Dec 12, 2018 07:26 PM
High-dose antipsychotics place children at increased risk of unexpected death
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/...121218.php
EXCERPT: Children and young adults without psychosis who are prescribed high-dose antipsychotic medications are at increased risk of unexpected death, despite the availability of other medications to treat their conditions, according to a Vanderbilt University Medical Center study published today in JAMA Psychiatry. Unexpected death includes deaths due to unintentional drug overdose or cardiovascular/metabolic causes. [...] The findings reinforce guidelines for cautious use of antipsychotics in younger populations, according to senior author Wayne Ray, PhD [...] "Patients should be selected very carefully, after consideration of both drug- and non-drug-alternatives," Ray said. "There should be a pre-treatment evaluation for factors that might amplify antipsychotic effects, such as cardiac conditions. These children and young adults should also be thoroughly monitored during treatment if they are prescribed a high-dose antipsychotic." [...] Patients with schizophrenia or other psychoses were excluded because there are no alternatives to antipsychotics for these conditions....
MORE: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/...121218.php
Developing brains of premature babies benefit from caffeine therapy
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...093311.htm
EXCERPT: For many, starting the day off with caffeine from a cup of coffee is a must. In neonatal intensive care units, or NICUs, premature babies born under 29 weeks are given a daily dose of caffeine to ensure the best possible start to life. A new study by University of Calgary researchers shows the earlier the dose of caffeine can be given, the better. "Caffeine is the most commonly used drug in the NICU after antibiotics," says Dr. Abhay Lodha, MD [...] "It's important that we understand the long-term effects of caffeine as a treatment and ensure these babies are not only surviving, but have quality of life down the road."
MORE: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...093311.htm
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/...121218.php
EXCERPT: Children and young adults without psychosis who are prescribed high-dose antipsychotic medications are at increased risk of unexpected death, despite the availability of other medications to treat their conditions, according to a Vanderbilt University Medical Center study published today in JAMA Psychiatry. Unexpected death includes deaths due to unintentional drug overdose or cardiovascular/metabolic causes. [...] The findings reinforce guidelines for cautious use of antipsychotics in younger populations, according to senior author Wayne Ray, PhD [...] "Patients should be selected very carefully, after consideration of both drug- and non-drug-alternatives," Ray said. "There should be a pre-treatment evaluation for factors that might amplify antipsychotic effects, such as cardiac conditions. These children and young adults should also be thoroughly monitored during treatment if they are prescribed a high-dose antipsychotic." [...] Patients with schizophrenia or other psychoses were excluded because there are no alternatives to antipsychotics for these conditions....
MORE: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/...121218.php
Developing brains of premature babies benefit from caffeine therapy
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...093311.htm
EXCERPT: For many, starting the day off with caffeine from a cup of coffee is a must. In neonatal intensive care units, or NICUs, premature babies born under 29 weeks are given a daily dose of caffeine to ensure the best possible start to life. A new study by University of Calgary researchers shows the earlier the dose of caffeine can be given, the better. "Caffeine is the most commonly used drug in the NICU after antibiotics," says Dr. Abhay Lodha, MD [...] "It's important that we understand the long-term effects of caffeine as a treatment and ensure these babies are not only surviving, but have quality of life down the road."
MORE: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...093311.htm