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NP-010 Piperacillin/tazobactam – elastomeric pumps in pediatric hematology and oncology

ejhpharm · 2026-03-18 · canonical JSON source

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Background Piperacillin/tazobactam is the most used intravenous antimicrobial agent in paediatric haematology and oncology. The drug is typically administered three times daily in both inpatient and outpatient settings. However, due to the wide geographical area of Northern Finland, outpatient treatment is not always feasible.Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of administering piperacillin/tazobactam as continuous infusion via elastomeric pumps in paediatric patients, focusing on hospital stay reduction, improved quality of life, and healthcare resource optimization.Methods Pump dosing was standardized for children weighing 15–37.5 kg in 2.5 kg increments, with the attending physician determining the appropriate dose. For children ≥40 kg, adult pumps containing 12/1.5 g of piperacillin/tazobactam were used. Two different Folfusor elastomeric pump sizes were utilised depending on the dose. Dose-specific batch protocols were developed to eliminate manual calculations and reduce manufacturing errors.Results Children weighing ≥15 kg across the Northern Finland collaboration area were successfully treated with elastomeric pumps. Families reported improved appetite and activity levels in children at home and valued the opportunity to return home earlier. Hospital ward burden decreased due to earlier discharges. Each pump saved one hospital day, with a total of 117 hospital days saved during the pilot period (November 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025).Conclusions Elastomeric pumps, already widely adopted in adult care, demonstrated significant benefits in infection treatment among paediatric haematology and oncology patients. Pumps can be easily customised by size, enabling safe and effective antimicrobial delivery. This approach frees patient beds, reduces healthcare staff workload, and generates financial savings. Most importantly, it enhances the quality of life for children and their families during demanding treatment periods.References and/or Acknowledgements 1. Eiland LS, Benner K, Gumpper KF, et al. ASHP-PPAG guidelines for providing pediatric pharmacy services in hospitals and health systems. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2018;75:1151–65. Journal of Biology 2:1–2.2. Sentinel event alert 39: Preventing pediatric medication errors. The Joint Comission 11.4.2008. https://jointcomission.org/resources/patient-safety-topics1. Kuitunen S, Luukkainen P. Turvallisen lääkehoidon erityispiirteitä lapsilla. Duodecim 2021;137:515–23.