Atención farmacéutica en pacientes con inmunodeficiencia adquirida y/o tuberculosis en el área ambulatoria de un hospital pediátrico / Pharmacovigilance in patients with acquired immunodeficiency and/or tuberculosis in the outpatient area of a pediatric hospital

La Atención farmacéutica (AF) ayuda a los pacientes a alcanzar objetivos terapéuticos reduciendo los problemas relacionados al medicamento (PRM). Objetivos: analizar los PRM en la práctica de la AF a pacientes con inmunodeficiencia adquirida (IDA) y/o tuberculosis (TBC) y evaluar su impacto. Método: estudio, descriptivo, observacional, en el área ambulatoria de Farmacia. Se incluyeron pacientes con IDA y/o TBC con: inicio de tratamiento, polifarmacia, reinternaciones frecuentes, regular/mala adherencia, reacciones adversas a medicamentos (RAM) previas y/o comorbilidades. Se entrevistaron pacientes o cuidadores y se registraron PRM, errores, grados de adherencia y conocimiento farmacoterapéutico, retiro oportuno de medicamentos y parámetros clínicos. Se registró la intervención farmacéutica y entregó material educativo. Se repitieron las mediciones en una segunda entrevista. Resultados: Se estudiaron 54 pacientes (28 con IDA y 26 con TBC). Se realizaron 93 intervenciones (29.9% dirigidas al prescriptor, 27.8% a otros profesionales) y se detectaron 8 RAM y 53 errores (28 IDA y 25 TBC), el principal PRM fue la mala/regular adherencia con bajo porcentaje de conocimiento farmacoterapéutico completo. Después de la AF, en IDA el grado de adherencia tuvo una mejora estadísticamente significativa (p= 0.012), también fue significativa la mejora en el retiro oportuno de la medicación (28.6% a 71.4% p=0.005 IDA). Se obtuvieron resultados favorables de carga viral (CV) en 72% pacientes con IDA y aumento de peso en 92% pacientes con TBC, aunque no fueron estadísticamente significativos. Conclusiones: mediante AF se mejoró la adherencia y la comunicación en pacientes pediátricos con IDA y/o TBC (AU)

Pharmacovigilance (PV) helps patients achieve therapeutic goals by reducing drug-related problems (DRP). Objectives: to analyze DRPs in the practice of PV in patients with acquired immunodeficiency (AIDS) and/or tuberculosis (TB) and to evaluate its impact. Methods: A descriptive, observational study was conducted in the outpatient pharmacy area. Patients with AIDS and/or TB with: treatment initiation, polypharmacy, frequent readmissions, regular/poor adherence, previous adverse drug reactions (ADR) and/or comorbidities were included. Patients or caregivers were interviewed, and DRP, errors, adherence and pharmacotherapeutic knowledge, timely drug withdrawal, and clinical parameters were recorded. The pharmaceutical intervention was recorded and educational material was delivered. Measurements were repeated in a second interview. Results: We studied 54 patients (28 with AIDS and 26 with TB). Ninety-three interventions were performed (29.9% addressed to the drug prescriber, 27.8% to other professionals) and 8 ADRs and 53 errors were detected (28 AIDS and 25 TB). The main DRP was poor/regular adherence together with a low level of complete pharmacotherapeutic knowledge. After PV, in patients with AIDS the degree of adherence statistically significantly improved (p= 0.012). The improvement in timely medication withdrawal was also significant (28.6% vs. 71.4% p=0.005 AID). Favorable viral load results were obtained in 72% of patients with AIDS and weight gain in 92% of patients with TB, although they were not statistically significant. Conclusions: PV improved adherence and communication in pediatric patients with AIDS and/or TB (AU)

Analysis of reported adverse liver reactions associated with drugs used to treat patients with coronavirus disease 2019

Abstract Hepatic injury has been documented in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, pharmacotherapy can frequently impact liver alterations, given the known hepatotoxic potential of drugs not effective to treat COVID-19. The objective of the present study was to evaluate reports of suspected liver reactions to drugs used for treating COVID-19, compare their use for other indications among patients with COVID-19, and assess possible interactions between them. We obtained reports on drugs used to treat COVID-19 (tocilizumab, remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and/or lopinavir/ritonavir), registered on June 30, 2020, from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Public Dashboard. We then analyzed the risk of developing liver events with these drugs by calculating the reported odds ratios (ROR). We identified 662, 744, and 1381 reports related to tocilizumab, lopinavir/ ritonavir, and hydroxychloroquine use, respectively. The RORs (95% confidence intervals) were 6.32 (5.28-7.56), 6.12 (5.22-7.17), and 9.07 (8.00-10.29), respectively, demonstrating an increased risk of liver events among patients with COVID-19 when compared with uninfected patients. The elevated risk of reporting adverse liver events in patients with COVID-19 who receive these drugs, alone or in combination, highlights the need for careful drug selection and efforts to reduce drug combinations without notable benefits. Similar to any other condition, the use of drugs without established efficacy should be avoided.

