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A concurrent cefuroxime use evaluation in pediatric patients.
F C Obilio1, C Petrou, M H O'Brodovich
1Toronto East General Hospital, Ontario.
The Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|October 1, 1993
Summary
This study evaluated cefuroxime use in pediatric patients, finding 77% met criteria. Pharmacist interventions improved therapy in some cases, highlighting the value of drug use evaluation programs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Antimicrobial Stewardship
- Drug Utilization Research
Background:
- Cefuroxime is a commonly prescribed antibiotic in pediatric care.
- Ensuring appropriate antibiotic use is crucial for patient outcomes and preventing resistance.
- Drug Use Evaluation (DUE) programs are essential for monitoring and optimizing medication therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To concurrently evaluate the utilization of cefuroxime in pediatric patients.
- To assess adherence to pre-established criteria for cefuroxime prescribing.
- To determine the impact of pharmacist interventions on cefuroxime therapy.
Main Methods:
- Concurrent data collection of clinical information for pediatric patients receiving cefuroxime.
- Assessment of cefuroxime therapy against defined criteria by a pediatric liaison pharmacist.
- Intervention by the pharmacist for non-compliant therapy, followed by review by a DUE Coordinator and pediatrician.
Main Results:
- Thirty-five pediatric patients received cefuroxime during the evaluation period, all empirically.
- Community-acquired pneumonia was the most common indication (21 courses), with 18 meeting criteria.
- Overall, 77% of cefuroxime courses met established criteria; pharmacist interventions led to therapy changes in 3 of 6 instances.
Conclusions:
- Seventy-seven percent of empirical cefuroxime use in pediatric patients met established criteria.
- Pharmacist-led drug use evaluation can identify suboptimal prescribing.
- Interventions by clinical pharmacists can lead to positive adjustments in pediatric antibiotic therapy.