The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) constitute the highest level of evidence, but their usefulness depends on their quality. ⋯ Reporting/scientific quality was considered less than fair-to-good. Stakeholders should strive for higher scientific quality of meta-analyses.
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To evaluate the role of glutamine in the reduction of peripheral neuropathy associated with neurotoxic chemotherapy. ⋯ Larger, well-designed, placebo-controlled trials assessing both safety and efficacy of oral glutamine are warranted before this agent can be definitively recommended for the prevention of CIPN in patients treated with high-dose paclitaxel or oxaliplatin.
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Adverse drug reaction (ADR) spontaneous reporting is the primary method of postmarketing drug surveillance; although it is an important part of postmarketing drug surveillance, it is underused. Before 2004, almost no ADRs were reported in our 400-bed hospital. As an electronic hospital information system was available in our hospital, we developed a tool (ADR-RS-IHIS) for ADR reporting integrated into the hospital information system to facilitate reporting through easy use, automatic input of certain information, increased accessibility, real-time review, and intervention. ⋯ An ADR reporting system integrated into the electronic hospital information system is effective for increasing the number of ADRs reported to the national drug surveillance system. Allowing nurses to report ADRs in a manner similar to that of physicians and pharmacists, as well as automatic entry of certain data into the form, contributes to the improvement of the system.
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Hospital discharge is an interface of care when patients are at a high risk of medication discrepancies as they transition from hospital to home. These discrepancies are important, as they may contribute to drug-related problems, medication errors, and adverse drug events. ⋯ Medication discrepancies occur commonly on hospital discharge. Understanding the type and frequency of discrepancies can help clinicians better understand ways to prevent them. Structured medication reconciliation may help to prevent discharge medication discrepancies.