Characterization of serious adverse drug reactions as cause of emergency department visit in children: a 5-years active pharmacovigilance study

Myocarditis and Pericarditis Post-mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination: Insights from a Pharmacovigilance Perspective

Concerns remain regarding the rare cardiovascular adverse events, myocarditis and pericarditis (myo/pericarditis), particularly in younger individuals following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Our study aimed to comprehensively assess potential safety signals related to these cardiac events following the primary and booster doses, with a specific focus on younger populations, including children as young as 6 months of age. Using the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS), the United States national passive surveillance system, we conducted a retrospective pharmacovigilance study analyzing spontaneous reports of myo/pericarditis. We employed both frequentist and Bayesian methods and conducted subgroup analyses by age, sex, and vaccine dose. We observed a higher reporting rate of myo/pericarditis following the primary vaccine series, particularly in males and mainly after the second dose. However, booster doses demonstrated a lower number of reported cases, with no significant signals detected after the fourth or fifth doses. In children and young adults, we observed notable age and sex differences in the reporting of myo/pericarditis cases. Males in the 12-17 and 18-24-year-old age groups had the highest number of cases, with significant signals for both males and females after the second dose. We also identified an increased reporting for a spectrum of cardiovascular symptoms such as chest pain and dyspnea, which increased with age, and were reported more frequently than myo/pericarditis. The present study identified signals of myo/pericarditis and related cardiovascular symptoms after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, especially among children and adolescents. These findings underline the importance for continued vaccine surveillance and the need for further studies to confirm these results and to determine their clinical implications in public health decision-making, especially for younger populations.

Medication errors in children visiting pediatric emergency departments

OBJECTIVES

Medication safety represents an important challenge in children. There are limited studies on medication errors in pediatric patients visiting emergency departments. To help bridge this gap, we characterized the medication errors detected in these patients, determining their severity, the stages of the medication process in which they occurred, the drugs involved, and the types and causes associated with the errors.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter prospective observational study in the pediatric emergency departments of 8 Spanish public hospitals over a 4-month period. Medication errors detected by emergency pediatricians in patients between 0 and 16 years of age were evaluated by a clinical pharmacist and a pediatrician. Each medication error was analyzed according to the updated Spanish Taxonomy of Medication Errors.

RESULTS

In 99,797 visits to pediatric emergency departments, 218 (0.2%) medication errors were detected, of which 74 (33.9%) resulted in harm (adverse drug events). Preschoolers were the age group with the most medication errors (126/218). Errors originated mainly in the prescribing stage (66.1%), and also by self-medication (16.5%) and due to wrong administration of the medication by family members (15.6%). Dosing errors (51.4%) and wrong/improper drugs (46.8%) were the most frequent error types. Anti-infective drugs (63.5%) were the most common drugs implicated in medication errors with harm. Underlying causes associated with a higher proportion of medication errors were "medication knowledge deficit" (63.8%), "deviation from procedures/guidelines" (48.6%) and "lack of patient information" (30.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Medication errors presented by children attending emergency departments arise from prescriptions, self-medicationand administration, and lead to patient harm in one third of cases. Developing effective interventions based on the types of errors and the underlying causes identified will improve patient safety.

Medication errors in children visiting pediatric emergency departments

OBJECTIVES

Medication safety represents an important challenge in children. There are limited studies on medication errors in pediatric patients visiting emergency departments. To help bridge this gap, we characterized the medication errors detected in these patients, determining their severity, the stages of the medication process in which they occurred, the drugs involved, and the types and causes associated with the errors.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter prospective observational study in the pediatric emergency departments of 8 Spanish public hospitals over a 4-month period. Medication errors detected by emergency pediatricians in patients between 0 and 16 years of age were evaluated by a clinical pharmacist and a pediatrician. Each medication error was analyzed according to the updated Spanish Taxonomy of Medication Errors.

RESULTS

In 99,797 visits to pediatric emergency departments, 218 (0.2%) medication errors were detected, of which 74 (33.9%) resulted in harm (adverse drug events). Preschoolers were the age group with the most medication errors (126/218). Errors originated mainly in the prescribing stage (66.1%), and also by self-medication (16.5%) and due to wrong administration of the medication by family members (15.6%). Dosing errors (51.4%) and wrong/improper drugs (46.8%) were the most frequent error types. Anti-infective drugs (63.5%) were the most common drugs implicated in medication errors with harm. Underlying causes associated with a higher proportion of medication errors were "medication knowledge deficit" (63.8%), "deviation from procedures/guidelines" (48.6%) and "lack of patient information" (30.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Medication errors presented by children attending emergency departments arise from prescriptions, self-medication, and administration, and lead to patient harm in one third of cases. Developing effective interventions based on the types of errors and the underlying causes identified will improve patient safety.

Adverse Drug Reactions to Anti-infectives in Hospitalized Children: A Multicenter Study in Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to anti-infectives affect especially hospitalized children and contribute to increased morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and costs in healthcare systems.

OBJECTIVE

To assess ADRs associated with anti-infective use in Brazilian hospitalized children.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted in 5 public hospitals over 6 months. Children aged 0-11 years and 11 months who were hospitalized for more than 48 h and prescribed anti-infectives for over 24 h were included.

RESULTS

A total of 1020 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 152 patients experienced 183 suspected ADRs. Most reactions were related to the gastrointestinal system (65.6%), followed by skin reactions (18.6%). Most reactions were classified as probable causality (58.5%), moderate severity (61.1%), and unavoidable (56.2%). Our findings showed that ADRs were associated with increased length of stay (P < .001), increased length of therapy (P < .015), increased days of therapy (P = .038), and increased number of anti-infectives prescribed per patient (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Almost 15% of hospitalized children exposed to anti-infectives presented suspected ADRs. Their occurrence was classified as probable, of moderate severity, and unavoidable. ADRs were significantly influenced by the length of hospital stay and the number of anti-infectives prescribed per patient.

Liver injury in COVID-19: Clinical features, potential mechanisms, risk factors and clinical treatments

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been a serious threat to global health for nearly 3 years. In addition to pulmonary complications, liver injury is not uncommon in patients with novel COVID-19. Although the prevalence of liver injury varies widely among COVID-19 patients, its incidence is significantly increased in severe cases. Hence, there is an urgent need to understand liver injury caused by COVID-19. Clinical features of liver injury include detectable liver function abnormalities and liver imaging changes. Liver function tests, computed tomography scans, and ultrasound can help evaluate liver injury. Risk factors for liver injury in patients with COVID-19 include male sex, preexisting liver disease including liver transplantation and chronic liver disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. To date, the mechanism of COVID-19-related liver injury is not fully understood. Its pathophysiological basis can generally be explained by systemic inflammatory response, hypoxic damage, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and drug side effects. In this review, we systematically summarize the existing literature on liver injury caused by COVID-19, including clinical features, underlying mechanisms, and potential risk factors. Finally, we discuss clinical management and provide recommendations for the care of patients with liver injury.

