Hospital pharmacy
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Phenytoin is standard of care for seizure prophylaxis following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Levetiracetam, an alternative antiepileptic drug, is utilized for seizure prophylaxis despite limited data supporting its use. ⋯ Levetiracetam may provide an alternative treatment option for seizure prevention in TBI patients in the ICU. Total antiepileptic drug and monitoring costs were lower for levetiracetam patients.
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Recombinant human factor VII activated (rFVIIa) is an adjuvant therapy in patients receiving massive transfusion for hemorrhagic shock. We compared patient characteristics and outcomes to determine futility criteria for the administration of rFVIIa in patients receiving massive transfusion for hemorrhagic shock. ⋯ The use of rFVIIa for massive transfusion in middle-aged patients with moderate coagulopathy experiencing hemorrhagic shock may be considered futile. However, if rFVIIa is to be used as part of a massive transfusion protocol, adequate administration of platelets should be ensured.