Controlled Substance Liquid Waste Management Systems As Potential Reservoirs for Nosocomial Infection in a Pediatric Hospital.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if controlled substance waste management systems (CSWMS) demonstrate microbial growth, and therefore present a potential infection risk to pediatric hospital patients.

Methods: Twenty CSWMS, either Smart Sink or Pharma Lock systems, located in patient care areas were sampled. Twelve were located in critical care areas.

Ceftriaxone-Induced Immune Hemolytic Anemia: In Vitro Reversal with Peptide Inhibitor of Complement C1 (PIC1).

We report a case of ceftriaxone-induced immune hemolytic anemia in a 10-year-old with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus disease and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. After chemotherapy, she became febrile and received ceftriaxone. She rapidly developed respiratory failure and anemia.

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 review of Candida prophylaxis in the neonatal intensive care population.

Objective: To review the efficacy and safety of antifungal prophylaxis in the neonatal intensive care setting.

Data Sources: English-language literature was accessed using MEDLINE (January 1988- December 2010). The following Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) search terms were used: "amphotericin B," "fluconazole," "nystatin," "itraconazole," "caspofungin," "voriconazole," "Candida," "prevention and control," and "critically ill.

Prospective randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial of recombinant human erythropoietin administration to reduce blood transfusions in anemic pediatric intensive care patients.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if the number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions anemic pediatric intensive care unit patients receive could be reduced by the prophylactic administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO).

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial. Patients were randomized to receive either intravenous rHuEPO 300 units/kg/day or placebo.

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.

An assessment of vancomycin pharmacokinetic variability in pediatric cardiology patients.

Objectives: To establish the steady-state pharmacokinetic profile of vancomycin in pediatric cardiology patients; determine an empiric vancomycin dose; and evaluate the correlation between fluid balance and volume of distribution (Vd), serum creatinine and clearance (CL), and daily dose of furosemide and Vd.

Methods: Retrospective pharmacokinetic evaluation in 36 pediatric cardiology, cardiac surgery, or cardiac transplant patients treated with vancomycin. The pharmacokinetic profile for vancomycin including elimination half-life (t1/2), elimination rate constant (ke), volume of distribution (Vd), and clearance (CL) was calculated for each patient.

Propylene glycol accumulation associated with continuous infusion of lorazepam in pediatric intensive care patients.

Objective: To determine if propylene glycol accumulates in children receiving continuous lorazepam infusion and, if accumulation occurs, to determine if it is associated with significant laboratory abnormalities.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: A tertiary care pediatric intensive care unit.

Treatment of sickle cell pain.

Sickle cell disease affects 70,000 Americans who experience an average of 0.8 painful episodes each year. The pathophysiology of sickle cell pain is not completely understood.