Hospitalisations Related to the Combination of ACE Inhibitors and/or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers with Diuretics and NSAIDs: A Post Hoc Analysis on the Risks Associated with Triple Whammy

This post hoc analysis aimed to assess and characterise adverse events (AEs) related to the triple whammy (i.e., combination therapy of ACE inhibitors, ACE-I, and/or angiotensin receptor blockers, ARBs, with diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs) leading to emergency department (ED) visits and/or hospitalisations in the Italian setting. The MEREAFaPS database was analysed. ED visits related to co-treatment with ACE-I and/or ARBs, diuretics, and NSAIDs were considered. Information on the AE (including classification, seriousness, and outcome), suspected and concomitant drugs, and concomitant conditions was retrieved and analysed. Logistic regression was used to estimate the reporting odds ratios (RORs) of hospitalisation associated with the drugs of interest. Between 1 January 2007, and 31 December 2018, 80 patients visited the ED for AEs related to the triple whammy, and a total of 261 suspected drugs were involved. Patients were mostly Caucasian females, with a median age of 85 years, and only 9 of them had renal manifestations. In this subset, drug-drug interaction contributed to kidney injury. Most patients presented a Charlson comorbidity index of 4-5. Overall, 47 patients were hospitalised (58.75%), but no significant differences in the risk of hospitalisation were found according to demographic, clinical, or therapeutic features.

Factors associated with a basic common drug-drug interaction knowledge among emergency department medical personnel

Background

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are common but less concerning in clinical practice of time-sensitive situations. We aimed to identify factors associated with a basic common DDI knowledge among an emergency physician (EP), an emergency medicine resident (EMR), and an emergency care nurse (ECN).

Methods

This was a prospective cross-sectional study. EP, EMR, and ECN did the examination (multiple-choice questions, 40 points) about common DDI. Prespecified factors associated with examination scores were profession, longer emergency medicine experience, pharmacological training, last advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) training, DDI checker book, and application user experience. The outcome was an examination score to evaluate the ability of DDI knowledge. Univariable and multivariable means regressions were used.

Results

A total of 244 participants were enrolled. Factors associated with high examination score were EP (unadjusted mean difference 3.3 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1 to 4.5, p < 0.001), EMR (2.1, 95% CI 0.7 to 3.5, p 0.005) compared to ECN. Last ACLS training within 2 years (3.7, 95% CI 0.7 to 6.6, p 0.015), 2–4 years (3.4, 95% CI 0.4 to 6.5, p 0.027), and ≥4 years (4.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 7.6, p 0.007) were higher score than no ACLS training. Moreover, the DDI checker application experience user (1.7, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.8, p 0.003) also had a high score compared to the non-experienced user. After adjustment for all factors, EP (adjusted mean difference 3.3 points, 95% CI 1.8 to 4.7, p < 0.001), EMR (2.5, 95% CI 0.6 to 4.3, p 0.010) were higher scores compared to ECN. Meanwhile, the last ACLS training ≥4 years (3.3, 95% CI 0.1 to 6.6, p 0.042) was a higher score than no ACLS training.

Conclusion

EP, EMR, and the last ACLS training ≥4 years were associated with higher DDI knowledge than ECN and no ACLS training, respectively.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40360-022-00623-0.

Hospitalisations related to benzodiazepine, Z-drug, and opioid treatment in Italy: a claim on the risks associated with inappropriate use

Purpose

Benzodiazepines (BZD), Z-drugs (ZD), and opioids share a high risk of abuse. This study assessed and characterised adverse events (AEs) related to BDZ, ZD, and opioids leading to emergency department (ED) visits in the Italian setting.

Methods

ED accesses related to BDZ, ZD, and/or opioids were analysed from the MEREAFaPS database. Information on AEs, suspected and concomitant medications was retrieved. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the reporting odds ratios (RORs) of hospitalisation according to the different treatments.

Results

A total of 5,970 pharmacovigilance reports involving BZD/ZD (n = 3,106), opioids (n = 2,767), or their combination (n = 97) were analysed. Compared to opioids, patients with BZD/ZD-related AEs were often younger (51 vs 64 years), more frequently presented 2+ suspected medications (13 vs 3%), and often had a history of abuse (4%). Twenty-three percent of BZD/ZD-related AEs were related to drug abuse (vs 2% of opioid-related ones) and frequently required patient hospitalisation (52% vs 24%), despite the significantly lower clinical complexity of these patients as compared to those on opioids. An increased risk of hospitalisation was found for flurazepam (ROR 1.62; 95% CI, 1.18–2.22), prazepam (2.66; 1.05–6.70), lorazepam (1.26; 1.07–1.49), and morphine (1.76; 1.11–2.79).

Conclusions

These results indicate that, in Italy, the inappropriate use of BZD/ZD is a relevant heath issue, often leading to serious AEs requiring patients’ ED visits and hospitalisation, especially in young women and patients with a history of substance abuse.

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00228-022-03354-7.

Drug-Related Hypersensitivity Reactions Leading to Emergency Department: Original Data and Systematic Review

The aim of the present study is to describe pharmacological characteristics of drug-related allergies and anaphylaxis leading to the emergency department (ED). An 8-year post hoc analysis on the MEREAFaPS Study database was performed (2012−2019). Subjects who experienced drug-related hypersensitivity leading to an ED visit were selected. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the reporting odds ratios (RORs) of drug-related allergies and anaphylaxis adjusting for sex, age classes, and ethnicity. In addition, a systematic review of observational studies evaluating drug-related hypersensitivity reactions leading to ED visits in outpatients was performed. Out of 94,073 ED visits, 14.4% cases were drug-related allergies and 0.6% were anaphylaxis. Females accounted for 56%. Multivariate logistic regression showed a higher risk of drug-related allergy among males and all age classes < 65 years, while a higher risk of anaphylaxis was observed for females (ROR 1.20 [1.01−1.42]) and adults (ROR 2.63 [2.21−3.14]). The systematic review included 37 studies. ED visits related to allergy and anaphylaxis ranged from 0.004% to 88%, and drug-related allergies and anaphylaxis ranged from 0.007% to 88%. Both in our analysis and in primary studies, antibacterials, analgesics, and radiocontrast agents were identified as the most common triggers of hypersensitivity.

