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Dao K, Buettcher M, Golhen K, Kost J, Schittny A, Duthaler U, Atkinson A, Haefliger D, Guidi M, Bardinet C, Chtioui H, Boulekbache A, Buclin T, Huwyler J, Pfister M, Rothuizen LE. Novel Patient-Friendly Orodispersible Formulation of Ivermectin is Associated With Enhanced Palatability, Controlled Absorption, and Less Variability: High Potential for Pediatric Use. J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38813747 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Ivermectin has been used since the 1980s as an anthelmintic and antiectoparasite agent worldwide. Currently, the only available oral formulation is tablets designed for adult patients. A patient-friendly orodispersible tablet formulation designed for pediatric use (CHILD-IVITAB) has been developed and is entering early phase clinical trials. To inform the pediatric program of CHILD-IVITAB, 16 healthy adults were enrolled in a phase I, single-center, open-label, randomized, 2-period, crossover, single-dose trial which aimed to compare palatability, tolerability, and bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of CHILD-IVITAB and their variability against the marketed ivermectin tablets (STROMECTOL) at a single dose of 12 mg in a fasting state. Palatability with CHILD-IVITAB was considerably enhanced as compared to STROMECTOL. Both ivermectin formulations were well tolerated and safe. Relative bioavailability of CHILD-IVITAB compared to STROMECTOL was estimated as the ratios of geometric means for Cmax, AUC 0-∞, and AUC0-last, which were 1.52 [90% CI: 1.13-2.04], 1.27 [0.99-1.62], and 1.29 [1.00-1.66], respectively. Maximum drug concentrations occurred earlier with the CHILD-IVITAB formulation, with a median Tmax at 3.0 h [range 2.0-4.0 h] versus 4.0 h [range 2.0-5.0 h] with STROMECTOL (P = .004). With CHILD-IVITAB, variability in exposure was cut in half (coefficient of variation: 37% vs 70%) compared to STROMECTOL. Consistent with a more controlled absorption process, CHILD-IVITAB was associated with reduced variability in drug exposure as compared to STROMECTOL. Together with a favorable palatability and tolerability profile, these findings motivate for further clinical studies to evaluate benefits of such a patient-friendly ODT formulation in pediatric patients with a parasitic disease, including infants and young children <15 kg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Dao
- Clinical Pharmacology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Buettcher
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics Research Center, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Central Switzerland (KidZ), Lucerne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Klervi Golhen
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics Research Center, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Kost
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Schittny
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Urs Duthaler
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Atkinson
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics Research Center, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David Haefliger
- Clinical Pharmacology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Monia Guidi
- Clinical Pharmacology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Research and Innovation in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carine Bardinet
- Clinical Pharmacology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Haithem Chtioui
- Clinical Pharmacology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Abdelwahab Boulekbache
- Clinical Pharmacology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Buclin
- Clinical Pharmacology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Huwyler
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Pfister
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics Research Center, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura E Rothuizen
- Clinical Pharmacology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Bond L, Ong JZ, McNicholas F. Impact of a national audit on child and adolescent psychiatrists' prescribing practices. Ir J Psychol Med 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38738538 DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2024.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A look back review of South Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Ireland, known as the 'Maskey report' (MR), highlighted substandard prescribing practices. The aim of this 'Maskey Impact Study' (MIS) was to explore changes to child and adolescent psychiatrists' prescribing practices following the MR. METHOD The study was cross-sectional and mixed method. A study specific questionnaire was distributed electronically to psychiatrists working in CAMHS (n = 160). RESULTS 102 psychiatrists participated in the study (response rate 63.8%). Perceived improvement in prescribing practices included improved medical record keeping (63.7%), consent documentation (53.9%), medication information provision (41.2%) and physical health monitoring (60.8%). However, 43.1% of psychiatrists reported a reluctance to prescribe medication even when clinically indicated and 50% were more likely to avoid off-label use. Most respondents reported increased stress levels (80.4%) with higher stress being significantly associated with reticence in prescribing (χ2 = 11.746, p < .001) and avoiding off-label use (χ2 = 15.392, p < 0.001). Thematic analysis highlighted increased medication hesitancy, enforced 'meaningless' bureaucracy and medication mistrust among families. DISCUSSION Although improvements reported are welcomed, the increased hesitancy of medication use, avoidance of prescribing more than one medication, and avoidance of off-label use, is of concern with potential unintended adverse consequences. Reluctance in prescribing may deprive youth of access to evidence-based treatments and limit exposure of NCHDs to the safe practice of consultant-initiated psychopharmacology. Further research will be important to determine if this impacts clinical care. Continued education in psychopharmacology is essential along with increased public awareness of the evidence for medication, to help restore public confidence and trust in psychopharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bond
- School of Medicine & Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Paediatric Liaison Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Ireland, Crumlin, Ireland
| | - J Z Ong
- School of Medicine & Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - F McNicholas
- School of Medicine & Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Paediatric Liaison Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Ireland, Crumlin, Ireland
- CAMHS, Lucena Clinic, Rathgar, Ireland
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Herzig M, Eisenhofer S, Ruschkowski M, Neubert A, Bertsche A, Bertsche T, Neininger MP. Authorized or Off-Label Use? A Structured Analysis of Summaries of Product Characteristics with Regard to Authorization in Pediatrics. Pharmaceut Med 2024; 38:205-216. [PMID: 38555544 PMCID: PMC11101375 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-024-00519-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is required to provide unambiguous information on the authorized use of a medicinal product. Therefore, we performed a structured analysis of the information provided for pediatric patients in current SmPCs. METHODS In the German SmPC of the medicinal products of 452 active substances, we analyzed for each of the listed indications whether information on pediatric use was available in Sects. 4.1-4.4 of the SmPC and, if so, whether it was unambiguous. Information was considered unambiguous if it indicated an exact age- or weight-related specification. The analysis also considered the type of marketing authorization and the date of marketing authorization, either before or after the Pediatric Regulation 2007 came into force. RESULTS Among the 30,354 identified indications in 8464 SmPCs, unambiguous information was found for 72.4% (21,974/30,354) of the indications. Of these, 45.4% (9967/21,974) disclosed a contraindication for the entire population under 18 years of age. The proportion of unambiguous information was higher for medicinal products with centralized marketing authorization (86.5% [1449/1676]) than for those with a national one (71.6% [20,525/28,678]; p < 0.001). A higher proportion of unambiguous information was found for the marketing authorization period 2007-2021 compared with 1996-2006 (1996-2006: 63.8% [7466/11,694]; 2007-2021: 82.1% [12,349/15,040]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION For about a quarter of all indications, no or only ambiguous information was available for pediatric patients. The measures initiated in recent years to increase pediatric-specific information in SmPCs should be intensified in order to improve drug safety in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Herzig
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University and University Hospital, Bruederstrasse 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simone Eisenhofer
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University and University Hospital, Bruederstrasse 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Meike Ruschkowski
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University and University Hospital, Bruederstrasse 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje Neubert
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Astrid Bertsche
- Division of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str. 1, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thilo Bertsche
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University and University Hospital, Bruederstrasse 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Martina Patrizia Neininger
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University and University Hospital, Bruederstrasse 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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Di Salvo M, Santi Laurini G, Motola D, Valpiani G, Sapigni E, Pompilio A, Arzenton E, Marra A. PAttern of drug use in PEdiatrics: An observational study in Italian hOSpitals (the PAPEOS study). Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38163762 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS To assess the extent of off-label drug use and the occurrence of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among paediatric patients in Italian hospitals. METHODS We conducted a 2-year prospective cohort study across 22 Italian hospital wards from September 2020 to September 2022. As part of the surveillance project, we performed a 6-month retrieval of all reported ADRs and evaluated all drug prescriptions for their possible off-label use. Following an educational project on pharmacovigilance addressed to healthcare professionals in participating wards, the same data collection was performed. RESULTS Among the 892 patients included in the study, 64% were admitted to paediatric wards and 36% to neonatal wards. Fifty per cent of all drugs prescribed were used off-label and mainly concerned the administration of a different dose from the one authorized. In neonatal wards, off-label prescriptions occurred slightly more often, with antibacterials being the most frequently used off-label drugs. A total of 35 reports of suspected ADRs were collected, five before the educational project and 30 afterwards. Based on product licence, 10 of the total 35 reports concerned at least one off-label drug use. CONCLUSIONS The off-label use of drugs in treating paediatric patients was extensive in Italian hospitals. Regulatory interventions are needed to promote the use of drugs based on the latest available literature and improve ADR reporting on children. Paediatric indications and dosages of the drugs most commonly used in children should be supported by appropriate ad hoc studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Di Salvo
- Hospital Pharmacy, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara Arcispedale S. Anna, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Greta Santi Laurini
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Domenico Motola
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Valpiani
- Research Innovation Office, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ester Sapigni
- Hospital Care Sector - Regional Center of Pharmacovigilance - Directorate General for Personal Care, Emilia Romagna Region Health Authority, Bologna, Italy
| | - Adriana Pompilio
- Hospital Pharmacy, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elena Arzenton
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Section of Pharmacology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Marra
- Hospital Pharmacy, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara Arcispedale S. Anna, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
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Domingues C, Jarak I, Veiga F, Dourado M, Figueiras A. Pediatric Drug Development: Reviewing Challenges and Opportunities by Tracking Innovative Therapies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2431. [PMID: 37896191 PMCID: PMC10610377 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The paradigm of pediatric drug development has been evolving in a "carrot-and-stick"-based tactic to address population-specific issues. However, the off-label prescription of adult medicines to pediatric patients remains a feature of clinical practice, which may compromise the age-appropriate evaluation of treatments. Therefore, the United States and the European Pediatric Formulation Initiative have recommended applying nanotechnology-based delivery systems to tackle some of these challenges, particularly applying inorganic, polymeric, and lipid-based nanoparticles. Connected with these, advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) have also been highlighted, with optimistic perspectives for the pediatric population. Despite the results achieved using these innovative therapies, a workforce that congregates pediatric patients and/or caregivers, healthcare stakeholders, drug developers, and physicians continues to be of utmost relevance to promote standardized guidelines for pediatric drug development, enabling a fast lab-to-clinical translation. Therefore, taking into consideration the significance of this topic, this work aims to compile the current landscape of pediatric drug development by (1) outlining the historic regulatory panorama, (2) summarizing the challenges in the development of pediatric drug formulation, and (3) delineating the advantages/disadvantages of using innovative approaches, such as nanomedicines and ATMPs in pediatrics. Moreover, some attention will be given to the role of pharmaceutical technologists and developers in conceiving pediatric medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Domingues
- Univ Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.D.); (I.J.); (F.V.)
