Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) increase morbidity, mortality, and hospital costs in children treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Few studies have reported the incidence and risk factors of ADRs in PICU. Our study aimed to evaluate incidence, risk factors, and economic burden of ADRs in PICU. An intensive ADR surveillance was conducted at the PICU of Children's Hospital of Michigan between November 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011. A trigger list was used to screen for suspected ADR cases. Of the 697 consecutive PICU admissions reviewed, 13.1% experienced at least one episode of ADR. The ADR incidence was 22% in patients with cardiovascular (CV) surgery and 11.5% in other patients. The most frequently detected ADR was electrolyte imbalance associated with diuretic exposure. Mean age at admission was 4 years (interquartile range: 9 months-13 years). Risk factors for ADR included young age (<1 year), Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) score upon admission ≥3, and administration of ≥16 medications. ADRs increased total ICU costs by 3.5-fold and length of ICU stay by 3.8-fold. Increased ADR surveillance of high risk patients in conjunction with early intervention may reduce drug related morbidity and costs in the PICU.

Background The extent to which gastric acid inhibitors and feedings affect gastric pH in infants is unclear. Objectives To compare pH values of gastric aspirates from infants according to use or no use of gastric acid inhibitors and feedings. Methods Colorimetric pH tests were used to measure the pH of aspirates from feeding tubes in 54 critically ill infants; 29 of the gastric aspirates were from infants who did not receive acid inhibitors or feedings, 13 were from infants who received acid inhibitors but no feedings, 3 were from infants who received feedings but no acid inhibitors, and 5 were from infants who received both acid inhibitors and feedings. The remaining 4 feeding tubes were in nongastric sites. Results Individual pH readings of 5.5 or less were found in 97% of the gastric aspirates from infants with no recent feedings or acid inhibitors, 77% of the gastric aspirates from infants who received acid inhibitors, and 67% of the gastric aspirates from infants with recent feedings. Among 2 esophageal aspirates and 2 duodenal aspirates, 1 of each type had a pH less than 5.5. A pH cut point of 5.5 or less did not rule out esophageal or duodenal placement. Conclusions The pH of gastric aspirates from critically ill infants is often 5.5 or less, regardless of the use of acid inhibitors, feedings, or both. Most likely a cut point of 5.5 or less would rule out respiratory placement because tracheal pH is typically 6.0 or higher.

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