Simplified gentamicin dosing in neonates: a time- and cost-efficient approach.

A nomogram-based method for monitoring gentamicin therapy in neonates was developed and evaluated prospectively. Gentamicin dosage adjustment, based on analysis of a single blood sample collected between 8 and 12 hours after dose administration, resulted in satisfactory serum levels in 79% of the neonates. When compared to dosage adjustment methods requiring multiple blood samples, the nomogram method is a cost-effective and time-efficient technique for screening the appropriateness of gentamicin dosages in neonates.