An open-label phase I pilot study of continuous intrapleural infusion of escalated doses of methotrexate in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity from escalated methotrexate (MTX) doses infused intrapleural over 5 days and to determine pleural and systemic drug levels with this chemotherapeutic approach.

Patients And Methods: Five patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were treated with 3 cycles of intrapleural MTX infused through a pigtail catheter inserted in the pleural space. MTX levels were estimated in the pleural fluid and serum once daily throughout the treatment cycles.

Reducing prescribing errors in the paediatric intensive care unit: an experience from Egypt.

Aim: To investigate the impact of different measures, implemented by clinical pharmacists, on prescribing error rates in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Cairo, Egypt.

Methods: We performed a pre-post study of prescribing errors in a 12 bed PICU. We utilized a chart review method for the detection of prescribing errors.