Optimizing Treatment for Children in the Developing World

This book is intended to communicate current best practice in pediatric clinical pharmacology and clinical pharmacy with special consideration of the prevailing circumstances and most pressing needs in developing countries. It also addresses measures that may be taken in countries with emerging economies through organizational and political adjustments to reduce unacceptable levels of morbidity and mortality among children and pregnant women with treatable diseases.

Foreword. - Shifting demographics and regional disparities. - Access issues. - Ending stockouts. - Improved formulations and optimal dosing. - Deficient and counterfeit products. - Knowledge gaps in pregnancy and lactation. - Factors enabling improved therapy. - Regulatory science. - Human resource planning. - Information and communications technology. - Pharmaceutical care. - Networks (GRIP, INRUD, MSH, PTN, MYCRN, IABMC). - Research challenges. - Research standards for clinical trials in low and middle income countries. - Innovative appropriate trial methods. - Nutrition/micronutrients. - Impact on therapeutic outcomes. - Drug safety and pharmaco-epidemiology. - Personalized treatment and Pharmacogenomics. - Neglected diseases. - Health outcomes and economics. - Enhanced industry engagement. - Incorporating social science perspectives. - Clinical settings. - Treatment in the community. - Treatment at the district hospital level. - Care of the critically ill child. - Palliative care and pain management. Conclusion. - The light at the end of the tunnel: future directions.