Evaluation of Rapid vs Standard Infliximab Infusions in the Pediatric Population.

Background: Rapid 1-hour infliximab infusions have been safely implemented in adults, but studies of these rapid infusions in pediatric patients are limited. This study's primary objective was to determine the safety of 1-hour infliximab infusions compared with standard 2- to 3-hour infusions in children with inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune disorders.

Methods: We conducted an institutional review board-approved prospective study using an unmatched historical control group at a freestanding children's hospital comparing rapid vs standard infusion rates of infliximab and the use of premedications and immunomodulatory agents on the frequency of early and delayed infusion reactions.

Improving Palivizumab Compliance rough a Pharmacist-Managed RSV Prevention Clinic.

Objectives: Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody approved for the prevention of serious lower respiratory tract infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in high-risk pediatric patients. While palivizumab is more effective if used correctly, compliance with the monthly dosing is suboptimal. We established a pharmacist-managed RSV prevention clinic in an effort to improve compliance.

A randomized, double-blind study comparing the efficacy of selenium sulfide shampoo 1% and ciclopirox shampoo 1% as adjunctive treatments for tinea capitis in children.

Our objective was to compare the efficacy of selenium sulfide shampoo 1% and ciclopirox shampoo 1% as adjunctive treatments for tinea capitis in children. Forty children aged 1-11 years with clinically diagnosed tinea capitis were randomized to receive selenium sulfide shampoo 1% or ciclopirox shampoo 1% twice a week as adjuncts to an 8-week course of ultramicronized griseofulvin dosed at 10-12 mg/kg/day. At weeks 2, 4, and 8, subjects returned to the clinic for evaluation and scalp cultures.

Patent ductus arteriosus: an overview.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital heart defects, accounting for 5%-10% of all congenital heart disease in term infants. The occurrence of PDA is inversely related to gestational age and weight, with an even greater incidence in preterm infants. The maintenance of ductal patency is essential for the normal development of the fetus.

Physical Compatibility of Alprostadil with Commonly Used IV Solutions and Medications in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Objective: To determine the physical compatibility of alprostadil with intravenous (IV) solutions, a parenteral nutrition (PN) solution, and other intravenous medications commonly used in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods: To simulate y-site administration, each IV solution and the PN solution were slowly mixed 1:1 with alprostadil 15 μg/mL at 25°C. The mixtures were gently shaken and visually examined at 1, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes for physical incompatibility (gross precipitation, color change, haze, separation or gas production).

Sevelamer therapy for pediatric end-stage renal disease.

Sevelamer, a non-calcium-containing, non-aluminum-containing phosphate binder, is frequently prescribed for treatment in adults with hyperphosphatemia secondary to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, published information regarding sevelamer use in children younger than 11 years is lacking. We report the use of sevelamer as a phosphate binder in a 19-month-old girl with ESRD who was receiving calcium carbonate 1250 mg 3 times/day for hyperphosphatemia.

Prokinetic drug therapy in children: a review of current options.

Objective: To review the pharmacology, safety, and efficacy of the prokinetic agents metoclopramide and erythromycin in children.

Data Sources: English-language literature was accessed using MEDLINE (1970-June 2004) with metoclopramide, erythromycin, macrolides, gastroesophageal reflux, and gastrointestinal motility as the search terms.

Study Selection And Data Extraction: Abstracts and original research articles were included.