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Medication Dosing in Overweight and Obese Children

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:58:47 GMT

AUTHORS: Peter N. Johnson, Pharm.D., BCPS; Jamie L. Miller, Pharm.D., BCPS; Elizabeth A. Boucher, Pharm.D., BCPS .; Lisa Lubsch, Pharm.D.; Jennifer E. Girotto, Pharm.D., BCPS; Kimberly A. Pesaturo, Pharm.D., BCPS; Bernie Lee, Pharm.D.on behalf of the PPAG Advocacy Committee ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Seema Kumar, M.D., PdE BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight and obese American children has increased dramatically over the last three decades. Approximately 31.9 percent of children ages 2-19 years in 2003-2006 were considered overweight.1 The prevalence rates were highest among African-American females (39.2%) and Mexican-American males (40.8%).1 However, no significant differences have been noted in the prevalence between males and females. Pediatric patients are classified as overweight or obese according to their BMI percentile, or their BMI in relation to other children of the same age and gender. Reference standards for BMI percentile have been established for children 2-20...

Statement on Heparin Safety and Shortages

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:39:58 GMT

Authors: Kathy Pham, Pharm.D, BCPS on behalf of the PPAG Advocacy Committee BACKGROUND Heparin is an anticoagulant that has been used for a variety of indications, from thromboembolic prophylaxis and treatment to central venous access management. It is supplied in multiple concentrations for therapeutic and prophylactic use (1000 units/mL or higher) as well as in more dilute concentrations (100 units/mL or less) for heparin-lock flush solutions. Incidents with this medication at institutions across the country have brought safety concerns with heparin use to national attention. Safe use and monitoring of anticoagulants in particular is also highlighted by JCAHO’s National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG) 3E to “reduce the likelihood of patient harm associated with the use of anticoagulation therapy.” DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE Over the past 2 years, heparin overdoses have been widely publicized. In September 2006, three premature infants died after receiving an...

Practice Statements and Guidelines

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:32:49 GMT

The need for authoritative guidance in pediatric pharmacy practice has grown with changes in health care and with shifting influences from regulatory, accrediting, risk-management, financing, and other bodies. The PPAG Advocacy Committee develops official professional position statements for this purpose. PPAG offers therapeutic position statements that respond to specific therapeutic issues. These statements are thorough, evidence-based recommendations of drug use. PPAG also offers position statements on public policy issues that are directed to health care professionals, public officials, and the general public. PPAG position statements provide guidance and direction to PPAG members, pharmacy practitioners, and other audiences who affect pharmacy practice. Their use by members and other practitioners is strictly voluntary, and their content should be assessed and adapted to meet the needs of specific practice settings. Below is a list of our guidelines and position statements: ...

Statement on Standardized Drug Concentrations

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:14:36 GMT

BACKGROUND The Rule-of-Six has been used in pediatric emergency medicine for many years. Recently it has been under much scrutiny due to the variable concentrations that result when making the calculation to mix critical medication drips. The rule, or formula, multiplies a patient’s weight (in kilograms) by 6 to determine the dose of a medication (in milligrams) to be added to an appropriate diluent for a total volume of 100milliliters. The rate in ml/hr is equivalent to the dose in mcg/kg/min (i.e. 1 ml/hr equals 1 mcg/kg/min). Therefore, for each patient, there would be a different concentration infused, although the rate/dose would be the same. In addition, drastic changes in a patient’s weight would require compounding a new drip. In 2003 the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) revealed a list of 7 National Patient Safety Goals in an effort to make healthcare systems safer. Of these goals, it was stated that organizations should...

Neonatal Pharmacy Resident/Fellow Research Grant

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:26:12 GMT

Supported by Lundbeck, Inc. Application Deadline: September 15 each year. Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group is an international, nonprofit, professional association representing the interests of pediatric pharmacists and their patients. We are dedicated to improving medication therapy in children. Our sole purpose is to promote safe and effective medication use in children through communication, education, and research. Purpose The Neonatal Pharmacy Resident/Fellow Research Grant supports research in neonatal medication use conducted by pharmacy residents (e.g., PGY-1, PGY-2 pediatric pharmacy resident) and fellows. The primary purpose of the research award is to improve safe and effective use of medications in neonates. Research projects can comprise a wide range of medication-use topics, including but not limited to: technology, safety, and/or pharmacotherapy. A secondary goal of the program is to develop and strengthen the skills of pharmacy residents and fellows by...

Online CE Programs

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:48:20 GMT

Pediatric Age-Based Competencies For more information about Aged-based Competency Series, please click here. Group purchasing opportunities are available. TITLE HRS. ACPE # PRICE Physiologic and Pharmacokinetic Differences in Children, Fluids and Electrolytes and Dehydration in Children 2.5 0180-0000-08-002-H04-P MEM: $10.00 NonMEM: $30.00 Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention 1 0180-0000-09-001-H01-P MEM: $5.00 NonMEM: $15.00 Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment 1 0180-0000-09-002-H01-P MEM: $5.00 NonMEM: $15.00 Management of Asthma Exacerbations 1 0180-0000-09-003-H01-P MEM: $5.00 NonMEM: $15.00 DKA & HHS 1 0180-0000-09-100-H01-P MEM: $5.00 NonMEM: $15.00 Management of Diabetes Type 1 1 0180-0000-09-102-H01-P MEM: $5.00 NonMEM: $15.00 Pumps, Pens, and other Devices 1 0180-0000-09-103-H01-P MEM: $5.00 NonMEM: $15.00 Management of Diabetes, Type...

