Abstract
There is limited information on the pharmacokinetics of micafungin (MCFG) in pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia (FN). Therefore, the pharmacokinetics and safety of MCFG were investigated in pediatric patients with FN. Plasma samples were obtained 1, 1.5, 4, 6, and 24 h after the first administration of MCFG and immediately before and 1 h after the fourth to seventh doses. Plasma MCFG concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Plasma concentrations after intravenous infusion of MCFG at 3.8–10 mg/kg/day over 1 h were determined in 7 patients aged 3–9 years old.
The mean total clearance (CL) and distribution volume at steady state after the initial administration of MCFG were 0.351 mL/min/kg and 0.354 L/kg, respectively. Plasma MCFG concentrations decreased with a half-life of 13.4 h. These pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable to reported values in healthy adult volunteers, although CL in pediatric patients was slightly higher. The laboratory parameters of hepatic and renal functions remained unchanged from the baseline to the end of MCFG therapy. No adverse events related to MCFG were observed. The pharmacokinetics of MCFG in pediatric patients with FN is similar to that in adults. MCFG can be safely administered to pediatric patients with FN.