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Univ Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.D.); (I.J.); (F.V.)
- Institute for Health Research and Innovation (i3s), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Univ Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.D.); (I.J.); (F.V.)
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marília Dourado
- Univ Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Health Studies and Research of the University of Coimbra (CEISUC), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Studies and Development of Continuous and Palliative Care (CEDCCP), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Figueiras
- Univ Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.D.); (I.J.); (F.V.)
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Neubert A, Toni I, König, […] J, S. Urschitz M, Rascher W. A Complex Intervention to Prevent Medication-Related Hospital Admissions. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 120:425-431. [PMID: 37278031 PMCID: PMC10478767 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children are often treated off-label and are at a disadvantage in pharmacotherapy. The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate a quality assurance measure (PaedPharm) for pediatric pharmacotherapy whose purpose is to reduce medication-related hospitalizations among children and adolescents. METHODS PaedPharm consisted of the digital pediatric drug information system PaedAMIS, pediatric pharmaceutical quality circles (PaedZirk), and an adverse drug event (ADE) reporting system (PaedReport). The intervention was implemented in a cluster-randomized trial (DRKS 00013924) in 12 regions, with a pediatric and adolescent medicine clinic in each and a total of 152 surrounding private practitioners, in 6 sequences over 8 quarters. In addition to the proportion of ADE-related hospital admissions (primary endpoint), comprehensive process evaluation included other endpoints such as coverage, user acceptance, and relevance to practice. RESULTS 41 829 inpatient admissions were recorded, of which 5101 were patients of physicians who participated in our study. 4.1% of admissions were ADE-related under control conditions, and 3.1% under intervention conditions (95% CI: [2.3; 5.9] and [1.8; 4.5], respectively). A model-based comparison yielded an intervention effect of 0.73 (population-based odds ratio; [0.39; 1.37]; p = 0.33). PaedAMIS achieved moderate user acceptance and PaedZirk achieved high user acceptance. CONCLUSION The introduction of PaedPharm was associated with a decrease in medication-related hospitalizations that did not reach statistical significance. The process evaluation revealed broad acceptance of the intervention in outpatient pediatrics and adolescent medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Neubert
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen
| | - Irmgard Toni
- *Other authors were involved in this publication and are listed in the citation and at the end of the article where their affiliations are also located
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen
| | - Jochem König, […]
- *Other authors were involved in this publication and are listed in the citation and at the end of the article where their affiliations are also located
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Technology, University Medicine of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz
| | - Michael S. Urschitz
- *These authors share last authorship
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Technology, University Medicine of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz
| | - Wolfgang Rascher
- *These authors share last authorship
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen
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Weber LT. Pharmacotherapy for Children and Adolescents. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 120:423-424. [PMID: 37661332 PMCID: PMC10478770 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
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Gade C, Trolle S, Mørk M, Lewis A, Andersen P, Jacobsen T, Andersen J, Lausten‐Thomsen U. Massive presence of off-label medicines in Danish neonatal departments: A nationwide survey using national hospital purchase data. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2023; 11:e01037. [PMID: 36545691 PMCID: PMC9772727 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently insufficient knowledge of gestational age dependent medicine disposition in neonates. Accordingly, the use of off-label medication, i.e., use of medicines outside its approved marketing authorization, is high in the neonatal departments. By using data from the Danish National Pharmaceutical Hospital Purchase Database, we identified the most commonly occurring medications and calculated the on/off-label ratios for premature and term neonates. Data was extracted on ATC level 5 and based on defined daily doses as per WHO. Data covered the 4 high-level NICUs and 10 of 13 of the intermediate/standard level Danish neonatal departments. Of the identified medication, 87% and 70% did not have approved marketing authorization for use in premature and full-term neonates, respectively. Furthermore, one-fifth of the top 100 medicines did not have a (Danish) marketing license. Overall, off-label medication was widespread covering virtually all ATC groups and no ATC group had an off-label level lower than 50% (range 50%-100%). Finally, in 21% of medications, additives from 8 different chemical groups with potential deleterious effects for neonates were identified. In conclusion, off-label medication in the Danish neonatal departments is widespread. The pharmaceutical industry is unlikely to solve this problem, and we may for a very long time be occasionally forced to use off-label medication. Practical solution must therefore come from multidisciplinary clinical and academic collaboration. Use of formulation list as guidance for prescriptions and NICU-friendly galenic formulations may mitigate the problem temporarily while waiting for definitive studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gade
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyCopenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Stine Trolle
- The Hospital PharmacyCopenhagen University Hospital Capital region of DenmarkCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Mette‐Louise Mørk
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyCopenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Anna Lewis
- Department of NeonatologyCopenhagen University Hospital RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Peter Fruergaard Andersen
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyCopenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Thorkild Jacobsen
- Department of NeonatologyCopenhagen University Hospital RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jon Andersen
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyCopenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Ulrik Lausten‐Thomsen
- Department of NeonatologyCopenhagen University Hospital RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
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Andersson ÅC, Eksborg S, Förberg U, Nydert P, Lindemalm S. Manipulated Oral and Rectal Drugs in a Paediatric Swedish University Hospital, a Registry-Based Study Comparing Two Study-Years, Ten Years Apart. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010008. [PMID: 36678505 PMCID: PMC9866613 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This is a registry-based study with the aim of describing and comparing the frequency of manipulations of solid oral and rectal medicines in 2009 and 2019 at inpatient units and an emergency department in a paediatric hospital within a Swedish university hospital. All patients aged 1 month−18 years with oral or rectal administrations were included. In total, 140,791 oral and rectal administrations were included in 2009, and 167,945 oral and rectal administrations were included in 2019. The frequency of patients receiving at least one manipulated oral medicine decreased between the study years, both in inpatient units and in the emergency department (from 19% to 17%, p = 0.0029 and from 11% to 5%, p < 0.0001, respectively). The frequency of patients receiving a manipulated rectal medicine also decreased between the study years, both in inpatient units and in the emergency department (from 22% to 10%, p < 0.0001 and from 35% to 7% 2019, p < 0.0001, respectively). The results show a decrease in the manipulation of both oral and rectal medicines to paediatric patients in 2019 compared to 2009. Even though this implies a safer practice, there is still a pronounced lack of child-friendly dosage forms and suitable strengths enabling the safe administration of medicines to sick children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åsa C. Andersson
- Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-8-123-75579
| | - Staffan Eksborg
- Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Förberg
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, 79131 Falun, Sweden
| | - Per Nydert
- Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Synnöve Lindemalm
- Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
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Afolabi MO, Kelly LE. Non-static framework for understanding adaptive designs: an ethical justification in paediatric trials. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2022; 48:825-831. [PMID: 34362828 PMCID: PMC9626916 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2021-107263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Many drugs used in paediatric medicine are off-label. There is a rising call for the use of adaptive clinical trial designs (ADs) in responding to the need for safe and effective drugs given their potential to offer efficiency and cost-effective benefits compared with traditional clinical trials. ADs have a strong appeal in paediatric clinical trials given the small number of available participants, limited understanding of age-related variability and the desire to limit exposure to futile or unsafe interventions. Although the ethical value of adaptive trials has increasingly come under scrutiny, there is a paucity of literature on the ethical dilemmas that may be associated with paediatric adaptive designs (PADs). This paper highlights some of these ethical concerns around safety, scientific/social value and caregiver/guardian comprehension of the trial design. Against this background, the paper develops a non-static conceptual lens for understanding PADs. It shows that ADs are epistemically open and reduce some of the knowledge-associated uncertainties inherent in clinical trials as well as fast-track the time to draw conclusions about the value of evaluated drugs/treatments. On this note, the authors argue that PADs are ethically justifiable given they (1) have multiple layers of safety, exposing enrolled children to lesser potential risks, (2) create social/scientific value generally and for paediatric populations in particular, (3) specifically foster the flourishing of paediatric populations and (4) can significantly improve paediatric trial efficiency when properly designed and implemented. However, because PADs are relatively new and their regulatory, ethical and logistical characteristics are yet to be clarified in some jurisdictions, the cooperation of various public and private stakeholders is required to ensure that the interests of children, their caregivers and parents/guardians are best served while exposing paediatric research subjects to the most minimal of risks when they are enrolled in paediatric trials that use ADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Os Afolabi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lauren E Kelly
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Bedard P, Winsor GL, Garlock ES, Azad MB, Becker AB, Mandhane PJ, Moraes TJ, Sears MR, Turvey SE, Subbarao P, Brinkman FSL, Kozyrskyj AL. From Prescription Drugs to Natural Health Products: Medication Use in Canadian Infants. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9101475. [PMID: 36291411 PMCID: PMC9600175 DOI: 10.3390/children9101475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Limited data exist on pharmaceutical product use by infants, although available data suggests higher prevalence of use among children under 12 months of age. We conducted a descriptive study of 3050 infants recruited in the CHILD Cohort Study, a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal cohort following children from pregnancy through childhood. Parents were surveyed for use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and natural health products (NHPs, including homeopathic products and vitamins) at 3, 6, and 12 months after delivery. By one year of age, 96.0% of children had taken at least one pharmaceutical product. Among 307 reported products, 32 were given to at least 1% of cohort infants. Vitamin D, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, topical hydrocortisone, amoxicillin, and nystatin were the most common medications and natural health products (NHPs) received, with 8/32 of the most frequently used products being NHPs. Overall, 14.7% of pharmaceutical products administered to children were off-label and 35.8% were NHPs or products without a Drug Identification Number (DIN). The use of over-the-counter medications and NHPs is common and off-label use of drugs is frequent, even in the first year of life. This study highlights the importance of conducting studies on medication use in infants, and of infant medication use monitoring by healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Bedard
- Department of Pharmacy, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Geoffrey L. Winsor
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Emma S. Garlock
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Meghan B. Azad
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1, Canada
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Allan B. Becker
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1, Canada
| | - Piush J. Mandhane
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Theo J. Moraes
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Malcolm R. Sears
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Stuart E. Turvey
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Children’s Hospital and The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
| | - Padmaja Subbarao
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Fiona S. L. Brinkman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
- Correspondence: (F.S.L.B.); (A.L.K.)
| | - Anita L. Kozyrskyj
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
- Correspondence: (F.S.L.B.); (A.L.K.)
