International journal of clinical pharmacy
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Background Polypharmacy is associated with an increased risk of adverse drug events, inappropriate prescribing and medication errors. People with bronchiectasis have frequent pulmonary exacerbations that require antibiotic therapy. Objective This study aimed to measure polypharmacy and medication regimen complexity in bronchiectasis patients and to explore associations between these factors and oral and intravenous (IV) antibiotic use for suspected pulmonary exacerbations. ⋯ Conclusion There were significant differences in all outcomes across the '≥ 10 medicines' threshold. MRCI was positively correlated with oral and IV antibiotic usage. These findings also suggest a possible link between polypharmacy and medicines regimen complexity, and poorer outcomes.
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Pharmacist views and pharmacy capacity to deliver professional services in the United Arab Emirates.
Background The benefits of professional pharmacy services in improving patient outcomes and reducing health expenditure are well documented. To a large extent, these services are not implemented in many developing countries. Objective To explore pharmacists' perceptions of and willingness to provide professional services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the perceived barriers and facilitators. ⋯ Conclusions Community pharmacists held strong positive views regarding future engagement in professional services. Given the compelling public health case for expansion of affordable care, it is timely to expand health services in the UAE by using the untapped clinical skills of pharmacists. Transition towards professional pharmacy services requires support from key stakeholders including medical and regulatory organizations, and public acceptance.
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Observational Study
Evaluation of risk factors for vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity.
Background Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic of choice for the treatment of serious infections caused by multi-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. However, vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity (VAN) often limits its use. Previous data suggested a few risk factors of VAN, including higher mean vancomycin trough level, higher daily doses, old age, long duration of vancomycin therapy, and concomitant nephrotoxins. ⋯ In multivariate analysis, higher vancomycin trough concentrations of > 20 mg∕L (OR 9.57, 95% CI 2.49-36.83, p < 0.01) and intensive care unit (ICU) residence (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.41-5.82, p < 0.01) were independently associated with VAN. Conclusion Our findings suggest that higher vancomycin trough levels and ICU residence might be associated with a greater risk for VAN. More careful monitoring of vancomycin serum trough levels and patient status might facilitate the timely prevention of VAN.