Rapid-Infusion Rituximab in a Pediatric Population.

OBJECTIVES: The use of rapid rituximab infusion in certain pediatric populations has generally been regarded as safe. The safety of our institution's rapid rituximab protocol was evaluated. METHODS: The primary end point was the number of and severity of adverse drug reactions. Secondary end points included a description of the patient population defined by the indication, dose, and number of rituximab infusions administered. Additionally, the difference in infusion times in hours of those receiving rapid rituximab infusions versus the theoretical infusion time of subsequent administration rate schedules was defined. RESULTS: A total of 88 infusions for 22 patients were reviewed. No dose-limiting adverse reactions were observed. Three patients experienced grade 1 isolated infusion-related adverse events during a single infusion encounter. Two of the three patients received additional doses of rapid rituximab infusions without incident, whereas the other patient no longer required rituximab therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a 90-minute rituximab infusion protocol in pediatric patients with non-rheumatic diseases was well tolerated.

Education in pediatrics in US colleges and schools of pharmacy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which pediatrics is taught at US doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) programs and to characterize what is being taught and how. METHODS: A 40-question online survey instrument was sent to accredited and candidate-status US PharmD programs. RESULTS: Of 86 participating programs (67.2% response rate), 81 (94.2%) indicated that pediatric topics were included in their required classroom curricula (mean, 21.9 contact hours). A pediatric elective course was offered by 61.0% of programs (mean, 25.9 contact hours). Advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) in pediatrics were offered by 97.4% of programs, with an average of 27 students per program completing this practice experience annually. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all responding programs incorporated pediatrics in their required curricula. Pediatric elective courses provided an adequate mean number of contact hours, but 39.0% of programs did not offer an elective course. One-fifth of students completed a pediatric APPE prior to graduation. Continued expansion of pediatric-focused classroom and experiential curricula across US PharmD programs is recommended.