Current medical research and opinion
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Aeromonads are gram-negative opportunistic bacteria, mainly found in aquatic environments. Hematologic patients are particularly at risk of Aeromonas soft tissue infections and septicemia, especially during chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. ⋯ In a previous paper we characterized the patient's aberration with cytogenetic and FISH analysis. Here, we provide details regarding the patient's rapidly progressing infection and underline the importance of maintaining high clinical suspicion of Aeromonas infections in acute leukemia. Given the unusually rapid progression of an infection caused by a rare non-resistant pathogen, and after considering data on the implication of metalloproteinase function in immune system regulation, a correlation between risk of severe infection and TAF15-ZNF384 aberrated acute lymphoblastic leukemia cannot be ruled out.
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Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were developed as an alternative to warfarin to treat and prevent thromboembolism, including stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients. The COVID-19 pandemic could increase the risk of stroke and/or the risk of bleeding in patients due to nonadherence or sub/supra-optimal dosing. ⋯ A 19% increase in mean DOAC's accompanied with 20% warfarin prescriptions decline was observed. ITS modelling showed an increase in DOAC prescription volume in March 2020 (+7 million items, p = 0.008). The pre-existing upward trend in DOAC prescriptions slowed during the period (-427,000 items, p = 0.007). Apixaban was the most frequently used DOAC and had the largest step-change in March 2020 (+5 million items, p = 0.010). The mean monthly combined cost of DOACs and warfarin was higher during the period. DOAC prescription trends were consistent across England's regions. Conclusion: The overall oral anticoagulants use in this period was lower than expected, indicating a medical needs gap, possibly due to adherence issues. The potential clinical and logistical consequences warrant further study to identify contributing factors and mitigate avoidable risks.
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The effectiveness of the national drug safety monitoring program directly depends on the active participation of healthcare professionals in reporting suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The aim of the study was to explore community pharmacists' comprehension of pharmacovigilance, their perspectives toward reporting ADRs and investigate the current practice of ADR reporting among pharmacists in Serbia. ⋯ Despite the community pharmacists' positive attitude toward adverse drug reporting and their role in the process, they show limited knowledge regarding the issue and highly prevalent under-reporting of ADRs. Educational programs are necessary to increase ADRs reporting.
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Gestational diabetes mellitus is a type of glucose intolerance that first manifests itself during pregnancy. A pregnant woman and her unborn child are at an increased risk of pregnancy complications and poor neonatal outcomes. Pregnancy diabetes affects one out of every 200 women. Therefore, this study aims to identify the determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women attending an antenatal care service in Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia. ⋯ Previous adverse pregnancy outcomes were found to be the main predictors of GDM. Women with gestational diabetes mellitus should be followed after delivery in order to monitor hyper-glycemic status.