Implementation of a training program to improve pharmacy services for high-risk neonatal and maternal populations.

Purpose: A training program aimed at increasing pharmacists' role in the care of high-risk maternal, neonatal, and pediatric patients is described.

Summary: In preparation for the planned expansion of a large Ohio hospital's maternal and neonatal critical care services, the pharmacy department developed a training program to increase the knowledge and skill sets of staff pharmacists, especially those who lacked residency training. The program also supported the department's transition to an integrated patient-centered pharmacy practice model.

Neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome have ultrasound evidence of abnormal superior mesenteric artery perfusion before and after modified Norwood procedure.

Objective: To a) describe superior mesenteric artery resistive index, as an estimate of perfusion, before and after modified Norwood; and b) assess incidence of diastolic flow reversal in the superior mesenteric artery before and after modified Norwood.

Design: Prospective observational trial.

Setting: Children's hospital pediatric intensive care unit.

Frequency and preventability of adverse drug reactions in paediatric patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the frequency, severity and preventability of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in paediatric patients during the 6-year period from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 1999.

Methods: Data on patient demographics, documented allergies, suspected drug, American Hospital Formulary Service drug classification and dosage regimen were collected retrospectively from ADRs reported to a hospital surveillance programme. ADRs were categorised by severity, preventability and causality.

Lipodystrophy in HIV-infected pediatric patients receiving protease inhibitors.

Background: In adults with HIV infection, lipodystrophy syndrome may develop, characterized by peripheral wasting in the extremities, central obesity, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance. This syndrome occurs in HIV-positive pediatric patients who take protease inhibitors (PIs). However, the full characteristics of the syndrome in this population is not fully understood.