Evaluation of safety and pharmacokinetics of vancomycin after intravenous regional limb perfusion in horses.

The research article examines the use, safety, and effects of the antibiotic vancomycin delivered through intravenous regional limb perfusion in horses. The findings suggest that this method is safe and might be beneficial in treating distal limb infections in horses.

Methodology

• The study tested on six anesthetized horses. It involved the administration of vancomycin via IV regional limb perfusion to the distal part of their forelimbs.
• A quantity of 300 mg of vancomycin hydrochloride in 60 mL of saline was infused into one forelimb, while the contralateral limb served as a control, being perfused only with saline solution.
• Exsanguination was carried out before injecting the solutions into the lateral digital vein.
• Synovial fluid from the metacarpophalangeal (MTCP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints and systemic blood were collected at varying intervals before and after the infusion.
• For seven days after the process, the plasma urea and creatinine concentrations, degree of lameness, and certain clinical variables relating to the MTCP joint and infusion site were monitored.

Results and Findings

• No complications, significant differences in renal function, lameness, or clinical variables were observed between the control group and the group treated with vancomycin.
• The antibiotic concentration exceeded the standard limit of 4 micrograms/mL in MTCP joints, held for approximately 20 hours.
• Vancomycin concentrations in DIP joints were found to be higher than those in MTCP joints.

Conclusion

• Conclusively, Intravenous regional limb perfusion with 300 mg of vancomycin as a 0.5% solution was declared safe.
• The research suggests that this treatment may be beneficial for horses suffering from distal limb infections.