The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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Hospital readmissions have been shown to contribute to both patient morbidity and rising health care expenditures across a number of disease processes. Adherence to a cardioprotective drug regimen is particularly important after ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) because it is an acute condition associated with high patient morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Pharmacist involvement in medication education signficantly improved medication adherence and literacy. There was a reduction in 30-day readmission rates, but the results were not statistically significant.
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Review Comparative Study
Heparin Versus Bivalirudin Monotherapy in the Setting of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
To evaluate direct comparisons of bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin (UFH) as anticoagulants during ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). ⋯ When compared to UFH with limited use of GPI, available evidence demonstrates that bivalirudin reduces bleeding at the expense of increasing risk for acute stent thrombosis. Further randomized studies are needed to determine the potential benefits of a post-PCI infusion of bivalirudin to reduce the risk for acute stent thrombosis, long-term follow-up beyond 30 days, and mortality.