Age-based Competencies for Pediatric Pharmacists

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:45:46 GMT

Competency in pediatric medication therapy is an essential goal of the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group. Both the exigencies of patient care and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) require assessment of this competency. PPAG offers a one-stop shop for your Aged-based Competency education and assessment needs. We offer audio/visual lectures and supporting material. These programs are accredited by the Accredidation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE). To receive credit for this program, you must complete and pass a post-test. Upon successful completion of the post-test, a certificate of credit will be automatically generated by the system for you to print. Certificates are stored in the system and will be accessible later. Please note: PPAG offers special group rates for our online Continuing Education Programs. Please go to: www.ppag.org/CEgrouprate for more information. CURRENT OFFERINGS Introductory Modules (combined 3 hour...

Membership FAQs

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:45:08 GMT

NOTE: All links provided below open a new browser window, this will allow you to read the intructions as you go step by step. Q) How long is a membership? Membership dues are good for one (1) year. You must renew your membership every year. Q) How much does membership cost? Membership is tiered. Individual and Associate Member Fee: $190.00 Resident/Fellow/Techninican fee: $60.00 Student Fee: $40.00 Q) Does membership include subscription to the Journal? Yes Q) I've moved. How can I let PPAG know my new address? You can update your contact info right here on the PPAG website! All you need is your login and password to enter user directories. Click the link provided, it will ask you for your login info before directing you [here]. Once you are on the directories search page, do a search for your name, then hit the submit button. Once you can view your record, hit the edit icon on the right side of your name (it will give you a detailed view of your...

Current Issue Cover

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:41:01 GMT

Volume 14 Number 4: Oct-Dec 2009 Editorial Use of Ototoxic Medications in Neonates—The Need for Follow-Up Hearing Test Tsz-Yin So, PharmD Brief Review Article Pediatric Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy Rachel S. Meyers, PharmD Review Article Women and Epilepsy Sunila E. O’Connor, MD and Mary L. Zupanc, MD Clinical Investigations Retrospective Analysis of the Initiation of Antibiotic Therapy In Severe Sepsis In Pediatric Patients Joseph M. LaRochelle, PharmD, Jill A. Morgan, PharmD, and Kristine A. Parbuoni, PharmD Improving Pediatric Outcomes through Intravenous and Oral Medication Standardization Mark W. MacKay, BSPharm, Jared Cash, PharmD, Fred Farr, PhD, Marc Holley BSPharm, Kevin Jones, BSPharm, and Sabrina Boehme, PharmD Click here for CURRENT ISSUE

Current Issue

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:17:06 GMT

Next Issue

Volume 15 Number 1 (Jan-Mar 2010) expected in March 2010

Homepage2

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:21:56 GMT

Improve your knowledge base from anywhere! We offer online continuing pharmacy education programs. You can earn CE from the comfort of your home or office. PPAG member receive a pricing discount on all courses offered. Go to Courses. Featured Online Education Programs: Core Competencies for Pediatric Pharmacists. What YOU can do for PPAG! PPAG believes in the value of every members expertise and passion. We are a member-driven organization, and those members make the difference! Contribute to PPAG! Contribute to your profession! Our Standing Committee Websites PediNet SIGs and Forums Calendar of Events/Meetings Charge-to-Committees Position Papers

Pediatric Chronic Disease Specialty Conference Objectives

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:56:49 GMT

Friday, April 16, 2010 Pre-conference Symposium: Pediatric Age-based Competencies for Epilepsy 1:00-2:00pm General Overview of Epilepsy 0180-0000-10-200-L01-P Kim Tallian, PharmD Psychiatry Pharmacist, UCSD Medical Center San Diego, CA At the end of this session, participants will be able to: Review the incidence of epilepsy in children. Review the epilepsy syndromes seen only in children. Discuss the medications of choice in children. Discuss patient specific factors that might make one pick one agent over another. Discuss vigabatrin, refunamide and their place in the treatment of epilepsy. 2:00-3:00pm Treatment of Status Epilepticus, 0180-0000-10-201-L01-P Elizabeth Farrington, PharmD Clinical Specialist – Pediatrics University of North Carolina Hospitals Durham, NC At the end of this session, participants will be able to: Briefly review standard treatment of status epilepticus Discuss newer treatment options for the treatment of refractory...

