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 · Aug 2010
ReviewProlonged infusions of dexmedetomidine in critically ill patients.
The efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine when used longer than the manufacturer-recommended 24 hours were evaluated. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine is an alternative to traditional sedatives and analgesics in critically ill patients. The safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine in adults likely persist beyond 24 hours, without the emergence of rebound effects after discontinuation.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Aug 2010
ReviewUse of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.
The efficacy and safety of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in critically ill patients with severe sepsis or septic shock were evaluated. ⋯ The available data, especially those from large, prospective, randomized, double-blind studies, do not support the use of G-CSF as an adjunct therapy to standard care for critically ill patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Data from prospective, large, randomized, controlled, well-designed studies are needed to define the optimal G-CSF dosing regimen, the safety of this therapy, and the effects of G-CSF on patient morbidity and survival.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Aug 2010
ReviewSignificant publications on infectious diseases pharmacotherapy in 2009.
Significant publications on infectious diseases (ID) pharmacotherapy in 2009 are summarized. ⋯ Due to the growing number of articles published each year, it is difficult to maintain a current knowledge of significant publications in ID. This review of significant publications in ID pharmacotherapy can be helpful by lessening this burden.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Aug 2010
Effects of clinical decision support on venous thromboembolism risk assessment, prophylaxis, and prevention at a university teaching hospital.
The implementation of a mandatory assessment of risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a health system's electronic medical record (EMR) and clinical decision-support (CDS) system was evaluated to measure its effect on the use of pharmacologic prophylaxis and the occurrence of VTE and bleeding events. ⋯ Without increasing the risk of bleeding, a CDS system requiring clinicians to document VTE risk assessment in the EMR promoted improved rates of pharmacologic prophylaxis at any time during an admission and a decreased risk of VTE in general medical patients but not all adult patients.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Aug 2010
Case ReportsCase report: a 55-year-old woman with chest pain upon arrival to the emergency department.
The case of a woman with progressive substernal chest pain is described. ⋯ Discussion of a patient with non-ST elevation ACS illustrates some of the clinical issues surrounding PCI and stent implantation, including selection and use of antiplatelet therapy.