Risk factors associated with adverse drug reactions in hospitalised children: international multicentre study

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Published on: August 30, 2018

Asia N Rashed1, Ian C K Wong, Noel Cranswick

  • 1Centre for Paediatric Pharmacy Research, The School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|December 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Minimizing polypharmacy in hospitalized children is key to reducing adverse drug reactions (ADRs). High-risk drug groups and the number of medications prescribed significantly predict ADRs in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric pharmacology
  • Clinical pharmacy
  • Drug safety research

Background:

  • Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) pose a significant risk in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding epidemiological factors and risk predictors is crucial for developing effective ADR prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors associated with ADRs in hospitalized children.
  • To recommend strategies for minimizing ADRs in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, multicenter cohort study involving 1,253 pediatric patients across five international hospitals.
  • Intensive chart review was used for ADR identification.
  • Multivariable logistic regression analyzed risk factors, categorizing drugs into high-risk and low-risk groups.

Main Results:

  • 328 ADRs were observed in 16.7% of patients.
  • Prescribing five or more low-risk drugs (OR 4.7) or three or more high-risk drugs (OR 6.5) were strong predictors of ADRs.
  • Older children had a higher likelihood of experiencing ADRs.

Conclusions:

  • Minimizing polypharmacy is essential for reducing ADRs in children.
  • Clinicians and pharmacists should be aware of the elevated ADR risks associated with specific drug classes.
Abstract

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