Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety
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Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · Jul 2009
Comparative StudyAdverse drug reactions in medical intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital.
Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) have multiorgan dysfunction as well as altered pharmacokinetic parameters. Hence they are susceptible to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The objective of the study is to assess the characteristics of ADRs among inpatients in the medical ICU and to compare the same with patients who have not experienced ADRs. ⋯ High incidence of serious and multiple ADRs noticed. A wide clinical spectrum of ADRs and infrequently reported ADRs to newer drugs were also observed.
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Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · Jul 2009
Comparative StudyImmediate- and delayed-type allergic reactions to amide local anesthetics: clinical features and skin testing.
Amide type local anesthetic agents are among the most commonly used drugs in medicine. Several adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have been previously described with their use. Among them, allergic reactions are considered rare. The aim of this study was to describe the main characteristics of ADRs induced by amide type local anesthetic drugs. ⋯ This is the largest series of immediate-type local anesthetic allergic reactions reported in the literature. Cutaneous symptoms are the main features even though more serious symptoms may occur. Intradermal reaction and challenge tests are very helpful. Because cross-reactivity is not scarce, skin tests should involve several local anesthetics.
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Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · May 2009
Paediatric homoeopathy in Germany: results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS).
Despite growing pressure against homoeopathy, an unexpected resurgence in the use of homoeopathy has been reported. It is of interest to examine the use of homoeopathy and user profiles among children in Germany. ⋯ Paediatric homoeopathy is quite popular in Germany, particularly among children from families with a higher socioeconomic status. The high level of paediatric homoeopathy use in Germany warrants a critical review to determine whether it is evidence based and cost-effective.
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Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · May 2009
Letter Comparative StudyExaggerated benefits of rosuvastatin compared with other statins.
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Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · Apr 2009
Characteristics of outpatient prescriptions for frail Taiwanese elders with long-term care needs.
To describe medication prescription patterns and associated factors among frail Taiwanese elders with long-term care needs defined as having physical or cognitive functioning impairments. ⋯ The excessive number of medication prescriptions and high prevalence of polypharmacy among frail Taiwanese elders raised major drug-safety concern. Multiple healthcare providers and clinic visits were strong correlates of polypharmacy. Policies should be directed to encourage the elderly to establish primary care relationships and to promote geriatric prescription principles to improve clinical managements and outcomes.