RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Respiratory medicines for children: current evidence, unlicensed use and research priorities
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 247
OP 265
DO 10.1183/09031936.00139508
VO 35
IS 2
A1 A. R. Smyth
A1 A. Barbato
A1 N. Beydon
A1 H. Bisgaard
A1 K. de Boeck
A1 P. Brand
A1 A. Bush
A1 B. Fauroux
A1 J. de Jongste
A1 M. Korppi
A1 C. O’Callaghan
A1 M. Pijnenburg
A1 F. Ratjen
A1 K. Southern
A1 D. Spencer
A1 A. Thomson
A1 H. Vyas
A1 A. Warris
A1 P. J. Merkus
YR 2010
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/35/2/247.abstract
AB This European Respiratory Society task force has reviewed the evidence for paediatric medicines in respiratory disease occurring in adults and children. We describe off-licence use, research priorities and ongoing studies. Off-licence and off-label prescribing in children is widespread and potentially harmful. Research areas in asthma include novel formulations and regimens, and individualised prescribing. In cystic fibrosis, future studies will focus on screened infants and robust outcome measures are needed. Other areas include new enzyme and antibiotic formulations and the basic defect. Research into pneumonia should include evaluation of new antibacterials and regimens, rapid diagnostic tests and, in pleural infection, antibiotic penetration, fibrinolytics and surveillance. In uncommon conditions, such as primary ciliary dyskinesia, congenital pulmonary abnormalities or neuromuscular disorders, drugs indicated for other conditions (e.g. dornase alfa) are commonly used and trials are needed. In neuromuscular disorders, the β-agonists may enhance muscle strength and are in need of evaluation. Studies of antibiotic prophylaxis, immunoglobulin and antifungal drugs are needed in immune deficiency. We hope that this summary of the evidence for respiratory medicines in children, highlighting gaps and research priorities, will be useful for the pharmaceutical industry, the paediatric committee of the European Medicines Agency, academic investigators and the lay public.