[Drug use in a neonatal unit].

Area of Science:

• Neonatal pharmacology
• Pediatric intensive care
• Medication safety

Context:

• Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are critical environments for managing vulnerable infants.
• Medication administration is a cornerstone of neonatal care, yet carries inherent risks.
• Understanding drug utilization patterns and associated costs is essential for resource allocation and patient safety.

Purpose:

• To comprehensively analyze medication administration in a neonatal intensive care unit over a one-year period.
• To quantify drug usage, administration routes, and associated costs.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of drug monitoring and identify areas for quality improvement in neonatal medication management.

Summary:

• A one-year study of 469 infants in a neonatal intensive care unit revealed that 99.6% received medication, with 12,019 doses administered.
• Oral and intravenous routes were most common; vitamin K and systemic antibiotics were frequently used. Surfactant represented a significant cost.
• Drug monitoring indicated 32% of serum concentrations were outside the therapeutic range, with limited dose adjustments. A rare instance of incorrect drug administration was noted.

Impact:

• This research underscores the high prevalence of medication use in neonatal intensive care and its substantial economic impact.
• Findings emphasize the critical need for stringent drug monitoring and quality assurance protocols to minimize medication errors and optimize therapeutic outcomes.
• The study provides valuable data for healthcare providers and policymakers aiming to enhance medication safety and efficacy in neonatal populations.