Evidence for drug use in newborns is sparse, which may cause large differences in drug prescriptions. We aimed to investigate the differences between neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the Netherlands in currently prescribed drugs.

Pemetrexed is a cytotoxic drug for first-line treatment of lung cancer. It is often combined with other anticancer drugs such as cisplatin or carboplatin. In clinical practice, hyperhydration regimens are applied to overcome cisplatin-related nephrotoxicity. As pemetrexed is almost completely eliminated from the body by the kidneys, hyperhydration can result in augmented clearance. Furthermore, administration of large quantities of fluid may increase the volume of distribution of pemetrexed. Pharmacokinetics and, thus, efficacy and toxicity may be influenced by hyperhydration. This has not yet been properly studied. We performed a population pharmacokinetic analysis to assess hyperhydration as a covariate for pemetrexed clearance and for volume of distribution A relevant change was defined as >25% increase in clearance or volume of distribution. In our extensive dataset of 133 individuals, we found that hyperhydration did not significantly or relevantly explain variability in pemetrexed clearance (unchanged, P = .196) or volume of distribution (+7% change, P = .002), despite a power of >99% to detect a relevant change. Therefore, dose adjustments of pemetrexed are not required during hyperhydration with cisplatin.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) belong to the most frequently used drugs, also in patients with cirrhosis. PPIs are extensively metabolized by the liver, but practice guidance on prescribing in cirrhosis is lacking. We aim to develop practical guidance on the safe use of PPIs in patients with cirrhosis.

Ravulizumab is a very expensive complement C5-inhibitor for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, with a fixed-dosing interval of 8 weeks. For lifelong treatment, a cost-effective and patient-friendly dosing strategy is preferred. We therefore explored alternative ravulizumab dosing regimens in silico based on the thorough dose-finding studies of the manufacturer. Extending the interval to 10 weeks or individually extending the interval to a mean of 12.8 weeks based on pharmacokinetic monitoring resulted in noninferior efficacy in terms of lactate dehydrogenase normalization, with drug cost savings up to 37%. We here show the potential of individualized ravulizumab dosing to improve patient-friendliness at reduced costs.

The palatability of a new paediatric formulation of valaciclovir was assessed in children and their parents: non-inferiority of the new paediatric formulation (test formulation) compared to the reference formulation was investigated.