The evaluation of adverse drug reactions in Saudi Arabia: A retrospective observational study

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the type, severity, seriousness, reasons, and outcomes of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the reports submitted to the regional spontaneous ADR database.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted to analyze all the Tabuk Health Affairs hospitals in Saudi Arabia submitted to SFDA from January 2020 to December 2020. The database was structured according to the Saudi ADR form’s fields. The Naranjo algorithm was used to assess the causes of the ADRs (sFDA, 2022).

Results

For 1 year, 2,349 ADR reports, along with 242 suspected drugs for 4,114 reactions, were submitted to SFDA. We found more males than females had ADRs (56.1% vs. 43.8%, P < 0.05).

Antimicrobial drugs (26.9%), hematologic drugs (19.7%), and neuropsychiatric drugs (12.9%) were responsible for most ADRs. Most of the reactions were associated with the use of ciprofloxacin (7.7%), followed by the combination of lopinavir and ritonavir (4.1%). Two deaths resulted from salbutamol and cefazolin use. Based on the results of the Naranjo assessment of causality, cardiovascular events (9.9%) exhibited the highest score (≥9) for a causal relationship with the suspected drugs, followed by dermatological events (9.5%).

Conclusions

The spontaneous report database is an important and valuable source of aftermarket authorization safety information. In our study, most drugs used as antimicrobial, cardiovascular, and hematologic therapies were associated with a higher risk of developing severe and serious events. We recommend monitoring and using medications optimally to ensure patient safety.

Adverse Drug Reactions in Pediatric Oncohematology: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Adverse drug reactions (ADR) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients. Due to the disease severity and chemotherapy safety profile, oncologic patients are at higher risk of ADR. However, there is little evidence on pharmacovigilance studies evaluating drug safety in this specific population.

Methods: In order to assess the incidence and characteristics of ADR in pediatric patients with oncohematogical diseases and the methodology used in the studies, a systematic review was carried out using both free search and a combination of MeSH terms. Data extraction and critical appraisal were performed independently using a predefined form.

Results: Fourteen studies were included, of which eight were prospective and half focused in inpatients. Sample size and study duration varied widely. Different methods of ADR identification were detected, used alone or combined. Causality and severity were assessed frequently, whereas preventability was lacking in most studies. ADR incidence varied between 14.4 and 67% in inpatients, and 19.6–68.1% in admissions, mainly in the form of hematological, gastrointestinal and skin toxicity. Between 11 and 16.4% ADR were considered severe, and preventability ranged from 0 to 74.5%.

Conclusion: ADR in oncohematology pediatric patients are frequent. A high variability in study design and results has been found. The use of methodological standards and preventability assessment should be reinforced in order to allow results comparison between studies and centers, and to detected areas of improvement.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=96513, identifier CRD42018096513.

Clinically Significant Cytochrome P450-Mediated Drug-Drug Interactions in Children Admitted to Intensive Care Units

OBJECTIVES

Children admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) often require multiple medications due to the complexity and severity of their disease, which put them at an increased risk for drug interactions. This study examined cytochrome P450-mediated drug-drug interactions (DDIs) based on the Pediatric Intensive Care (PIC) database, with the aim of analyzing the incidence of clinically significant potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) and exploring the occurrence of actual adverse reactions.

METHODS

The Lexicomp database was used to screen cytochrome P450-mediated DDI pairings with good levels of reliability and clear clinical phenotypes. Patients exposed to the above drug pairs during the same period were screened in the PIC database. The incidence of clinically significant pDDIs was calculated, and the occurrence of adverse reactions was explored based on laboratory measurements.

RESULTS

In total, 84 (1.21%) of 6920 children who used two or more drugs were exposed to at least one clinically significant pDDI. All pDDIs were based on CYP3A4, with nifedipine + voriconazole (39.60%) being the most common drug pair, and the most frequent being the J02 class of drugs. Based on laboratory measurements, 15 adverse reactions were identified in 12 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically significant cytochrome P450-mediated pDDIs existed in the children admitted to ICUs, and some of the pDDIs led to adverse clinical outcomes. The use of clinical decision support systems can guide clinical medication use, and clinical monitoring of patients' needs has to be enhanced.

Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions in Pediatric Cancer Patients in China: An Analysis of Henan Province Spontaneous Reporting System Database

Introduction

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in pediatric cancer patients have not yet received due attention in the world. Antineoplastic drugs are frequently related to ADRs. Few studies focus on the ADR and the intervention measures in pediatric cancer patients.

Methods

ADR reports submitted to Henan Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center from 2016 to 2020 for individuals aged from birth to 17 years (including 17 years) were included. Data were analyzed with respect to gender, age, disease types, past history of ADR, occurrence time of ADR, polypharmacy, route of administration, off-label drug use, name of suspected drugs per ADR report, and severity of ADR reports.

Results

A total of 431 ADR reports related to antineoplastic drugs in pediatric patients were collected, 31.55% were serious ADRs (SADRs). The median age of patients was six years (inter quartile range, IQR: 3-11), the age groups with higher reporting rates were concentrated in 1-3-year-olds (130). Past history of ADR, occurrence time of ADR and polypharmacy were statistically associated with SADR. Myelosuppression was the most frequent ADR (15.55%), cytarabine was the most frequent drug (26.22%). The signal mining method produced 14 signals, three signals were off-label ADRs.

Conclusions

This study described the characteristics of ADRs in pediatric cancer patients. By conducting signal mining method, three off-label ADRs need further study. We should pay more attention to these ADRs and develop relative management strategies. More researches are needed to achieve a better understanding of the characteristics of ADRs in pediatric cancer patients of China.

Evaluation of Adverse Drug Reactions in Paediatric Patients: A Retrospective Study in Turkish Hospital

Drug safety in paediatric patients is a serious public health concern around the world. The paediatric patients are more prone to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) than adults. Moreover, there is a scarcity of information about ADRs in paediatric patients. This study was conducted to determine the frequency, causality, severity, preventability of paediatric patients’ ADRs reported in a tertiary care hospital in Adana, Turkey. A retrospective study was conducted on all spontaneously reported ADRs between January 01, 2020, to July 30, 2021, in paediatric patients. The ADRs reports were evaluated in terms of gender, age, ADR characteristics, suspected drugs and reporting source. All included ADRs reports were characterized according to the Naranjo Algorithm/World Health Organization (WHO) causality scales, Hartwig/Siegel and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) severity scales, the modified Schoumock and Thornton preventability scale and hospital pharmacovigilance center criteria for seriousness. Therapeutic groups were also coded using the WHO-Anatomical Therapeutic and Chemical (ATC) classification. During the study period, 8,912 paediatric patients who were admitted had 16 ADRs with 1.7 ADRs/1,000 admissions. The majority of ADRs were found in infants (31.2%) and children (56.2%) as compared to adolescents (12.5%). ADRs were observed more in females (81.2%) than males. Skin (62.5%) was the most affected organ due to the ADRs, and maculopapular rash and erythema multiforme were the most commonly reported symptoms. Most ADRs were probable/likely (93.7%), severe (50%), preventable or probably preventable (43.7%) and serious (37.5%). Antibiotics (93.7%) were found to be the most common cause of ADRs in paediatric patients. The majority of ADRs were associated with vancomycin (68.7%). Most of the ADRs were reported by a medical doctor in this study. This small sample size study highlights significant problems of ADRs in paediatric patients, mainly caused by antibiotics and with a majority of ADRs manifest as skin reactions. Furthermore, a high proportion of the identified ADRs were found to be preventable. More focused efforts are needed at the national level to avoid preventable ADRs in hospitals. Monitoring and management of ADRs and future studies would be beneficial for better patient care and safety.

