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Alternative prescribing in pediatric palliative care needs standards!

Medical News 1 min 286

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Created On: 09/05/2025

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Streamlined regulations, customized formulations, and physician-pharmacist alliances are crucial for safer off-label drug use in children's palliative care.

The widespread use of non-standard medications in pediatric palliative care (PPC) accentuates the need for standardized protocols and improved interdisciplinary collaboration, a study published in MDPI-Children implied.

This cross-sectional observational study by Daniele Mengato and colleagues analyzed 993 drug prescriptions for 169 PPC patients in Italy. Pharmacists identified a considerably higher rate of off-label prescribing (32.9%) than physicians (18.4%), with consensus determining an overall prevalence of 26.5%. The primary reasons for off-label use included unapproved indications (67.9%), dosage variations (49.6%), and age inconsistencies (44.4%).

The discoveries highlight the urgency of enhancing communication among healthcare providers, developing clinical registries, and promoting pediatric-focused clinical trials. Pediatric safety demands flexible rules and customized medication solutions in this vulnerable group.