bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Early Colposcopy in the Management of Females with First Episode Anogenital Warts
Authors: Ward K A , Houston J R , Lowry B E , Maw R D , Dinsmore W W 
Published: January 2017

212 females attending a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic with first episode anogenital warts were screened by cervical cytology and colposcopy/histology for the presence of cervical epithelial abnormalities in keeping with infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV infection) and/or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The prevalence of cervical epithelial abnormalities detected by cervical cytology alone was 32%, rising to 56% after colposcopic examination. However, the majority of cervical lesions detected by colposcopy alone were of low grade (HPV infection and/or CIN I). Histologically confirmed high grade cervical lesions (CIN II or CIN III) were detected more frequently in those females in whom cervical cytological examination indicated dyskaryosis in keeping with any grade of CIN, compared to females without dyskaryotic changes on cervical smear ( P<0.05, chi-squared test with Yates' correction). Early colposcopy is indicated for females with anogenital warts in the presence of a cervical smear showing dyskaryosis in keeping with any grade of CIN, because of the statistically significant increased risk of detecting a potentially progressive high grade cervical lesion. In females without dyskaryotic changes on cervical smear, the value of early colposcopy is uncertain and warrants larger more long-term trials.
The use of Intravenous Pentamidine as Prophylaxis against Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia in Patients with HIV Infection
Authors: Schroeder K E , Barton S E 
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study is to report on the use of monthly intravenous pentamidine as prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) within a central London HIV unit. A retrospective case note analysis of HIV-seropositive individuals using intravenous pentamidine as PCP prophylaxis was carried out. Aspects examined included reasons for using the regimen, compliance, adverse reactions and episodes of PCP. Eight patients were studied. There was no prophylaxis failure in 5 patients. Three patients developed PCP whilst on the regimen, although their compliance was poor. In patients who are intolerant of established prophylaxis regimens, intravenous pentamidine may be a useful alernative. It is well tolerated, although compliance is the main problem. Further prospective studies are indicated to assess its efficacy.
Risk Behaviours for HIV Infection and Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Female Sex Workers from Copenhagen
Authors: Alary Michel , Worm Anne-Marie , Kvinesdal Birgit 
Published: January 2017

In 1990–91, 237 female sex workers from Copenhagen were enrolled in a larger study performed in 9 European countries. None of 206 women accepting serological testing was HIV-infected despite the fact that 36 (17.5%) were injecting drug users (IDU). Whereas 95% of the women always used condoms with clients over the last 6 months, this proportion was 25% and 9% respectively for casual and regular non-paying partners ( P< 0.0001 for both comparisons). Those reporting at least one STD over the last year had more non-paying sexual partners than the others ( P< 0.01) and the frequency of STD was lower in women who always used condoms with non-paying partners (7% vs 31%, P=0.01). Women working on the street were more often IDU than others (78% vs 7%, P< 0.001). Independently of drug use, street prostitutes also tended to have more clients ( P=0.007) and more STD ( P=0.05). The striking differences in condom use with clients as compared to non-paying partners and the association between STD and sexual behaviours with such partners but not with clients show that specific interventions should be designed to promote safer sex with non-paying partners.
Growth rate of invasive ductal carcinomas from a screened 50–74-year-old population
Authors: Otten Johannes DM , van Schoor Guido , Peer Petronella GM , den Heeten Gerard J , Holland Roland , Broeders Mireille JM , Verbeek André LM 
Published: January 2017

Objective As breast cancer growth rate is associated with menopause, most screening programmes target mainly women aged 50–74. We studied the association between age at diagnosis and growth rate in this screening-specific age range. Methods We used data from breast cancer patients diagnosed in the screening programme in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The data were restricted to the screening rounds when analogue mammography was used in both the screening and clinical setting. Growth rate expressed as tumour volume doubling time was based on increasing tumour size in longitudinal series of mammograms. Estimates were based on (a) tumours showing at least two measurable shadows, (b) tumours showing a shadow at detection only (left censored), and (c) tumours showing no growth (right-censored observation). All 293 tumours were consecutively diagnosed invasive ductal breast cancers in participants of the Nijmegen screening programme in the period 2000–2007. Results Depending on the assumptions made on tumour margins and mammographic density, the relation of volume doubling time with age non-significantly varies from a decrease of 3.3% to an increase of 1.4% for each year increase in age at diagnosis (all P-values ≥ 0.18). Applying left censoring on indistinct tumours, the geometric mean volume doubling time was 191 days (95% confidence interval 158–230). Conclusion We found no significant change in growth rate with age in women diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer in the screening age range 50–74. This outcome does not support differential screening intervals by age based solely on breast cancer growth rate for this particular group.
