Am J Perinatol 2006; 23(5): 279-286
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-946719
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Changing Patterns of Drug Utilization in a Neonatal Intensive Care Population

Wei Du1 , Indulekha Warrier1 , Victoria Tutag Lehr1 , Vali Salari2 , Enrique Ostrea2 , Jacob V. Aranda1 , 2
  • 1Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
  • 2Division of Neonatology, Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 June 2006 (online)

ABSTRACT

Newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) typically are exposed to a large number of drugs and are especially vulnerable to adverse drug reactions. It is important to review changes in drug use patterns periodically in the NICU to identify newly introduced drugs as well as drugs with increasing use. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in drug utilization patterns over a 7-year period in an NICU population. Drug utilization of 2332 neonates treated at an intramural NICU between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 1998, and 2691 neonates between January 1, 2001 and June 30, 2004 was analyzed using chi-square tests, t tests, and linear regression. There was an increased utilization of antibiotics, central nervous system drugs, endocrine agents, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal drugs, and a decreased utilization of ophthalmic drugs. No changes in nutritional, biological, renal, and pulmonary drugs were observed. Some individual drug changes include an increased use of vancomycin, cefepime, caffeine, and a decreased use of morphine. Significant changes in drug utilization patterns in an NICU were observed during a 7-year period. These data are useful in monitoring drug resistance patterns, adverse drug reactions, and prioritizing areas of relevant therapeutic research and educational programs.

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Wei DuPh.D. 

Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Children's Hospital of Michigan

3901 Beaubien, Room 3N47, Detroit, MI 48201