The American journal of medicine
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Review
Anticoagulation-associated Adverse Drug Events in Hospitalized Patients Across Two Time Periods.
Anticoagulants often cause adverse drug events (ADEs), comprised of medication errors and adverse drug reactions, in patients. Our study objective was to determine the clinical characteristics, types, severity, cause, and outcomes of anticoagulation-associated ADEs from 2015-2020 (a contemporary period following implementation of an electronic health record, infusion device technology, and anticoagulant dosing nomograms) and to compare them with those of a historical period (2004-2009). ⋯ We found that anticoagulation-associated ADEs occurred despite advances in patient safety technologies and practices. Events were common, suggesting marginal improvements in anticoagulant safety over time and ample opportunities for improvement.
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Review
Update in Outpatient General Internal Medicine: Practice-Changing Evidence Published in 2022.
It can be difficult for clinicians to stay updated on practice-changing articles. Synthesis of relevant articles and guideline updates can facilitate staying informed on important new data impacting clinical practice. The titles and abstracts from the 7 general internal medicine outpatient journals with highest impact factors and relevance were reviewed by 8 internal medicine physicians. Coronavirus disease 2019 research was excluded. The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), The Lancet, the Journal of the American Medical Association, The British Medical Journal (BMJ), the Annals of Internal Medicine, JAMA Internal Medicine, and Public Library of Science Medicine were reviewed. Additionally, article synopsis collections and databases were reviewed: American College of Physicians Journal Club, NEJM Journal Watch, BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, McMaster/DynaMed Evidence Alerts, and Cochrane Reviews. A modified Delphi method was used to gain consensus based on clinical relevance to outpatient internal medicine, potential impact on practice, and strength of evidence. Article qualities and importance were debated until consensus was reached. Clusters of articles pertinent to the same topic were considered together. In total, 5 practice-changing articles were included, along with a highlight of key guideline updates.
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Cardiovascular disease remains the leading worldwide cause of mortality. There has been increased awareness of the impact of psychological health on cardiovascular disease. In particular, major depression has been linked to increased all-cause mortality, development of cardiovascular disease, and worse outcomes in those with existing cardiovascular disease. ⋯ Depression has a significant negative impact on development of cardiovascular disease and on cardiovascular disease outcomes. Further efforts to understand and mitigate these impacts are prudent.
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Multicenter Study
Use of the HEAR Score for 30-Day Risk-Stratification in Emergency Department Patients.
The 2021 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association chest pain guidelines recommend risk scores such as HEAR (History, Electrocardiogram, Age, Risk factors) for short-term risk stratification, yet limited data exist integrating them with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT). ⋯ HEAR scores are of limited value in those with baseline hs-cTnT
99th percentile to define short-term prognosis. In those with baseline quantifiable hs-cTnT within the reference range (<99th percentile), a higher risk (>1%) for 30-day MACE exists even in those with low HEAR scores. With serial hs-cTnT measurements, HEAR scores overestimate risk when hs-cTnT remains <99th percentile.