Perfil dos pacientes em uso de anticoagulantes orais diretos atendidos via judicial em um município de médio porte do estado de Minas Gerais / Profile of patients in the use of direct oral anticoagulants assisted judicially in a medium-sized municipality of the state of Minas Gerais

Fundamentos: O sistema de saúde brasileiro é embasado nos princípios estabelecidos na Constituição Federal, que in-cluem igualdade, universalidade, equidade e participação popular, em um modelo de saúde totalmente gratuito. O Brasil vive um grande desafio para ofertar assistência de qualidade para toda população. Muitas vezes, é necessário solicitar à justiça um suporte para conseguir acesso à saúde pública. Entre os processos judiciais envolvendo questões de saúde, a maioria são referentes ao fornecimento de medicamentos. Dentre os medicamentos solicitados, destacam-se os anticoagulantes orais diretos (DOACs), cujos estudos apontam que apresentam melhor segurança e eficácia similar em relação à varfarina, medicamento padronizado no SUS para o tratamento do tromboembolismo venoso e fibrilação atrial. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil dos pacientes e das solicitações dos DOACs atendidos por via judicial. Métodos: Estudo documental descritivo realizado em Divinópolis/MG a partir de todos os processos julgados com parecer favorável pela justiça referentes à solicitação dos DOACs. A coleta de dados foi realizada em três fontes secundárias: os pro-cessos judiciários, prontuários dos pacientes nas unidades básicas de saúde e no Sistema de Informações em Saúde. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo um total de 74 processos referentes à solicitação dos DOACs no município de Divinópolis-MG. Observou-se que 74,3% dos indivíduos eram do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 70 anos. O diagnóstico mais observado foi a fibrilação atrial (36,5%). Cerca de 52,7% dos médicos registraram que houve tenta-tiva terapêutica com varfarina antes da introdução dos DOACs e a comodidade (24,3%) foi a justificativa mais utilizada por optar pelos DOACs seguida por dificuldade em controlar a RNI (20,3%). Outro dado encontrado foi que 25,7% dos pacientes nunca obtiveram na farmácia do SUS o medicamento solicitado por via judicial. Conclusão: Concluímos que a demanda judicial que afoga tanto o sistema judiciário como o sistema de saúde, poderia ser evitada se fossem seguidas as recomendações da Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias no Sistema Único de Saúde para estabelecer a distribuição dos insumos de saúde. Além disso, nos processos judiciais faltam informações importantes para auxiliar o juiz a emitir um parecer, sendo baseadas, na maioria das vezes, em apenas uma opinião médica. (AU)

Fundamentals: The Brazilian health system is based on the principles established in the Federal Constitution, which include equality, universality, equity, and popular participation in a completely free health model. Brazil is under great challenge to offer quality care to the entire population. It is often necessary to ask the court for support to gain access to public health.Among the court proceedings involving health issues, the majority refer to the supply of medicines. Among the drugs requested, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) stand out, which indicate that they have better safety and similar efficacy concerning warfarin, a standardized medication in the SUS to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Objective: Assess the profile of patients and requests for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) served by the court. Methods: Descriptive documental study carried out in Divinópolis/MG from all cases judged with a favorable opinion by the court regarding the request of DOACs. Data collection was carried out from three secondary sources: court proceedings, medical records of patients in basic health units, and the Health Information System (SIS). Results:A total of 74 lawsuits referring to the DOACs request in the city of Divinópolis-MG were included in the study. It was observed that 74.3% of the individuals were female, with a mean age of 70 years. The most common diagnosis was atrial fibrillation (36.5%). About 52.7% of physicians reported that there was a therapeutic attempt with warfarin before the introduction of DOACs, and convenience (24.3%) was the most used justification for choosing DOACs, followed by difficulty in controlling the INR (20.3%). Another finding was that 25.7% of the patients never obtained the medication requested through the courts at the SUS pharmacy. Conclusion: We concluded that the judicial demand that drowns both the judicial system and the health system could be avoided if the recommendations of the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in the Unified Health System were followed to establish the distribution of health education. In addition, in court proceedings, important information is lacking to assist the judge in issuing an opinion and is most often based on only one medical opinion. (AU)

Estado actual y retos futuros en el tratamiento de las enfermedades reumáticas / Current status and future challenges in the treatment of rheumatic diseases

Las nuevas estrategias, que incluyen el diagnóstico y el tratamiento tempranos, el enfoque de tratamiento dirigido a un objetivo, la remisión como ese objetivo principal del tratamiento, la participación de los pacientes en las decisiones terapéuticas, junto con el desarrollo de nuevos tratamientos efectivos, han cambiado las expectativas de los reumatólogos y de los pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas. Todavía existen, sin embargo, importantes desafíos tales como la seguridad a largo plazo de los tratamientos actuales y poder escoger tratamientos más individualizados y eficaces, de forma tal de elegir el mejor tratamiento para cada paciente. El futuro, como en el resto de la medicina, probablemente sea la prevención del desarrollo de enfermedades reumáticas. Discutiremos estos temas en esta revisión. (AU)

