Abstract
The pharmacokinetics and safety of HA-1A (Nebacumab), a human IgM monoclonal antibody with specificity for the lipid A region of endotoxin, were evaluated in a multicenter trial of pediatric patients with sepsis syndrome or septic shock. Forty-two patients received a total of 44 infusions of drug, at a dose of 3 mg/kg (maximum 100 mg). The mean age was 7 years 10 months (range, 11 months to 16 years 7 months). The pharmacokinetic behavior of HA-1A during 36 hours was best described by a one-compartment open model. Clearance (6.1 ± 2.0 ml/kg per hour) and apparent volume of distribution at steady state (0.11 ± 0.03 L/kg) were larger than values reported previously in adults with sepsis syndrome. Elimination half-life (14.5 ± 6.8 hours) and plasma concentration after infusion (30.7 ± 14.5 mg/L) were similar to adults' values. In an additional three patients studied for 72 hours after administration, a biexponential function (i.e., two-compartment open model) best described the pharmacokinetic behavior of HA-1A: clearance (1.5 ± 1.4 ml/hr peak kilogram) and apparent volume of distribution at steady state (0.2 ± 0.02 L/kg) were different (p < 0.002) from values observed in children's blood samples during 36 hours. Within the pediatric population, no age-related differences in pharmacokinetics could be detected. Drug disposition was unaffected by renal or hepatic dysfunction. Decreased blood pressure was the most frequently reported adverse event; 4 (9%) episodes in 44 infusions were considered possibly related to the study drug. Gram-negative bacteremia was documented in 23 (55%) of 42 patients. The overall mortality rate was 31%. Enterobacter cloacae was the most common pathogen isolated. Haemophilus influenzae type b was isolated from one child with sepsis syndrome. We conclude that infusion of HA-1A in children is associated with a low incidence of side effects. The pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic behavior of HA-1A in children requires further study to determine whether developmental differences exist and how these differences might affect drug administration. Efficacy remains to be studied.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 974-981 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Pediatrics |
Volume | 122 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1993 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health