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12
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Taine M, Heude B, Chalumeau M. Pharmacoepidemiology: A key complementary tool to evaluate the paediatric exposome. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2022; 36:738-740. [PMID: 35821649 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Taine
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Paediatric Epidemiology Research Team, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS, U1153 Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Barbara Heude
- Early life Research on later Health, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS, U1153 Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Martin Chalumeau
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Paediatric Epidemiology Research Team, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS, U1153 Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Department of General Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, AP-HP, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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13
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HPLC–(Q)-TOF-MS-Based Study of Plasma Metabolic Profile Differences Associated with Age in Pediatric Population Using an Animal Model. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12080739. [PMID: 36005611 PMCID: PMC9413543 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12080739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A deep knowledge about the biological development of children is essential for appropriate drug administration and dosage in pediatrics. In this sense, the best approximation to study organ maturation is the analysis of tissue samples, but it requires invasive methods. For this reason, surrogate matrices should be explored. Among them, plasma emerges as a potential alternative since it represents a snapshot of global organ metabolism. In this work, plasma metabolic profiles from piglets of different ages (newborns, infants, and children) obtained by HPLC–(Q)-TOF-MS at positive and negative ionization modes were studied. Improved clustering within groups was achieved using multiblock principal component analysis compared to classical principal component analysis. Furthermore, the separation observed among groups was better resolved by using partial least squares-discriminant analysis, which was validated by bootstrapping and permutation testing. Thanks to univariate analysis, 13 metabolites in positive and 21 in negative ionization modes were found to be significant to discriminate the three groups of piglets. From these features, an acylcarnitine and eight glycerophospholipids were annotated and identified as metabolites of interest. The findings indicate that there is a relevant change with age in lipid metabolism in which lysophosphatidylcholines and lysophoshatidylethanolamines play an important role.
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14
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Meng M, Liu E, Zhang B, Lu Q, Zhang X, Ge B, Wu Y, Wang L, Wang M, Luo Z, Hua Z, Wang X, Zhao W, Zheng Y, Wu X, Zhao R, Meng W, Xiang L, Wang G, Jia Y, Chen Y, Dong X, Hao L, Liu C, Lv M, Luo X, Liu Y, Shen Q, Lei W, Wang P, Sun Y, Zhang J, Wang L, Lei R, Hou T, Yang B, Li Q, Chen Y. Guideline for the management of pediatric off-label use of drugs in China (2021). BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:442. [PMID: 35869466 PMCID: PMC9307429 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03457-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The "Law on Doctors of the People's Republic of China," which was officially implemented on March 1, 2022, emphasizes the requirements for rational drug use and the necessity for appropriate management of off-label drug use. The safety and ethical considerations related to off-label drug use are different in children than in adults. There is so far no management guideline for pediatric off-label use of drugs in China, and the applicability of foreign guidelines is limited. Establishing a localized evidence-based management guideline for pediatric off-label use of drugs to support the national legislation and clinical practice is of critical importance. METHODS We established a guideline working group, including experts from a broad range of disciplines and developed recommendations following the guidance of the World Health Organization Handbook and the Chinese Medical Association. The following themes were identified by questionnaires and expert interviews to be of great concern in the management of off-label drug use in children: general principles and characteristics of management of pediatric off-label drug use; establishment of expert committees; evidence evaluation; risk-benefit assessment; informed consent; monitoring and assessment of the risk; and monitoring and patient education. Two rounds of Delphi surveys were organized to determine the final recommendations of this guideline. We graded the recommendations based on the body of evidence, referring to the evaluation tool of the Evidence-based management (EBMgt) and the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine: Level of Evidence (March 2009). RESULTS We developed the first guideline for the management of pediatric off-label use of drugs in China. CONCLUSIONS The guideline is to offer guidance for pediatricians, pharmacists, medical managers, policymakers, and primary care physicians on how to manage off-label drug use in pediatrics and to provide recommendations for Chinese healthcare policy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Meng
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Enmei Liu
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Quan Lu
- Department of Pulmonology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Bin Ge
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ye Wu
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Li Wang
- Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Mo Wang
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Zhengxiu Luo
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Ziyu Hua
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Xinan Wu
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ruiling Zhao
- Children's Hospital of Shanxi, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Wenbo Meng
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Li Xiang
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Yuntao Jia
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Yongchuan Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaoyan Dong
- Department of Pulmonology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Lina Hao
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Chengjun Liu
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Meng Lv
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Xufei Luo
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yunlan Liu
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Quan Shen
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Wenjuan Lei
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yajia Sun
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ruobing Lei
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Tianchun Hou
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| | - Yaolong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, China.
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Research Unit of Evidence-Based Evaluation and Guidelines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2021RU017), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University Institute of Health Data Science, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Lanzhou University Institute of Health Data Science, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Lanzhou University GRADE Center, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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15
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Tedroff K, von Euler M, Dahlén E. Melatonin usage in children and young adults, a registry-based cohort study. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 39:30-34. [PMID: 35636101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disorder is common in children and adolescents, particularly in those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While non-pharmacological treatment is first line, occasionally an add-on of an oral drug is needed. The endogenous hormone melatonin is increasingly used for sleep disorders in children and adolescents. In this registry-based cohort study we follow dispensation of melatonin in young individuals, 0-25 years of age, in Stockholm, Sweden during 2016-2019. In all 9980 individuals, were dispensed melatonin in 2016 and followed for 3 years. Child psychiatrist was the most common prescribing specialty, 55% of all prescriptions. Only 20% had a recorded diagnosis of sleep disorder. The majority, 65% had a neuro psychiatric diagnose. Half of the individuals had at least 4 prescribed drugs dispensed during the follow-up. Almost half of our cohort were dispensed melatonin during the entire study period and doses and volumes of drug dispensed increased by 50 and 100%, respectively. Continuous medication was most common among children 6-12 years, where 7 out of 10 individuals were still adherent after three years. As long-term safety data is lacking, we find this concerning, and this illustrates the need of long-term follow-up of melatonin use in children and young individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Tedroff
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden; Region Stockholm, Health and Medical Care Administration, Box 6909, SE, 102 39, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, 113 30, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M von Euler
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE, 70182, Örebro, Sweden
| | - E Dahlén
- Region Stockholm, Health and Medical Care Administration, Box 6909, SE, 102 39, Stockholm, Sweden; Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, SE-118 83 Stockholm, Sweden.
