A concurrent cefuroxime use evaluation in pediatric patients.
A concurrent evaluation of cefuroxime use in pediatric patients is described. From March 5, 1991 to May 15, 1991, the use of cefuroxime in pediatric patients was evaluated. The pediatric liaison pharmacist collected clinical information about each patient prescribed cefuroxime and assessed the therapy according to pre-established criteria for use. When therapy did not meet criteria, the pharmacist could intervene by speaking with the prescribing physician. The Coordinator, Drug Use Evaluation (D.U.E.) Program and a pediatrician, reviewed the data collection forms to assess whether therapy met criteria and the outcome of pharmacist-physician interactions. Thirty-five pediatric patients were prescribed cefuroxime during the concurrent evaluation. All courses were empiric. Community-acquired pneumonia accounted for 21 treatment courses in which cefuroxime was prescribed with 18 of these deemed to meet the criteria. It was also prescribed empirically in otitis media (eight cases), meningitis (two cases). Overall, seventy-seven percent of therapeutic courses of cefuroxime were found to meet established criteria for use. The pediatric clinical pharmacist intervened in six therapeutic courses which did not meet criteria. Three of these interventions resulted in a change of therapy for the patient.
Obilio
F C
FC
Toronto East General Hospital, Ontario.
Petrou
C
C
O'Brodovich
M H
MH
D002444:Cefuroxime / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003211:Concurrent Review / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016527:Drug Costs; D017723:Drug Utilization Review / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D009864:Ontario; D010372:Pediatrics; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital