MEDICATION ERRORS IN NEONATES ADMITTED IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Jain S, Jefferson LS, Basu S, Parmar VR. Indian J Med Sci. 2009;63(4):145-151.
A retrospective chart review of neonatal prescriptions written in 4 months in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric emergency department was conducted at a hospital in India to determine the number and types of medication errors that occurred, as well as whether any injuries were sustained as a result of medication errors.
Of 821 prescriptions analyzed, 81 errors (9.6%) were discovered. Health personnel involved in the errors were resident doctors and staff nurses.
The most common type of error was a dosing error. The error rate in the NICU was 1.5 (54/38), and in the emergency department, it was 0.7 (27/38), with errors in the emergency department significantly higher than those in the NICU (P <.001). None of the errors resulted in injury to patients, yet they had the potential to cause severe injury and were preventable.
The researchers conclude that medication errors are common in neonatology. They suggest health personnel consult the drug formulary more often and cross-check doses and related issues routinely to avoid medication errors.
EXPOSURE TO BISPHENOL A AND OTHER PHENOLS IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PREMATURE INFANTS
Calafat AM, Weuve J, Ye X, et al. Environ Health Perspect. 2009;117(4):639-644.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in manufacturing plastic and epoxy resins used in baby bottles and impact-resistant safety equipment. High doses in experimental animals are associated with estrogen-like effects.
Diphthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer added to polyvinylchloride in medical devices, such as bags containing intravenous fluids, nasogastric tubes, and endotracheal tubes. Exposure to BPA and DEHP in early life is a concern for potential adverse health consequences throughout life.
Researchers measured urine concentrations of BPA in 41 premature infants undergoing intensive therapeutic medical interventions. Bisphenol A was detected in all of the infants, with greater than 90% of BPA present as its conjugated species in more than 75% of the infants. Use of products containing DEHP was strongly associated with BPA.
The researchers conclude that premature infants may be exposed to several potential reproductive and developmental toxicants at higher levels than those reported in the general population. Future research is needed to determine potential health outcomes of such exposures.