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16
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Awareness and Views of Pharmacists and Physicians Toward Prescribing of Drugs for Off-Label Use in the Pediatric Population in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2022; 14:e23082. [PMID: 35464499 PMCID: PMC9001878 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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17
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Chen Z, Li S, Choonara I, Zeng L, Jia ZJ, Cheng G, Yu Q, Zhang L. Accessibility of Essential Medicines for Children in Sichuan Province of China: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:828152. [PMID: 35250577 PMCID: PMC8888852 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.828152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Essential medicines for children are those medicines that satisfy the priority health care needs of children. Access to essential medicines for children is a big challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Our study aimed to assess the accessibility of essential medicines for children in public sector in Sichuan Province of China, based on availability, affordability, and price. Methods: We adopted the modified World Health Organization/Health Action International (WHO/HAI) standardization methodology to measure the availability, affordability, and prices of 30 essential medicines for children in 20 public hospitals in nine regions of the Sichuan Province, China. Availability was expressed as the percentage of public medicine outlets that stocked surveyed medicines on the day of data collection, and prices were expressed as median price ratio (MPR). Affordability was assessed as the number of Sichuan Province’s daily wages required for the lowest-paid government unskilled worker (11.03 USD per day) to purchase one standard treatment of an acute disease or treatment for chronic disease for a month. Results: The mean availability of originator brands (OBs) and lowest priced generics (LPGs) were 9.7 and 46.5% in public sector. MPRs of only 3 OBs could be calculated, ranging from 0.55 to 13.37. MPRs of 18 LPGs ranged from 0.07 to 25.05. Among them, 2 OBs and 11 LPGs were priced at more than 1.5 times their international reference prices (IRPs) in public sector, most of which were injections. Except for cefazolin injection and ceftriaxone injection, most LPGs were affordable for the treatment of childhood diseases in public sector, as they each cost one or less than the daily wage for the lowest-paid unskilled government worker. Conclusions: Although the availability of LPGs for children was higher than OBs in public sector, the availability of children’s essential medicines was low in surveyed public sector in Sichuan Province, which was similar to previous studies in other provinces of China. The price of most medicines surveyed was higher than their IRPs in surveyed public sector, especially for some injections. The affordability of most surveyed LPGs was reasonable in surveyed public sector, except for ceftriaxone injection and cefazolin injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Chen
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Imti Choonara
- Academic Division of Child Health, Derbyshire Children’s Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Linan Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-jun Jia
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Guo Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institute, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qin Yu, ; Lingli Zhang,
| | - Lingli Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qin Yu, ; Lingli Zhang,
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18
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Neininger MP, Jeschke S, Kiesel LM, Bertsche T, Bertsche A. Physicians' perspectives on adverse drug reactions in pediatric routine care: a survey. World J Pediatr 2022; 18:50-58. [PMID: 34773600 PMCID: PMC8761136 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-021-00478-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and adolescents are at particular risk for adverse drug reactions (ADRs). We investigated physicians' perceptions on ADRs in pediatric routine care. METHODS In this exploratory study from April to November 2020, we invited physicians treating pediatric patients across Germany to complete an online questionnaire consisting mainly of closed questions. RESULTS Completion rate was 98% (127/129). Of all participants, 23% (29/127) stated they were not able to estimate how many of their pediatric patients experienced ADRs during drug therapy. The remaining physicians estimated that 7.5% (median; Q25/Q75 3%/20%) of their pediatric patients were affected by ADRs. Regarding counseling on ADRs, 61% (77/127) stated they do not ask regularly the extent to which parents want to be informed. In total, 26% (33/127) stated they avoid counseling on ADRs concerning commonly used approved therapies, whereas only 4% (5/127) did so concerning off-label use (P < 0.001). Altogether, 16% (20/127) stated they rather prescribe new medicines as they hope for better effectiveness; 72% (91/127) said they are cautious about doing so owing to yet unknown ADRs. Of all respondents, 46% (58/127) stated they do not report ADRs to the authorities. Concerning the black triangle symbol, a European pharmacovigilance measure, 11% (14/127) stated they knew it and 6% (7/127) stated they reported any suspected ADR for drugs with that symbol. CONCLUSIONS Physicians' perspectives on ADRs were ambivalent: ADRs influenced their parent counseling and drug prescribing; yet, they struggled to estimate the impact of ADRs on their patients and were not aware of specific pharmacovigilance measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina P. Neininger
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University and University Hospital, Bruederstrasse 32, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah Jeschke
- University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Neuropediatrics, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 8, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Lisa M. Kiesel
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University and University Hospital, Bruederstrasse 32, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thilo Bertsche
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University and University Hospital, Bruederstrasse 32, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Astrid Bertsche
- University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Neuropediatrics, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 8, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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19
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Rieder MJ, Elzagallaai AA. Pharmacogenomics in Children. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2547:569-593. [PMID: 36068477 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2573-6_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Historically genetics has not been considered when prescribing drugs for children. However, it is clear that genetics are not only an important determinant of disease in children but also of drug response for many important drugs that are core agents used in the therapy of common problems in children. Advances in therapy and in the ethical construct of children's research have made pharmacogenomic assessment for children much easier to pursue. It is likely that pharmacogenomics will become part of the therapeutic decision-making process for children, notably in areas such as childhood cancer where weighing benefits and risks of therapy is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Rieder
- Division of Paediatric Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Abdelbaset A Elzagallaai
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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20
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Zocholl D, Wiesenfarth M, Rauch G, Kopp-Schneider A. On the feasibility of pediatric dose-finding trials in small samples with information from a preceding trial in adults. J Biopharm Stat 2021; 32:652-670. [PMID: 34962850 DOI: 10.1080/10543406.2021.2011905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We consider the case of pediatric dose-finding trials with extremely limited sample size. The operating characteristics of the standard design, the Continual Reassessment Method (CRM), are only well described for sample sizes of about 20 patients or more. In this simulation study, we assume the situation of a pediatric trial with only 10 patients and a preceding dose-finding trial in adults. Based on the adult data, we reduce the set of pediatric doses and formulate (partially) informative prior distributions for the pediatric trial. Our simulations show that such small pediatric dose-finding trials with robustified priors may provide sufficient operating characteristics.
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21
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Taine M, Offredo L, Dray-Spira R, Weill A, Chalumeau M, Zureik M. Paediatric outpatient prescriptions in France between 2010 and 2019: A nationwide population-based study: Paediatric outpatient prescriptions in France, 2010 to 2019. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-EUROPE 2021; 7:100129. [PMID: 34557839 PMCID: PMC8454786 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Paediatric outpatient prescription (POP) monitoring is pivotal to identify inadequate prescriptions and optimize drug use. We aimed at describing recent trends in POPs in France. Methods All reimbursed dispensations of outpatient prescribed drugs (excluding vaccines) were prospectively collected for the paediatric population (<18 years old) in the French national health database in 2010-2011 and 2018-2019 (mean 117,356,938/year). POP prevalence (proportion of children receiving ≥1 drug prescriptions/year) was calculated by age groups and compared by prevalence rate ratios (PRRs). Given the large sample size, 95% confidence intervals of POP prevalences and PRRs did not differ from estimates. Findings Among the 14,510,023 children resident in France in 2018-2019, mean POP prevalence was 857‰ children. Most prescribed therapeutic classes were analgesics (643‰), antibiotics (405‰), nasal corticosteroids (328‰), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (244‰), antihistamines (246‰) and systemic corticosteroids (210‰). POPs decreased with age from 976‰ for infants to 782‰ for adolescents. Children <6 years old were notably more exposed to inhaled corticosteroids (PRR=3.06), non-penicillin beta-lactam antibacterial agents (PRR=3.05) and systemic corticosteroids (PRR=2.11) than older ones. The POP prevalence was slightly higher (PRR=1.04) during 2018-2019 than 2010-2011, with marked increases for anti-emetics (PRR=1.84), vitamin D (PRR=1.49), proton pump inhibitors (PRR=1.42), systemic contraceptives (PRR=1.24) and nasal corticosteroids (PRR=1.21) and decreases for propulsive/prokinetic agents (PRR=0.09), NSAIDs (PRR=0.73) and systemic antibiotics (PRR=0.88). Interpretation POP remained highly prevalent in France throughout the 2010s, especially for children <6 years old, with only a few improvements for selected therapeutic classes. These findings should prompt clinical guidance campaigns and/or regulatory policies. Funding Internal funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Taine
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS, U1153 Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75004 Paris, France.,EPI-PHARE (French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety -ANSM- and French National Health Insurance -CNAM-), Saint-Denis, France
| | - Lucile Offredo
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS, U1153 Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75004 Paris, France.,EPI-PHARE (French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety -ANSM- and French National Health Insurance -CNAM-), Saint-Denis, France
| | - Rosemary Dray-Spira
- EPI-PHARE (French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety -ANSM- and French National Health Insurance -CNAM-), Saint-Denis, France
| | - Alain Weill
- EPI-PHARE (French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety -ANSM- and French National Health Insurance -CNAM-), Saint-Denis, France
| | - Martin Chalumeau
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS, U1153 Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75004 Paris, France.,Department of General Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, AP-HP, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Mahmoud Zureik
- EPI-PHARE (French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety -ANSM- and French National Health Insurance -CNAM-), Saint-Denis, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Anti-infective evasion and pharmacoepidemiology, CESP, 78180, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
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22
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Participatory Design of an Electronic Cross-Facility Health Record (ECHR) System for Pediatric Palliative Care: A Think-Aloud Study. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8100839. [PMID: 34682105 PMCID: PMC8534759 DOI: 10.3390/children8100839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Pediatric palliative care (PPC) patients experience years of multisectoral and professional care. An electronic cross-facility health record (ECHR) system can support the immediate exchange of information among PPC professionals. Based on a needs assessment, a prototype ECHR system was developed. Methods: To evaluate potential users’ perspective regarding the system, a qualitative observational study was conducted consisting of a concurrent think-aloud session and a semi-structured qualitative interview. Results: Twenty PPC professionals (nurses, physicians) from specialized outpatient PPC teams, a PPC unit, and medical offices rated the ECHR system as a helpful tool to improve the exchange and collection of information, communication between PPC professionals, and treatment planning. From the user’s point of view, the basic logic of the ECHR system should be further adapted to improve the interaction of data remirrored from patient records of outpatient and inpatient care with those entered via the system. The users wished for further functions (text search) and content (information on therapies). Some content, such as the treatment process, needs to be further adapted. Conclusion: The developed ECHR system needs to be more specific in some features by offering all available information; while for other features, be less specific to offer a quick overview. The ability to share information promptly and automatically was seen as a tremendous improvement to the quality of care for PPC patients.