Effectiveness of an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist: A Controlled Trial
Authors: Mason Julie D. , Colley Colleen A. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To compare two general medicine clinics to determine the effectiveness of an ambulatory care clinical pharmacist in assisting recognition of drug therapy problems for physicians and decreasing drug therapy costs. DESIGN: Controlled trial SETTING: Two general medicine ambulatory care clinics associated with a large, tertiary-care teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Those with scheduled and completed appointments in the clinics during the two-week study period. METHODS: Medication profiles of patients attending clinic A (pharmacist intervention) and clinic B (no pharmacist intervention) were reviewed by the pharmacist prior to clinic appointments. Potential drug therapy problems were identified at each clinic, but interventions were performed only at clinic A. Postappointment audits determined the number of recommendations implemented at clinic A versus the number of drug therapy problems (potential interventions) recognized and addressed by clinic B physicians independently of pharmacist intervention. Potential and actual savings were extrapolated to one year from the two-week study period. RESULTS: Implementation of interventions at clinic A was greater than at clinic B (p<0.001). Drug therapy cost savings at clinic A were annualized to yield $185 per intervention. Potential cost savings of $176 724, or four times the pharmacist salary costs, is projected. CONCLUSIONS: An ambulatory care pharmacist is effective in identifying drug therapy problems, resulting in significant cost savings to the institution.
Use of Ondansetron for Control of Projectile Vomiting in Patients with Neurosurgical Trauma: Two Case Reports
Authors: Kleinerman Karen B. , Deppe Scott A. , Sargent Andrea I. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To describe two cases of projectile vomiting that were treated successfully with ondansetron in patients with neurosurgical trauma. Causes and pharmacologic treatments for nausea and emesis are also discussed. DATA SOURCES: Patient data and literature citations from published case reports, review articles, and clinical research reports as identified by MEDLINE. DATA SYNTHESIS: Ondansetron, a potent and highly selective antagonist of serotonin at the 5-HT3 (subtype 3)-receptor, possesses potent antiemetic effects. It has not been associated with the extrapyramidal adverse effects seen with traditional antiemetics. The occurrence of extrapyramidal reactions may limit the usefulness of conventional antiemetics in neurosurgical patients because such agents interfere with serial mental status examinations and lower the seizure threshold. Therefore, ondansetron may be preferable in this patient population. Two patients with head trauma and projectile vomiting were treated successfully with ondansetron following treatment failure with prochlorperazine. These represent the first reported cases of efficacious treatment with ondansetron in neurosurgical trauma patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ondansetron may be the preferred agent for controlling nausea and vomiting in patients with neurosurgical trauma. Controlled clinical trials are needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy in this patient population.
Cyclosporine-Amiodarone Interaction
Authors: Chitwood Kerri K. , Abdul-Haqq Akbar Jonathan , Heim-Duthoy Karen L. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To report a possible interaction between cyclosporine (CsA) and amiodarone in a kidney transplant recipient. CASE SUMMARY: A 66-year-old kidney transplant recipient with a history significant for hypertension, moderate mitral valve insufficiency, and decreased left ventricular function developed ventricular tachycardia posttransplant and was eventually treated with amiodarone. Maintenance immunosuppression included prednisone, azathioprine, and CsA. CsA concentrations before amiodarone initiation were stable (range 100–150 ng/mL). After amiodarone initiation, the CsA concentration increased more than twofold. Following CsA dosage reduction, concentrations returned to the desired range. The patient did not experience any toxicity with the increased concentration of CsA. DISCUSSION: The possible mechanisms of an interaction between CsA and amiodarone are reviewed. Reports of this interaction in heart transplant recipients are also reviewed. Changes in protein binding, changes in metabolism, or both may explain the interaction. Both CsA and amiodarone are protein bound and metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system. CONCLUSIONS: It is likely that there is an interaction between CsA and amiodarone. The exact mechanism of this interaction has not been fully determined. When CsA is administered concurrently with amiodarone, CsA concentrations should be monitored closely and the CsA dosage should be adjusted as necessary.
Pulmonary Complications following Tricyclic Antidepressant Overdose in an Adolescent
Authors: Zuckerman Gary B. , Conway Edward E. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of pulmonary edema following a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose in an adolescent. CASE SUMMARY: A 14-year-old girl with a history of prior suicide attempts ingested 54 50-mg desipramine hydrochloride tablets (45 mg/kg ingestion). The patient developed a cardiac dysrhythmia and hypotension, which were successfully treated. She subsequently developed pulmonary edema and a clinical picture suggestive of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). She was successfully managed with fluid restriction, tracheal intubation, application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and vasopressors. The patient was discharged without any clinical sequelae. DISCUSSION: Pulmonary complications secondary to TCA overdose have rarely been reported in children. We reviewed literature pertaining to the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of TCA-induced lung injury, as well as other case reports. We discuss the potential relationship between sequelae resulting from TCA ingestion (e.g., cardiac disturbances, hypotension, acidosis, gastric aspiration, pneumonia) and the development of ARDS and pulmonary edema, and relate this association to our patient. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary edema and a clinical picture suggestive of ARDS was noted in an adolescent girl who ingested a large quantity of desipramine. Her lung injury may have been the result of a variety of factors including hypotension, metabolic acidosis, possible aspiration, or a direct action on the lung parenchyma by desipramine. We attribute her favorable clinical outcome to early intervention consisting of tracheal intubation, PEEP, fluid restriction, and vasopressor therapy.
