The journal of pediatric pharmacology and therapeutics : JPPT : the official journal of PPAG
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J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther · Mar 2015
Retrospective analysis of large-dose intrapleural alteplase for complicated pediatric parapneumonic effusion and empyema.
Medical treatment of complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema in pediatric patients includes antibiotics and pleural space drainage. Intrapleural fibrinolysis may facilitate pleural drainage; however, there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal dosing regimen. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a large-dose intrapleural alteplase regimen in pediatric patients. Secondarily, this investigation sought to differentiate the clinical characteristics of responders and non-responders to intrapleural alteplase therapy. ⋯ Large-dose intrapleural alteplase is effective in facilitating pleural drainage in pediatric patients with complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema. Common adverse effects include pain and oxygen desaturation. The potential for bleeding warrants clinical monitoring.
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J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther · Mar 2015
Characterization of dexmedetomidine dosing and safety in neonates and infants.
To describe and compare off-label use and cardiovascular (CV) adverse effects of dexmedetomidine in neonates and infants in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). ⋯ Dexmedetomidine dose ranges were similar to US Food and Drug Administration-labeled dosages for intensive care unit sedation in adults. More infants than neonates experienced a bradycardia episode, but infants were also more likely to receive higher dosages of dexmedetomidine and additional sedatives.