The risks of liver injury in COVID-19 patients and pharmacological management to reduce or prevent the damage induced

Background

The global pandemic COVID-19 caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has already caused about 1.4 million deaths, and to date, there are no effective or direct antiviral vaccines. Some vaccines are in the last stages of testing. Overall mortality rates vary between countries, for example, from a minimum of 0.05% in Singapore to a maximum of 9.75 in Mexico; however, mortality and severity of COVID-19 are higher in the elderly and in those with comorbidities already present such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

Main text

Recent evidence has shown that an underlying liver disease can also be a risk factor, and SARS-CoV-2 itself can cause direct or indirect damage to liver tissue through multisystem inflammation generated especially in the more severe stages. In the current pandemic, liver dysfunction has been observed in 14–53% of patients with severe COVID-19. In addition, drugs administered during infection may be an additional factor of liver damage. The mechanism of cellular penetration of the virus that occurs by viral entry is through the receptors of the angiotensin 2 conversion enzyme (ACE-2) host that are abundantly present in type II pneumocytes, heart cells, but also liver cholangiocytes.

Conclusion

In this manuscript, we describe the clinical management aimed at preserving the liver or reducing the damage caused by COVID-19 and anti-COVID-19 drug treatments.

Medication-related adverse events in health care-what have we learned? A narrative overview of the current knowledge

Purpose

Although medication-related adverse events (MRAEs) in health care are vastly studied, high heterogeneity in study results complicates the interpretations of the current situation. The main objective of this study was to form an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge of the prevalence, risk factors, and surveillance of MRAEs in health care.

Methods

Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched with applicable search terms to collect information on medication-related adverse events. In order to obtain an up-to-date view of MRAEs, only studies published after 2000 were accepted.

Results

The prevalence rates of different MRAEs vary greatly between individual studies and meta-analyses. Study setting, patient population, and detection methods play an important role in determining detection rates, which should be regarded while interpreting the results. Medication-related adverse events are more common in elderly patients and patients with lowered liver or kidney function, polypharmacy, and a large number of additional comorbidities. However, the risk of MRAEs is also significantly increased by the use of high-risk medicines but also in certain care situations. Preventing MRAEs is important as it will decrease patient mortality and morbidity but also reduce costs and functional challenges related to them.

Conclusions

Medication-related adverse events are highly common and have both immediate and long-term effects to patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Conclusive solutions for prevention of all medication-related harm are impossible to create. In the future, however, the development of efficient real-time detection methods can provide significant improvements for event prevention and forecasting.

Risk of Hospitalization for Adverse Drug Events in Women and Men: A Post Hoc Analysis of an Active Pharmacovigilance Study in Italian Emergency Departments

This post hoc analysis of an Italian active pharmacovigilance study describes pharmacological differences of ADEs leading to emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalization in women and men. During the study period (January 2007-December 2018), 61,855 reports of ADEs leading to ED visits were collected. Overall, 30.6% of ADEs resulted in hospitalization (30% in women and 31% in men). Multivariate logistic regression showed that, among women, drug classes significantly associated with an increased risk of hospitalization were heparins (ROR 1.41, CI 1.13-176), antidepressants (ROR 1.12, CI 1.03-1.23) and antidiabetics (ROR 1.13, CI 1.02-1.24). Among men, only vitamin K antagonists (ROR 1.28, CI 1.09-1.50), opioids (ROR 1.30, CI 1.06-1.60) and digitalis glycosides (ROR 1.32, CI 1.09-1.59) were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization. Overall, older age, multiple suspected drugs and the presence of comorbidities were significantly associated with a higher risk of hospitalization. A significantly reduced risk of hospitalization was observed in both women and men experiencing an adverse event following immunization (ROR 0.36, CI 0.27-0.48 and 0.83, 0.42-0.74, respectively) compared to drugs. Results obtained from this real-world analysis highlight important aspects of drug safety between sexes.

Plausible Positive Effects of Statins in COVID-19 Patient

Since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, there has been much discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of ongoing chronic drug therapies in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients. These discussions include also statins treatment. The statins are among the most widely used drugs in the global population. Statins aim to lower cholesterol, which is essential for many biological processes but can lead to heart disease if levels are too high; however, also the pleiotropic effects of statins are well known. So could the anti-inflammatory or the potential antiviral effects of statins be helpful in avoiding extreme inflammation and severity in COVID-19? To date, there are conflicting opinions on the effects of statins in the course of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this article is to describe the molecular and pharmacological basis of the pleiotropic effects of statins that could be more involved in the fight against COVID-19 infection and to investigate the current epidemiological evidence in the literature on the current and important topic.

Acute toxic exposures in children: analysis of a three year registry managed by a Pediatric poison control Center in Italy

Introduction

Acute pediatric poisoning is an emerging health and social problem. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of a large pediatric cohort exposed to xenobiotics, through the analysis of a Pediatric Poison Control Center (PPCc) registry.

Methods

This study, conducted in the Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù of Rome, a reference National Pediatric Hospital, collected data of children whose parents or caregivers contacted the PPCc by phone (group “P”), or who presented to the Emergency Department (group “ED”), during the three-year period 2014–2016. Data were prospectively and systematically collected in a pre-set electronic registry. Comparisons among age groups were performed and multivariable logistic regression models used to investigate associations with outcomes (hospital referral for “P”, and hospital admission for “ED”group).

Results

We collected data of 1611 children on group P and 1075 on group ED. Both groups were exposed to both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical agents. Pharmaceutical agent exposure increased with age and the most common route of exposure was oral. Only 10% among P group were symptomatic children, with gastrointestinal symptoms. Among the ED patients, 30% were symptomatic children mostly with gastrointestinal (55.4%) and neurologic symptoms (23.8%). Intentional exposure (abuse substance and suicide attempt), which involved 7.7% of patients, was associated with older age and Hospital admission.

