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 · Jun 2015
ReviewRole of intravenous immune globulin in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and Clostridium difficile infection.
The use of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) in the management of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is reviewed. ⋯ Although randomized, controlled trials supporting the use of IVIG for STSS and CDI are lacking, IVIG may be considered a last-line adjunct therapy in those patients for whom the clinical benefit outweighs the potential adverse effects of therapy.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Jun 2015
Addition of tranexamic acid to a traumatic injury massive transfusion protocol.
The development of eligibility criteria and use of tranexamic acid in conjunction with a massive transfusion protocol (MTP) are described. ⋯ Multidisciplinary collaboration and standardization of tranexamic acid use in conjunction with an MTP promoted use of the drug within a trauma population.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Jun 2015
Using active methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus surveillance nasal swabs to predict clinical respiratory culture results.
Results of a study to determine the utility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) active surveillance via nasal-swab screening in predicting the results of clinical respiratory cultures are reported. ⋯ This analysis demonstrated a notable association between negative results of nasal-swab screening for MRSA and an absence of MRSA growth on respiratory clinical cultures at the study site, suggesting that airway swab screening can be a useful tool for streamlining antimicrobial therapy.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Jun 2015
Case ReportsSubacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord in a patient abusing nitrous oxide and self-medicating with cyanocobalamin.
A case of subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord manifesting as severe ataxia and urinary retention in a patient with a history of heavy nitrous oxide abuse and self-supplementation with cyanocobalamin is reported. ⋯ A patient who abused nitrous oxide chronically developed ataxia, paresthesia, and urinary retention while self-medicating with cyanocobalamin. A diagnosis of SCD was supported by MRI findings, symptoms, and the known relationship between nitrous oxide exposure and vitamin B12 deficiency.