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23
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Lizano-Díez I, Kargodorian J, Piñero-López MÁ, Lastra CF, Mariño EL, Modamio P. Off-label drug use in neonates and infants in Spain: A five-year observational study. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2021; 31:270-282. [PMID: 34505314 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide information about the off-label rate of all drug prescriptions in neonates and infants up to 1 year in Spain. Also, to analyse the off-label prescription of medicines under current practice in this age group according to different evidence sources. STUDY DESIGN A five-year (2015-2019) exploratory observational study about off-label prescription in neonates and infants (0 to 1 year) at primary health care in Spain. All drug prescriptions in this age group were analysed and classified according to their labelling in off-label or on-label. The drugs prescribed off-label were subsequently reviewed in national formularies and other databases to assess its evidence of use beyond what is recommended in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). RESULTS On average 34.50% of total prescriptions were prescribed off-label according to the SmPC. 17.93% of total prescriptions in neonates and infants up to 1 year old were not based on clinical evidence from SmPC, Pediamécum, BNF or DailyMed. In more than 88% of cases, off-label use was related to the posology section of the SmPC, followed by the therapeutic indications and contraindications sections, in 35.20% and 24.10% of cases, respectively. Almost 13% of off-label drugs were over-the-counter. Salbutamol followed by topical tobramycin and colecalciferol were the drugs most prescribed off-label. CONCLUSIONS Off-label use of drugs remains as an important public health concern, especially for neonates and infants up to 1 year, who receive the greatest proportion of off-label prescriptions. The evidence-based off-label prescription is a widespread practice that has shown a stable trend during the 5-year study period providing also a certain extent of flexibility to paediatricians in some therapeutic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Lizano-Díez
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joseph Kargodorian
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Ángeles Piñero-López
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cecilia F Lastra
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo L Mariño
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Modamio
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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24
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Kimland EE, Bardage C, Collin J, Järleborg A, Ljung R, Iliadou AN. Pediatric use of prescribed melatonin in Sweden 2006-2017: a register based study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 30:1339-1350. [PMID: 32699990 PMCID: PMC8440257 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01598-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are common in the pediatric population and should primarily be treated non-pharmacologically. Most medicines for sleep disturbances are not approved for pediatric use and data on long-term safety is scarce. In Sweden, melatonin is classified as a prescription medicine. The aim of the present study was to characterize the prevalence and incidence of dispensed melatonin prescriptions, long-term treatment, concomitant dispensation of psychotropic medication, and psychiatric comorbidity, in children and adolescents aged 0-17 years living in Sweden during 2006-2017. Data was retrieved by linking the national population-based registers, the Swedish Prescribed Drug register and the National Patient register. In 2017, nearly 2% of the pediatric population 0-17 years was dispensed at least one prescription of melatonin, which was more than a 15-fold increase for girls and a 20-fold increase for boys, when compared to 2006. Among the children in the age group 5-9 who initiated a melatonin treatment in 2009, 15% of girls and 17% of boys were found to be continuously prescribed melatonin 8 years later. Nearly 80% of all children with dispensed melatonin had concomitant dispensations of psychotropic medications. The most common combination was melatonin together with centrally acting sympathomimetic medicines (23% of girls and 43% of boys). About half of the children (47% of girls and 50% of boys) had at least one registered diagnosis of mental or behavioral disorders. The most common diagnosis was attention deficit hyperactive disorder, across all age groups and genders. The continuous increase of use of melatonin in children, often concomitant with other psychotropic medications, together with a high proportion of younger children with prescriptions of melatonin on a long-term basis, suggests the need for further structured follow up studies, in particular of long-term use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin E Kimland
- Swedish Medical Products Agency, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 42, Box 26, 751 03, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Carola Bardage
- Swedish Medical Products Agency, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 42, Box 26, 751 03, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Julius Collin
- National Board of Health and Welfare, Rålambsvägen 3, 116 30, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Järleborg
- National Board of Health and Welfare, Rålambsvägen 3, 116 30, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rickard Ljung
- Swedish Medical Products Agency, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 42, Box 26, 751 03, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anastasia N Iliadou
- National Board of Health and Welfare, Rålambsvägen 3, 116 30, Stockholm, Sweden
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25
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Pavlek LR, Rivera BK, Smith CV, Randle J, Hanlon C, Small K, Bell EF, Rysavy MA, Conroy S, Backes CH. Eligibility Criteria and Representativeness of Randomized Clinical Trials That Include Infants Born Extremely Premature: A Systematic Review. J Pediatr 2021; 235:63-74.e12. [PMID: 33894262 PMCID: PMC9348995 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the eligibility criteria and trial characteristics among contemporary (2010-2019) randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that included infants born extremely preterm (<28 weeks of gestation) and to evaluate whether eligibility criteria result in underrepresentation of high-risk subgroups (eg, infants born at <24 weeks of gestation). STUDY DESIGN PubMed and Scopus were searched January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019, with no language restrictions. RCTs with mean or median gestational ages at birth of <28 weeks of gestation were included. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines; outcomes were registered prospectively. Data extraction was performed independently by multiple observers. Study quality was evaluated using a modified Jadad scale. RESULTS Among RCTs (n = 201), 32 552 infants were included. Study participant characteristics, interventions, and outcomes were highly variable. A total of 1603 eligibility criteria were identified; rationales were provided for 18.8% (n = 301) of criteria. Fifty-five RCTs (27.4%) included infants <24 weeks of gestation; 454 (1.4%) infants were identified as <24 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSIONS The present study identifies sources of variability across RCTs that included infants born extremely preterm and reinforces the critical need for consistent and transparent policies governing eligibility criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeann R. Pavlek
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital,Department of Pediatrics and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Brian K. Rivera
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
| | - Charles V. Smith
- Center for Integrated Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Joanie Randle
- Ohio Perinatal Research Network at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Cory Hanlon
- Ohio Perinatal Research Network at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Kristi Small
- Ohio Perinatal Research Network at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Edward F. Bell
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Matthew A. Rysavy
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Sara Conroy
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University,Biostatistics Resource at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
| | - Carl H. Backes
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital,Department of Pediatrics and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH,Ohio Perinatal Research Network at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH,Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center,The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
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French pediatricians' views on industry-sponsored clinical trials: Toward stronger research on ethics? Arch Pediatr 2021; 28:459-463. [PMID: 34244025 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a crucial need to perform clinical trials in pediatrics due to an increased prescription rate of unapproved drugs. Since pediatricians are the gatekeepers of clinical trials, the primary objective of the current study was to evaluate, for the first time in France, pediatricians' views on performing clinical trials. The second objective was to identify the factors that influence their perceptions. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 2017, pediatricians who were members of the French Pediatric Society completed an online survey comprising 27 questions. Fisher's exact test was performed to evaluate possible correlations between pediatrician characteristics (age, sex, parenthood, professional experience, status, type of practice, previous participation in clinical trials, ethics education) and personal views on clinical trials. A value of P≤0.001 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Overall, 207 pediatricians completed the questionnaire. Almost all participants (96.6%) were in favor of performing clinical trials. Pediatricians with teaching experience at university hospitals were more reluctant to propose children's participation in clinical trials for fear of increasing parental stress (P<0.001), or the occurrence of serious adverse reactions (P<0.001). Pediatricians with coordinator or investigator experience considered that one of the ethical drifts in pediatric clinical trials is the risk of child exploitation (P<0.001). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a favorable position of pediatricians concerning clinical trials, despite numerous concerns. Another outcome is the need to create an educational system of research in ethics in France dedicated to pediatricians in order to guarantee good clinical practice in research.
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27
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Turbitt E, Newson AJ, Biesecker BB, Wilfond BS. Enrolling Children in Clinical Trials for Genetic Neurodevelopmental Conditions: Ethics, Parental Decisions, and Children's Identities. Ethics Hum Res 2021; 43:27-36. [PMID: 34196500 DOI: 10.1002/eahr.500097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of genetic mechanisms contributing to neurodevelopmental conditions is advancing. This is informing development of new drugs to treat or ameliorate these conditions, through targeting underlying genetic pathways. Drugs are tested in clinical trials, necessitating parents to engage with decisions about whether to enroll their child. In this article, we consider important ethical issues to anticipate as clinical research opportunities in genetic neurodevelopmental conditions arise. For example, genetic pathways targeted by the drugs may interact with valued character and personality traits. It is essential that recruitment and consent processes are optimized for families who will grapple with whether these novel drug treatments interact with their child's personality and authentic identity. We call for focused social science research and further normative analysis so that parents are better supported to make informed choices. Additionally, clinical research regulators should have a sound understanding of the contextual experiences regarding how this population of parents engages with decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Turbitt
- Lecturer in the Graduate School of Health at the University of Technology Sydney
| | - Ainsley J Newson
- Professor of bioethics at Sydney Health Ethics in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney
| | | | - Benjamin S Wilfond
- Professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Research Institute
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28
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Meyer D, Kernebeck S, Busse TS, Ehlers J, Wager J, Zernikow B, Dreier LA. Electronic Health Records in Specialized Pediatric Palliative Care: A Qualitative Needs Assessment among Professionals Experienced and Inexperienced in Electronic Documentation. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:249. [PMID: 33806842 PMCID: PMC8004830 DOI: 10.3390/children8030249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, to the best of our knowledge, no findings exist concerning the needs of professionals in specialized pediatric palliative care (PPC) regarding electronic health records (EHRs). Several studies have highlighted benefits concerning the use of EHRs in pediatrics. However, usability is strongly affected by the degree of adaptivity to the context of application. The aim of this study is to examine the needs of professionals concerning an EHR in the specialized PPC inpatient and outpatient settings. METHODS A qualitative research design was chosen to address the complex aspects of user demands. Focus group interviews and semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with PPC professionals. N = 23 participants from inpatient and N = 11 participants from outpatient settings of specialized PPC representing various professions took part in the study. RESULTS The findings could be grouped into four categories: (1) attitude towards the current methods of documentation, (2) attitude towards electronic documentation in general, (3) general requirements for an EHR, and (4) content requirements for an EHR. CONCLUSIONS Professionals in specialized PPC expect and experience many benefits of using electronic documentation. Their requirements for an EHR for inpatient and outpatient settings of PPC are largely consistent with EHRs for pediatrics. However, individual specifications and adaptations are necessary for this particular setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothee Meyer
- PedScience Research Institute, 45711 Datteln, Germany; (J.W.); (B.Z.); (L.A.D.)
- Department of Children’s Pain Therapy and Pediatric Palliative Care, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Sven Kernebeck
- Chair of Didactics and Educational Research in Health Science, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (S.K.); (T.S.B.); (J.E.)
| | - Theresa Sophie Busse
- Chair of Didactics and Educational Research in Health Science, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (S.K.); (T.S.B.); (J.E.)
| | - Jan Ehlers
- Chair of Didactics and Educational Research in Health Science, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (S.K.); (T.S.B.); (J.E.)
| | - Julia Wager
- PedScience Research Institute, 45711 Datteln, Germany; (J.W.); (B.Z.); (L.A.D.)
- Department of Children’s Pain Therapy and Pediatric Palliative Care, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany
- Pediatric Palliative Care Centre, Children’s and Adolescents’ Hospital, 45711 Datteln, Germany
| | - Boris Zernikow
- PedScience Research Institute, 45711 Datteln, Germany; (J.W.); (B.Z.); (L.A.D.)
