mL/kg/h) with those of patients receiving equidoses of hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF, 15 mL/kg/h + 15 mL/kg/h) and determine the optimal dosing regimen using the developed model. Methods Patients with septic shock undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and receiving a conventional dose of 100 mg micafungin once daily were eligible for inclusion. Total micafungin plasma concentrations from eight CVVH sessions and eight CVVHDF sessions were subjected to a population PK analysis using Pmetrics. Validation of the model performance was reinforced by external validation. Monte Carlo simulations were performed considering the total ratio of free drug area under the curve (AUC) over 24 h to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (AUC0-24/MIC) in plasma. Results The median total body weight (min-max) was 94.8 (66-138) kg. Micafungin concentrations were best described by a two-compartmental PK model. No covariates, including CRRT modality (CVVH or CVVHDF), were retained in the final model. The mean parameter estimates (standard deviation) were 0.96 (0.32) L/h for clearance and 14.8 (5.3) L for the central compartment volume. External validation confirmed the performance of the developed PK model. Dosing simulations did not support the use of standard 100 mg daily dosing, except for Candida albicans on the second day of therapy. A loading dose of 150 mg followed by 100 mg daily reached the probability of target attainment for all C. albicans and C. glabrata, but not for C. krusei and C. parapsilosis. Conclusions No difference was observed in micafungin PK between equidoses of CVVH and CVVHDF. A loading dose of 150 mg is required to achieve the PK/PD target for less susceptible Candida species from the first day of therapy.