Standardized dosing tables to reduce errors involving high-dose methylprednisolone for acute spinal cord injury.
High-dose methylprednisolone administered after spinal cord injury improves neurologic recovery. Repeated errors in the prescribing and administration of the recommended regimen occurred in a regional trauma center. Standardized dosage tables for high-dose methylprednisolone were developed for prescribers, nurses, and pharmacists. Verification of ordered doses by pharmacists is critical in assuring appropriate use of this regimen. All institutions are urged to develop standard procedures for ordering, preparing, and administering high-dose methylprednisolone for acute spinal cord injury.
Albany Medical Center, NY 12208.
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D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008510:Medication Systems, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States