New strategies, including early diagnosis and treatment, targeted therapy, remission as the main objective of treatment, patient involvement in therapeutic decision-making, and the development of new effective therapies, have changed the expectations of rheumatologists and patients with rheumatic diseases.There are still serious challenges, such as the long-term safety of current treatments and the ability to make more individualized and effective treatments to choose the best treatment for each patient. The future, as that of the whole of medical science, will probably lie in preventing the development of rheumatic diseases. We will discuss these issues in this review. (AU)

Potential adverse drug events: intensive care unit cohort / Potenciais eventos adversos a medicamentos: coorte em unidades de terapia intensiva

Introdução: Eventos adversos a medicamentos estão associados à morbimortalidade, altas taxas de permanência hospitalar e custos elevados. Pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva são um dos principais grupos de risco para ocorrência desses eventos. O uso de rastreadores, indicadores de potenciais eventos, pode simplificar a detecção por meio do screening sistemático de prontuários e possibilitar mensuração contínua. Objetivo: Analisar potenciais eventos adversos e correlacionar seus rastreadores com tempo de internação, número de medicamentos e comorbidades em pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva adulto. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal conduzido com pacientes internados em terapia intensiva de um hospital de alta complexidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Amostra probabilística composta por 83 prontuários de pacientes, hospitalizados, por no mínimo 24 horas, para tratamento clínico e que receberam, pelo menos, um medicamento. Na identificação dos eventos foi utilizado o instrumento do Institute for Healthcare Improvement adaptado, que inclui rastreadores, medicamentos, bioquímicos e clínicos. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas pela Correlação de Pearson, com significância de p<0,05. Resultados: Anti-histamínicos (43,4%), aumento de creatinina (50,6%) e letargia (20,5%) foram os rastreadores mais frequentes de cada categoria. Os medicamentos mais utilizados foram ácido acetilsalicílico (67%) e omeprazol (55%). Houve correlação positiva entre o número total de rastreadores e tempo de internação, número de medicamentos e comorbidades (r= 0,961, r=0,555 e r=0,210 respectivamente; p<0,001). Conclusão: Os rastreadores destacados são esperados para pacientes com cardiopatias em unidades de terapia intensiva e sugerem alerta para os profissionais envolvidos no monitoramento de eventos adversos (AU)

Introduction: Adverse drug events are associated with morbidity and mortality, high hospital stay rates and high costs. Intensive care unit patients are one of the main risk groups for the occurrence of these events. The use of triggers, which indicate potential events, can simplify detection by systematic screening of medical records and enables continuous measurement. Objective: Analyze potential adverse events and correlate their triggers with the length of stay, number of medications, and comorbidities in patients admitted to an adult intensive care unit. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted with patients admitted to intensive care at high complexity hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. A probabilistic sample consisting of medical records of 83 patients hospitalized, for at least 24 hours, for clinical treatment and who received at least one medication. In the identification of the events the adapted instrument of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement was used, which includes drug, biochemical, and clinical triggers. The Pearson's correlation test was used to correlate the number of triggers with the length of stay, the number of medications, and comorbidities, and the significance of p<0.05. Results: Antihistamines (43.4%), creatinine increase (50.6%), and lethargy (20.5%) were the most frequent triggers for each category. Among the drugs, acetylsalicylic acid (67%) and omeprazole (55%) were prominent. There was a positive correlation between the total number of triggers and time of hospitalization, the number of medications, and comorbidities (r=0.961, r=0.555, and r=0,210 respectively; p<0.001). Conclusions: Outstanding triggers can be expected for intensive care units' cardiac patients and suggest warning for professionals involved in monitoring these events (AU)

Norma técnica de farmacovigilancia / Pharmacovigilance technical standard

La presente Norma establece las disposiciones para la organización y operación de los procesos técnicos y administrativos relacionados a la farmacovigilancia de productos farmacéuticos, productos naturales, suplementos vitamínicos, vacunas, homeopáticos y donativos de los antes mencionados fabricados, importados, exportados, comercializados, distribuidos y dispensados en el territorio nacional. Es aplicable a todas las personas naturales o jurídicas prestadoras de servicios de salud, así como aquellas que desarrollen procesos relacionados con la fabricación, importación, exportación, comercialización, distribución, prescripción, dispensación y administración en el territorio nacional de productos farmacéuticos, productos naturales, suplementos vitamínicos, vacunas, homeopáticos y donativos de los antes mencionados

This Standard establishes the provisions for the organization and operation of the technical and administrative processes related to the pharmacovigilance of pharmaceutical products, natural products, vitamin supplements, vaccines, homeopathic products and donations of the aforementioned manufactured, imported, exported, marketed, distributed and dispensed in the national territory. It is applicable to all natural or legal persons providing health services, as well as those that develop processes related to the manufacture, import, export, marketing, distribution, prescription, dispensing and administration in the national territory of pharmaceutical products, natural products, vitamin supplements, vaccines, homeopathic and donations of the aforementioned

