Pediatric devices and adverse events from A to Z: understanding the benefits and risks from a US FDA perspective

Expert Rev Med Devices. 2012 May;9(3):275-82. doi: 10.1586/erd.12.7.

Abstract

Medical devices are often overlooked as a contributor to adverse events. In clinical practice, physicians are aware of the potential for adverse effects from drug products, which are routinely included in differential diagnoses of patients' presenting complaints. However, physicians may not always consider that the use, misuse or malfunction of a medical device, and/or its components, may result in a patient's presenting signs and symptoms or lack of improvement. Consideration of medical devices is particularly important in the pediatric population, who may be especially susceptible to device-related adverse events due to their smaller body size, weight and ongoing rapid growth and development.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Size
  • Body Weight
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Device Approval
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Equipment and Supplies / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pediatrics / methods*
  • Risk
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration