Vancomycin renal toxicity when given by continuous infusion
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Vancomycin efficacy and renal toxicity when given by continuous infusion in critically ill patients in a UK hospital
IRAS ID
197811
Contact name
Rhian Pearce
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Southampton NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 9 days
Research summary
Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious hospital-acquired infection that carries a high risk of death if not treated effectively. Vancomycin is the first choice antibiotic used to treat infections caused by the MRSA bacteria. There is growing concern, however, that MRSA is becoming ‘tolerant’ to vancomycin. In order to overcome this ‘tolerance’ and treat MRSA infections more effectively higher blood levels of vancomycin need to be achieved. Unfortunately, vancomycin is known to damage the kidneys and this may be exacerbated if we try to achieve higher levels of vancomycin in the blood. The aim of this study is to investigate whether higher blood levels of vancomycin result in increased damage to the kidneys in critically ill patients compared with lower levels. The outcomes of this study will inform decisions as to whether we should aim for higher blood levels of vancomycin. It will also improve our understanding of the risk factors that may contribute to vancomycin related kidney damage in critically ill patients.
The study will take place in Southampton General Hospital and will involve reviewing retrospective data (i.e. data for patient's no longer in the hospital) . The study will last approximately 2-3months (this includes data collection, analysis and write-up. This study exclusively deals with historical data. There is no intervention.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0456
Date of REC Opinion
4 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion