bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tissue Necrosis and Necrotizing Fasciitis After Intramuscular Administration of Diclofenac
Authors: Pillans Peter I. , O'Connor Nanette 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To report 6 cases of severe local reactions associated with intramuscular injection of diclofenac. Case Summaries: Three patients developed extensive tissue necrosis at the injection site after intramuscular diclofenac. Necrotizing fasciitis in an additional 3 patients was associated with complications such as adult respiratory distress syndrome, renal failure, shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Organisms were cultured from the necrotic site in 3 cases. Two patients died. Discussion: Tissue necrosis is a rare but serious complication of intramuscular administration of medicines, including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Pain often occurs at the time of the injection, but tissue necrosis typically becomes apparent a few days later. Necrotizing fasciitis is characterized by rapidly spreading infection with necrosis of fascia and subcutaneous fat. Conclusions: Intramuscular administration of diclofenac may be associated with severe tissue necrosis or necrotizing fasciitis. Although rare, these serious complications should be considered when intramuscular injection of NSAIDs is contemplated.
Effects of Recombinant Human DNase Therapy on Healthcare use and Costs in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Oster Gerry , Huse Daniel M , Lacey Michael J , Regan Meredith M , Fuchs Henry J 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To assess the effects of recombinant human DNase (rhDNase) therapy on the cost of treating respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in patients with cystic fibrosis. Design: We prospectively documented the use of healthcare services among 968 patients with cystic fibrosis who participated in a recent Phase III double-blind, multicenter, clinical trial in which patients were assigned randomly to receive either rhDNase 2.5 mg once daily, rhDNase 2.5 mg twice daily, or placebo. All patients were followed for 24 weeks. Data from secondary sources were used to estimate a total cost of RTI-related care (excluding the cost of study therapy) for each trial participant, based on observed levels of resource use. Main Outcome Measures: Number of RTI-related hospital admissions, days of RTI-related outpatient antibiotic therapy (intravenous and oral), and total costs of RTI-related care (excluding the cost of study therapy). Results: Patients randomized to receive rhDNase once daily averaged 0.15 fewer RTI-related hospital admissions (0.41 vs 0.56 for placebo; p < 0.05) and 1.5 fewer days of RTI-related outpatient intravenous antibiotic therapy (2.9 vs 4.4; p < 0.05). Patients randomized to receive rhDNase twice daily had 0.14 fewer hospital admissions (p < 0.01), but no reduction in outpatient intravenous antibiotic therapy. Compared with placebo, the cost of treating RTIs over 24 weeks was $814–1682 less among patients receiving rhDNase. Conclusions: rhDNase therapy reduced the costs of treating RTIs in patients with cystic fibrosis; assuming once-daily dosing, these savings would offset about one-third of the cost of such therapy.
Delirium Probably Induced by Clarithromycin in a Patient Receiving Fluoxetine
Authors: Pollak P Timothy , Sketris Ingrid S , MacKenzie Susan L , Hewlett Thomas J 
Published: January 2017

Background: Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic very similar to erythromycin in structure and spectrum of activity. It has gained increasing use since its release in Canada in May 1992, partly because it is promoted as having less potential for drug interactions and adverse effects. However, as with all new medications, a high degree of vigilance for unreported adverse effects is advisable. Case Summary: A healthy 53-year-old lawyer was receiving long-term fluoxetine 80 mg hs and nitrazepam 10 mg hs for depression and mild sleep apnea. Subsequent to initiation of treatment with clarithromycin for a respiratory infection, he rapidly developed delirium, which cleared quickly after stopping all 3 medications. The delirium and psychosis did not recur when the infection was treated with erythromycin alone or after restarting fluoxetine and nitrazepam therapy at previous dosages in the absence of antibiotics. Discussion: This man's delirium is consistent with fluoxetine intoxication, which appears to have resulted from inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450 metabolism by clarithromycin. Undiagnosed, this serious drug reaction could have lead to serious medical and social consequences. Conclusions: As the use of clarithromycin increases, the potential for interactions with other drugs metabolized by the P450 enzyme system may be realized. Clinicians should consider which other medications a patient is receiving before prescribing clarithromycin or any macrolide antibiotic with potential to influence the P450 system.
Impact of Preexisting Health Conditions on the Outcome of an Adverse Drug Reaction Alerting Program: Gastrointestinal Disorders Before Piroxicam and Sulindac Therapy
Authors: Rawson Nigel SB 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To assess the impact of data concerning preexisting serious gastrointestinal (GI) disorders before piroxicam and sulindac therapy in an acute adverse drug reaction alerting program. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Saskatchewan province's prescription drug and healthcare insurance system covering a population of approximately 1 million. Participants: The first 20 000 new patients who were dispensed piroxicam in 1982 and the first 20 000 patients who were dispensed sulindac in 1979-1981 through the Saskatchewan drug plan. Main Outcome Measures: Physician services and hospitalizations with a diagnosis of peptic ulceration or GI hemorrhage within 30 days of the first piroxicam or sulindac prescription. Results: Rates of physician services for peptic ulceration or GI hemorrhage in the 30 days after starting piroxicam or sulindac therapy for patients who had services or hospitalizations for serious stomach or duodenum disorders in the 90 days before their prescriptions were significantly greater than the corresponding rates for patients without a recent history of these conditions (piroxicam: odds ratio [OR] = 7.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] =5.71 to 10.91; p> 0.001; sulindac: OR = 24.08; 95% CI = 18.99 to 30.54; p < 0.001). Also, the rate of hospitalizations for peptic ulceration or GI hemorrhage in the 30 days after starting sulindac therapy for patients who had services for the conditions in the previous 90 days was significantly greater than the rate for patients who did not (OR = 10.91; 95% CI = 5.70 to 20.87; p> 0.001). Conclusions: Rates of serious GI disorders in patients taking piroxicam and sulindac with a recent history of such disorders were larger than those in the other patients. However, because the proportion of individuals with recent serious GI disorders is small, these differences are lost in an overall assessment of patients taking these drugs. Data regarding preexisting health conditions are essential in adverse drug reaction alerting programs and, indeed, in all evaluations of adverse reactions.
Use of Haloperidol Infusions to Control Delirium in Critically Ill Adults
Authors: Seneff Michael G , Mathews Renia A 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To describe and discuss the use of continuous intravenous infusions of Haloperidol to treat severe delirium and agitation in 3 intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Case Summaries: Three severely agitated patients in ICU did not respond to conventional therapy with opiates, benzodiazepines, and intermittent intravenous doses of haloperidol. In each case, control was achieved rapidly after initiation and titration of a continuous haloperidol infusion. Two patients had a history of schizophrenia. No adverse effects attributable to therapy were identified. Discussion: Haloperidol is often used in the ICU for control of severe agitation, even in patients without a psychiatric history. It usually is given by bolus intravenous injection, sometimes in high doses (>5 mg), even though that is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Intravenous haloperidol is generally well tolerated, but multiform ventricular tachycardia has been reported. Experience with continuous haloperidol infusions is growing, and it appears to be an effective method for control of severe agitation or delirium. In our experience and in other limited published data, adverse effects are rare, but prolongation of the QT interval has occurred and multiform ventricular tachycardia is likely a risk. Conclusions: In selected patients, a continuous infusion of haloperidol may be a useful alternative for control of agitation and delirium. Close monitoring for QT prolongation or rhythm disturbances is mandatory.
Phenytoin-Folic Acid Interaction
Authors: Lewis Dale P , Van Dyke Don C , Willhite Laurie A , Stumbo Phyllis J , Berg Mary J 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To review information regarding the dual and interdependent drug-nutrient interaction between phenytoin and folic acid and other literature involving phenytoin and folic acid. Data Sources: Information was retrieved from a MEDLINE search of English-language literature conducted from 1983 (time of the last review) to March 1995. Search terms included folic acid, phenytoin, and folic acid deficiency. Additional references were obtained from Current Contents and from the bibliographies of the retrieved references. Study Selection: All human studies examining the effects of phenytoin on serum folate concentrations and folic acid supplementation on serum phenytoin concentrations were selected. These included studies of patients with epilepsy and healthy volunteers as well as case reports. Case reports were included because of the extensive length of time needed to study this drug interaction. Data Extraction: Data extracted included gender, dosing, serum folate concentrations if available, pharmacokinetics, and adverse events. Data Synthesis: Serum folate decreases when phenytoin therapy is initiated alone with no folate supplementation. Folic acid supplementation in folate-deficient patients with epilepsy changes the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin, usually leading to lower serum phenytoin concentrations and possible seizure breakthrough. Folate is hypothesized to be a cofactor in phenytoin metabolism and may be responsible for the “pseudo-steady-state,” which is a concentration where phenytoin appears to be at steady-state, but in reality, is not. Phenytoin and folic acid therapy initiated concomitantly prevents decreased folate and phenytoin obtains steady-state concentrations sooner. Conclusions: Folic acid supplementation should be initiated each time phenytoin therapy commences because of the hypothesized cofactor mechanism, decreased adverse effects associated with folate deficiency, and better seizure control with no perturbation of phenytoin pharmacokinetics.
Multiple Delayed Peak Lithium Concentrations following Acute Intoxication with an Extended-Release Product
Authors: Dupuis Robert E , Cooper April A , Rosamond Laura J , Campbell-Bright Stacy 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To describe delayed peak lithium concentrations after an overdose of extended-release lithium tablets. CASE SUMMARY: a patient with borderline personality disorder and depression ingested extended-release lithium approximately 20.25 g along with other agents. At presentation, the lithium concentration was 1.4 mEq/L. Significant enteral intake was initiated 27 hours after presentation and the lithium concentration 5 hours later increased to 3.2 mEq/L. A second lithium peak concentration of 5.0 mEq/L was noted 40 hours after presentation. Two hemodialysis sessions lasting 4 hours each were performed along with administration of sodium polystyrene sulfonate in sorbitol 20% to enhance lithium elimination and decrease absorption. Eighty-eight hours after presentation, the lithium concentration had decreased to 1.5 mEq/L. DISCUSSION: Delayed and secondary peak lithium concentrations have been reported following an overdose with an extended-release product. Extended-release lithium may form an aggregate in the gastrointestinal tract and/or have delayed absorption secondary to coingested drugs. Toxicity may result if the patient begins enteral intake of drugs, fluids, or nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Continued monitoring of lithium concentrations after an acute ingestion with an extended-release product are recommended until lithium concentrations are less than 1.5 mEq/L and there are no signs of toxicity, particularly once the patient begins significant enteral intake.
The Asthma Year in Swedish Pharmacies: A Nationwide Information and Pharmaceutical Care Program for Patients with Asthma
Authors: Lisper Britta , Nilsson J Lars G 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: TO increase the understanding of asthma among patients and the general public in Sweden and to increase the collaboration among healthcare personnel for the benefit of asthma patients. DESIGN: Based on the results from problem detection studies, Apoteksbolaget the national organization for pharmacies in Sweden, designed a program to educate healthcare professionals and the public about asthma. Entitled the “Asthma Year,” all pharmacy staffs were offered education on asthma, patients were provided written information and audiovisual materials, and the general public was made more aware of asthma through local media. SETTING: Pharmacies, healthcare centers, hospital outpatient areas, libraries, places of work, and domestic airports. PARTICIPANTS: All pharmacy staffs (12 000 persons) were offered an education on asthma. Patients with asthma were offered brochures and leaflets in pharmacies and information in the pharmacy magazine Apoteket. The general public received information about asthma through posters, radio, and television. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The evaluations of the Asthma Year indicate that the activities had an impact on the public, on patients with asthma, and on the pharmacy staffs. RESULTS: About 4.5 million people in Sweden (42% of the population) observed the Asthma Year or received information about asthma, and 49% of the patients learned something new about their disease. Twice as many patients used steroid therapy regularly after the campaign than before. Of the pharmacy staffs, 96% were favorable to the idea of working with campaign years and 85% believed that they were personally involved with the activities. CONCLUSIONS: Patient outcomes in terms of reduced morbidity have not been possible to document, but the number of deaths from asthma in Sweden decreased from 438 during the previous year to 398 during the Asthma Year.
Possible Erythromelalgia-Like Syndrome Associated with Nifedipine in a Patient with Raynaud's Phenomenon
Authors: Sunahara Janice Fong , Gora-Harper Mary Lea , Nash Kimberly Suzanne 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: TO describe a patient who was diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon, was prescribed immediate-release nifedipine, and developed a possible erythromelalgia-like syndrome. CASE SUMMARY: A 24-year-old white woman with a history of esophageal spasms and Raynaud's phenomenon was prescribed nifedipine 10 mg po qid. Approximately 1 hour after the patient had taken the fourth dose of nifedipine, she experienced acute erythema and a burning sensation in her feet and lower limbs, light-headedness, and palpitations. Because of a reportedly abnormally low blood pressure, the patient took diphenhydramine 50 mg po and proceeded to the clinic. On arrival, abnormal vital signs were BP 140/48 mm Hg and HR 130 beats/min. Without any other medical intervention, approximately 30 minutes later her blood pressure and heart rate had returned to baseline at 122/60 mm Hg and 96 beats/min, respectively. The nifedipine was permanently discontinued and the patient's symptoms completely resolved over 24 hours. DISCUSSION: The characteristic symptoms of erythromelalgia include burning pain, increased skin temperature, and erythema of the extremities, usually to the feet, lower legs, and, less often, the hands. Erythromelalgia-like syndromes secondary to the administration of many medications have been reported. Several nifedipine-related reports describe an erythromelalgia-like syndrome similar to our reported case. CONCLUSIONS: Because the patient was not taking any other medications and the symptoms started with the administration of nifedipine and were relieved after its discontinuation, nifedipine was thought to be the cause of the erythromelalgia-like syndrome.
Sulfadiazine-Induced Sialadenitis
Authors: Añíbarro Belén , Fontela Jose L 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To present a case of sialadenitis induced by sulfadiazine. CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old man with bronchitis developed swelling of the parotid glands and floor of the mouth as well as plugging in his ears 2 hours after ingestion of Bronco-aseptilex (sulfadiazine, cyclamate, and guaiacol). Skin-prick tests performed with serial dilutions of sulfadiazine and Bronco-aseptilex were all negative. We then performed oral challenge tests with Bronco-aseptilex, sulfadiazine, and other compounds of the commercial syrup. Enlargement of the salivary glands was observed after oral challenge tests with Bronco-aseptilex and sulfadiazine. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a patient who developed drug-induced sialadenitis. The oral challenge test confirmed that sulfadiazine was the etiologic agent.
Growth Disturbances After Distal Tibial Physeal Fractures
Authors: Berson Lawrence , Davidson Richard S. , Dormans John P. , Drummond Denis S. , Gregg John R. 
Published: January 2017

Twenty-four patients with distal tibial growth disturbance were reviewed. Disturbances were classified as physeal bar (prior to deformity), angular, linear or combined deformities. Treatment consisted of osteotomy in fourteen, epiphyseodesis in seven, excision of bony bar in two, and observation in one patient. Follow up was an average 36.6 months (range 4–129 months) after treatment of growth disturbance. The age at time of injury was 10.4 years of age average (range 3–15 years). There were 12 SH2, 2 SH3, 7 SH4, and 3 SH5 distal tibial physeal fractures. Thirteen of 15 fractures considered high energy and only 1 of 9 fractures considered low energy resulted in angular deformity. Angular and linear deformities presented an average 46 months (range 12–120 months) and physeal bars at an average 14 months (range 6–25 months) after injury. Patients with a delay in presentation of growth disturbance greater than 24 months had angular deformities in 92% compared with 33% in children presenting less than or at 24 months. Treatment based on type of deformity, age at time of injury, and growth remaining was considered successful in 83%. Patients with angular or linear deformities were more likely to present late, have high energy injuries, be male patients and have Salter-Harris types IV and V. Early diagnosis and treatment of growth disturbance can prevent severe deformity.
