The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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To estimate the incidence and describe characteristics of preventable adverse drug events (pADEs) in ambulatory care. ⋯ ADEs in ambulatory care are common, with many being preventable and many resulting in hospitalization. Quality improvement programs should target errors in prescribing and monitoring, especially for patients using cardiovascular, analgesic, and hypoglycemic agents.
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To examine recent literature regarding corticotherapy in critically ill patients suffering from sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP). ⋯ Corticotherapy may be beneficial to some patients with sepsis. The decision to administer steroids in sepsis cannot be based on biochemical markers of adrenal function; rather, treatment should be considered in septic patients with vasopressor refractory hypotension. Although preliminary evidence suggests a role for steroids in early ARDS and SCAP, there are not enough data to suggest routine administration of steroids in these conditions. Additional studies are needed to assess corticotherapy in the critically ill.