Valproate-Induced Coma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Duarte Jacinto , Macias Santiago , Coria Francisco , Fernandez Enrique , Clavería Luis Erick 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of hyperammonemia without hepatic dysfunction as a possible cause of lethargy, stupor, and coma in a woman after valproic acid (VPA) administration, and discuss the possible different mechanisms of ammonia elevation and coma. CASE SUMMARY: A woman diagnosed with complex partial seizures that secondarily generalize was treated with phenytoin (PHT) 250 mg/d for 18 years. Three months before admission, this dosage was increased to 300 mg/d and phenobarbital (PB) 100 mg/d was added because the seizures were incompletely controlled. The patient developed a progressive inability to walk. She was diagnosed as having PHT intoxication. VPA therapy was begun while PHT was being tapered and progressive impairment of consciousness occurred. This evolved into a coma without focal neurologic signs, and was accompanied by isolated hyperammonemia without hepatic failure. DISCUSSION: Adverse effects attributable to VPA were reviewed in the literature. Occasionally, VPA may lead to severe secondary effects such as hepatic failure and coma. In these cases increased blood concentrations of transaminases, bilirubin, and ammonia have been found. Several reports have stressed the existence of hyperammonemic coma without biochemical evidence of hepatic failure, which is what occurred in our patient. This suggests that isolated hyperammonemia and hepatic failure after VPA treatment may have a different biochemical basis. CONCLUSIONS: VPA-induced coma with hyperammonemia and without evidence of hepatic failure should be considered in patients being treated with PHT or PB when VPA is administered concomitantly. This case report shows the importance of clinical monitoring and immediate drug discontinuation when drowsiness, gastrointestinal symptoms, or lethargy occur.
Vancomycin Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Authors: Freeman Collin D. , Quintiliani Richard , Nightingale Charles H. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature and assess the validity of obtaining vancomycin serum drug concentrations in patients. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search of the English literature and a bibliographic review of articles pertaining to vancomycin serum concentrations, their use, and the rationale of cited therapeutic ranges. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Studies pertaining to the use of vancomycin concentrations in the clinical setting, methods for predicting these concentrations, and studies that reported efficacy or toxicity associated with vancomycin use and possible correlation of serum concentrations. DATA SYNTHESIS: The usefulness of vancomycin serum concentrations, the determination of a therapeutic range of values, and their correlation to antibacterial efficacy and drug toxicity in the clinical setting are controversial. Old reports of toxicities need to be critically examined due to lack of information and the actual frequency of toxic reactions. The efficacy of vancomycin's antibacterial effect and its correlation with reported therapeutic ranges may advocate obtaining a vancomycin trough concentration in certain groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Determination of serum vancomycin concentrations in the clinical setting and their usefulness in patient care is questionable and unnecessary in the majority of patients.
Medication Compliance in Elderly Outpatients Using Twice-Daily Dosing and Unit-of-Use Packaging
Authors: Stewart Ronald B. , Murray Michael D. , Birt Julie A. , Manatunga Amita K. , Darnell Jeffrey C. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of unit-of-use drug packaging of medications on compliance among elderly outpatients treated with complex medication regimens. DESIGN: Nonblind, randomized, clinical trial. SETTING: Geriatric outreach health centers in urban public housing units for independent-living elderly people. PATIENTS: Thirty-one patients (aged ≥60 y), each taking three or more prescribed medications. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three study groups: Group 1 (n=12), no change in dosing or packaging; group 2 (n=10), conventional packaging with twice-daily dosing; group 3 (n=9), unit-of-use packaging with twice-daily dosing. INTERVENTION: A unit-of-use package consisting of a two-ounce plastic cup with a snap-on lid containing all medications to be taken at the time of dosing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Medication compliance was assessed monthly for six months using tablet counts. RESULTS: Medication compliance was significantly better in group 3 (92.6 percent) using unit-of-use packaging compared with either group 1 (79 percent) or group 2 (82.6 percent) (p=0.017). Compliance did not differ between groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: In this small study of elderly outpatients taking three or more medications, unit-of-use packaging and twice-daily dosing improved medication compliance compared with conventional packaging.
