The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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Case Reports
Limited efficacy of gastrointestinal decontamination in severe slow-release carbamazepine overdose.
To report the limited efficacy of both multiple doses of activated charcoal (MDAC) and whole bowel irrigation (WBI) in a patient with severe overdose of slow-release carbamazepine. ⋯ Both MDAC and WBI may be ineffective in reducing absorption and enhancing elimination in overdose of slow-release carbamazepine. Repeated hemoperfusion or other elimination enhancement techniques should be considered when the clinical and toxicokinetic course suggests the presence of a refractory pharmacobezoar.
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Limited data exist concerning characteristics of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections (CA-SAI) in central and eastern Kentucky. ⋯ A noticeable increase in CA-MRSA infections with cutaneous abscess between 2004 and 2005 was noted. In patients receiving inappropriate antibiotic therapy, treatment success was attributed to concomitant S/D and I/D. Further analysis should focus on the impact of antibiotic therapy alone or in combination with S/D and I/D on the incidence of subsequent CA-MRSA infections.
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Historical Article
Alzheimer's disease: will advances made in the past turn the tide?
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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.