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Updated: Jan 12, 2026
06:04
Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex
Published on: July 4, 2018
9.2K
[Drug use in a neonatal ICU: a prospective study].
R López Martínez1, M J Cabañas Poy, M Oliveras Arenas
1Sección de Farmacia Maternoinfantil, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona. ralopez@yahoo.es
Summary
Many pediatric drug prescriptions are off-label or unlicensed due to a lack of clinical trials. This highlights the need for evidence-based pediatric therapies to ensure drug safety and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pharmacology
- Neonatal intensive care
- Drug safety and efficacy
Context:
- Many medications used in pediatric units lack approval or deviate from prescribed information.
- Limited clinical trials and appropriate dosage forms in children compromise drug safety.
- Physicians and pharmacists bear responsibility for off-label drug use in pediatric patients.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the status of drug prescriptions within a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a tertiary hospital.
Summary:
- A 3-month prospective study analyzed 236 prescribed drugs across 61 therapies in a NICU.
- Fifty percent of prescribed drugs were used off-label, while 13% were unlicensed.
- A significant portion (37%) of drug prescriptions were compliant with established guidelines.
Impact:
- Findings align with similar European studies, indicating a common practice driven by treatment necessity.
- Emphasizes the critical need for health authorities to promote clinical trials in pediatric populations.
- Advocates for the development of evidence-based drug therapies to enhance safety and outcomes for children.
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