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de farmacovigilancia en el contexto de la COVID-19 en profesionales de la salud del Seguro Social del Perú / Knowledge, attitudes and practices of pharmacovigilance in the context of COVID-19 in health professionals of the peruvian social insurance

RESUMEN El estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el conocimiento, las actitudes y prácticas de un grupo de profesionales de la salud sobre la farmacovigilancia en el contexto de la COVID-19 en el Seguro Social de Salud del Perú (EsSalud). Se realizó un análisis secundario descriptivo de una base de datos que incluía las respuestas de una encuesta en línea realizada por el Centro de Referencia Institucional de Farmacovigilancia y Tecnovigilancia de EsSalud. De 144 participantes, el 66% mostró alto nivel de conocimiento y el 81,2%, actitud positiva; sin embargo, el 71,5% tuvo un inadecuado nivel de práctica de farmacovigilancia. Si bien los profesionales de EsSalud demostraron tener alto conocimiento y actitud positiva para implementar farmacovigilancia, esto no se ve reflejado en la práctica de esta actividad en la época de pandemia por el SARS-CoV-2. Se deben emplear estrategias para integrar a la farmacovigilancia en las actividades asistenciales en beneficio de la seguridad del paciente.

ABSTRACT The study aimed to evaluate a group of health professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on pharmacovigilance in the context of COVID-19 in the Peruvian Social Health Insurance (EsSalud). A descriptive secondary analysis was carried out on a database that included responses from an online survey conducted by the Institutional Referral Center for Pharmacovigilance and Technovigilance of EsSalud. Of 144 participants, 66% showed a high level of knowledge and 81.2% had a positive attitude; however, 71.5% had an inadequate level of pharmacovigilance practice. Although EsSalud professionals demonstrated a high level of knowledge and positive attitude to implement pharmacovigilance, this is not reflected in the practice of this activity during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Strategies should be implemented to integrate pharmacovigilance into healthcare activities to benefit patient safety.

Eventos adversos del nimotuzumab en pacientes con tumor cerebral primario / Adverse events to the nimotuzumab in patients with primary cerebral tumor

Introducción: El nimotuzumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal empleado en el tratamiento de pacientes con tumor cerebral. Dada su novedad se justifica la realización de estudios de farmacovigilancia que avalen su seguridad. Objetivo: Caracterizar los eventos adversos relacionados con este medicamento en la práctica médica habitual. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 41 pacientes con tumor cerebral primario tratados con nimotuzumab en el Departamento de Ensayos Clínicos del Hospital Provincial Docente Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba, desde mayo de 2017 hasta abril de 2019. Resultados: En la serie se identificaron 31 eventos adversos, de los cuales 17 eran conocidos y 14 desconocidos. Predominaron la cefalea (80,5 %), la debilidad en miembros inferiores (48,8 %) y la fosfatasa alcalina elevada (41,5 %). Cabe destacar que el total de los efectos no deseados se consideraron ligeros, según su intensidad; reversibles, según sus resultados y sin cambios, según la actitud respecto al medicamento. Conclusiones: Las características de los eventos adversos encontrados se asemejan a las descritas en otros estudios que también avalan la seguridad del fármaco.

Introduction: The nimotuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of patients with cerebral tumor. The realization of pharmaco surveillance studies that guaranteed its security is justified given its new features. Objective: To characterize the adverse events related to this medicine in the habitual medical practice. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 41 patients with primary cerebral tumor treated with nimotuzumab in the Clinical Trial Department of Saturnino Lora Torres Teaching Provincial Hospital was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, from May, 2017 to April, 2019. Results: In the series 31 adverse events were identified, of which 17 were known and 14 were unknown. There was a prevalence of the headache (80.5 %), weakness in lower members (48.8 %) and the high alcaline phosphatase (41.5 %). It is necessary to highlight that all the non wanted effects were considered light according to the intensity; reversible, according to the results and without changes, according to the attitude regarding the medicine. Conclusions: The characteristics of the adverse events that were found resemble to those described in other studies that also guarantee the security of the drug.

Pharmacovigilance of antiretroviral dolutegravir in the state of Paraná

The aim of this study was to investigate adverse reactions to Dolutegravir, a drug recently made available by the Unified Health System (SUS) for treating HIV infections. The frequency, severity and sex distribution of adverse reactions to Dolutegravir were identified over the first 18 months of its availability in users in the state of Paraná. Information was obtained through the pharmacovigilance questionnaire prepared by the Ministry of Health, accessed through the Logistics Control System for Medicines(SICLOM). During the study period, dolutegravirwas dispensed to 9,865 patients in the state. However, 9,207 users (93.3%) answered the pharmacovigilance questionnaire. Among them, 1.75% reported 279 adverse reactions. This population was composed mainly of male people (69.57%), in the ratio of 2.29 men for each woman, white (67.08%), aged between 20 and 29 years (26.71%), single (45.34%) and with education between 8 and 11 years of study (41.61%). Gastrointestinal (36.92%) and nervous system (14.34%) disorders were the most prevalent. 77.78% adverse reactions were considered non-serious by users. It can be concluded that dolutegravirhad a low prevalence of adverse reactions in users in the state of Paraná, demonstrating to be safe for use by the population in therapy against HIV, in accordance with clinical trials.

