Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Children: Establishing Differences from Adults

Dear Colleagues,

From a medical perspective, it is encouraging that children are now generally regarded to be different from adults in terms of therapeutics. These differences are apparent in the areas of drug dynamics and kinetics. However, there is still a paucity of robust data in children informing us of the differences in both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects associated with many drugs when compared to adults. In addition, new techniques for the analysis of drug blood levels are required in children. This is of particular relevance in the very young, where only small sample volumes are available and in terms of minimising invasive procedures likely to disturb paediatric study participants.

This special issue will cover evidence of pharmcodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects in children from all age bands, highlighting how these parameters compare to data obtained in the adult population. In addition, material highlighting child friendly approaches to pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies will be addressed.

Prof. Dr. John F. Marriott
Guest Editor