Current clinical pharmacology
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Curr Clin Pharmacol · Jan 2017
ReviewDrug-induced QT Interval Prolongation in the Intensive Care Unit.
The most common acquired cause of Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is drug induced QT interval prolongation. It is an electrophysiological entity, which is characterized by an extended duration of the ventricular repolarization. Reflected as a prolonged QT interval in a surface ECG, this syndrome increases the risk for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (Torsade de Pointes) and sudden death. ⋯ ICU patients are particularly prone to experience a QTc interval prolongation mainly for two reasons. In the first place, they are exposed to certain drugs that can prolong the repolarization phase, either by their mechanism of action or through the interaction with other drugs. In the second place, the risk factors for TdP are prevalent clinical conditions among critically ill patients. As a consequence, the attending physician is expected to perform preventive monitoring and ECG checks to control the QTc interval.
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The prevalence of anticoagulant use has increased in the United States. Medical providers have the responsibility to explain to patients the management of anticoagulant regimens before an invasive procedure. The pharmacologic characteristics of these medications, specifically their half-lives, are important in timing an interruption of anticoagulant therapy. ⋯ Perioperative healthcare providers need to balance risks and benefits of anticoagulant therapy with its interruption preoperatively.
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Curr Clin Pharmacol · Jan 2017
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyClonidine, but not Dexamethasone, Prolongs Ropivacaine-Induced Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Nerve Block Duration.
Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (USSB) provides excellent postoperative analgesia after upper extremity surgery. Dexamethasone and clonidine have been added to local anesthetics to enhance and prolong the duration of analgesia. ⋯ The results demonstrated that clonidine significantly prolongs the duration of ropivacaine effects for the postoperative analgesia in patient underwent upper arm surgeries.
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Curr Clin Pharmacol · Jan 2017
ReviewPharmacology and Perioperative Considerations for Diabetes Mellitus Medications.
Given the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in modern society, health care providers are frequently tasked with managing glucose control in the perioperative period. When determining perioperative diabetes management, the clinician must balance the need to maintain relative euglycemia at the time of surgery with preventing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in a fasting surgical patient. This balance requires an understanding of the pharmacology of these medications, the type of surgery, and the patient's degree of diabetic control. ⋯ Perioperative control of blood glucose levels is associated with less morbidity and improved surgical outcomes in patients with and without DM. Preoperatively, clinicians need to thoughtfully adjust diabetic medications on the basis of patient comorbidities, the duration of the fasting period, and the duration of surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative strategies typically use insulin to maintain blood glucose levels in the range of 80 to 180 mg/dL.
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Curr Clin Pharmacol · Jan 2017
ReviewPharmacologic and Perioperative Considerations for Antihypertensive Medications.
As the prevalence of hypertension continues to increase, physicians routinely encounter patients preoperatively receiving one or more cardiovascular medications to manage hypertension. Thus, the physician's knowledge of perioperative antihypertensive medication management is crucial to ensure patient safety. ⋯ Current evidence supports the perioperative continuation of β-blockers, calciumchannel blockers, and α-2 agonists. However, diuretics should be discontinued on the day of the surgery and resumed in the postoperative period. Debates persist about the continuation of reninangiotensin- aldosterone system inhibitors.