Liz Jamieson1, Ian C K Wong1, Finella Craig2, Nanna Christiansen3, Karen Brombley4, Catherine Tuleu1, Emily Harrop4. 1. UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK. 2. Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Great Ormond Street Hospital, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK. 3. CAG Lead Pharmacist Women and Children & Lead Clinical Pharmacist for Paediatrics, Barts Health NHS Trust, Pathology and Pharmacy Building, London, UK. 4. Helen & Douglas House Hospices, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This paper seeks to highlight from a UK perspective the current lack of a research evidence base in paediatric palliative care that has resulted in a paucity of available medicines with appropriate formulations (strength and dosage form) to provide symptom management for children with life-limiting illnesses and to raise awareness of this group of 'therapeutic orphans'. Currently, clinicians have limited, often unsuitable medication choices for their paediatric palliative care patients, with little hope of moving away from the status quo. KEY FINDINGS: Most medicines used in children receiving palliative care are old and off-patent drugs, developed for and tested in an adult population. Many are not available in suitable formulations (dosage form and strength) for administration to children, and there are often no age-related profiles of adverse drug reactions or for safe dosing. SUMMARY: Existing regional paediatric palliative care networks and support organisations should lobby funding bodies and the academic community to support appropriate research for this group of therapeutic orphans. Support must also be provided to pharmaceutical companies in the development of suitable products with appropriate formulations.
OBJECTIVES: This paper seeks to highlight from a UK perspective the current lack of a research evidence base in paediatric palliative care that has resulted in a paucity of available medicines with appropriate formulations (strength and dosage form) to provide symptom management for children with life-limiting illnesses and to raise awareness of this group of 'therapeutic orphans'. Currently, clinicians have limited, often unsuitable medication choices for their paediatric palliative care patients, with little hope of moving away from the status quo. KEY FINDINGS: Most medicines used in children receiving palliative care are old and off-patent drugs, developed for and tested in an adult population. Many are not available in suitable formulations (dosage form and strength) for administration to children, and there are often no age-related profiles of adverse drug reactions or for safe dosing. SUMMARY: Existing regional paediatric palliative care networks and support organisations should lobby funding bodies and the academic community to support appropriate research for this group of therapeutic orphans. Support must also be provided to pharmaceutical companies in the development of suitable products with appropriate formulations.
Authors: Liz Jamieson; Emily Harrop; Christina Liossi; Katherine Boyce; Lorraine Mitchell; Margaret Johnson; Yogini Jani; Victoria Akinyooye; Simon S Skene; Ian C K Wong; Richard F Howard; Kate Oulton Journal: BMC Palliat Care Date: 2022-05-17 Impact factor: 3.113
Authors: Liz Jamieson; Emily Harrop; Margaret Johnson; Christina Liossi; Christine Mott; Kate Oulton; Simon S Skene; Ian Ck Wong; Richard F Howard Journal: Palliat Med Date: 2021-04-13 Impact factor: 4.762
Authors: Jenny K W Lam; Chucky C K Cheung; Michael Y T Chow; Emily Harrop; Susie Lapwood; Stephen I G Barclay; Ian C K Wong Journal: Adv Drug Deliv Rev Date: 2020-11-01 Impact factor: 15.470