Pediatric Chronic Disease Specialty Conference Schedule

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:54:55 GMT

Friday, April 16 2010 Time Topic Speaker Pre-Conference Symposium: Pediatric Core Competencies 1:00-2:00pm General Overview of Epilepsy Kim Tallian, PharmD 2:00-3:00pm Treatment of Status Epilepticus Elizabeth Farrington, PharmD 3:00-3:15pm Break 3:15-4:15pm Adverse Effects of Antiepileptic Medications Stephanie Phelps, PharmD 4:15-5:15pm Application of Pharmacogenomics to the Treatment of the Patient with Epilepsy Collin Hovinga, PharmD Pediatric Chronic Diseases Conference Begins Now 6:00-7:30pm Keynote Address Stephen Covey 7:30-9:00pm Opening Reception Saturday, April 17 2010 Time Topic Speaker 7:00-8:00am Antidepressants and Antipsychotics in Youth: do the Benefits Outweight the Risks? Julie Dopheide, PharmD 8:00-9:00am Patient Assistant Programs 101 Kristin Fox-Smith, PharmD 9:00-9:15am Break 9:15-10:15am ...

Association Staff

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:12:43 GMT

Matthew R. Helms, MA, CAE Executive Director Matthew Helms has been the Executive Director of the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group since 2003. Matt earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science (history minor) from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1998. He earned Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee in 2009. Matt earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2009. Matt directs all day-to-day operations of PPAG. He provides direction and policy interpretation to volunteer leadership. He manages all aspects of membership services, develops new services, coordinates continuing education programs, and solicits sponsorships, grants, and donations. Prior to joining PPAG, Matt worked at The University of Tennessee, Health Science Center in Memphis. He also interned at Presidential Classroom in Washington, DC. Matt also served as the Managing Editor of the Journal for Pediatric...

Pediatric Chronic Diseases Specialty Conference

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:56:51 GMT

The Pediatric Chronic Diseases Specialty Conference offers continuing pharmacy education sessions on the medication management of seizure disorders, dermatology, transplant, sickle cell, pain, HIV, and mental health issues. This conference has been designed by pediatric pharmacists for pediatric pharmacists! The Specialty Conference is Chaired by Jared Cash, PharmD, Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator, Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, UT. The Pediatric Chronic Diseases Specialty Conference will take place on April 16-18, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Featuring Keynote Speaker, Dr. Stephen R. Covey In 1996, Stephen R. Covey was recognized as one of Time magazine's 25 most influential Americans and one of Sales and Marketing Management's top 25 power brokers. Dr. Covey is the author of several acclaimed books, including the international bestseller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It has sold more than 15 million copies in 38 languages throughout...

PPAG on Twitter

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:09:30 GMT

homepage - conference info

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:12:17 GMT

Pediatric Chronic Disease Specialty Conference
Featuring Stephen R. Covey

Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown
Salt Lake City, Utah
April 16-18, 2010

Conference Website | Register Now!

The PPAG Advocacy Award

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:37:01 GMT

Occasionally, the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group recognizes special contributions made by advocates (either an individual or an organization) that help advance and improve pediatric medication safety in the US and througout the world. Not necessarily pharmacists, these advocates advance the mission and values of PPAG. Recognition is not necessarily given each year, but rather, the award is given upon achievement, usually during the PPAG Annual Conference. Past Recipients: Sorrel King Founder of the Josie King Foundation 2008 PPAG Advocacy Award Recipient Sorrel King founded the Josie King Foundation in 2001 with her husband, Tony, after their daughter Josie died as a result of medical errors. The Josie King Foundation supports innovative patient safety programs that influence the way safety is incorporated into medical care. The Josie King Pediatric Patient Safety Program and the Johns Hopkins Hospital's Children's Center, the Condition H - Josie King Patient Safety...

Local Communities and Networks Recognition Program

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:14:11 GMT

The Local Communities and Networks of the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group help you make strong peer-to-peer connections that can make a real different in your career and practice.

Through networking events, local programming, regional news and volunteer opportunities, the Local Networks allow you to build a community of peers, advance your career and volunteer within the pediatric pharmacy community. These activities are recognized at a national level through PPAG.

Join a Local Network today. Search Local Communities

If you are interested in starting a Local Community in your area, please view the following information:

Local Community and Network Guidelines

Local Community and Network Application

History of the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:37:59 GMT

This year the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group marks its 30 year anniversary. Like nearly all worthy causes, the idea for the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG) started with a conversation among a small group of friends and colleagues. The Early Years In 1979 Dr. Doug Smith, Dr. Robert Poole, and Mr. Steve Allen began discussing the need for an organization aimed at helping pediatric pharmacy directors to better serve their unique patient populations. These trailblazers met informally and then formally at the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacist’s Midyear Clinical Meeting. Over the next six years, the group expanded and included Pharmacy Directors from across the United States. At these meetings a core group of leaders emerged. Mr. Doug Smith (Chicago, IL) served as President and Chairman of the Board from 1985-1995. Other members of this charter group include: Mr. Stephen Allen (Washington, DC), Mr. Joe Sceppa (Boston, MA), Mr. Henry Wedemeyer (Denver, CO),...