Risk factors for adverse drug reactions in pediatric inpatients: A cohort study

PURPOSE: The present study aims to identify the risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADR) in pediatric inpatients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study in one general pediatric ward in a hospital in Northeast Brazil was conducted in two stages: the first stage was conducted between August 17(th) and November 6(th), 2015, and the second one between March 1(st) and August 25(th), 2016. We included children aged 0–14 years 11 months hospitalized with a minimum stay of 48 hours. Observed outcomes were the ADR occurrence and the time until the first ADR observed. In the univariate analysis, the time to the first ADR was compared among groups using a log-rank test. For the multivariate analysis, the Cox regression model was used. RESULTS: A total of 173 children (208 admissions) and 66 ADR classified as “definite” and “probable” were identified. The incidence rate was 3/100 patient days. The gastro-intestinal system disorders were the main ADR observed (28.8%). In addition, 22.7% of the ADR were related to antibacterials for systemic use and 15.2% to general anesthesia. Prior history of ADR of the child [hazard ratio (HR) 2.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–5.00], the use of meglumine antimonate (HR 4.98; 95% CI 1.21–20.54), antibacterial for systemic use (HR 2.75; 95% CI 1.08–6.98) and antiepileptic drugs (HR 3.84; 95% CI 1.40–10.56) were identified risk factors for ADR. CONCLUSIONS: We identified as risk factors the prior history of ADR of the child and the use of meglumine antimonate, antibacterial for systemic use and antiepileptic drugs.