Off-label drug use in an adult intensive care unit of a Brazilian hospital

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and describe the factors associated with off-label drug use in an adult intensive care unit (ICU) of a Brazilian hospital. An analytical, cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in the adult ICU population from March 2018 to May 2018. Off-label use of medication was classified by indication, dosage, route of administration, type and volume of diluent, and duration of administration. Most patients were female (57.89%), non-elderly (56.14%), and had a mean age of 54.44 ± 17.15 years. The prevalence of off-label drug use was 70.31%, but was not associated with the clinical severity of the patients. A statistically significant association was observed between label use of drugs and prescribing potentially inappropriate medicines (PIM). The most common reasons for off-label drug use were therapeutic indication (19.58%) and volume of diluent (23.30%). Drug administration by enteral tubes accounted for the largest number of off-label uses due to route of administration (90.85%). There was a higher prevalence of off-label use of systemic antimicrobials (14.44%) and norepinephrine (9.28%). Our study provided a broad characterization of off-label drug use in an adult ICU and showed why it is important for health professionals to evaluate the specific risks and benefits of this practice

Recomendações farmacêuticas em unidade de terapia intensiva: três anos de atividades clínicas / Pharmacist recommendations in an intensive care unit: three-year clinical activities

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar 3 anos de atividades clínicas e recomendações farmacêuticas aceitas durante a rotina diária do farmacêutico na unidade de terapia intensiva clínica adulta. Métodos: Estudo exploratório, descritivo, transversal, realizado no período de junho de 2010 a maio de 2013, em um hospital universitário, terciário, durante o qual foram categorizadas e analisadas as recomendações farmacêuticas. Resultados: Foram analisadas 834 recomendações farmacêuticas (média anual de 278), sendo estas classificadas em 21 categorias. As recomendações farmacêuticas foram dirigidas principalmente a médicos (n = 699; 83,8%), sendo as mais frequentes: manejo de diluição (n = 120; 14,4%), ajuste de dose (n = 100; 12,0%) e manejo de evento adverso a medicamento (n = 91; 10,9%). Comparando-se os períodos, verificou-se crescimento, ao longo dos anos, das recomendações farmacêuticas com maior componente clínico e diminuição daquelas referentes a aspectos logísticos, como a provisão de medicamentos. As recomendações envolveram 948 medicamentos, tendo destaque para os anti-infecciosos de uso sistêmico. Conclusão: A atuação do farmacêutico no cuidado intensivo evoluiu na instituição onde o estudo foi realizado, caminhando das ações reativas associadas à logística para a participação clínica efetiva junto à equipe multiprofissional (ações proativas). .

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the clinical activities performed and the accepted pharmacist recommendations made by a pharmacist as a part of his/her daily routine in an adult clinical intensive care unit over a period of three years. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital from June 2010 to May 2013, in which pharmacist recommendations were categorized and analyzed. Results: A total of 834 pharmacist recommendations (278 per year, on average) were analyzed and distributed across 21 categories. The recommendations were mainly made to physicians (n = 699; 83.8%) and concerned management of dilutions (n = 120; 14.4%), dose adjustment (n = 100; 12.0%), and adverse drug reactions (n = 91; 10.9%). A comparison per period demonstrated an increase in pharmacist recommendations with larger clinical content and a reduction of recommendations related to logistic aspects, such as drug supply, over time. The recommendations concerned 948 medications, particularly including systemic anti-infectious agents. Conclusion: The role that the pharmacist played in the intensive care unit of the institution where the study was performed evolved, shifting from reactive actions related to logistic aspects to effective clinical participation with the multi-professional staff (proactive actions). .