Conclusions

Our study describes the characteristics of xenobiotics exposures in different paediatric age groups, highlighting the impact of both pharmacological and intentional exposure. Furthermore, our study shows the utility of a specific PPCc, either through Phone support or by direct access to ED. PPCc phone counselling could avoid unnecessary access to the ED, a relevant achievement, particularly in the time of a pandemic.

Model Based Evaluation of Hypersensitivity Adverse Drug Reactions to Antimicrobial Agents in Children

Drug use in children is-in most cases-supported by extrapolation of data generated from clinical trials in adult populations. This puts children at higher risk of developing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) due to "off-label" use of drugs and dosing issues. Major types of ADRs are drug hypersensitivity reactions, an idiosyncratic type of ADRs that are largely unpredictable and can cause high morbidity and mortality in a hard-to-identify specific population of patients. Lack of a complete understanding of the pathophysiology of DHRs and their unpredictive nature make them problematic in clinical practice and in drug development. In addition, ethical and legal obstacles hinder conducting large clinical trials in children, which in turn make children a "therapeutic orphan" where clear clinical guidelines are lacking, and practice is based largely on the personal experience of the clinician, hence making modeling desirable. This brief review summarizes the current knowledge of model-based evaluation of diagnosis and management of drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) to antimicrobial drugs in the pediatric population. Ethical and legal aspects of drug research in children and the effect of different stages of child development and other factors on the risk of DHRs are discussed. The role of animal models, in vitro models and oral provocation test in management of DHRs are examined in the context of the current understanding of the pathophysiology of DHRs. Finally, recent changes in drug development legislations have been put forward to encourage drug developers to conduct trials in children clearly indicate the urgent need for evidence to support drug safety in children and for modeling to guide these clinical trials.

Analysis of fatal adverse drug events recorded in several Italian emergency departments (the MEREAFaPS study)

Fatal Adverse Events (FADEs) are a major public health problem, and some FADEs could be preventable. The aim of the present study is to describe the frequency, the drugs involved and the preventability in the FADEs collected through the MEREAFaPS Study between 2012 and 2018. All cases including the outcome "death" have been examined. We excluded cases with vaccine-related ADEs, overdose or suicide, and ADEs occurred during the hospitalisation. Two trained assessors evaluated all cases fulfilling the inclusion criteria. ADEs' preventability was evaluated applying the Schumock and Thornton algorithm. During the study period, we observed 429 cases of death, 92 of which were excluded. The remaining 337 cases involved 187 women and 150 men, with a mean age of 79 and of 77 years, respectively. For each report, the suspected drugs and concomitant ones were 1.26 and 4.20, respectively. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents account for more than 40% of FADE cases and the most frequent reactions are haemorrhages (37.5%). The 25% of the FADEs were preventable. This study confirms that FADEs are still a relevant clinical occurrence, and are often caused by widely used old drugs associated with adverse events. The death of one in four patients was preventable. Further efforts should be done to improve the appropriateness of the therapy, especially in older patients who are treated with anticoagulants.

Adverse drug reactions in SARS-CoV-2 hospitalised patients: a case-series with a focus on drug-drug interactions

Due to the need of early and emergency effective treatments for COVID-19, less attention may have been paid to their safety during the global emergency. In addition, characteristics of drug-drug interaction (DDI)-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in COVID-19 patients have not yet been studied in depth. The aim of the present case-series study is to describe clinical and pharmacological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 hospitalised patients, focusing on ADRs, particularly those related to DDIs. We evaluated all reports of COVID-19 medication-related ADRs collected within the COVID-19 Units of Careggi University Hospital, Florence (Italy), between January 1st and 31st May 2020. Information regarding COVID-19 medications, patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, concomitant drugs, ADRs description and outcome, were collected. Each case was evaluated for the causality assessment and to identify the presence of DDIs. During the study period, 23 Caucasian patients (56.5% males, mean age 76.1 years) experienced one or more ADRs. The majority of them were exposed to polypharmacy and 17.4% presented comorbidities. ADRs were referred to cardiovascular, psychiatric and gastrointestinal disorders. The most frequently reported preferred term was QT prolongation (mean QT interval 496.1 ms). ADRs improved or resolved completely in 60.8% of cases. For all patients, a case-by-case evaluation revealed the presence of one or more DDIs, especially those related to pharmacokinetic interactions. Despite the small number of patients, our evidence underline the clinical burden of DDIs in SARS-CoV-2 hospitalised patients and the risk of unexpected and uncommon psychiatric ADRs.

The advantages of drug treatment with statins in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection

On 11 March 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a status of global pandemic caused by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19). The pandemic is currently underway, and to date has caused approximately 2.42 million deaths worldwide. The first vaccines have recently been licensed; however, research continues to identify therapeutic agents to prevent serious complications, such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anticoagulant or antiviral agents authorized for other therapeutic indications. Epidemiological evidence shows that advanced age and comorbidities, such as diabetes, heart disease, and dyslipidemia may represent COVID-19 risk factors. In particular, in patients with hypercholesterolemia treated with statins, it is recommended that treatment should not be discontinued if COVID-19 infection occurs. The pleiotropic effects of statins are well known. In this brief review, we propose that the use of statins can potentially protect against SARS-CoV-2-induced tissue damage and improve lung function in COVID-19 patients through several pleiotropic effects. Pleiotropic effects of statins that may be a significant benefit in patients with hypercholesterolemia treated with statins and COVID-19 positive. Recent evidence shows promising results.

Colchicine and SARS-CoV-2: Management of the hyperinflammatory state

The global COVID-19 pandemic is currently underway. In December 2020, the European Agency of Medicine (EMA) licensed the first Sars-CoV-2 vaccine. Therapeutic management of the COVID-19 positive patient should primarily aim to avoid the severe complications and organ injury caused by generalized inflammation caused by a cytokine storm and occurring in the most severe stages of viral infection. Current knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms of SARS- CoV-2 suggests a central role for exaggerated activation of the innate immune system as an important contributor to the adverse outcomes of COVID-19. Several studies have shown that blocking the cytokine storm or acting early with prevention of it can be effective; studies are underway to evaluate agents that may be able to reduce this hyperinflammatory state. The search for effective management strategies for COVID-19 continues to evolve. The actions of colchicine, one of the oldest anti-inflammatory therapies, target multiple targets associated with excessive COVID-19 inflammation. Colchicine is easily administered, generally well tolerated, and inexpensive. This article reports the scientific and molecular rationale for the use of colchicine as monotherapy or in combination in the various stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection to modulate and control the inflammatory state. Low-dose colchicine may be considered safe and effective for the treatment and prevention of cytokine storm in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly as an adjunctive remedy to other therapeutic agents. Well-organized clinical studies are needed in this direction.

