American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Mar 2008
Review Meta AnalysisErythropoietic agents for anemia of critical illness.
Evidence regarding the cost-effective use of and benefits associated with epoetin alfa in treating anemia of critically ill patients is assessed. ⋯ Published data suggest a prohibitive cost associated with epoetin alfa use in critically ill patients given that the only well-supported clinical benefit of this treatment is the avoidance of transfusion-related adverse events. Continued research is necessary to clarify if there is a net clinical benefit of epoetin use (especially in trauma patients) and to develop optimal blood management strategies.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Mar 2008
Comparative StudyComparison of two instruments for assessing risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Two instruments for assessing patients' risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were compared. ⋯ Implementation of a validated and simplified PONV risk-assessment tool appeared to improve form completion rates and appropriate risk assessment; however, the rates of PONV remained similar and fewer patients received appropriate prophylaxis compared with patients assessed by the existing risk-assessment tool.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Mar 2008
Visual compatibility of caspofungin acetate with commonly used drugs during simulated Y-site delivery.
The physical compatibility of i.v. caspofungin with other commonly used i.v. medications was tested. ⋯ Caspofungin acetate was physically compatible during Y-site injection with 23 of 31 medications tested.