bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effectiveness Comparison of Sequential Ofloxacin versus Standard Switch Therapy
Authors: Partsch Deborah J , Paladino Joseph A 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cost-effectiveness of sequential intravenous-to-oral ofloxacin versus intravenous-to-oral standard switch therapy for the treatment of patients with sepsis who are hospitalized with bacterial infections. DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness analysis from a provider perspective, including resources important to an integrated healthcare network, of a randomized, open-label, controlled, clinical trial. SETTING: Millard Fillmore Health System, Buffalo, NY. PATIENTS: Hospitalized adults requiring parenteral antibiotics for a complicated urinary tract infection, lower respiratory tract infection, or skin and soft tissue infection. INTERVENTIONS: Sequential intravenous-to-oral ofloxacin or standard intravenous-to-oral switch antibiotics. OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical outcomes and direct costs associated with hospitalization, primary physician services, specialist physician services, and outpatient care. RESULTS: Eighty-two of 89 patients randomized into the two treatment groups were evaluable. Standard switch therapy failed with 12 patients versus 10 patients receiving ofloxacin. Complete economic data were available for 74 patients. Sequential ofloxacin therapy resulted in a 1-day-shorter antibiotic-related hospitalization without evidence of recurrent infection during the posttherapy follow-up evaluations. An average cost savings of $399 per patient was achieved in the sequential ofloxacin group. Although this difference did not attain statistical significance (probably due to the large variance), it is an economically significant finding. The cost-effectiveness ratios were $5735 per successful outcome for the standard switch therapy group versus $5126 per successful outcome in the sequential ofloxacin group. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential ofloxacin was as effective as and consistently less expensive than standard switch antibiotics in the initial evaluation and in the sensitivity analysis of room cost and drug acquisition cost. Standard switch therapy would have to be greater than 25% more effective than sequential ofloxacin therapy to change the economic decision.
Indinavir Sulfate Renal Toxicity in a Pediatric Hemophiliac with HIV Infection
Authors: Ascher David P , Lucy Mitchell D 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of renal toxicity associated with administration of indinavir sulfate in a pediatric hemophiliac with HIV infection. CASE SUMMARY: A 16-year-old white hemophiliac boy with HIV infection secondary to tainted coagulation factor VIII was treated with indinavir sulfate. The patient developed gross hematuria, proteinuria, pyuria, abdominal pain, increased bilirubin, an elevated serum creatinine (SCr) of 1.2 mg/dL (baseline 0.9–1.0), and symptoms of renal colic within 1 month of starting indinavir sulfate therapy. Approximately 2 months later the patient developed a low-grade fever with a further increase in SCr. He was prescribed a 10-day course of cefpodoxime proxetil for a possible urinary tract infection. One week later, the patient developed fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, sterile pyuria, nasal congestion, and an elevated SCr of 1.3–1.7 mg/dL. Indinavir sulfate and cefpodoxime proxetil were discontinued and the patient was suspected of having tubulointerstitial nephritis secondary to indinavir sulfate. The patient's nephritis resolved and the SCr decreased to 1.1 mg/dL within 1 month of discontinuing indinavir sulfate. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates the potential for renal toxicity with the use of indinavir sulfate in HIV-infected hemophiliacs.
New Pharmacotherapy for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Gottwald Mildred D , Bainbridge Jacquelyn L , Dowling Glenna A , Aminoff Michael J , Alldredge Brian K 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the development, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of five investigational antiparkinsonian drugs that are in or have recently completed Phase III trials: three dopamine agonists, pramipexole, ropinirole, and cabergoline; and two catechol- O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors, entacapone and tolcapone. The pathophysiology and the role of dopamine in Parkinson's disease are also reviewed. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search of relevant English-language literature, clinical studies, abstracts, and review articles pertaining to Parkinson's disease was conducted. Manual searches of 1996/1997 meeting abstracts published by the American Academy of Neurology and the Movement Disorders Society were also performed. Manufacturers provided unpublished Phase III trial efficacy and pharmacokinetic data. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Clinical trial investigations selected for inclusion were limited to human subjects. Interim analyses after 6 months for long-term clinical trial studies in progress were included. Pharmacokinetic data from animals were cited if human data were unavailable. Statistical analyses for all studies were evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS: By selectively targeting D2 receptors, the newer dopamine agonists (i.e., cabergoline, pramipexole, ropinirole) may delay the introduction of levodopa and thus the occurrence of levodopa-induced dyskinesias. In addition, they are efficacious as adjunctive therapies in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Unlike the currently available dopamine agonists, pramipexole and ropinirole are non-ergot derivatives and do not cause skin inflammation, paresthesias, pulmonary infiltrates, or pleural effusion. The COMT inhibitors, tolcapone and entacapone, improve the pharmacokinetics of levodopa by preventing its peripheral catabolism and increasing the concentration of brain dopamine; thus, these agents may reduce the incidence of “wearing-off ' effects associated with the short half-life of levodopa and the progression of Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSIONS: Interim 6-month analyses of pramipexole, ropinirole, and cabergoline for symptomatic treatment of early Parkinson's disease have shown these drugs to be efficacious and relatively well-tolerated when used as monotherapy. Their role in delaying the development of motor fluctuations and delaying the addition of levodopa is the subject of long-term clinical studies. In advanced stages of Parkinson's disease, these medications were also efficacious; however, the main adverse effects included dyskinesias, somnolence, and hallucinations. The COMT inhibitors, entacapone and tolcapone, have also demonstrated efficacy in improving on-time in patients with stable disease. Tolcapone has also demonstrated efficacy in patients with motor fluctuations. Both drugs are relatively well-tolerated, with the exception of dyskinesias that require reduction of the levodopa dosage and occasional diarrhea.
