PENETRATION OF VANCOMYCIN INTO MEDIASTINAL AND CARDIAC TISSUES IN HUMANS

Vancomycin penetration into heart tissues (valves, myocardium, auricle s, and pericardium) and mediastinal tissues (fat and sternal bone) was evaluated after two regimens of vancomycin administration. Ten patien ts were given 15 mg of vancomycin per kg of body weight before anesthe sia. Ten other patients received the same dose and then a second 7.5-m g/kg dose at the time of initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass. Similar and satisfactory vancomycin tissue penetrations were observed in both groups. However, for some patients in the two groups, vancomycin leve ls in tissue were less than the MICs for potential pathogens (Staphylo coccus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis).