title: Plasma beta 2 microglobulin as a means of predicting gentamicin serum concentrations.
abstract: A novel and accurate method for predicting gentamicin peak serum concentration is described. The method considers body weight and renal function as determined by the concentration of beta 2 microglobulin in plasma. In 32 subjects whose renal function ranged from normal to severely impaired, the peak serum concentration of gentamicin was more closely correlated with beta 2 microglobulin (r = 0.69) and with creatinine clearance (r = 0.69) than with serum creatinine (r = 0.53). A nomogram was constructed which related plasma beta 2 microglobulin concentrations and body weight to predicted gentamicin peak serum concentrations. When the nomogram was clinically applied, the predicted peak gentamicin concentrations corresponded closely to the actual measurements obtained (t = 0.64; P is not significant). We suggest that plasma beta 2 microglobulin concentrations compare favorably with serum creatinine values in the prediction of gentamicin peak concentrations in patients with renal impairment.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001609:Beta-Globulins / Q000032:analysis*; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000378:metabolism; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D008875:Middle Aged; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D001609:Beta-Globulins; D005839:Gentamicins; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D003404:Creatinine