The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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Key performance indicators (KPIs) are quantifiable measures of quality. There are no published, systematically derived clinical pharmacy KPIs (cpKPIs). ⋯ A Delphi panel of hospital pharmacists was successful in determining 8 consensus cpKPIs. Measurement and assessment of these cpKPIs will serve to advance clinical pharmacy practice and improve patient care.
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Topiramate has been associated with metabolic acidosis secondary to decreased serum bicarbonate. Product labeling recommends serum bicarbonate monitoring at baseline and periodically thereafter. ⋯ A statistically significant reduction in bicarbonate levels occurred with topiramate, which was clinically insignificant. ADR occurrence did not correlate with bicarbonate levels <17 mEq/L or a decrease ≥5 mEq/L. Our results indicate that serum bicarbonate levels should only be monitored before topiramate initiation and in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of acidosis.