- Department of Children’s Pain Therapy and Pediatric Palliative Care, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany
- Pediatric Palliative Care Centre, Children’s and Adolescents’ Hospital, 45711 Datteln, Germany
| | - Larissa Alice Dreier
- PedScience Research Institute, 45711 Datteln, Germany; (J.W.); (B.Z.); (L.A.D.)
- Department of Children’s Pain Therapy and Pediatric Palliative Care, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany
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29
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Castro JCDSXE, Botelho SF, Martins MAP, Vieira LB, Reis AMM. New drugs registered in Brazil from 2003 to 2013: analysis from the perspective of child health. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902020000419087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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30
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Andrade SRA, Santos PANDM, Andrade PHS, da Silva WB. Unlicensed and off-label prescription of drugs to children in primary health care: A systematic review. J Evid Based Med 2020; 13:292-300. [PMID: 33047516 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate unlicensed and off-label prescription and use of drugs to children in primary health care. METHODS This is a systematic review that was written based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). The studies were extracted from the databases: LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Scopus. Studies in English, Spanish or Portuguese with abstract available regarding the use and prescription of off-label and unlicensed drugs to children aged 0-18 years in primary health care were included. The evaluation of the titles, abstracts and Full-text were performed independently by two reviewers, and the divergences were resolved by a third reviewer. RESULTS Six studies were included. The incidence of off-label prescription varied from 29.5% to 51.7% in relation to the total number of drugs prescribed. The prevalence of off-label drugs ranged from 31.7% to 93.5% in relation to the total number of drugs prescribed. It was observed a higher proportion of off-label prescription related to age and dose. For unlicensed drugs, there was a small variation in incidence between 2.4% and 3.9%, relative to the total number of prescriptions, or between 2.4% and 10.0%, relative to the sample size. It was observed a higher proportion of unlicensed prescription related to children under 2 years of age. CONCLUSIONS The unlicensed and off-label prescription of drugs is recurring in the pediatric population of primary health care. It is necessary to have better information on these drugs by the regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical industries for rational use of drugs in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Raquel Almeida Andrade
- Nucleus of Research in Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Assistance (NUPPNAF), Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Henrique Santos Andrade
- Nucleus of Research in Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Assistance (NUPPNAF), Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Wellington Barros da Silva
- Nucleus of Research in Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Assistance (NUPPNAF), Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil
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31
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Albóniga OE, González O, Alonso RM, Xu Y, Goodacre R. Comparison of liver and plasma metabolic profiles in piglets of different ages as animal models for paediatric population. Analyst 2020; 145:6859-6867. [PMID: 32856625 DOI: 10.1039/d0an00254b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Liver plays an important role in drug metabolism, so studying the grade of maturation of this organ would help to develop more appropriate dosing regimens for paediatric populations. Nevertheless, considering the invasive nature of liver analyses there are obvious ethical boundaries, particularly in babies and children. In this work, we investigated the suitability of blood plasma as an alternative matrix to evaluate the biological age of liver. With this aim, we studied the correlation of plasma and liver metabolomic profiles obtained by HPLC-TOF-MS for piglets of different ages (newborns, neonates and infants). By means of Pearson correlation analysis we observed that 360 and 1784 pairs of metabolite features were significantly correlated in positive and negative ionization mode, respectively. Procrustes analysis was applied in order to assess the similarity of the clustering resulting from the data obtained from the two matrices and the two ionisation modes. The Procrustes distances were low for both ESI+ (0.3753) and ESI- (0.3673) and, hence, liver and plasma are expected to provide similar discriminatory information. Furthermore, we found that Multiblock Principal Component Analysis (MB-PCA) readily allowed us to combine the data obtained from both matrices and to better understand the clustering according to the three study groups. Considering all these results, we suggest that plasma can provide valuable insight into the maturation grade of liver in order to provide accurate dosing in paediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oihane E Albóniga
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940, Leioa, Spain.
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Obura B, Alele PE, Obua C. Off-label antibiotic use among paediatric in-patients: a mixed-method prospective study at a tertiary hospital in southwestern Uganda. Int J Clin Pharm 2020; 43:637-644. [PMID: 33070297 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-020-01175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background The off-label use of drugs to treat children is a global practice attributed to the traditional exclusion of children from clinical trials mainly due to practical and ethical reasons. Off-label drug use carries both benefits and risks, but data regarding this use pattern are scanty in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective To determine the incidence and predictors of off-label antibiotic use in children less than 5 years admitted at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in southwestern Uganda. Setting A prospective drug utilisation study was conducted among in-patients at the Paediatric Ward of MRRH from May to June 2019. Methods Clinical records and treatment notes of all children aged 0 to 59 months with at least one antibiotic prescription during the admission period were reviewed and included for data collection. Key informant interviews were conducted with physicians attending to patients in the Paediatric Ward. Main outcome measure Off-label use and potential predictors of off-label antibiotic use. Results Of 427 children admitted to the Paediatric Ward, 165 (38.6%) received 366 antibiotic prescriptions. However, 359 prescriptions belonging to 162 patients were analyzed. Off-label prescriptions occurred in 18.9% (95% CI: 14.9-23.0) of antibiotic prescriptions. Two categories of off-label prescriptions were found: off-label frequency of administration (n = 55, 80.9%), and off-label doses (n = 13, 19.1%). Ceftriaxone was the most common antibiotic prescribed at off-label doses, (n = 6, 8.8%) while ampicillin was the most common antibiotic prescribed with an off-label frequency of administration, (n = 39, 57.3%). Infants (1-23 months) received the majority (47.1%) of off-label antibiotic prescriptions; neonates (0-28 days) received 27.9%, and children (24-59 months) received 25% of the prescriptions. Controlling for sex and disease severity, age category remained significantly associated with off-label antibiotic use on multivariate analysis. Conclusion Off-label frequency of administration was the major category of off-label drug use, while off-label dose was the minor category. Age was a significant factor for off-label antibiotic prescription, with infants receiving the highest number of off-label prescriptions. Attending physicians identified several justifiable circumstances that warrant off-label antibiotic use and support emerging "well-founded" off-label uses of antibiotics in different paediatric age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonniface Obura
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Pharmacology, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
| | - Paul E Alele
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Celestino Obua
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bonnie J Kaplan
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Drug Utilisation and Off-Label Use on a German Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study and 10-Year Comparison. PHARMACY 2020; 8:pharmacy8030173. [PMID: 32957455 PMCID: PMC7559028 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8030173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacotherapy of neonates is complex and marked to a large extent of off-label use. The implementation of the Paediatric Regulation (2007) gave hope for a change in the safety and efficacy for drugs used in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). This study investigates drug utilisation patterns and off-label use in a German neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in 2014. A 12-months retrospective, observational cohort study was performed at the NICU of the University Children's Hospital Erlangen, Germany. Licensing status was determined using the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Results are compared with a similar study conducted 10 years earlier. The study included 204 patients (57.8% male) (2004: 183) and 2274 drug prescriptions were recorded (2004: 1978). The drugs that were mostly prescribed were drugs for the nervous system (2004: 22.6%; 2014: 26.9%) and anti-infectives for systemic use (2004: 26.0%; 2014: 24.9%);34.3% (2004) and 39.2% (2014) of all prescriptions were off-label;62.7% of all patients received at least one off-label or unlicensed drug (2004: 70%). For 13 drugs, the licensing status changed either from off-label to label (n = 9) or vice versa (n = 4). Overall, there was no significant change neither in terms of the drugs used nor regarding their licensing status. Further studies are needed to validate these findings in a European context.