Adverse events related to oral hormonal contraceptive use in undergraduate pharmacy students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract We aimed to measure the prevalence of adverse events related to oral hormonal contraceptive (OHC) use and their associated factors in undergraduate pharmacy students. A cross-sectional study was conducted by using an online questionnaire for female students of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo from July to August 2020. A descriptive analysis of the data was carried out, which was followed by determining the prevalence ratios to identify possible factors associated with adverse events resulting from OHC. A total of 269 valid responses were obtained, among which 50.2% (n = 135) of the students reported using OHC as a contraceptive method and 21.2% (n = 57) affirmed that they had at least one adverse event related to OHC use, which corresponds to 42.2% of those who had used OHC. The most common adverse event was headache (70.2%), and a period of less than one month was the most cited (49.1%). Only migraine comorbidity was associated with the occurrence of adverse events related to OHC. These findings reinforce the high incidence of adverse events among OHC users and the low rate of discontinuation due to these events. There is a need to provide more information on contraceptive methods to users, including its risks and contraindications.

Interpretation of Technical Specifications for Revision of Safety Information in Marketed Chinese Patent Medicine Instructions / 中国中药杂志

Technical Specifications for Revision of Safety Information in Marketed Chinese Patent Medicine Instructions,a series of group standards,were proposed by Professor ZHANG Bing from Research Center for Pharmacovigilance and Rational Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and underwent centralized management by Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine. They were officially released on July 23 and implemented on July 31,2021. The series of group standards consist of six sections,including general principles,adverse drug events,contraindications,precautions,application for special populations,and warnings. The section of general principles is comprised of holistic and programmatic expressions,which explain the general technical requirements for revising the marketed Chinese patent medicine instructions. The other five sections focus on information collection,screening,transformation,and illustration of specific items,forming a standardized revision technical process. This series of standards is the result of multiple rounds of research and the suggestions of more than 200 experts in different professional fields of " medicine-pharmacy-management-law-enterprise" have been gathered therein to reach a consensus. With the purposes of establishing standardized technical specifications for the revision of safety information in the marketed Chinese patent medicine instructions,guiding marketing authorization holders in revising the instructions,filling the gaps in the research of Chinese patent medicine instructions,promoting the deve-lopment of pharmaceutical care and academic research,and encouraging the rational and safe medication of Chinese patent medicine,the series of group standards is of great significance.

Research Progress of Antitumor Pharmacovigilance / 中国肺癌杂志

In 2019, Drug Administration Law of China was first time proposed that the country should establish pharmacovigilance system. In 2021, the first Pharmacovigilance Quality Management Standard of China was released. The proposal and implementation of pharmacovigilance were the initial stage in China, and it needed to improve the aspects of pharmacovigilance include institution, monitoring mechanism and database construction. The number of new diagnosed cancer patients in China ranked first in the world. In recent years, the marketing speed of novel antitumor drugs was accelerated, and there were many clinical trials. Therefore, antitumor pharmacovigilance was imperative. In this article, we summarized pharmacovigilance of the origin, clinical practice objectives, procedures, methods. We described the difficulties in antitumor pharmacovigilance and current characteristics of pharmacovigilance in China, aiming to provide reference for the development of antitumor pharmacovigilance.
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Pharmacovigilance: an evaluation on the practice of pharmacists acting in pharmacies and drugstores

Abstract Pharmacists acting in pharmacies and drugstores stores are some of the most accessible healthcare providers and the last to intervene before the patient takes their medicine. This puts the pharmacist in a position of authority that should be harnessed for the benefit of health. Thus, this professional is strategic for performing pharmacovigilance. Our objective of this study was to interrogate the practice of pharmacists in relation to pharmacovigilance activities, and to identify difficulties and possible stimuli for the improvement these activities in pharmacies and drugstores. The information was collected through an online questionnaire via Survey Monkey®. The data were analyzed statistically using SPSS software. Responses were received from 5174 pharmacists: mostly young women within five years of graduation and experience in pharmaceutical retail. 81% of them reported having identified suspected substandard medicines, but only 16% used the Brazilian notification system Notivisa. More than 85% of pharmacists agreed with the importance of pharmacovigilance and the recognition of reporting services as part of pharmacist duties and pharmaceutical care. The main barriers to making notifications were the lack of access and knowledge about Notivisa. Pharmacists agreed that simplifying the system would be a stimulus for notifications, and requested more feedback from notifications, as well as material and courses to understand the notification process. Pharmacists have important data to feed into pharmacovigilance systems, recognize their responsibilities and are willing to contribute, but still demonstrate low compliance. Simplification of the system and training on it are likely to increase notifications.