The Arterial Supply of the Lesser Metatarsal Heads: A Vascular Injection Study in Human Cadavers
Authors: Petersen W.J. , Lankes J.M. , Paulsen F. , Hassenpflug J. 
Published: January 2017

The possibility of avascular changes of the metatarsal heads following forefoot surgery has been previously documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the arterial supply of the lesser metatarsal heads with regard to osteotomies of these bones. We used epoxy resin injections and a modified Spalteholz technique in human cadaveric specimens to demonstrate the intraosseous and extraosseous blood supply of the lesser metatarsals. The metatarsal heads had two arterial sources: The dorsal metatarsal arteries, which arose from the dorsalis pedis artery, and The plantar metatarsal arteries, which are branches of the posterior tibial artery. These two vessels typically anastomosed at two sites about the metatarsal heads, forming a vascular ring and provided an extensive extraosseous arterial network around the metatarsal heads. Small arterial branches of this network run distally on the metatarsal cortex to enter the bone of the metatarsal head. The nutrient arteries traversed the cortex of the metaphysis close to the capsular and ligamentous insertions to provide multiple branches for the supply of the subchondral bone. Extensive capsular stripping during metatarsal head osteotomies results in damage to the medial and lateral head vessels.
Surgical Treatment of Insertional Achilles Tendinosis
Authors: Calder J.D.F. , Saxby T.S. 
Published: January 2017

Most patients with insertional Achilles tendinosis can be managed nonoperatively but those who do not respond may require excision of the diseased tendon. Currently, there are no clinical studies indicating how much of the tendon may be excised without predisposing the patient to Achilles tendon rupture. This chart review reports on 52 heels treated surgically for this condition and followed for a minimum of six months postoperatively. When less than 50% of the tendon was excised (49 heels) patients were immediately mobilized free of a cast. There were two failures using this regimen - one patient with psoriatic arthropathy and another who underwent bilateral simultaneous procedures. We suggest that in selected patients it is safe to proceed with early active mobilization immediately postoperatively when less than 50% of the tendon is resected.
First Metatarsal-Phalangeal Joint Arthrodesis: A Biomechanical Assessment of Stability
Authors: Politi Joel , Hayes John , Njus Glen , Bennett Gordon L. , Kay David B. 
Published: January 2017

Background: First metatarsal phalangeal joint (MTP) arthrodesis is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of hallux rigidus, severe and recurrent bunion deformities, rheumatoid arthritis and other less common disorders of the joint. There are different techniques of fixation of the joint to promote arthrodesis including oblique lag screw fixation, lag screw and dorsal plate fixation, crossed Kirschner wires, dorsal plate fixation alone and various types of external fixation. Ideally the fixation method should be reproducible, lead to a high rate of fusion, and have a low incidence of complications. Methods: In the present study, we compared the strength of fixation of five commonly utilized techniques of first MTP joint arthrodesis. These were: Surface excision with machined conical reaming and fixation with a 3.5 mm cortical interfragmentary lag screw. Surface excision with machined conical reaming and fixation with crossed 0.062 Kirschner wires. Surface excision with machined conical reaming and fixation with a 3.5 mm cortical lag screw and a four hole dorsal miniplate secured with 3.5 mm cortical screws. Surface excision with machined conical reaming and fixation with a four hole dorsal miniplate secured with 3.5 mm cortical screws and no lag screw. Planar surface excision and fixation with a single oblique 3.5 mm interfragmentary cortical lag screw. Testing was done on an Instron materials testing device loading the first MTP joint in dorsiflexion. Liquid metal strain gauges were placed over the joint and micromotion was detected with varying loads and cycles. Results: The most stable technique was the combination of machined conical reaming and an oblique interfragmentary lag screw and dorsal plate. This was greater than two times stronger than an oblique lag screw alone. Dorsal plate alone and Kirschner wire fixation were the weakest techniques. Conclusions: First MTP fusion is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of a variety of disorders of the first MTP joint. The most stable technique for obtaining fusion in this study was the combination of an oblique lag screw and a dorsal plate. This should lead to higher rates of arthrodesis.