Melatonin: Therapeutic Use in Sleep Disorders
Authors: Chase Jennifer E , Gidal Barry E 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To review the use of melatonin in sleep disorders, including jet lag, shift work disorder, insomnia, and sleep cycle disorders in neurologically impaired patients. DATA SOURCE: A MEDLINE search (1966 to April 1996) was performed that included clinical studies and reviews on melatonin in the English language. References used in those articles were also screened for additional information. STUDY SELECTION: All published trials were considered for inclusion in this review, with an emphasis placed on more recently published studies (last 5 years). DATA SYNTHESIS: There is significant evidence that links the hormone melatonin to circadian sleep cycles in humans. It has been suggested that in situations where the endogenous melatonin concentration is reduced (advancing age) or the normal circadian cycle is disrupted (jet lag, shift work, blind patients), supplementation with exogenous melatonin may improve both sleep duration and quality. Limited data from generally short-term trials and anecdotal reports suggest that melatonin may be effective in several of these sleep disorders. Melatonin use in jet lag appears to decrease jet lag symptoms and hasten the return to normal energy levels. Melatonin may be helpful in rotating shift schedules to improve sleep quality and maintain normal circadian rhythm. In some patients with insomnia, melatonin appears to induce sleep onset. The optimal dosage and timing of drug administration is still unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is some evidence that melatonin may have modest efficacy, especially in insomnia, jet lag, and sleep disorders in neurologically impaired patients, adequate long-term studies examining both efficacy and toxicity are lacking. In addition, further studies evaluating dose-response relationships and drug interactions are warranted.
Reevaluation of a Weight-Based Heparin Dosing Nomogram: Is Institution-Specific Modification Necessary?
Authors: Schlicht John R , Sunyecz Lisa , Weber Robert J , Tabas Gary H , Smith Roy E 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To compare a heparin dosing nomogram using an initial infusion rate of 18 units/kg/h with physician-directed heparin prescribing and with a modified version of the nomogram adjusted for institution-specific data. METHODS: During consecutive phases of this cohort study, patients' intravenous heparin therapies were initiated and adjusted by using one of the following three methods: (1) physician-directed dosing, (2) a body weight—based dosing nomogram with an initial infusion rate of 18 units/kg/h, and (3) a body weight—based dosing nomogram with an initial infusion rate determined by the median dose of heparin (in units/kg/h) required to achieve therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTTs) during the first two phases. The time required to achieve therapeutic aPTTs as well as the percentage of initial aPTTs in the therapeutic range were compared for the three phases. RESULTS: The heparin dosing nomogram in which the initial infusion rate was adjusted for our individual institution resulted in a statistically shorter median time until aPTTs were in the therapeutic range than did either the physician-directed dosing or unmodified nomogram groups (6.1 h in the modified nomogram group, 10.5 h in the physician-directed group, 21.5 h in the unmodified nomogram group; p < 0.05 for all differences). Use of the institution-specific nomogram resulted in the greatest percentage of initial aPTTs in the therapeutic range (84% in the 13 units/kg/h nomogram group vs. 47% in the physician-directed group and 18% in the 18 units/kg/h nomogram group; p < 0.05 for all differences). CONCLUSIONS: Use of a heparin dosing nomogram with an initial infusion rate of 18 units/kg/h resulted in prolongation of the time to reach therapeutic aPTTs. By modifying the nomogram for use at an individual institution, we reduced the time to achieve therapeutic range of aPTTs while still reducing the likelihood of excessive anticoagulation of patients.
