In vivo glucuronidation activity of drugs in neonates: Extensive interindividual variability despite their young age

Karel Allegaert*, Sophie Vanhaesebrouck, Rene Verbesselt, John N. Van Den Anker

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

59 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Compared with phase I isoenzymes, data on isoenzyme-specific phenotypic activity of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and its covariates in neonates are limited. In vivo observations on morphine, paracetamol (acetaminophen), and propofol disposition throughout childhood confirm the overall low-glucuronidation activity in neonates observed in in vitro studies. In addition to the phenotypic low-glucuronidation activity, in vivo observations of bilirubin (UGT1A1), morphine (UGT2B7), paracetamol (UGT1A6), and propofol (UGT1A9) glucuronidation in neonates display extensive interindividual variability, only in part explained by postmenstrual and postnatal age. Covariates like disease state characteristics (decreased morphine metabolism during therapeutic head cooling), genetic polymorphisms (UGT1A1 genetic variants and differences in bilirubin metabolism), or environmental factors (increased urinary excretion of paracetamol-glucuronide by repeated administration of paracetamol) further contribute to this variability. A focused approach to unveil covariates of the interindividual range is needed to improve our knowledge on drug disposition in early life.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)411-415
Number of pages5
JournalTherapeutic Drug Monitoring
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2009

Bibliographical note

© 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

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