Pharmacotherapy
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
The effect of isoflurane versus balanced anesthesia on rocuronium's pharmacokinetics and infusion requirement.
To compare the effects of two anesthetic techniques, balanced and isoflurane anesthesia, on the response to an intubating dose and an infusion of rocuronium, and on rocuronium's pharmacokinetics. ⋯ The similarity of response to an intubating dose and an infusion of rocuronium suggests that clinicians need not alter the dose or rate of rocuronium administration during isoflurane anesthesia with a of duration less than 1 hour. However, the greater clearance of rocuronium, in light of the similarity of infusion requirements, suggests that isoflurane potentiates rocuronium compared with balanced anesthesia.
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Comparative Study
Is antidepressant use changing? Prevalence and clinical correlates in two New England communities.
We attempted to determine whether the prevalence of antidepressant use had increased in population-based samples between 1981 and 1993, and compared the characteristics of antidepressant users and nonusers. Data were derived from six biennial, random sample, cross-sectional household surveys conducted between 1981 and 1993 in two southeastern New England communities. ⋯ Comorbid conditions and concurrent drug therapy were present more frequently among users. The overall prevalence of antidepressant use per 1000 population increased from 7.8 (95% confidence interval 4.3, 11.3) in 1981-1982 to 31.4 (95% CI 23.9, 38.9) in 1992-1993, especially among women and respondents between ages 40 and 59 years.
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Review Comparative Study
Defining and achieving optimum therapeutic goals in critically ill patients.
Patients who are critically ill with sepsis, shock, respiratory failure, trauma, or major surgical procedures may have reduced morbidity and mortality when hemodynamic and oxygen transport variables are augmented to values higher than those traditionally considered normal. Lactate production and suboptimum oxygen transport values are associated with anaerobic metabolism and insufficient tissue oxygenation. ⋯ These values, together with plasma lactate concentrations, may assist in individualizing therapy in critically ill patients. No consensus can be reached at this time as to which specific therapeutic end points are optimal, how to achieve these end points, and which subset of patients will benefit from this therapy.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effect of nebulized albuterol on serum potassium and cardiac rhythm in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
To evaluate the metabolic and cardiopulmonary effects of nebulized albuterol in patients suffering moderate to severe exacerbations of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ⋯ Nebulized beta 2-agonists are generally efficacious and safe in patients with acute bronchospasms. However, close monitoring of serum electrolytes, heart rate, and rhythm in patients at risk (elderly, those with pre-existing cardiac disease) is advised before these individuals receive repeat doses by continuous aerosol administration.
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Comparative Study
An assessment of recent pharmacy graduates' knowledge and competency, professional practice functions, and involvement in pharmacy teaching programs.
To determine self-evaluated professional knowledge and competency, functions, demographic information, lifelong learning, degree and training status, practice sites, involvement in pharmacy teaching programs, and salary for recent pharmacy graduates. ⋯ Practice site, advanced degree or training, lifelong learning, involvement in teaching programs, and time spent in various professional functions were associated with pharmacists' self-rated knowledge and competencies.