Population Pharmacokinetics of Darbepoetin Alfa in Conjunction with Hypothermia for the Treatment of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Jessica K. Roberts, Chris Stockmann, Robert M. Ward, Joanna C. Beachy, Mariana C. Baserga, Michael G. Spigarelli, Catherine M.T. Sherwin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract



Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the population pharmacokinetics of darbepoetin alfa in hypothermic neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia.

Methods: Neonates ≥36 weeks gestation and <12 h postpartum with moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy who were undergoing hypothermia treatment were recruited in this randomized, multicenter, investigational, new drug pharmacokinetic study. Two intravenous darbepoetin alfa treatment groups were evaluated: 2 and 10 µg/kg. Serum erythropoietin concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Monolix 4.3.1 was used to estimate darbepoetin alfa clearance and volume of distribution. Covariates tested included: birthweight, gestational age, postnatal age, postmenstrual age, sex, Sarnat score, and study site.

Results: Darbepoetin alfa pharmacokinetics were well described by a one-compartment model with exponential error. Clearance and the volume of distribution were scaled by birthweight (centered on the mean) a priori. Additionally, gestational age (also centered on the mean) significantly affected darbepoetin alfa clearance. Clearance and volume of distribution were estimated as 0.0465 L/h (95% confidence interval 0.0392-0.0537) and 1.58 L (95% confidence interval 1.29-1.87), respectively.

Conclusions: A one-compartment model successfully described the pharmacokinetics of darbepoetin alfa among hypothermic neonates treated for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Clearance decreased with increasing gestational age.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)1237-1244
JournalClinical Pharmacokinetics
Volume54
DOIs
StatePublished - May 20 2015

Keywords

  • Erythropoietin
  • Therapeutic Hypothermia
  • Darbepoetin Alfa
  • Objective Function Value
  • Normalize Prediction Distribution Error

Disciplines

  • Medical Specialties
  • Pediatrics

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