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Kelly J, Bengry T, Romanick M, Jupp J, Dersch-Mills D. Pediatric pharmacists' perspectives on essential skills and activities for community pharmacists caring for pediatric patients: A mixed-methods study. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2020; 153:287-293. [PMID: 33110469 PMCID: PMC7560562 DOI: 10.1177/1715163520946079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Provision of care to pediatric patients represents a set of unique challenges for pharmacists. Pharmacists practising in pediatric-specialty areas (acute care or ambulatory) have unique perspectives on approaches to pediatric care that can be shared to support pharmacists less familiar with this group of patients in providing effective, patient-centred care. METHODS This was a mixed-methods study using data from pharmacist interviews to quantify and qualitatively describe the approaches to care most commonly reported by pediatric-specialty pharmacists when asked to provide advice to pharmacists on providing pharmaceutical care to infants and children. Data were coded in duplicate using an inductive approach, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus. The number of times a theme (or subtheme) was mentioned and the number of pharmacists who mentioned it were used as markers of the relative importance of the content. RESULTS The themes (and subthemes) that emerged as most important were clinical activities (dose checks, considering indication, using up-to-date height/weight), caregiver counselling (demonstrating measurement, discussing administration), medication safety (using consistent concentrations of liquids), compounded medications (risks of, use of caution), adherence (formulation considerations, palatability), avoiding use of over-the counter products (except analgesics/antipyretics) and use of external supports (colleagues, caregivers, resources). CONCLUSIONS We present a collated and prioritized list of practical approaches for pharmacists to use when caring for pediatric patients across the spectrum of practice. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2020;153:xx-xx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Kelly
- Alberta Health Services Pharmacy Services, Alberta
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Thajer A, Sommersguter-Reichmann M, Löffler-Stastka H. Implementing a Clinical Research Department to Support Pediatric Studies: A SWOT Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176211. [PMID: 32867050 PMCID: PMC7504077 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of most drugs used in pediatrics have not been studied in different age groups and are administered "off-label use". Clinical pediatric drug trials require specific and stringent compliance with laws, regulations, guidelines, and patient/parent/public involvement, which in turn increases resource use and makes support useful from a medical, qualitative, economic, and system perspective. We examined the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of implementing a Research Department for the Support of Pediatric Studies (RDPS) in Vienna. We used the SWOT ("strengths", "weaknesses", "opportunities", and "threats") analysis to collect comprehensive data and facts on the internal strengths, weaknesses (company analysis), and external opportunities and threats (environmental analysis). The company analysis revealed a productivity gain, due to a highly specialized team and standardized processes. The environmental analysis outlined a considerable 360-degree potential for a qualitative and quantitative medical- and social-scientific expansion of the service portfolio. The establishment of a RDPS leads to the centralization of pediatric studies by bundling tasks and concentration of specialist knowledge, which enables the exploitation of synergies, the standardization of processes, the promotion of professionalism, flexibility, innovations and the reduction of inefficiencies in the form of duplication of tasks. RDPS offers tailored advice and support for different types of pediatric studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Thajer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
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Morri M, Casabonne C, Leonardi D, Vignaduzzo S. Orphan Formulations for Pediatric Use: Development and Stability Control of Two Sildenafil Citrate Solutions for the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension. AAPS PharmSciTech 2020; 21:221. [PMID: 32748291 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-020-01768-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sildenafil citrate causes vasodilatation, relaxation of the smooth muscle, and reduction of pulmonary arterial pressure. The latter property makes sildenafil citrate efficient for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pediatric patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension are more susceptible to errors in drug administration than adults because of a lack of suitable drug dosages. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop stable (chemically and microbiologically) sildenafil citrate drop liquid formulation, suitable for pediatric patients (including diabetics), ensuring safety during preparation and storing and improving palatability by using milk as a carrier for administration. The significant factors that affect the sildenafil solubility were evaluated by applying a Plackett-Burman design using two levels with six variables. The experiment showed that the type of buffer and glycerin content influenced the sildenafil solubility. The developed formulations proved to be stable for 6 months at all three assayed conditions (40± 2°C, 75 ± 5% RH; 25± 2°C, 60 ± 5% RH; and 4 ± 2°C). The microbiological tests fit with the requirement of the pharmacopeia at day 0 and 90 and even more at day 180. Finally, the palatability assay showed that 0.82 mL of the formulation containing buffer phosphate, 20% glycerin, and 4 mg mL-1 of sildenafil citrate diluted in 4.8 mL milk (which fits the medium pediatric dose) presented similar palatability to milk alone, and no precipitate or turbidity was observed. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Morri
- Planta piloto de Producción de Medicamentos, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2002LRK, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Casabonne
- Área de Bacteriología. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2002LRK, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Darío Leonardi
- Área Técnica Farmacéutica, Departamento Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2002LRK, Rosario, Argentina. .,IQUIR-CONICET, Suipacha 570, S2002LRK, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - Silvana Vignaduzzo
- IQUIR-CONICET, Suipacha 570, S2002LRK, Rosario, Argentina. .,Área Análisis de Medicamentos, Departamento Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2002LRK, Rosario, Argentina.
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Rascher W, Wimmer S, Neubert A. „Off-label“-Anwendung in der Klinik – Welche Folgen hat ein Urteil des Bundessozialgerichts für die Pädiatrie? Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-020-00869-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Schrier L, Hadjipanayis A, Stiris T, Ross-Russell RI, Valiulis A, Turner MA, Zhao W, De Cock P, de Wildt SN, Allegaert K, van den Anker J. Off-label use of medicines in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents: a joint policy statement by the European Academy of Paediatrics and the European society for Developmental Perinatal and Pediatric Pharmacology. Eur J Pediatr 2020; 179:839-847. [PMID: 31897842 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-019-03556-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Health-care professionals who prescribe medicines have the professional duty to choose medicines that are in the best interest of their individual patient, irrespective if that patient is an adult or a child. However, the availability of medicines with an appropriate label for pediatric use is lagging behind those for adults, and even available pediatric drugs are sometimes not suitable to administer to children. Consequently, health-care professionals often have no other option than to prescribe off-label medicines to children. An important reason for use of off-label medicines is to improve access to (innovative) treatments or to address medical needs and preferences of patients, especially when no other options are available. However, off-label use of medicines is in general not supported by the same level of evidence as medicines licensed for pediatric use. This may result in increased uncertainty on efficacy as well as the risk for toxicity and other side effects. In addition, liability may also be of concern, counterbalanced by professional guidelines.Conclusion: The purpose of this joint EAP/ESDPPP policy statement is to offer guidance for HCPs on when and how to prescribe off-label medicines to children and to provide recommendations for future European policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenneke Schrier
- European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP), Princess Maxima Centre for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Adamos Hadjipanayis
- EAP; Paediatric Department, Larnaca General Hospital, Larnaca, Cyprus; European University Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Tom Stiris
- EAP; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Arunas Valiulis
- EAP Institute of Clinical Medicine and Institute of Health Sciences, Vilnius University Medical Faculty, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mark A Turner
- European Society for Developmental Perinatal and Paediatric Pharmacology (ESDPPP) Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom; Centre for Women's Health Research, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Wei Zhao
- ESDPPP; School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Pieter De Cock
- ESDPPP; Department of Pharmacy, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium and Heymans Institute of Pharmacology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Saskia N de Wildt
- ESDPPP; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Intensive Care and Department of Paediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karel Allegaert
- ESDPPP; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John van den Anker
- ESDPPP; Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.,Intensive Care and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, University of Basel Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the ubiquitous role of pharmacotherapy in the care of critically ill children, descriptions of the extent of pharmacotherapy in critical illness are limited. Greater understanding of drug therapy can help identify clinically important associations and assist in the prioritization of efforts to address knowledge gaps. The objectives of this study were to describe the diversity, volume, and patterns of pharmacotherapy in critically ill children. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study was performed with patient admissions to the ICU between July 31, 2006, and July 31, 2015. SETTING The study took place at a single, free-standing, pediatric, quaternary center. PATIENTS Eligible patient admissions were admitted to the ICU for more than 6 hours and received one or more drug administration. There were a total 17,482 patient-admissions and after exclusion of 283 admissions (2%) with no documented enteral or parenteral drug administration, 17,199 eligible admissions were studied. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The 17,199 eligible admissions were admitted to the ICU for 2,208,475 hours and received 515 different drugs. The 1,954,171 administrations were 894,709 (45%) enteral administrations, 998,490 (51%) IV injections and 60,972 (3%) infusions. Infusions were administered for 4,476,538 hours. Twelve-thousand two-hundred seventy-three patients (71%) were administered five or more different drugs on 80,943 of patient days (75%). The 10 most commonly administered drugs comprised of 834,441 administrations (43%). CONCLUSIONS Drug administration in the ICU is complex, involves many medications, and the potential for drug interaction and reaction is compounded by the volume and diversity of therapies routinely provided in ICU. Further evaluation of polytherapy could be used to improve outcomes and enhance the safety of pharmacotherapy in critically ill children.
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Germovsek E, Barker CIS, Sharland M, Standing JF. Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling in Pediatric Drug Development, and the Importance of Standardized Scaling of Clearance. Clin Pharmacokinet 2020; 58:39-52. [PMID: 29675639 PMCID: PMC6325987 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-018-0659-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modeling is important in the design and conduct of clinical pharmacology research in children. During drug development, PKPD modeling and simulation should underpin rational trial design and facilitate extrapolation to investigate efficacy and safety. The application of PKPD modeling to optimize dosing recommendations and therapeutic drug monitoring is also increasing, and PKPD model-based dose individualization will become a core feature of personalized medicine. Following extensive progress on pediatric PK modeling, a greater emphasis now needs to be placed on PD modeling to understand age-related changes in drug effects. This paper discusses the principles of PKPD modeling in the context of pediatric drug development, summarizing how important PK parameters, such as clearance (CL), are scaled with size and age, and highlights a standardized method for CL scaling in children. One standard scaling method would facilitate comparison of PK parameters across multiple studies, thus increasing the utility of existing PK models and facilitating optimal design of new studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Germovsek
- Infection, Inflammation and Rheumatology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Heath, University College London, London, UK. .,Pharmacometrics Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, PO Box 591, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Charlotte I S Barker
- Infection, Inflammation and Rheumatology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Heath, University College London, London, UK.,Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK.,St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mike Sharland
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK.,St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joseph F Standing
- Infection, Inflammation and Rheumatology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Heath, University College London, London, UK.,Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
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Carmack M, Berde C, Monuteaux MC, Manzi S, Bourgeois FT. Off-label use of prescription analgesics among hospitalized children in the United States. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2020; 29:474-481. [PMID: 32102118 DOI: 10.1002/pds.4978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Analgesics are the most frequently administered medications among hospitalized children. However, current analgesic prescribing patterns have not been well defined among hospitalized children. In addition, it is unknown what proportion of prescription analgesics is approved for use in children and what proportion is used "off-label." METHODS Nationally representative data from 52 tertiary care children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System were queried to determine prescribing rates of analgesic medications. We analyzed hospitalizations for children <18 years occurring between 1 April 2010 and 30 June 2018. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug labels were reviewed for pediatric information, and prescriptions were classified as on- or off-label based on age, route, and formulation. RESULTS Among 4.9 million hospitalizations, 1.8 million (37.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 37.6-37.7) were associated with use of a prescription analgesic. Overall, 36.7% (95% CI = 36.7-36.7) of hospitalizations included off-label analgesic therapy, with 26.4% (95% CI = 26.4-26.5) associated with two or more off-label analgesics. Off-label analgesic use was higher among hospitalizations in the intensive care unit (61.5%) or with an operating room procedure (92.8%). Rates of off-label prescribing increased with age, peaking at 50.5% for adolescents. Prescription analgesics administered most frequently were morphine, fentanyl, and ketorolac, with off-label use occurring in 24.5%, 23.1%, and 11.3% of hospitalizations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Over a third of pediatric hospitalizations were associated with the administration of prescription analgesics that have not been labeled for use in children. Our findings highlight the critical need to ensure that safe and effective analgesics are developed for children and that pediatric labeling is expanded for existing analgesics to inform treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Carmack