Risk of Hospitalization Associated with Cardiovascular Medications in the Elderly Italian Population: A Nationwide Multicenter Study in Emergency Departments

Background: There is a significant gap in knowledge addressing cardiovascular (CV) medications safety in elderly. In this context, our purposes were to define clinical and pharmacological characteristics of outpatients’ adverse drug events (ADEs) related to CV medications leading to emergency department (ED) visits in the elderly Italian patients according to different age groups, and to evaluate the risk of hospitalization associated to ADEs in this population.

Methods: A multicentre, retrospective study was performed on reports of suspected ADEs collected between 2007–2018 in 94 EDs involved in the MEREAFaPS Study. Elderly patients who experienced one or more CV medications-related ADEs leading to ED visit were selected. Patients’ characteristics, suspected (ATC classes B and C) and concomitant drugs, and ADE description were collected. Elderly patients were stratified into three age groups (65–74, 75–84, and ≥85 years) and compared to adults (18–64 years). Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the reporting odds ratios (RORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of ADE-related hospitalization adjusting for sex, presence of two or more suspected drugs, concomitant drugs, and one or more comorbidities.

Results: Among elderly, 16,926 reports of suspected ADE related to CV medications were collected, and 6,694 (39.5%) resulted in hospitalization. Patients were mostly female, Caucasians, and middle-old (75–84). 78.9% of patients were treated with only one suspected drug, and 71.9% and 47.1% reported concomitant medications and comorbidities, respectively. Compared to adults, risk of hospitalization was significantly higher for middle-old and oldest-old patients exposed to vitamin K antagonists (1.29 [1.09–1.52] and 1.56 [1.30–187]), direct thrombin inhibitors (3.41 [1.44–8.08] and 4.12 [1.67–10.17]), antiplatelets (1.51 [1.26–1.81] and 2.09 [1.71–2.57]), and beta-blockers (1.89 [1.38–2.59 and 2.31 [1.60–3.35]). Overall, a higher risk of hospitalization was observed for renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (1.32 [1.04–1.68], 1.65 [1.32–2.06], and 2.20 [1.70–2.85]), presence of two or more concomitant drugs, and concomitant conditions.

Conclusion: Our real-world findings underline relevant safety aspects of CV medications in the elderly Italian population. ED clinicians must always consider the higher risk of hospitalization related to the use of CV drugs in elderly, particularly in oldest-old ones, for antiarrhythmics, beta-blocking agents, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, antiplatelets, and anticoagulants.

Pharmacological approach for the reduction of inflammatory and prothrombotic hyperactive state in COVID-19 positive patients by acting on complement cascade

The novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the viral pathogen responsible for the ongoing global pandemic, COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019). To date, the data recorded indicate 1.62 Mln deaths and 72.8 Mln people infected (WHO situation report Dec 2020). On December 27, the first anti-COVID-19 vaccinations started in Europe. There are no direct antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the pathophysiological and inflammatory/immunological processes of SARS-CoV-2 infection is essential to identify new drug therapies. In the most severe COVID-19 cases, an unregulated immunological/inflammatory system results in organ injury that can be fatal to the host in some cases. Pharmacologic approaches to normalize the unregulated inflammatory/immunologic response is an important therapeutic solution. Evidence associates a non-regulation of the “complement system” as one of the causes of generalized inflammation causing multi-organ dysfunction. Serum levels of a complement cascade mediator, factor “C5a”, have been found in high concentrations in the blood of COVID-19 patients with severe disease. In this article we discuss the correlation between complement system and COVID-19 infection and pharmacological solutions directed to regulate.

Risk of hospitalisation associated with benzodiazepines and z-drugs in Italy: a nationwide multicentre study in emergency departments

Benzodiazepines (BZD) and z-drugs (ZD) are a widely prescribed group of medicines. They are often used inappropriately, and this is associated with adverse events (AEs), which may cause emergency department (ED) visits. The present study aimed to describe the characteristics of BZD and ZD related AEs leading to emergency department (ED) visit and hospitalisation in Italy, considering their plasma half-life. Ninety-two Italian EDs were monitored between 2007 and 2018. Rates of ED visit and hospitalisation were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the reporting odds ratios (RORs) of hospitalisation. Univariate linear regression was performed to evaluate the ROR of hospitalisation according the plasma half-life of the suspected agents. A total of 3203 AE reports were collected. Overall, multivariate logistic regression showed that the risk of hospitalisation was higher for prazepam (3.26 [1.31-8.11]), flurazepam (1.62 [1.15-2.27]), and lorazepam (1.36 [1.15-1.61]). In the elderly, this risk was higher for prazepam (3.98 [1.03-15.3]), and lorazepam (1.58 [1.19-2.11]). Parenteral and rectal formulations were associated with a lower risk of hospitalisation compared to oral formulations. Our findings underlined the dangers in the use of BZD and ZD in Italy, particularly in women and older adults. ED clinicians must always take into account that the higher risk in terms of hospitalisation related to the use of BZD and ZD can be observed in patients treated with oral formulations, in those exposed to more than one sedative-hypnotics, and in patients exposed to compounds with intermediate or long plasma half-life.

Serious Adverse Drug Reactions and Safety Signals in Children: A Nationwide Database Study

Children are more exposed to inappropriate medicine use and its consequent harms. Spontaneous reporting of suspected Serious Adverse Drug Reactions (SADR) increases knowledge and prevention of pharmacotherapy risk. Disproportionality measures are useful to quantify unexpected safety issues associated with a given drug-event pair (signals of disproportionality). This cross-sectional study aimed to assess SADR reporting and safety signals for Brazilian children from 0-12 years old, notified between January 2008 and December 2013 from the Brazilian Surveillance Agency (Notivisa). Information from serious reports (gender and age of the patient, event description, suspected drug) was included. Disproportionality analysis based on Reporting Odds Ratios with a confidence interval of 95% was conducted to identify possible signals of disproportionate reporting (SDR). Almost 30% of 1,977 suspected SADR was related to babies (0-1-year-old). 69% of reports happened with intravenous dosage forms, and 35% of suspected SADR involved off label use according to age. Laronidase, miglustat, imipenem/cilastatin, and clofarabine were involved in six or more suspected deaths among 75 deaths reported. There were 107 SDRs, of which 16 events (15%) were not described in the product labels. There was a relatively higher number of SADRs in Brazilian children compared with studies from other countries. SDRs found, (especially drug-event pairs ‘imipenen/cilastatin–pneumonia’ and ‘laronidase–respiratory insufficiency’) should be investigated more. The reports of SADR with IV dosage forms and OL drug use suggest the need for drug research and the use of better dosage forms for children in Brazil.

