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 · May 2013
ReviewUse of antiepileptics for seizure prophylaxis after traumatic brain injury.
Antiepileptics used for seizure prophylaxis after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are reviewed. ⋯ The available literature supports the use of antiepileptics for early PTS prophylaxis during the first week after a TBI. Phenytoin has been extensively studied for this indication and is recommended by the AAN and Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines for early PTS prophylaxis. Levetiracetam has demonstrated comparable efficacy to phenytoin for early PTS prophylaxis and may be a reasonable alternative to consider in this patient population.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · May 2013
ReviewRole of dexmedetomidine in adults in the intensive care unit: an update.
The role of dexmedetomidine for the management of pain, agitation, and delirium in adult patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is reviewed and updated. ⋯ In medical-surgical ICUs, dexmedetomidine may be a viable non-benzodiazepine option for patients with a need for light sedation. In cardiac surgery patients, dexmedetomidine appears to offer no advantage over propofol as the initial sedative. The role of dexmedetomidine in unique patient populations such as neurosurgical, trauma, and obstetrics is yet to be established.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Apr 2013
National survey on the effect of oncology drug shortages on cancer care.
The results of a survey to characterize oncology drug shortages across the United States and the impact of shortages on clinical practice, patient safety, clinical trials, and health care costs are presented. ⋯ A survey of U.S. oncology pharmacists indicated that oncology drug shortages occurred frequently in the first half of 2011. Shortages led to delays in chemotherapy and changes in therapy, complicated the conduct of clinical research, increased the risks of medication errors and adverse outcomes, and increased medication costs.
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The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety and tolerability of brentuximab vedotin are reviewed. ⋯ Brentuximab vedotin, a novel antibody-drug conjugate combining a cytotoxic agent with a selective monoclonal antibody, is a therapeutic option for patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL. Phase I and II studies have shown brentuximab to have a manageable toxicity profile.