RCT of Continuous Versus Intermittent Infusion of Vancomycin in Neonates

A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) of Continuous and Intermittent Infusion of Vancomycin in Neonates

Babies aged 0 to 90 days with a suspected infection requiring treatment with vancomycin will be recruited. They will be randomised to receive vancomycin as an intermittent infusion (over 1 hour) or as a continuous infusion (over 24 hours). The hypothesis is that administering vancomycin as a continuous infusion will result in improved attainment of target concentrations in blood at steady state (when the drug is in equilibrium) compared to intermittent infusion.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Neonates in the neonatal unit with an infection requiring treatment with vancomycin as determined by the treating physician.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infants with a corrected gestational age < 25 weeks.
• Allergy to vancomycin or other glycopeptide antibiotic
• Vancomycin administered within the previous 72 hours
• Renal impairment
• Prior enrolment in the study
• Need for drug that is incompatible with vancomycin (if no other IV line is available)