Optimization of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Vancomycin in Pediatric Patients With an Implanted Port Catheter

Optimization of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Vancomycin in Pediatric Patients With an Implanted Port Catheter

The goal of this study is to verify whether extensive flushing of the port catheter in patients with catheter related blood stream infection will lead to correct vancomycin trough levels, taken via the port catheter and compared with simultaneously taken peripheral samples.

In this study, extensive flushing of the port catheter prior to blood sampling to determine vancomycin trough levels, will be compared with normal flushing. To ascertain correctness of the trough levels taken via the central catheter, sampling will occur through a peripheral catheter simultaneously.

Flushing will be done with sodium chloride 0.9 % solution.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pediatric patients with a port catheter
• Treated with systemic vancomycin and/or vancomycin "lock"

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years
• Active downgrading of care