Evaluation of the Safety of Quetiapine in Treating Delirium in Critically Ill Children: A Retrospective Review.

Objective: Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic that has been used off-label for the treatment of intensive care unit (ICU) delirium in the adult population, with studies demonstrating both efficacy and a favorable safety profile. Although there is a potential role for quetiapine in the treatment of pediatric ICU delirium, there has been no systematic reporting to date of safety in this patient population.

Methods: Pharmacy records were used to identify 55 consecutive pediatric ICU patients who were diagnosed with delirium and received quetiapine.

Quetiapine as treatment for delirium in critically ill children: A case series.

Delirium occurs in a substantial number of critically ill children and may contribute to increased hospital length of stay, and short- and long-term morbidity. Children with delirium may benefit from early pharmacologic treatment. In this case series, we describe four critically ill children, ranging from eight months to 14 years of age, who were prescribed quetiapine as treatment for delirium.

Impact of computerized prescriber order entry on the incidence of adverse drug events in pediatric inpatients.

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the impact of a computerized physician order entry system with substantial decision support on the incidence and types of adverse drug events in hospitalized children.

Methods: A prospective methodology was used for the collection of adverse drug events and potential adverse drug events from all patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care and general pediatric units over a 6-month period. Data from a previous adverse drug event study of the same patient care units before computerized physician order entry implementation were used for comparison purposes.

Incidence and impact of adverse drug events in pediatric inpatients.

Objectives: To determine the incidence and causes of adverse drug events (ADEs) and potential ADEs in hospitalized children, and to examine the consequences of these events.

Design: Prospective review of medical records and staff interviews were performed. The ADEs were defined as injuries from medications or lack of an intended medication, and potential ADEs, as errors with the potential to result in injury.