Population pharmacokinetics of enoxaparin used for thromboembolism prophylaxis after total hip replacement

S. Chantel(1), P.Y. Petit(2), P. Martin(1), D. Massignon(3), F. Saulnier(2), M. Benoist(2), S. Granger(2), P. Maire(4,5), R.W. Jelliffe(5), G. Aulagner(1)

(1) Department of Pharmacy, Hôpital Cardiologique, Bron, France; (2) Department of Anaesthesia, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Pierre-Bénite, France; (3) Department of Haematology, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Pierre-Bénite, France; (4) ADCAPT, Department of Pharmacy, Hôpital A. Charial, Francheville, France; (5) Laboratory of Applied Pharmacokinetics, University of South California, Los Angeles, USA

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Introduction: Enoxaparin is usually given for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery, at a fixed dose of 40 mg subcutaneously once daily, without monitoring of anti-Xa levels. Pharmacokinetic variability of enoxaparin is now well documented in obese patients or in patients with chronic renal failure, but further investigations are required in a general population of in-patients.

Aim: To describe pharmacokinetic interindividual variability of enoxaparin used for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after total hip replacement.

Methods: Three blood samples for anti-Xa activity measurement were taken in patients receiving enoxaparin during the study. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using the NPEM2 program (version 11.7). A one compartment model was found to be the most suitable model to estimate population parameter values : clearance (Cl), apparent volume of distribution (Vol), elimination constant (Kel), absorption constant (Ka), weight-normalized volume of distribution (Vs=Vol/weight). Individual parameters were estimated by MAP (Maximum A posteriori Probability) Bayesian method. Correlations between each individual parameter value and covariates (body weight, ideal body weight, creatinine clearance) were tested.

Results: A total of 48 patients (men 54%, age 65±13 years, body weight 79±14 kg, creatinine clearance 78±21 ml/min) were included in this study. The population estimates (median ± standard deviation, coefficient of variation) were Cl = 1,18 ± 0,49 L/h (41%), Vol = 4,45 ± 2,08 L (49%), Kel = 0,34 ± 0,21 h-1 (80%), Ka = 1,62 ± 1,53 h-1 (95%), Vs = 0,052 ± 0,029 L/kg (56%). Individual estimated Cl was strongly correlated with body weight (r=0,715, p<0,001), ideal body weight (r=0,692, p<0,001), but not with creatinine clearance (r=0,170, NS). Vol was poorly correlated with body weight (r=0,288, p=0,03) and ideal body weight (r=0,314, p=0,03). Kel was not correlated with creatinine clearance (r=0,095, NS) neither with body weight (r=0,064, NS). Estimated peak activity (Cmax) ranged from 0,13 to 0,56 IU/mL, and was negatively correlated with body weight (r=-0,454, p<0,001). Estimated area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) ranged from 1,62 to 6,25 IU/mL.h.

Conclusion: Enoxaparin exhibits variable interindividual pharmacokinetics in a general population. Body weight is the best covariate which partly explains enoxaparin pharmacokinetic variability. Unfortunately, half of clearance variability remains unexplained.

Reference: PAGE 14 (2005) Abstr 762 [www.page-meeting.org/?abstract=762]

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