A 7-Years Active Pharmacovigilance Study of Adverse Drug Reactions Causing Children Admission to a Pediatric Emergency Department in Sicily

Children represent one of the most susceptible groups to adverse drug reactions (ADRs), as a consequence of physiological growth and maturation of different organ systems. The aim of this study was to characterize the frequency, preventability and seriousness of ADRs recorded in the Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) of the University hospital of Messina, in Sicily. All the suspected adverse reactions to drugs and vaccines collected from 2012 to 2018 were selected and then analyzed. Only adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with a probable or possible causality assessment were included, according to the Naranjo Algorithm and the World Health Organization criteria; the preventability assessment using Schumock and Thornton criteria was also carried out. The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) was used to group ADRs. Of 75,935 admissions to the Pediatric ED, 120 were due to suspected ADRs. The rate of hospital admission due to ADRs (75.8%) was significantly greater than that of patients without ADRs (11.9%). Among pediatric patients with ADRs the median (Q1–Q3) age was 29.5 (12–73.25) months. Most of ADRs were observed in infants and children (43.3% and 41.7%, respectively vs adolescents, 15%). In addition, in children with ADRs, females [41 (14–105)] were older than males [23 (11–45)] (p=0.044). Most adverse reactions were serious (75.8%) and 20.8% were preventable or probably preventable; however, the majority of serious ADRs (93.4%) resulted without sequelae. The reactions were found to be as probable (54.2%) or possible (45.8%). Vaccines (n=63), antibacterials (n=31) and anti-inflammatory medicines (n=14) were the most frequently drugs involved. Organ toxicity mapping due to vaccines was general disorders and administration site conditions (65.1%), nervous disorders (50.2%), cutaneous disorders (35%), followed by gastrointestinal disorders (20.6%). Cutaneous disorders (76%) gastrointestinal (20.7%), general (15.5%), and nervous disorders (8.6%) were the organ toxicity mapping due to drugs. Active pharmacovigilance has an essential role in supporting the development of strategies aimed at intervention to reduce admissions due to ADRs. Our data suggest that ADRs represent the first cause of hospitalization to the Pediatric Emergency Department. Furthermore, according to the literature, vaccines and antibiotics are the most frequent cause of adverse drug reactions in children.

Safety of Anticancer Agents Used in Children: A Focus on Their Off-Label Use Through Data From the Spontaneous Reporting System

BACKGROUND

Among factors influencing the higher risk of developing unknown or rare adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among children and adolescents, there is the frequent off-label use of drugs that seems to be very common in pediatric oncological patients. Our study aim to collect and evaluate data on the safety profile of antineoplastic drugs and their off-label use in the pediatrics population using real life data.

METHODS

We retrieved Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) with an anticancer agent as suspected drug among those reported through the Campania spontaneous reporting system from 1 January 2013 to 30 September 2019. We classified ICSRs into four off-label categories: "age," "route of administration," "weight," and "therapeutic indication." We defined an ICSR as an off-label case if it met at least one of the aforementioned categories for at least one of the reported suspected antineoplastic drugs.

RESULTS

A total of 18 ICSRs (7.6%) out of 236 were classified as off-label cases. The median age of patients was 13 years (interquartile range, IQR: 6-16), with 94.4% of cases occurring in male patients. In the classification of the off-label category, 16 ICSRs were categorized according to the "therapeutic indication" and two for the "age." No case was categorized for the off-label categories "route of administration" and "weight." The two off-label cases categorized as "age" were both related to the use of brentuximab vedotin for Hodgkin's lymphoma in patients aged 16 years. Twenty-nine ADRs (1.6 suspected adverse drug reactions per ICSR) were identified among off-label cases. Among ADRs, those reported more than one were diarrhea (N = 3), neutropenia (N = 3), nausea (N = 2), pyrexia (N = 2), and vomit (N = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed a low number of ICSRs classified as off-label. The majority of off-label ICSRs were categorized for the "therapeutic indication." This low number of off-label ICSRs might be largely due to the underreporting phenomenon, which is a major limit in pharmacovigilance. Therefore, we believe that spreading pharmacovigilance knowledge and awareness might improve this aspect.

Italian Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations for Outpatients' Adverse Drug Events: 12-Year Active Pharmacovigilance Surveillance (The MEREAFaPS Study)

Background

Adverse drug event (ADEs) are a significant cause of emergency department (ED) visits and consequent hospitalization. Preventing ADEs and their related ED visits in outpatients remains a public health safety challenge. In this context, the aims of the present study were to describe the frequency, seriousness and preventability of outpatients' ADE-related ED visits and hospitalizations in the Italian general population, and to identify the presence of potential predictors of ADE-related hospitalization.

Methods

We performed a nationwide, multicentre, observational, retrospective study based on reports of suspected ADEs collected between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2018 in 94 EDs involved in the MEREAFaPS project. Patients' demographic characteristics, their clinical status, suspected and concomitant drugs, ADE description, and its degree of seriousness, were collected. Causality and preventability were assessed using validated algorithms, and logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the reporting odds ratios (RORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of ADE-related hospitalization, considering the following covariates: age, sex, ethnicity, number of implicated medications, parenteral administration, presence of interaction, therapeutic error, and/or complementary and alternative medicines (CAM).

Results

Within 12 years, 61,855 reports of suspected ADE were collected, of which 18,918 (30.6%) resulted in hospitalization (ADE defined as serious). Patients were mostly female (56.6%) and Caucasians (87.7%), with a mean age of 57.5 ± 25.0 years. 58% of patients were treated with more than two drugs, and 47% of ADEs leading to hospitalization were preventable. Anticoagulants, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the most frequently implicated agents for ED visits and/or hospitalization, which included clinically significant ADEs, such as haemorrhage for anticoagulants, moderate to severe allergic reactions for antibiotics, and dermatologic reactions and gastrointestinal disturbances for NSAIDs. Older age (1.54 [1.48-1.60]), higher number of concomitantly taken drugs (2.22 [2.14-2.31]), the presence of drug-drug interactions (1.52 [1.28-1.81]), and therapeutic error (1.54 [1.34-1.78]), were significantly associated with an increased risk of hospitalization.

Conclusion

Our long-term active pharmacovigilance study in ED provided a valid estimation of ADE-related hospitalization in a representative sample of the Italian general population and can suggest further focus on medication safety in outpatients, in order to early recognise and prevent ADEs.

