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  1. Rashed AN, Wong IC, Cranswick N, Tomlin S, Rascher W, Neubert A
    Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 2012 May;68(5):801-10.
    PMID: 22166934 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-011-1183-4
    BACKGROUND: Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is important in order to develop appropriate prevention strategies. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with ADRs in hospitalised children and recommend strategies to minimise ADRs.

    METHODS: A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted on paediatric general medical wards in five European and non-European hospitals. ADRs were identified by intensive chart review. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate risk factors associated with ADRs. For the risk factor analysis, prescribed drugs were divided into high-risk and low-risk drug groups. Analgesics, anti-epileptics, antibacterials and antimycotics for systemic use, corticosteroids for systemic use and immunosuppressant agents were considered as high-risk groups whereas the remaining drug classes were defined as low-risk drug groups.

    RESULTS: A total of 1,253 paediatric patients were identified [Australia (n = 145), Germany (n = 372), Hong Kong (n = 138), Malaysia (n = 291), UK (n = 307)]. A total of 328 ADRs were observed in 16.7% of patients (186/1,115). Use of five or more low-risk drugs per patient or three or more high-risk drugs was a strong predictor for ADRs (OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.4-9.3; OR 6.5, 95% CI 2.7-16.0 respectively; p < 0.001). Older children were more likely to experience ADRs; gender was not significantly associated.

    CONCLUSION: To reduce the risk of ADRs in children, clinicians and pharmacists should aim to minimise polypharmacy and be aware of higher ADR risks associated with some drug groups.

  2. Rashed AN, Wong IC, Cranswick N, Hefele B, Tomlin S, Jackman J, et al.
    Drug Saf, 2012 Jun 1;35(6):481-94.
    PMID: 22612852 DOI: 10.2165/11597920-000000000-00000
    Background: A previous meta-analysis reported that 9.5% of hospitalized children suffered from an adverse drug reaction (ADR); however, reported incidences among studies varied.

    Objective: To enhance the knowledge of ADRs in paediatric hospitalized patients at a global level we investigated the incidence and characteristics of ADRs in hospitalized children in European and non-European countries.

    Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted in academic and non-academic hospitals in five countries: Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the UK. Children aged 0-18 years admitted during a 3-month period (between 1 October 2008 and 31 December 2009) were recruited. The main outcome measures were incidence, causality and outcome of ADRs.

    Results: A total of 1278 patients (1340 admissions) were included [Australia n = 146 (149 admissions), Germany n = 376 (407), Hong Kong n = 143 (149), Malaysia n = 300 (314) and the UK n = 313 (321)]. The median age was 2 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0-7). Patients received a total of 5367 drugs (median 3; IQR 2-5) and median length of hospital stay was 4 days (IQR 3-7). A total of 380 ADRs were identified in 211 patients. The resultant ADR incidence of 16.5% (95% CI 14.5, 18.7) varied significantly between countries (p < 0.001). The highest incidences were observed in Malaysia and the UK. 65.3% (n = 248) of ADRs were found to be probable, and 24% of the ADRs were serious, with one being fatal.

    Conclusions: By comparing data from five countries in Europe, Asia and Australia we have shown that the incidence of ADRs in hospitalized children is at least as high as incidences published in adults. However, the variation between countries was mainly due to different populations and treatment strategies. Particular attention should be given to opioid use in hospitalized children.
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