Pharmacotherapy
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To evaluate the occurrence of bleeding and venous thromboembolic (VTE) events in patients receiving rivaroxaban, warfarin, or warfarin with the addition of enoxaparin during the immediate postoperative period following major orthopedic surgery. ⋯ We observed a small, yet significant, increase in rivaroxaban-related bleeding in the immediate postoperative period relative to warfarin or warfarin with the addition of enoxaparin for the prevention of VTE after major orthopedic surgery.
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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-support modality used in patients with refractory cardiac and/or respiratory failure. A significant resurgence in the use ECMO has been seen in recent years as a result of substantial improvements in technology and survival benefit. With expanding ECMO use, a better understanding of how ECMO affects drug pharmacokinetics (PK) is necessary. ⋯ Commonly used drugs in these patients include antimicrobials, sedatives, and analgesics. PK data for most of these drugs are generally lacking; however, recent research efforts in this patient population have provided some limited guidance in drug dosing. With an improved understanding of altered drug PK secondary to ECMO therapy, optimization of pharmacotherapy within this critically ill population continues to move forward.
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Currently only minimal information is available regarding risk factors for the development of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i)-related diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). We aim to identify individual patient characteristics associated with cases of SGLT2i-related DKA to better describe potential risk factors. ⋯ In this review, episodes of DKA with SGLT2i use were characterized by lower blood glucose levels and were often caused by a precipitating factor. Understanding precipitating factors for SGLT2i-related DKA may help providers better identify patients at risk for development of DKA.
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To describe compliance with antibiotic recommendations based on a previously published procalcitonin (PCT)-guided algorithm in clinical practice, to compare PCT algorithm compliance rates between PCT assays ordered in the antibiotic initiation setting (PCT concentration measured less than 24 hours after antibiotic initiation or before antibiotic initiation) with those in the antibiotic continuation setting (PCT concentration measured 24 hours or more after antibiotic initiation), and to evaluate patient- and PCT-related factors independently associated with algorithm compliance in patients in the medical intensive care unit (MICU). ⋯ Compliance with PCT algorithm antibiotic recommendations in both the initiation and continuation settings was lower than that reported in published randomized studies. No factors were independently associated with PCT algorithm compliance. Institutions using PCT assays to guide antibiotic use should assess compliance with algorithm antibiotic recommendations. Inclusion of a formalized antimicrobial stewardship program along with a PCT-guided algorithm is highly recommended.
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With the increasing amount of information available on the Internet describing techniques for using loperamide either for self-treatment of opioid withdrawal syndromes or for recreational use (so-called legal highs), the objective was to describe a statewide poison control system's experience with loperamide misuse and abuse, with specific interest in cases of cardiotoxicity, and to determine if reported loperamide misuse or abuse cases have recently increased. ⋯ Our data suggest that loperamide may be increasing in popularity as a drug of abuse and for treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Given the potential for significant toxicity with loperamide exposure, including life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, clinicians should consider obtaining a screening electrocardiogram for patients presenting after acute or chronic high-dose ingestions of loperamide. In addition, increased control over the availability of loperamide may be warranted.