As-Needed Dosing of Antipsychotic Drugs: Limitations and Guidelines for Use in the Elderly Agitated Patient
Authors: Druckenbrod Richard W. , Rosen Jules , Cluxton Robert J. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To review the as-needed dosing of antipsychotic drugs. Because insufficient data are available to evaluate this therapy, alternative strategies in managing acute agitation in elderly patients are suggested. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search of English-language articles published between 1966 and June 1992 was used to identify studies and reviews of antipsychotic drugs administered in single doses or intermittently. STUDY SELECTION: Because of the paucity of data, all studies obtained were reviewed. Those addressing the use of drug holidays (chronic dosing with days without drug) were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: No data are available regarding the efficacy of as-needed dosing of antipsychotics in elderly agitated patients; thus, data obtained from treating acutely psychotic patients are described, and differences between this population and elderly agitated patients are discussed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Antipsychotics are used frequently to control agitated behavior in elderly patients, although double-blind studies have not consistently demonstrated the superiority of active drug over placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Rigorous placebo-controlled trials of the safety and efficacy of as-needed dosing of antipsychotics are needed. As-needed dosing of any drug to control behavior should be reserved only for infrequent, sustained agitation that cannot be linked to an eliciting event. Orders for such dosing must include definitive, detailed directions for nursing personnel specifying target behaviors, maximum daily dosages, and monitoring parameters for assessing efficacy and adverse effects.
Comparison of Three Morphine Regimens in Postsurgical Patients Using Patient-Controlled Analgesia
Authors: Smythe Maureen , Haubert Kathy , Hoffman Janet , Dmuchowski Carl 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and toxicity of three patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine regimens. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, pilot study of three PCA morphine regimens: (1) 1 mg with 6-minute lockout (n=10), (2) 2 mg with 12-minute lockout (n=12), and (3) 2 mg with 20-minute lockout (n=12). SETTING: Large teaching institution. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-four patients undergoing cholecystectomy or hysterectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain scores (0 = no pain, 1 = mild pain, 2 = moderate pain, 3 = severe pain), sedation scores, analgesic consumption, and patient attempts (patient activation of PCA device) and injections (doses actually delivered) were evaluated using analysis of covariance. Distribution of pain and sedation scores and adverse effects were assessed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Data on 24 patients were evaluable. Six patients withdrew for poor pain control (2 in group 1, 1 in group 2, and 3 in group 3). Three other patients withdrew because of adverse effects and 1 withdrew because of pump problems. Mean morphine consumption did not differ significantly among the groups. Distribution of pain and sedation scores and the number of patients with nausea were similar across treatment groups. The mean injection to attempt ratio was significantly smaller in group 3 (0.71 ± 0.11) compared with groups 1 and 2 (0.9 ± 0.06 and 0.83 ± 0.09, respectively; p=0.001). Adverse events occurred similarly among treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in the efficacy or toxicity of the three morphine PCA regimens were identified.
Bioavailability of Temazepam: Comparison of Four 7.5-mg Capsules with a Single 30-mg Capsule
Authors: Abolin Craig , Hwang Dar-Shong , Mazza Frank 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To compare the bioavailability of four temazepam 7.5-mg capsules (Restoril, Sandoz Pharmaceuticals) with that of a single temazepam 30-mg capsule. DESIGN: Single-dose, open-label, two-period, crossover (replicated Latin square). SETTING: Domiciled environment for clinical testing. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six healthy male volunteers aged 18–40 years; 25 completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects randomly received either four temazepam 7.5-mg capsules or one temazepam 30-mg capsule. Blood samples were drawn at various time points after each period (0-48 h), and analyzed for plasma concentration of temazepam. The washout period between doses was five days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Five parameters of both dosage forms were compared: (1) area under curve (AUC), (2) peak concentration (Cmax), (3) time to peak concentration (Tmax), (4) apparent rate constant for absorption, and (5) lag time for appearance of drug in plasma. Statistical procedures included ANOVA, power analysis, and confidence limits. RESULTS: The mean AUC for the four 7.5-mg capsules and one 30-mg capsule differed by less than 2 percent and the mean Cmax differed by less than 14 percent for the two dosage strengths; neither of these differences reached statistical significance (p>0.05). The 7.5-mg capsules reached peak plasma concentrations significantly faster than the 30-mg dosage form (mean Tmax 1.18 and 1.73 h, respectively; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The two formulations of temazepam were bioequivalent with respect to the extent of bioavailability. Regarding the rate of absorption, however, the 7.5-mg capsules reached peak plasma concentrations significantly faster than the 30-mg dosage form.