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Background: Enteral vasopressor therapies have been used to facilitate the weaning of intravenous (IV) vasopressors in critically ill patients. Studies have shown mixed results in the medically critically ill population; however, this practice is still common. The use of enteral vasopressors in the acute traumatic spinal cord injury is less well-described. Methods: This was a retrospective review of adult patients at a Level 1 trauma center. Adult patients were included if they were admitted to the trauma and surgical ICU for acute traumatic spinal cord injury; required hemodynamic support for more than 24 hours; and received concomitant administration of IV vasopressor(s) and midodrine. The primary endpoint was overall success in weaning of IV vasopressors and successful weaning at <24 and <48 hours after midodrine initiation. Secondary endpoints were bradycardic events and IV vasopressor-free days in patients with a defined mean arterial pressure (MAP) augmentation duration. Results: Out of 48 patients evaluated, 79.2% successfully weaned off IV vasopressors after the addition of midodrine, with 22.9% and 43.8% discontinuing IV vasopressors at <24 and <48 hours, respectively. Bradycardia occurred in 50% of patients, but only 8.3% required treatment. Among patients with a defined MAP goal duration, midodrine was associated with a median of 3 IV vasopressor-free days (interquartile range: 1-5). Conclusion: Enteral vasopressor therapy with midodrine can be used to facilitate weaning of IV vasopressor therapy in critically ill, acute traumatic spinal cord injury patients. Midodrine may also be beneficial in reducing IV vasopressor days in patients with MAP augmentation. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Purpose: The optimal anticoagulation regimen for atrial fibrillation (AF) in critically ill patients is challenging as these patients may be at an increased risk for bleeding and clotting despite an absence or presence of anticoagulation. The purpose of this study was to compare bleeding and thrombotic rates in critically-ill adults with pre-existing AF receiving therapeutic anticoagulation versus chemical or mechanical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted. The primary outcome identified rate of International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis bleeding, and secondarily assessed all venous or arterial thromboembolic events. To determine risk-factors associated with bleeding and to account for differences in baseline characteristics, a multivariable logistic regression model was used. Results: A total of 199 patients were included, 100 receiving therapeutic anticoagulation and 99 receiving venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Patients receiving therapeutic anticoagulation compared to chemical or mechanical prophylaxis had a median (IQR) CHA₂DS₂VASc score of 4 (3-5) versus 4 (2-5) (P = .5499) and HAS-BLED score of 3 (3-4) versus 3 (2-4) (P = .0013); respectively. There was almost a threefold adjusted increased risk of bleeding in patients receiving therapeutic anticoagulation compared to venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.7 [95% CI 1.1-9.9]; P = .0349). One stroke occurred in a patient receiving therapeutic anticoagulation, and none occurred in patients in the prophylaxis group (P = 1.000). Conclusion: Use of therapeutic anticoagulation in critically ill patients with pre-existing AF may increase bleed rates without protecting against stroke development.

Introduction: In Asian countries, warfarin is still widely used for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation compared to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) due to its affordability. A tool such as the SAMe-TT₂R₂ is needed to determine the probability of achieving and maintaining good anticoagulation control with warfarin therapy. However, it requires validation in the Malaysian cohort. Therefore, the objective of our study is to validate the SAMe-TT₂R₂ score in predicting poor anticoagulation control in Malaysia. A time in therapeutic range (TTR) < 65% was used to determine poor anticoagulation control. Method: This retrospective cohort study was conducted from July 2022 to July 2023. Patients were enrolled in 2020 from 49 facilities located across Malaysia resulting in a total of 957 included patients. TTR was calculated using Roseendaal's method. Results: The mean (SD) TTR and SAMe-TT₂R₂ score in the overall cohort is 65.2% (±24) and 5.5 (±0.9) respectively. Almost half of the population (43.7%) has the SAMe-TT₂R₂ score of 5. Having diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and increasing HAS-BLED and SAMe-TT₂R₂ score affects anticoagulation control on univariate analysis. However, after adjusting for demographics and clinical variables on multivariate analysis, only the SAMe-TT₂R₂ score as a continuous variable persists in predicting poor anticoagulation control. A SAMe-TT₂R₂ score cut-off point of >5 best predicts poor anticoagulation control with a sensitivity of 0.49 and a specificity value of 0.68. Conclusion: The SAMe-TT₂R₂ score, especially when exceeding 5, was associated with a higher likelihood of poor anticoagulation control, emphasizing its relevance in clinical assessment. However, its limited predictive capability, reflected by a C-statistic of 0.548, suggests the need for cautious interpretation and consideration of additional factors in anticoagulation management decisions. Continuous monitoring and personalized strategies are crucial for optimizing outcomes in this population.

