EVALUATION OF THE CHIOU METHOD FOR DETERMINING THEOPHYLLINE DOSAGES

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 3  (2) , 174-178
Abstract
The Chiou method for predicting maintenance dosages of theophylline [a bronchodilator used in the treatment of asthma] using individual patient data was evaluated. Patients (80) receiving continuous infusions of aminophylline were studied. Each patient''s theophylline clearance was predicted using 2 serum theophylline concentrations obtained at least 6 h apart after starting the aminophylline infusion. This clearance value was then used to calculate a new infusion rate designed to achieve a target steady-state serum theophylline concentration. A follow-up concentration was obtained at steady state and used to determine a steady-state theophylline clearance for each patient. The mean predicted and calculated theophylline clearance and the mean predicted and measured serum theophylline concentration for the study population were very similar. Mean prediction errors for theophylline clearance and serum theophylline concentrations were not significantly different among any of the 5 subgroups of patients with factors that influence theophylline disposition. The Chiou method, using relatively few serum samples, provides a rapid and accurate means of individualizing aminophylline infusion requirements for patients with a wide range of theophylline disposition characteristics.

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