Eventos adversos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación e inmunización asociados a la vacuna anti-COVID-19 Sputnik V en el personbal del hospital Juan P. Garrahan / Adverse events allegedly attributable to vaccination and immunization with the anti-COVID-19 Sputnik V vaccine in the staff of the Hospital Juan P. Garrahan

Introducción: Debido a la emergencia provocada por la pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2 se ha producido una crisis sanitaria global. Una vez disponibles las vacunas, se espera que jueguen un rol decisivo para el control de la enfermedad. Dichas vacunas fueron desarrolladas en tiempo récord por lo que es esencial monitorear su seguridad. Durante la Campaña de Vacunación contra COVID-19, todos los Eventos supuestamente atribuibles a vacunación e inmunización (ESAVI) debieron ser notificados al Ministerio de Salud de la Nación a través del Sistema Integrado de Información Sanitaria de Argentina (SIISA). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo desde el 04/01/2021 al 05/05/2021 en el personal del Hospital Garrahan. Se utilizaron dos métodos de vigilancia de ESAVI. La vigilancia pasiva incluyó las notificaciones voluntarias recibidas de forma telefónica y a través de un cuestionario publicado en intranet. La vigilancia activa se realizó sobre los primeros 947 trabajadores inmunizados, enviando el mismo cuestionario por WhatsApp. Resultados: Hasta el día 05/05/2021 fueron inmunizados 5056 agentes, 4865 con las dos dosis. Se notificaron 473 ESAVI. De ellos, 304 correspondían a la primera dosis y 169 a la segunda. La cantidad de notificaciones según su origen fue de 136 para la vigilancia pasiva, y 333 para la vigilancia activa. Se registraron 5 ESAVI graves; tres anafilaxias, un escotoma secundario a la hipertermia generada por la vacuna y una reacción alérgica grave. Los síntomas locales más frecuentes fueron: dolor, enrojecimiento, hinchazón e induración. Los síntomas sistémicos más frecuentes fueron: fiebre, febrícula, astenia, cefalea, mialgia, artralgia y síntomas gastrointestinales. Como tratamiento en la mayoría de los casos se utilizó paracetamol. Discusión: El presente trabajo logró recolectar un número significativo de notificaciones, brindando información útil al tratarse de una vacuna recientemente aprobada en nuestro país y el mundo. (AU)

Introduction: Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic emergency, a global health crisis has occurred. Once vaccines become available, they are expected to play a decisive role in controlling the disease. These vaccines were developed in record time, and therefore it is essential to monitor their safety. During the COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign, all Events Suspected to be Attributable to Vaccination and Immunization (ESAVI) had to be notified to the National Ministry of Health through the Integrated Health Information System of Argentina (SIISA). Material and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from 04/01/2021 to 05/05/2021 in the staff of Garrahan Hospital. Two methods of ESAVI surveillance were used. Passive surveillance included voluntary notifications received by telephone and through a questionnaire posted on intranet. Active surveillance was conducted on the first 947 immunized workers, sending the same questionnaire by WhatsApp. Results: Up to 05/05/2021, 5056 workers were immunized, of whom 4865 with two doses. A total of 473 ESAVI were reported. Of these, 304 corresponded to the first dose and 169 to the second. The number of notifications was 136 for passive surveillance and 333 for active surveillance. Five severe ESAVIs were recorded; three anaphylaxis, one scotoma secondary to vaccine-generated hyperthermia, and one severe allergic reaction. The most frequent local symptoms were: pain, redness, swelling, and induration. The most frequent systemic symptoms were: mild fever or fever, asthenia, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Paracetamol was used as treatment in most cases. Discussion: In the present study a significant number of notifications was collected, providing useful information on a vaccine recently approved in our country and in the world (AU)

Utilización y farmacovigilancia de inmunoglobulina G endovenosa en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad / Intravenous immunoglobulin G use and pharmacovigilance in a tertiary care children's hospital

Introducción. La inmunoglobulina G endovenosa (IGEV) es un medicamento hemoderivado de inmunoglobulina G polivalente y policlonal. Posee un amplio espectro de indicaciones como inmunomodulador o como terapia de reemplazo. Asimismo, si bien se considera un tratamiento seguro, la incidencia de reacciones adversas reportadas en la literatura varía del 1 % al 81 %. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la utilización de IGEV y describir los acontecimientos adversos por la medicación en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad.Población y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de farmacoepidemiología, observacional y prospectivo. Se evaluaron pacientes que recibieron IGEV durante 7 meses, en 6 áreas de un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. La unidad de análisis fue cada infusión de IGEV, y la principal variable de estudio fue la presencia de reacciones adversas.Resultados. Se analizaron 305 infusiones en 111 pacientes. El 81,6 % de las indicaciones fueron de tipo supletorio. La dosis máxima utilizada fue 1 g/kg. En el 99,6 % de las infusiones, se indicó algún tipo de premedicación; la difenhidramina fue la droga más utilizada, aunque con diferentes posologías. Se registraron 12 reacciones adversas (el 3,9 % de las infusiones), tres de las cuales se consideraron graves: dos meningitis asépticas y una crisis comicial. Todas se resolvieron ad integrum.Conclusiones. La tasa de reacciones adversas de la IGEV en nuestro medio fue baja, con mayoría de reacciones leves e inmediatas y evolución favorable en todos los pacientes.

