[Optimized clinical use of vancomycin, a prospective observational study in a Paris teaching hospital]

Introduction: Vancomycin is still the cornerstone of antibiotic therapy for patients with suspected or proven invasive methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. However, clinical and pharmacodynamic studies underline that appropriate doses depend on the infection site, the patient's weight, his renal function, and the bacterial susceptibility.

Objective and method: In this prospective study made in a Paris teaching hospital, our two goals were to describe the modalities of infusion and serum concentration obtained during therapy, in our pediatrics and adults population.

Results: In our hospital, vancomycin was administered every eight hours in 83 % (97/102) of the cases and the doses used were 30 mg/kg per day in 67 % of cases (68/102). Serum trough levels reached 15 mcg/ml and 20 mcg/ml in 36 % and 18 % of cases respectively. Moreover, despite adequate doses, trough levels of 15 mcg/ml were obtained in only 40 % of cases.

Conclusion: Vancomycin infusion use could be optimized, by defining optimal serum concentrations and monitoring made by a mobile team of infectious diseases specialists.