- Pediatric Therapeutics and Regulatory Science Initiative, Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Charles Berde
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael C Monuteaux
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shannon Manzi
- Pediatric Therapeutics and Regulatory Science Initiative, Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pharmacy, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Florence T Bourgeois
- Pediatric Therapeutics and Regulatory Science Initiative, Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Weisleder P. Helping Them Decide: A Scoping Review of Interventions Used to Help Minors Understand the Concept and Process of Assent. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:25. [PMID: 32117832 PMCID: PMC7020747 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For adults, understanding research protocols prior to consenting to participate can be demanding. For children, that challenge is likely amplified. Yet, the participation of minors as research subjects is necessary. Otherwise, the likelihood of improving healthcare for minors now and in the future is hampered. The risk that minors could be harmed by procedures and medicines that are ill-adapted to their age-group or lack adequate scientific basis is real. It is therefore necessary to identify age-appropriate models to help minors understand the concept and process of assent. For this scoping review the concepts of assent and dissent, tools to evaluate the capacity of minors to assent, and six empirically based methods that have been used to help minors understand the process of assent were reviewed. Helping minors become better decision-makers in a manner that is commensurate with their development, supports children's prerogative to participate as human subjects in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Weisleder
- Division of Neurology and Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Hirota S, Yamaguchi T. Timing of Pediatric Drug Approval and Clinical Evidence Submitted to Regulatory Authorities: International Comparison Among Japan, the United States, and the European Union. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2019; 108:985-994. [PMID: 31869436 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.1757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Many prescription drugs approved for adult use lack pediatric labeling information, resulting in their off-label use in children. Drug regulatory authorities have developed legal and regulatory frameworks to promote pediatric drug development. However, the current state of pediatric indication approval and quality of efficacy evidence, which forms the basis of regulatory approvals, is unknown. Here, we analyzed novel therapeutics approved in Japan, the United States, and the European Union during 2005-2014 to investigate the timing and frequency of pediatric indication approval, and characterized the design of pediatric studies supporting regulatory approval. We found that the United States and European Union experienced a higher frequency of supplemental indication approval in pediatrics based on better-designed studies than Japan. The speed and efficiency of pediatric drug development will improve by coordinating pediatric studies on an international basis. The results also implied the necessity for a robust system of postmarketing monitoring of pediatric efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeko Hirota
- Division of Biostatistics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takuhiro Yamaguchi
- Division of Biostatistics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Ody C, Schmitt M. Who cares about a label? The effect of pediatric labeling changes on prescription drug utilization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT 2019; 19:419-447. [PMID: 30887158 DOI: 10.1007/s10754-019-09265-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Off-label drug use is common, particularly in pediatric populations. In response, legislation requires and/or provides financial incentives for drug manufacturers to perform pediatric clinical trials. Using New Hampshire's all-payer claims database, we examine the impact of subsequent changes to drug labeling on pediatric drug utilization. To separate changes in utilization induced by labeling changes from other temporal factors, we estimate difference-in-differences models that compare utilization trends for pediatric patients to those of adults. We estimate that establishing safety and efficacy increases a drug's market share by (a statistically significant) 2.8 percentage points, whereas failure to do so decreases a drug's market share by (a statistically insignificant) 0.9 percentage points. We then interpret these estimates within the context of public and market incentives to conduct pediatric clinical trials.
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Wu W, Tang Z, Chen J, Gao Y. Pediatric drug development in China: Reforms and challenges. Pharmacol Res 2019; 148:104412. [PMID: 31491470 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In China, child and adolescent pediatricians often face challenges in treating children with the appropriate medications. Within the last 8 years, the Chinese government has already initiated a series of policies to promote development of age-appropriate medicines for children. In this study,we introduced the current status of pediatric drugs, obstacles for pediatric drugs development and regulatory reforms in China. The lack of label information in drugs for children, inadequacy of age-appropriate dosage forms and strengths, and shortage of pediatric drugs are some of the problems commonly faced. There exists neither mandatory requirements nor enough financial drivers for development of pediatric medicines. Though some progress in terms of pediatric drugs development as well as distribution have been made by Chinese government over past years, further efforts are necessary to improve availability of pediatric medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Management, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Sino-Dannish Regulatory Science Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijia Tang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Management, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiyuan Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Management, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Management, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Sino-Dannish Regulatory Science Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Nordenmalm S, Kimland E, Ligas F, Lehmann B, Claverol J, Nafria B, Tötterman AM, Pelle B. Children's views on taking medicines and participating in clinical trials. Arch Dis Child 2019; 104:900-905. [PMID: 31201156 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-316511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Limited information is available on the views of children taking medicines and participating in clinical trials. These views may contribute to a better understanding of what can be improved on in the development of medicines from their perspective. OBJECTIVE To collect children's views on taking medicines and participating in clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS A question-based survey was conducted among children living in European Union countries between January and August 2015. RESULTS Almost 900 children aged 10-17 years from Finland, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Hungary responded. Almost 40% had a chronic health condition. The most commonly used pharmaceutical forms were solid or liquid medicines for oral use and injectable medicines. Bad taste and pain during administration were reported as common problems. Of 785 respondents, 17% had been taking part in a clinical trial. Most respondents would potentially agree to take part in a clinical trial because the investigational medicine might improve their own health or that of other children. Concern that the investigational medicine might be harmful was the main reason to refuse participation, if asked to. Over half of the respondents were willing to learn more about clinical trials, preferably online. CONCLUSIONS It is necessary to involve children in the development of age-appropriate pharmaceutical forms and in the design of clinical trials. Children and their carers should be provided with age-appropriate medical information in the most suitable channels. We have identified some common problems that children experience when taking medicines, and we conclude that children are interested in learning more and giving their opinions on clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Nordenmalm
- Departmentof Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elin Kimland
- The Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Franca Ligas
- European Medicines Agency (EMA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birka Lehmann
- The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - Joana Claverol
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Joan de Déu Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Begonya Nafria
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Joan de Déu Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Benjamin Pelle
- European Medicines Agency (EMA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence T Bourgeois
- From the Pediatric Therapeutics and Regulatory Science Initiative and the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, and the Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School (F.T.B.), and the Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School (A.S.K.) - all in Boston
| | - Aaron S Kesselheim
- From the Pediatric Therapeutics and Regulatory Science Initiative and the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, and the Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School (F.T.B.), and the Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School (A.S.K.) - all in Boston
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Rödle W, Wimmer S, Zahn J, Prokosch HU, Hinkes B, Neubert A, Rascher W, Kraus S, Toddenroth D, Sedlmayr B. User-Centered Development of an Online Platform for Drug Dosing Recommendations in Pediatrics. Appl Clin Inform 2019; 10:570-579. [PMID: 31390668 PMCID: PMC6685729 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1693714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug therapy in pediatric patients is a complex process. Children are subject to continuous growth and variation in drug-metabolizing enzyme activity, requiring continuous adaption of dosages. In Germany, currently no publicly available database exists that provides evidence-based information on drug dosages in pediatrics. For local drug dosing support, a prototype database has been developed within the Children's Hospital, Erlangen. A user-centered development process was initiated to establish an online platform for evidence-based dosing recommendations, as well as pharmacological and pharmaceutical drug information in pediatrics. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the study were to survey the demand for such a platform and to assess the usability of the different versions of the developed system. METHODS The developed prototype was evaluated in a pluralistic walkthrough with prospective end users. After a redesign, the second prototype of the online platform underwent an online usability testing based on a tailored questionnaire and the System Usability Scale (SUS) (n = 12). RESULTS Eleven of 12 participants expressed a demand for an online platform for pediatric dosing recommendations. The majority of the participants requested the integration of extended features, such as drug-drug interaction alerts, or information on adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Particularly noteworthy is the demand for an online calculator; 5 of a total of 15 participants explicitly requested a calculator for dosages (based on age, weight, body surface) and glomerular filtration rate. The usability of the second prototype was rated "good to excellent" with a median SUS of 81.25. CONCLUSION Local domain experts demand an online platform for pediatric dosing recommendations. The application of the user-centered design approach enabled the development of a prototype suitable for practical use. Multiple additional required functionalities have been identified, whereby the importance of an online calculator for patient-individual dosing recommendations was particularly emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Rödle
- Department of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Wimmer
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Zahn
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Prokosch
- Department of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Antje Neubert
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rascher
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Kraus
- Department of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dennis Toddenroth
- Department of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Brita Sedlmayr
- Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Kruger M, Makiwane MM, Ramoroka S, van Elsland SL, Lawrence K, Rosenkranz B. Off-label Use in Ambulatory Paediatric Clinics in a Central South African Hospital. J Trop Pediatr 2019; 65:380-388. [PMID: 30476332 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmy065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this article was to determine off-label (OL) use in paediatric ambulatory clinics in a South African central hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS OL medicine events were documented in three paediatric clinics (general, highly specialized and dedicated HIV paediatric clinics) at Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa, and analysed according to South African medicine registration information. RESULTS There were 2167 medicine events for 658 children. Mean age was 5.6 years (interquartile range 1.8-8.8). There were 123 OL medicine events (6%). Extemporaneous OL use was most common (n = 58, 47%), followed by weight (n = 45, 37%) and lack of paediatric data (n = 38, 31%). Of note was OL use for weight for general paediatrics (n = 32, 78%, p < 0.001), lack of appropriate paediatric data for highly specialized paediatrics (n = 26, 61%, p = 0.004) and extemporaneous use for HIV-infected children (n = 34, 87%, p < 0.001), with significant less OL use for HIV-infected children (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS Of note is significant extemporaneous OL use in HIV-infected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Kruger
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg Children's Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Memela M Makiwane
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sekgele Ramoroka
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sabine L van Elsland
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg Children's Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katherine Lawrence
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg Children's Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bernd Rosenkranz
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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