Research - APPRU
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacogenomics
- Complementary and Alternative Medicines
- Off-Label Prescribing
- Pharmacoeconomics
Pharmacokinetics
There have been a number of population pharmacokinetic (PK) studies that have taken place in the unit. Medications studied include tobramycin, gentamicin, paracetamol and prednisolone. These PK studies were conducted in collaboration with various units around the Hospital. Associate Professor Noel Cranswick also conducts a series of interactive tutorials featuring the NONMEM software package (for PK analysis and modelling). The tutorial series are free and are well attended by staff and students from the Hospital and external institutions. The popular interactive format allows participants to model their own collected data or use demonstration data sets.
Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacogenomics, also called pharmacogenetics, is a new field in which the genes that are important in drug metabolism are studied to develop tests that may predict how drugs are handled in the body, and identify which individuals are at risk of side effects. It has been suggested that genotyping will become part of all stages of drug trials in the future and our unit is ready to incorporate such genetic studies into new drug trials. Pharmacogenomics brings together staff with expertise in pharmacology, pharmacy, molecular genetics, statistical genetics and epidemiology.
Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM)
Dr Alissa Lim investigated the use of medications and CAM by children in a number of research projects that were undertaken over 2001 and 2002. These projects were funded by the Department of General Medicine and a Murdoch Children’s Research Institute trainee research scholarship. Research projects addressing the use of medications by children in the community, CAM use by children attending a tertiary children’s hospital and CAM associated adverse events have been conducted. Interim results were presented at the Royal Australasian College of Physicians annual scientific meeting, American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT) annual meeting and Australian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists (ASCEPT) annual meeting.
Off-Label Prescribing
Dr Jonathan Akikusa (Clinical Pharmacology Fellow 2001) conducted an extensive investigation into off-label and unlicensed drug use within the Hospital. The project involved surveying medication charts of discharged patients and the evaluation of prescriptions for off-label and unlicensed use. Off-label prescribing is the use of a drug in a manner other than that recommended in the manufacturer's Product Information. This area of research in children has been minimal until recently and studies are suggesting that the levels of off-label prescribing is an area requiring further investigation.
Pharmacoeconomics
Pharmacoeconomics is an important and emerging area of study. Experience with paediatric data is limited. We are currently involved with a post-graduate student completing a PhD in pharmacoeconomic analysis. It is planned that these methods will be applied to paediatric data.