Pharmacotherapy
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Comparative Study
Outcomes of weight-based heparin dosing based on literature guidelines and institution individualization.
To determine whether unfractionated heparin is optimally dosed using published weight-based guidelines. ⋯ Weight-based heparin dosing resulted in low percentages of patients with therapeutic aPTTs. The use of weight alone to dose heparin may not be adequate to optimize therapy.
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In every year since 1984, cardiovascular disease has claimed the lives of more women than men. Data from randomized trials indicate that gender contributes to increased mortality after myocardial infarction independent of other risk factors, but additional confounding variables cannot be discounted. Data from registry databases indicate that women are less likely to receive medically proven therapies for myocardial infarction. ⋯ In addition, they may benefit less from thrombolytic therapy than men. Increased use of thrombolytic therapy has resulted in a continued decrease in cardiovascular deaths for men, but not for women. It is unclear if this disparity is a result of inequitable access to therapy or decreased efficacy of these agents in women.
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A 55-year-old man requiring airway protection for esophagogastroduodenoscopy was sedated with propofol. On the third day of propofol infusion his urine was dark green. Although he was afebrile and his white blood cell count was within normal limits, the green urine was suspected to be of infectious etiology. ⋯ Antibiotics were avoided when propofol was recognized as a rare and benign potential cause of the green urine. Earlier recognition of this side effect may have averted unnecessary laboratory monitoring. Prompt recognition of such side effects is important in limiting medical expenditures, inordinate drug exposure, and distress among patients and clinicians.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of anticoagulant effects and safety of argatroban and heparin in healthy subjects.
To evaluate and compare the relationship between dosage and coagulation parameters, as well as safety profiles, of ascending bolus and infusion dosages of argatroban versus heparin in three phase I studies. ⋯ Anticoagulation was more predictable with argatroban than with heparin as measured by ACT and aPTT, with comparable safety profiles.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Caffeine citrate for the treatment of apnea of prematurity: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of caffeine citrate for treatment of apnea of prematurity. ⋯ Caffeine citrate 10 mg/kg caffeine base (equivalent to 20 mg/kg caffeine citrate) intravenously followed by 2.5 mg/kg/day caffeine base (equivalent to 5 mg/kg/day caffeine citrate) either intravenously or orally for 10 days is safe and effective for treating apnea of prematurity in infants 28-32 weeks postconception.