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Published on: August 30, 2018
Significant increase in clopidogrel use across U.S. children's hospitals
Chiara Gentilomo1, Yuan-Shung Huang, Leslie Raffini
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Pediatric Cardiology
|December 7, 2010
Summary
Clopidogrel use in pediatric hospitals surged 15-fold from 2001-2009, primarily for cardiovascular conditions. Further research is crucial to assess the safety and efficacy of this antiplatelet agent in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Drug Utilization Studies
Background:
- Antiplatelet agents like clopidogrel are increasingly used in pediatric care.
- Understanding trends in clopidogrel use is vital for optimizing treatment in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the utilization patterns of clopidogrel in pediatric tertiary care hospitals.
- To analyze changes in clopidogrel administration over a decade (2000-2009).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database.
- Analysis of pharmacy billing codes and ICD-9 codes from 42 U.S. children's hospitals.
- Inclusion of patient demographics and concurrent anticoagulant/antiplatelet use data.
Main Results:
- Clopidogrel use increased 15-fold from 2001 to 2009 (6 to 89.5 per 100,000 admissions).
- Cardiac disease (75%), stroke (9.4%), and Kawasaki disease (6.1%) were primary indications.
- Concurrent aspirin use was noted in 52% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Clopidogrel use is rapidly increasing in pediatric cardiovascular disease patients.
- This population faces high risks of bleeding, thrombosis, and mortality.
- Continued evaluation of clopidogrel's safety and efficacy in children is imperative.
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