Impact of dose adaptations following voriconazole therapeutic drug monitoring in pediatric patients.

Voriconazole is the mainstay of treatment for invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised pediatric patients. Although Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) of voriconazole is recommended, it remains unknown if TDM-based dose adaptations result in target attainment. Patients <19 years from two pediatric hematologic-oncology wards were retrospectively identified based on unexplained high voriconazole trough concentrations (Cmin > 6 mg/l).

The effect of a medication reconciliation program in two intensive care units in the Netherlands: a prospective intervention study with a before and after design.

Background: Medication errors occur frequently in the intensive care unit (ICU) and during care transitions. Chronic medication is often temporarily stopped at the ICU. Unfortunately, when the patient improves, the restart of this medication is easily forgotten.

The effect of the TIM program (Transfer ICU Medication reconciliation) on medication transfer errors in two Dutch intensive care units: design of a prospective 8-month observational study with a before and after period.

Background: The transfer of patients to and from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is prone to medication errors. The aim of the present study is to determine whether the number of medication errors at ICU admission and discharge and the associated potential harm and costs are reduced by using the Transfer ICU and Medication reconciliation (TIM) program.

Methods: This prospective 8-month observational study with a pre- and post-design will assess the effects of the TIM program compared with usual care in two Dutch hospitals.

Problems with medicine packages: experiences reported to a Dutch medicine reporting system.

Background: Practical issues such as ease of use and packaging appear to cause significant problems in daily use of medicines, but there are only few published studies about these aspects of medicine use.

Objective: To assess the type of experiences related to practical aspects of medicine use reported to an Internet-based medicine reporting system (www.meldpuntmedicijnen.