ABSTRACT
The lack of data on drug-drug interactions in pediatrics represents a relevant problem in making appropriate therapeutic decisions. Our study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) in pediatric pneumonology units, including cystic fibrosis patients. We performed a 6-month prospective observational study during which clinical pharmacists, using the Lexicomp Drug Interactions checker, screened medical records to identify pDDIs. Spearman's rank coefficient, logistic regression, and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to identify correlations, analyze risk factors for pDDIs, and compare cystic fibrosis patients with the rest, respectively. Recommendations were provided for the D and X pDDIs categories. Within the 218 patients, 428 pDDIs were identified, out of which 237 were classified as clinically significant. Almost 60% of patients were exposed to at least one relevant interaction. The number of pDDIs correlated with the number of; drugs (rs = 0.53, P < .001), hospitalization length (rs = 0.20, P < .01), and off-label medicines (rs = 0.25, P < .001). According to the multivariate analysis, at least 6 administered medications (OR = 4.15; 95% CI = 2.21-7.78), 4 days of hospitalization (OR = 6.41; 95% CI = 2.29-17.97), and off-label therapy (OR = 3.37; 95% CI = 1.69-6.70) were the risk factor for pDDIs. Despite significant differences in the number of medications taken, comorbidities, and off-label drugs, cystic fibrosis patients were not more exposed to pDDI. Given the lack of data on pDDIs in the pediatric population, the need for close cooperation between clinicians and clinical pharmacists to improve the safety and efficacy of pharmacotherapy is highlighted.
