Population pharmacokinetics of voriconazole and the role of CYP2C19 genotype on treatment optimization in pediatric patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate factors that impact on voriconazole (VRC) population pharmacokinetic (PPK) parameters and explore the optimal dosing regimen for different CYP2C19 genotypes in Chinese paediatric patients. PPK analysis was used to identify the factors contributing to the variability in VRC plasma trough concentrations. A total of 210 VRC trough concentrations from 91 paediatric patients were included in the study. The median VRC trough concentration was 1.23 mg/L (range, 0.02 to 8.58 mg/L). At the measurement of all the trough concentrations, the target range (1.0~5.5 mg/L) was achieved in 52.9% of the patients, while subtherapeutic and supratherapeutic concentrations were obtained in 40.9% and 6.2% of patients, respectively. VRC trough concentrations were adjusted for dose (Ctrough/D), with normal metabolizers (NMs) and intermediate metabolizers (IMs) having significantly lower levels than poor metabolizers (PMs) (PN-P < 0.001, PI-P = 0.039). A one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination was suitable to describe the VRC pharmacokinetic characteristics. The final model of VRC PPK analysis contained CYP2C19 phenotype as a significant covariate for clearance. Dose simulations suggested that a maintenance dose of 9 mg/kg orally or 8 mg/kg intravenously twice daily was appropriate for NMs to achieve the target concentration. A maintenance dose of 9 mg/kg orally or 5 mg/kg intravenously twice daily was appropriate for IMs. Meanwhile, PMs could use lower maintenance dose and an oral dose of 6 mg/kg twice daily or an intravenous dose of 5mg/kg twice daily was appropriate. To increase the probability of achieving the therapeutic range and improving efficacy, CYP2C19 phenotype can be used to predict VRC trough concentrations and guide dose adjustments in Chinese pediatric patients.