Prevalence of congenital cryptorchidism in Estonia.

Background: Cryptorchidism is one of the most common urogenital malformations. Cryptorchidism prevalence varies greatly in different countries and populations. The aim of the current study was to determine and analyse cryptorchidism prevalence in Estonia.

Medicines prescription patterns in European neonatal units.

Background Hospitalized neonates receive the highest number of drugs compared to all other age groups, but consumption rates vary between studies depending on patient characteristics and local practices. There are no large-scale international studies on drug use in neonatal units. Objective We aimed to describe drug use in European neonatal units and characterize its associations with geographic region and gestational age.

Age-Appropriate Formulations Including Pharmaceutical Excipients in Neonatal Medicines.

Background: The development of appropriate pharmaceutical formulations for routine neonatal practice is challenging because of the developmental characteristics and the need for it to be specifically ageappropriate. This has led to wide use of extemporaneous formulations, which lack standardized procedures that can result in medication errors in clinical practice resulting in suboptimal efficacy and safety concerns.

Methods: We have reviewed the most recent literature on formulations and pharmaceutical excipients.

Product Substitution as a Way Forward in Avoiding Potentially Harmful Excipients in Neonates.

Objectives: Our objectives were to explore the possibility of avoiding neonatal exposure to potentially harmful excipients of interest (EOI)-parabens, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, benzoates, saccharin sodium, sorbitol and ethanol-through product substitution in Europe.

Methods: We performed a 3-day service evaluation survey and a 1-day point prevalence study in 20 and 21 European countries, respectively. Analysis included active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in ≥10 % of units.

High variability in the dosing of commonly used antibiotics revealed by a Europe-wide point prevalence study: implications for research and dissemination.

Background: Antibiotic dosing in neonates varies between countries and centres, suggesting suboptimal exposures for some neonates. We aimed to describe variations and factors influencing the variability in the dosing of frequently used antibiotics in European NICUs to help define strategies for improvement.

Methods: A sub-analysis of the European Study of Neonatal Exposure to Excipients point prevalence study was undertaken.

Potentially harmful excipients in neonatal medicines: a pan-European observational study.

Objectives: We aimed to describe administration of eight potentially harmful excipients of interest (EOI)-parabens, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, benzoates, saccharin sodium, sorbitol, ethanol and benzalkonium chloride-to hospitalised neonates in Europe and to identify risk factors for exposure.

Methods: All medicines administered to neonates during 1 day with individual prescription and demographic data were registered in a web-based point prevalence study. Excipients were identified from the Summaries of Product Characteristics.

Comparison of two alternative study designs in assessment of medicines utilisation in neonates.

Background: Estimates of prevalence are known to be affected by the design of cross-sectional studies. A pan-European study provided an opportunity to compare the effect of two cross-sectional study designs on estimates of medicines use.

Methods: A Service evaluation survey (SES) and a web-based point-prevalence study (PPS) were conducted as part of a European study of neonatal exposure to excipients.