Background: Most antibiotics administered via intermittent IV infusion are diluted in 50 to 100 ml of diluent. The primary infusion set for the BD Alaris^® pumps can hold 25 ml of volume in its tubing, potentially contributing up to a 50% drug loss if residual volume is present after administration is complete. In the case of antibiotics, this may lead to significant underdosing, potentially contributing to reduced therapeutic response and emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Many organizations lack departmental policies and procedures for the administration of small-volume intermittent infusions. Developing a clear policy and procedure can increase drug delivery efficiency. Previous studies propose several recommendations, such as using a secondary infusion set, adding carrier fluids, and flushing the line to account for overfill. Objective: Our aim was to implement pilot new guidance in 2 patient units (an ICU and a non-ICU) to address the administration of small-volume intermittent infusions and determine if this results in more complete medication administration. Methods: This was an observational quality improvement initiative assessing the new guidance established for the administration of small-volume intermittent infusions to current practices. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of residual drug volume in the IV line before the air-detector, IV bag, or IV vial. This was done through observation, and data collected through a survey. Results: In total, 203 IV administrations were observed, 86% of which were antibiotics. There were 124 IV administrations being observed before policy guidance initiation and 79 after initiation. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of fluid remaining in the IV line before the air-detector (85% vs 27%; P < .001), the IV bag (59% vs 7.6%; P < .001), and in the IV vial (47% vs 24%; P < .001.). Conclusion: The proposed interventions significantly decreased the incidence of fluid remaining in the IV line before the air detector in the BD Alaris Pump, IV bag, and IV vial, presumably decreasing medication loss.

Drug-induced hypertension, though rare, often presents diagnostic challenges, particularly when the causative drug is not typically associated with hypertension. We describe a case involving a 55-year-old woman who presented with anxiety, confusion, and significantly high blood pressure unresponsive to standard treatments. Despite increasing medication doses, her blood pressure remained poorly controlled, leading to an investigation for secondary causes. Elevated plasma and urinary catecholamines were found. It was determined that the recent initiation of buspirone for anxiety was the cause. Discontinuation of buspirone normalized her catecholamine levels and improved blood pressure control. This case underscores the importance of considering drug-induced hypertension, particularly in instances of abrupt and severe blood pressure elevation, where elevated catecholamine levels may suggest conditions such as pheochromocytoma. It highlights the necessity for healthcare practitioners to be vigilant regarding the uncommon side effects of commonly prescribed medications, thereby ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Background: Hypersalivation, or excessive production and secretion of saliva, can result from associated disorders or adverse drug reactions. It significantly impacts physical health, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life. Clozapine, a gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, is known to cause hypersalivation in some patients. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypersalivation and identify factors associated with its occurrence in patients with schizophrenia treated with clozapine, either as monotherapy or in combination with other antipsychotics. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records from inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia at a tertiary psychiatric hospital. Data were collected from patients treated with clozapine between June 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of hypersalivation, and multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the association between hypersalivation and patient characteristics. Results: A total of 96 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 44.03 years (SD = 13.27); 72.9% of the patients were male. The overall prevalence of hypersalivation was 14.6%, with 19.51% of patients on clozapine monotherapy and 10.91% of those on clozapine combined with other antipsychotics experiencing hypersalivation. Male sex appeared to reduce the risk for hypersalivation (adjusted OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.10-1.33, P = .13), while the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly increased the risk of hypersalivation (adjusted OR: 5.40, 95% CI: 1.22-24.02, P = .03). Other variables, including age, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol consumption, clozapine dosage, and use of anticholinergics, were not significantly associated with hypersalivation. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypersalivation in schizophrenia inpatients treated with clozapine was 14.6%. Male sex was associated with a reduced risk of hypersalivation, while ECT use significantly increased the risk. These findings provide valuable insights for clinicians managing patients on clozapine, highlighting the need for careful monitoring, particularly in patients undergoing ECT.

Lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) includes a diverse group of pharmaceuticals designed to reduce blood levels of cholesterol and triglyceride (TG), helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction and stroke. LLT includes treatment with several lipid-lowering drugs (LLD), including hydroxymethylglutaryl (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statin), PCSK9 Inhibitors, cholesterol-absorbing inhibitors (Ezetimibe), Bile Acid Sequestrants, Fibrates, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Bempedoic Acid, and combination therapy. The efficacy and safety of these molecules vary widely. Statins are the first-line LLD for treating hypercholesterolemia and are widely used for cardiovascular disease prevention. Common side effects include muscle-related issues such as myalgia, muscle atrophy, and, rarely, rhabdomyolysis. However, adverse effects on male reproductive health are infrequent and often underreported. Other medication classes employed in LLT mostly share many of the ADRs seen with statins, although individual classes may have unique ADRs depending on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Here, we are reporting a unique case of a 50-year-old male patient with no prior history of sexual dysfunction or testicular issues and other comorbidities or habits, who developed loss of libido, erectile dysfunction (ED) and testicular pain with most of the LLD, which promptly resolved on discontinuation of the LLT. This case highlights the importance of considering potential reproductive side effects when prescribing LLT and monitoring male patients for symptoms of sexual dysfunction.

Background: Utilization of guideline-directed medical therapy in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure is suboptimal during the hospitalization and after discharge. An inpatient heart failure order set may be a convenient and useful intervention to improve heart failure therapy in the inpatient setting. Methods: This is a retrospective study that assessed the use of an inpatient heart failure order set on pharmacologic therapy in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure from May to August 2022. Patients with heart failure with an ejection fraction less than 50% were included in the analysis. The co-primary endpoints were maintenance or optimization of guideline-directed medical therapy during the hospitalization. Results: Maintenance of guideline-directed medical therapy was significantly greater when providers used the heart failure order set (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.03-5.33, P = .041). Optimization of guideline-directed medical therapy was also statistically greater with use of the order set (OR 11.31, 95% CI 4.37-29.31, P < .001). Conclusions: An inpatient heart failure order set may be an effective strategy to improve heart failure pharmacotherapy in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure.

Background: Vancomycin-induced Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe hypersensitivity reaction. It presents with rash, eosinophilia, fever, lymphadenopathy, and multi-organ involvement, most often leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. This systematic review aims to identify risk factors, clinical presentations, and optimal management strategies for vancomycin-induced DRESS. Methods: Systematic search with PRISMA 2020 was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Case reports from 2015 to 2025 were screened and demographic information, clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnostic assessment, and outcomes were extracted. Quality of included reports was evaluated with Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Report: The most common symptoms were rash, fever, eosinophilia, and hepatic/renal dysfunction, which typically appeared 2 to 9 weeks following exposure. Genetic predisposition (HLA associations), renal dysfunction, concomitant medications, and viral reactivation were significant risk factors. Rise of AST was shown after a time, and so diagnosis was difficult. Discontinuing vancomycin, administering corticosteroids, and supportive care were the most preferable interventions, with severe conditions requiring IVIG, plasmapheresis and immunosuppressants. Despite interventions, mortality remains high in elderly and immunocompromised patients. Conclusion: Vancomycin is one of the most frequent causes of antibiotic-induced DRESS syndrome, rarely accompanied by severe organ failure and mortality. Early detection, following consistent diagnosing criteria, and tailored treatment regimens are needed to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of mortality and improve wellbeing. More research is needed to explore genetic patterns and develop optimal treatment regimens.