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[Adverse drug reactions in a paediatric intensive care unit]

H Telechea1, N Speranza, L Lucas

  • 1Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay. hmteleo@gmail.com

Farmacia Hospitalaria : Organo Oficial De Expresion Cientifica De La Sociedad Espanola De Farmacia Hospitalaria
|August 9, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common in critically ill children, affecting over a third of patients. Many of these reactions are preventable, highlighting the need for improved safety strategies in pediatric intensive care units.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric intensive care
  • Clinical pharmacology
  • Drug safety

Context:

  • Critically ill children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are at risk for adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
  • Intensive pharmacosurveillance is crucial for identifying and managing ADRs in this vulnerable population.

Purpose:

  • To determine the frequency and characteristics of ADRs in a PICU.
  • To analyze patient demographics, involved drugs, affected systems, and reaction mechanisms.
  • To assess the incidence, severity, and preventability of ADRs.

Summary:

  • A study of 123 children in a PICU found 24 experienced at least one ADR, totaling 45 ADRs.
  • The overall ADR frequency was 36.6%, with an average of 1.9 reactions per child.
  • Antiepileptics and diuretics were the most common drug classes involved, frequently affecting metabolic and hematological systems. 61% of ADRs were preventable, with 12 severe reactions and one fatality.

Impact:

  • ADRs represent a significant health concern in pediatric critical care.
  • Findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced awareness and targeted prevention strategies to reduce ADRs in critically ill children.
  • Implementation of improved pharmacovigilance and medication safety protocols can mitigate ADRs and improve patient outcomes.
Abstract

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