Adverse events following cannabis for medical use in Tuscany: An analysis of the Italian Phytovigilance database

AIMS

Despite a significant increase in using cannabis for medical purposes, current evidence on its safety in real-world clinical practice is still poorly characterised. By a case-by-case analysis of spontaneous reports of suspected adverse events (AEs) collected in Tuscany within the Italian Phytovigilance database, the aim of the present study was to describe AEs occurred in patients exposed to medical cannabis.

METHODS

We evaluated all reports of cannabis-related suspected AEs collected within the Phytovigilance database up to December 2018. Information regarding cannabis therapy, patient's demographic and clinical characteristics, concomitant medications, AE description according to the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) classification, AE seriousness and AE outcome, were collected. The causality assessment was performed following World Health Organisation-Uppsala Monitoring Centre criteria.

RESULTS

Fifty-three cannabis-related AE reports were analysed. The majority of patients were females (77.3%), with a mean age of 61.9 years. Thirty-nine (73.6%) cases were defined as nonserious and the majority of them (86.9%) showed a complete resolution or improvement. Forty-six (86.8%) cases were judged as probably related to cannabis consumption. The most frequently reported system organ class was psychiatric and nervous system disorders, and a potential drug-drug interaction was present in 16 cases.

CONCLUSION

Cannabis was generally well tolerated and the majority of AEs were mild and transient. Our analysis highlighted important safety issues for clinical practice, in particular the need for an accurate prescription monitoring during the titration phase, particularly in the presence of concomitant medications.

Vaccines Safety in Children and in General Population: A Pharmacovigilance Study on Adverse Events Following Anti-Infective Vaccination in Italy

Background: The concern for adverse events following immunization (AEFI) and anti-vaccination movements that lacked scientific evidence-based supports may reduce vaccine uptake in the general population. Thus, the aims of the present study were to characterize AEFI in general population (all age groups), in terms of frequency, preventability, and seriousness and to define predictors of their seriousness in children.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed on suspected AEFI reports for children and adults who received any form of vaccinations, collected in Tuscany, Italy, between 1 January and 31 December 2017. Patients’ characteristics, suspected vaccines, and AEFI description were collected. Causality and preventability were assessed using WHO and Schumock and Thornton algorithms, respectively. Logistic regression was used to estimate the reporting odds ratios of potential predictors of AEFI seriousness in children.

Results: A total of 223 suspected AEFI reports were collected, and the majority of them were defined as non-serious (76.7%). Reports were mostly related to one vaccine, and to a median of two to five strains/toxoids. The total number of simultaneously administered strains/toxoids and the presence of allergens did not correlate with AEFI seriousness. Considering vaccines with a high number of administered doses (≥60,000 doses), the rates estimated for serious AEFI reports were always very low, ranging between 0.01 and 0.2/1,000 doses. Twenty-four vaccines (8,993 doses) were not related to any AEFI.

Conclusion: Results of present study showed that AEFI were very rare; the vast majority of them was non-serious and, despite the claims of anti-vaccination movements, the simultaneous administration of vaccines was safe and did not influence the risk of reporting a serious AEFI, particularly in children.

Safety of complementary and alternative medicine in children: A 16-years retrospective analysis of the Italian Phytovigilance system database

BACKGROUND

Dietary supplements and homeopathic medicines are largely used in children as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat different health conditions. Safety of CAM is unknown when they are marketed. This study analysed suspected CAM-related adverse reaction (AR) in pediatric population.

METHODS

The Italian Phytovigilance system was searched for reports of suspected AR related to CAM use in children (0-18 years) from 2002 to 2018. AR reports were evaluated and information about patient's demographic characteristics, suspected CAM, conventional medications, and ARs were collected. In particular, we evaluated whether patient's and CAM characteristics, and concomitant drugs could be potential predictors of ARs seriousness.

RESULTS

We evaluated 206 pediatric CAM-related AR reports, of which 69 were serious. Patients were mostly treated with only one CAM (n = 193), and 39% of AR reports were related to products containing 2-5 components. Most reported ARs were related to dietary supplements (57.18%), and skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (40.29%) were the most involved System Organ Class. CAM-related AR reported as serious were higher in subjects exposed to homeopathic medicines (ROR 3.13 [1.88-5.22]), to CAM in presence of concomitant medications (ROR 1.77 [1.01-3.10]), to CAM containing 2-4 components (ROR 2.18 [1.13-4.22]), and to more than three concomitant CAM (ROR 7.81 [1.97-32.69]).

CONCLUSION

We provide new insights on factors that might increase the risk of serious AR associated with CAM use in children: products containing more than two components and simultaneously administered with conventional medications can represent a potential risk in children.

Characterization and preventability of adverse drug events as cause of emergency department visits: a prospective 1-year observational study

Background

Adverse drug events (ADEs) are a significant cause of emergency department (ED) visits, with a major impact on healthcare resource utilization. A multicentre observational study, aimed to describe frequency, seriousness and preventability of ADEs reported in four EDs, was performed in Sicily (Italy) over a 1-year period.

Methods

Two trained monitors for each ED supported clinicians in identifying ADEs of patients admitted to EDs between June 1st, 2013 and May 31st, 2014 through a systematic interview of patients or their caregivers and with an additional record review. A research team analyzed each case of suspected ADE, to make a causality assessment applying the Naranjo algorithm and a preventability assessment using Schumock and Thornton criteria.

Absolute and percentage frequencies with 95% confidence interval (CI) and medians with interquartile ranges (IQR) were estimated. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate independent predictors of serious and certainly preventable ADEs.

Results

Out of 16,963 ED visits, 575 (3.4%) were associated to ADEs, of which 15.1% resulted in hospitalization. ADEs were classified as probable in 45.9%, possible in 51.7% and definite in 2.4% of the cases. Moreover, ADEs were considered certainly preventable in 12.3%, probably preventable in 58.4%, and not preventable in 29.2% of the cases. Polytherapy influenced the risk to experience a serious, as well as a certainly preventable ADE. Whilst, older age resulted an independent predictor only of serious events. The most common implicated drug classes were antibiotics (34.4%) and anti-inflammatory drugs (22.6%). ADEs due to psycholeptics and antiepileptics resulted preventable in 62.7 and 54.5% of the cases, respectively. Allergic reactions (64%) were the most frequent cause of ADE-related ED visits, followed by neurological effects (10.2%) that resulted preventable in 1.9 and 37.3% of the cases, respectively.

Conclusion

ADEs are a frequent cause of ED visits. The commonly used antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs should be carefully managed, as they are widely involved in mild to severe ADEs. Polytherapy is associated with the occurrence of serious, as well as certainly preventable ADEs, while older age only with serious events. A greater sensitivity to drug monitoring programs among health professionals is needed.