New Zealand ESDPPP Congress attendees with Alexander, Crown Prince of Serbia at the Royal Palace.
A small clinical contingent from the University of Otago attended the European Society for Developmental Perinatal and Paediatric Pharmacology (ESDPPP) Congress back in 23-26 June 2015, hosted in the beautiful city of Belgrade, Serbia. The theme for the event was “State of the Art and beyond of Paediatric Pharamcotherapy”.
The group attended the pre-congress educational training day, “Medicines in children – what you need to know?” The day was organised in conjunction with Global Research in Paediatrics (GRiP) whose purpose is to foster a learning environment that allows participants to gain expertise in all aspects of paediatric clinical pharmacology and paediatric drug development.
Following completion of the educational training day, congress delegates were invited to the Royal Palace Belgrade for the official opening ceremony and welcome reception hosted by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander. This was an eventful and entertaining evening of traditional Serbian music, food and wine.
The remainder for the congress scientific programme was divided into oral and poster sessions. These included a wide range of interesting research topics in perinatal and paediatric pharmacology from around the globe. It also provided the opportunity for delegates to socialise during the event that was superbly organised by the Serbian hosts. The highlight of the social events was the New Zealand delegate's rendition of Oma Rapiti resulting in their award for best costumes.
Anita Lala gave an oral presentation on the effect of flush volume on gentamicin delivery through umbilical venous catheters that was well received by the audience. Also in the oral session showcasing up-and- coming researchers, former Otago Graduate Catherine Sherwin (University of Utah, USA) presented on the topic of novel therapeutic approaches for paediatric cancer.
In the poster sessions, Emma Salis presented findings showing extremely premature neonates exhibit insulin resistance. Natalie Medlicott presented on slow infusions of gentamicin and associations with high variability in peak concentrations in low gestation age neonates. David Reith presented on gentamicin pharmacokinetic variability is influenced by choice of administration route. Bryan Simpson presented on national paediatric formulary development and the potential for clinical decision support implementation.
Immediately following Belgrade Emma, Bryan and David attended the 12th European Association of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (EACPT) Congress in Madrid, Spain from 27-30 June. Emma presented her poster on C-peptide clearance in neonates as a potential marker of endogenous insulin secretion for PKPD studies of insulin in neonates. This was well received by the audience and generated discussion.