Introduction. Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) is a blood product from polyvalent and polyclonal immunoglobulin G. It covers a broad range of indications as immunomodulator or replacement therapy. In addition, although it is considered a safe therapy, the incidence of adverse reactions reported in the bibliography ranges from 1 % to 81 %. The objective of this study was to assess IVIG use and describe related adverse events in a tertiary care children's hospital.Population and methods. This was a pharmacoepidemiological, observational, and prospective study. Patients receiving IVIG for 7 months in 6 areas of a tertiary care children's hospital in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires were assessed. The analysis unit was each IVIG infusion, and the main variable was the presence of adverse reactions.Results. A total of 305 infusions in 111 patients were analyzed. In 81.6 % of cases, the indication was for replacement. The maximum dose was 1 g/kg. In 99.6 % of infusions, some type of premedication was indicated; diphenhydramine was the most common drug, with varying dosages. A total of 12 adverse reactions (3.9 % of infusions) were recorded; 3 were severe: aseptic meningitis (2 cases) and seizures (1 case). All resolved to normal.Conclusions. The rate of IVIG adverse reactions in our setting was low; most reactions were mild and immediate and resolved favorably in all patients

Formulários de notificação de reações adversas a medicamento nos sistemas de farmacovigilância do Brasil e outros doze países latino-americanos: análise comparativa / Adverse drug reaction notification forms of the pharmacovigilance systems in Brazil and twelve other Latin-American countries: a comparative analysis

Resumo Avaliou-se os formulários de notificação de suspeitas de reações adversas a medicamentos (RAM) do sistema de farmacovigilância do Brasil e outros doze países latino-americanos. O estudo foi composto por três etapas. Na primeira, os formulários foram pontuados em relação à presença de itens essenciais para compor uma notificação de RAM. Na segunda, as variáveis dos formulários foram quantificadas e classificadas, quanto à razoabilidade em contribuírem para a avaliação de causalidade. Na última etapa, recorreu-se à análise de agrupamento hierárquico para identificar os formulários similares. O formulário da Venezuela obteve a maior pontuação (18 pontos). A mediana das variáveis nos formulários dos países foi de 41 [26 (Guatemala) a 95 (Brasil)]. A maioria das variáveis dos formulários foram classificadas como vitais e a maior parte contribui como fator de explicação alternativo para a avaliação de causalidade. Quatro agrupamentos foram identificados (1, 2, 3 e 4). Os formulários do Brasil e da Bolívia formaram dois grupos distintos, 1 e 3 respectivamente. Há necessidade de modificação dos formulários dos países ou até mesmo exclusão de variáveis, tornando-os mais adequados ao processo de avaliação da causalidade das RAM.

Abstract The scope of this study was to assess the forms used to report suspected adverse drug reactions (ADR) to the pharmacovigilance system in Brazil and twelve other Latin-American countries. The study comprised three stages. In the first stage, the forms were attributed a score relating to the presence of critical items to generate ADR notification. In the second stage, the variables of the forms were quantified and classified regarding feasibility to contribute to an appropriate assessment of causality. In the last stage, hierarchical clustering was used to identify similar forms. The Venezuelan form achieved the highest score (18 points). The median number of variables in the forms of each country was 41 [26 (Guatemala) to 95 (Brazil)]. Most of the variables of the form were classified as life-critical and the majority contribute as an alternative explanation to causality assessment. Four clusters were identified (1, 2, 3 and 4). The forms of Brazil and Bolivia formed two distinct groups, 1 and 3 respectively. The results of this study indicate the need to change the forms of the different countries studied or even delete some variables, making them more appropriate for the process of assessment of ADR causality.

Caracterización de la hipotonía-hiporrespuesta post vacuna pentavalente y tamizaje del neurodesarrollo en niños bajo 6 años de edad, 2013-2018, Uruguay / Characterization of hypotonia-hyporesponsiveness after pentavalent vaccine and neurodevelopmental screening in children under 6 years of age, 2013-2018, Uruguay

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hipotonía-hiporrespuesta (HHR) es uno de los efectos adversos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación e inmunización de tipo neurológico más notificados. El impacto a largo plazo a nivel del neurodesarrollo no es completamente conocida. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar los eventos de HHR post vacuna pentavalente notificados entre 2014 y 2018 al Ministerio de Salud Pública (MSP) de Uruguay. Realizar el tamizaje del neurodesarrollo de los que al momento de la evaluación tenían menos de 6 años de edad. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio descriptivo de las notificaciones al Sistema Nacional de Farmacovigilancia del MSP. Se realizó el tamizaje del neurodesarrollo con la Guía Nacional para la Vigilancia del Desarrollo. RESULTADOS: 30 casos, la mayoría de breve duración, en las primeras horas post primera dosis y con recuperación espontánea. Requirieron hospitalización 29. Se realizó el tamizaje del neurodesarrollo en 16. La media de tiempo entre el evento y esta evaluación fue 2 años y 2 meses. Fue normal la prueba de tamizaje en 15. En uno se detectó un retraso del lenguaje. CONCLUSIONES: Los episodios de HHR se presentaron con características similares a las descritas en la bibliografía. A pesar de las limitaciones del estudio, no se encontraron retrasos ni desvíos del desarrollo en los niños evaluados.

BACKGROUND: Hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes (HHE) is one frequently reported neurologic adverse effect supposedly attributable to vaccination and immunization. Its long-term impact on neurodevelopment is not completely known. AIM: To characterize the post-pentavalent vaccine HHE events reported to the Uruguayan Ministry of Health (M of H) between 2014 and 2018. To perform neurodevelopment screening of those who were under 6 years of age at the time of evaluation. METHODS: Descriptive study of the reports made to the National Farmacosurveillance System of the M of H. Neurodevelopment screening was performed using the National Guidelines for Developmental Surveillance. RESULTS: 30 cases were studied. Most cases occurred after the first doses, were of short duration and during the first hours after vaccination, with spontaneous recovery. Median time between the event and this evaluation was 2 years and 2 months. Screening tests were normal in 15. Delay in the language area was detected in one case. CONCLUSIONS: HHE events had similar characteristics to those described in the literature, with no severe short-term complications. Despite the limitations of the present study, no delays nor deviations were found in the development of the children who were evaluated.

Detección de errores de medicación mediante un programa de seguimiento y minimización en pacientes ambulatorios de Colombia, 2018-2019 / Identification of medication errors through a monitoring and minimization program in outpatients in Colombia, 2018-2019

Resumen | Introducción. El uso de medicamentos puede conllevar errores de medicación que desemboquen en la hospitalización del paciente, el aumento de los costos relacionados con la atención e, incluso, la muerte. Objetivos. Determinar la prevalencia de errores de medicación notificados en un sistema de información de farmacovigilancia en Colombia entre el 2018 y el 2019. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional a partir del registro de errores de medicación de un sistema de farmacovigilancia que cubre a 8,5 millones de pacientes ambulatorios afiliados al sistema de salud de Colombia. Los errores se categorizaron en ocho grupos de la A (situaciones potenciales de error) hasta la I (error que pudo llevar a la muerte). Se hizo el análisis descriptivo y se estableció la prevalencia de los errores de medicación. Resultados. Durante los años 2018 y 2019, se reportaron 29.538 errores de medicación en pacientes ambulatorios, con una prevalencia general de 1,93 por cada 10.000 medicamentos dispensados. En el 0,02 % (n=6) de los casos, se presentaron errores que llegaron a afectar a los pacientes y causaron daño (tipos E, F e I). La mayoría de los errores se asoció con la dispensación (n=20.636; 69,9 %) y la posible causa más común fue la falta de concentración en el momento de dispensar los medicamentos (n=9.185; 31,1 %). Los grupos farmacológicos más implicados en errores de medicación fueron los antidiabéticos (8,0 %), los inhibidores del sistema renina-angiotensina (7,6 %) y los analgésicos (6,0 %). Conclusiones. Los errores de medicación son relativamente poco frecuentes y con mayor frecuencia se catalogan como circunstancias o eventos capaces de generar un error de tipo A. Muy pocas veces, pueden causarle daño al paciente, incluso, hasta la muerte.

Abstract | Introduction: The use of drugs may involve medication errors leading to hospitalization, increased costs related to care, and even death. Objective: To determine the prevalence of medication errors reported in a pharmacovigilance information system in Colombia between 2018 and 2019. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational study based on the records of medication errors from a pharmacovigilance system covering 8.5 million outpatients affiliated with the Colombian health system. The errors were categorized from A (potential situations to error) to I (an error that could lead to death). We performed a descriptive analysis and established the prevalence of medication errors. Results: During 2018 and 2019, 29,538 medication errors in outpatients were reported with a general prevalence of 1.93 per 10,000 drugs dispensed. The errors that reached the patient and caused damage (types E, F, and I) occurred in 0.02% (n=6) of the patients. Most of them were related to the dispensation (n=20,636; 69.9%) and the possible most common cause was the lack of concentration at the time of dispensing (n=9185; 31.1%). The pharmacological groups most involved in medication errors were antidiabetics (8.0%), renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (7.6%), and analgesics (6.0%). Conclusions: Medication errors are relatively rare situations, generally classified as circumstances or events capable of generating the error (type A error). In low proportion, they can reach the patient and cause damage or even death.