Fluoxetine-Associated Stomatitis
Authors: Palop Vicente , Sancho Asunción , Morales-Olivas Francisco J , Martínez-Mir Inocencia 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To describe two cases of stomatitis related to fluoxetine given for the treatment of depression that were detected in the hospital emergency department. DATA SYNTHESIS: Two women developed stomatitis after the intake of fluoxetine for the treatment of depression. One of the patients had six recurrent episodes of stomatitis without suspecting an association with fluoxetine. No other drugs were administered during these episodes. The second patient was treated concurrently with fluoxetine and bentazepam. In both patients the lesion improved upon discontinuation of fluoxetine, even though the second patient continued to take a different benzodiazepine. DISCUSSION: Stomatitis related to fluoxetine has not been previously reported in clinical trials or in the literature. According to the causal algorithm used by the Spanish Drug Surveillance Schemes, the first case constituted a defined adverse reaction and the second was probable. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations suggest that fluoxetine may be considered as a probable cause of stomatitis. The reporting of isolated cases of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) makes it possible to define the toxicity profile of recently marketed drugs such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, including fluoxetine. Emphasis is placed on the potential role played by emergency departments in detecting ADRs.
Overview of the Hospital Formulary Systems in Hong Kong: Princess Margaret Hospital as a Baseline
Authors: Chang Sophie , Wong Joyee WS , Wong Chloe WY , Chiu Harry CC , Raymond Kenneth 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the popularity of formulary systems in all Hong Kong hospitals and to compare these with the newly introduced formulary system in a major government hospital, the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), as the baseline. DESIGN: Questionnaire and selected interviews by pharmacy students. SETTING: All hospital pharmacies in Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS: Department managers (directors of pharmacy services) of hospital pharmacies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The popularity of the hospitals' formulary systems and their formulary decision-making strategies. Calculations of cost savings of the new formulary system in PMH and a comparison of the PMH system with the US standards were also made. RESULTS: Among 38 responding hospitals, 35 (92%) had a formulary handbook and 21 (55.3%) claimed to have a formulary system. The evaluation processes and formulary decision-making procedures were found to be inadequate because basic components in drug evaluation (e.g., standardized criteria for drug evaluation) were not used regularly. However, the formulary system in PMH was found to be comparable with the US standards. Substantial cost savings were made through rejection of less cost-effective drugs by the Formulary Subcommittee in PMH. CONCLUSIONS: In general, comprehensive formulary systems are still not popular in Hong Kong. This may be due to insufficient staffing and lack of administrative and physicians' support. The new formulary system in PMH can be used as a model to develop a successful formulary system in which hospital pharmacists can prove their expertise for the benefit of both hospitals and patients in Hong Kong.
The Viladot Implant in Flatfooted Children
Authors: Black Peter R. M. , Betts Roderick P. , Duckworth Thomas , Smith Thomas W. D. 
Published: January 2017

In 1991, Viladot 1 described an implant for the treatment of painless flatfeet in children. This was inserted through a double approach to allow the talus to function while limiting its ability to slide off the calcaneus. The wineglass shaped prosthesis was inserted into the sinus tarsi with a tibialis posterior advancement and soft tissue correction to allow the foot to adopt a neutral position. This is in keeping with other procedures described for the correction of flatfoot. Viladot reported excellent results in 234 feet operated on in such a manner using clinical, radiological and photopodographic parameters. In Sheffield, over three years, 22 implants were inserted for similar painless flatfeet in children. The results were assessed using clinical, radiological and pedobarographic parameters. Viladot was able to demonstrate an improvement in all cases, clinically, radiologically and photopodographically with little or no discomfort and a return to preoperative levels of activity including sport. We found that in all cases, postoperative pain was a major feature which limited activity in all but 2 feet and which reduced the ability to take part in sport and other preoperative pastimes. Unlike Viladot, we were unable to demonstrate consistent improvements radiologically. Pedobarographically, the loading of the first metatarsal head remained unchanged and the centre of pressure was corrected in only 14%.
The MR Imaging Appearance of Longitudinal Split Tears of the Peroneus Brevis Tendon
Authors: Major Nancy M. , Helms Clyde A. , Fritz Russell C. , Speer Kevin P. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose Longitudinal split tears of the peroneus brevis tendon have been increasingly reported as a source of lateral ankle pain and disability. MR imaging is useful in identifying the appearance of longitudinal split tears of the peroneus brevis tendon to differentiate this entity from other causes of chronic lateral ankle pain. We observed variations in anatomy associated with these tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-two patients (eleven males, eleven females) were identified as having longitudinal split tears of the peroneus brevis tendon. These cases were reviewed retrospectively to evaluate for the following: shape of the peroneus brevis tendon, high signal in the peroneus brevis tendon, tendon subluxation, appearance of the superior peroneal retinaculum, presence of osseous changes in the ankle, lateral ankle ligaments, presence of a bony fibular spur, flattening of the peroneal groove of the fibula and presence of a peroneus quartus. A control group consisted of twenty ankles imaged for reasons other than lateral ankle pain. The same structures were assessed in this group. A Fisher's exact P-value was used to determine the significance of each finding in the two groups. RESULTS Statistically significant associated findings were chevron shaped tendon (p = .0001), high signal in the peroneus brevis (p = .0017), bony changes (p = .0001), flat peroneal groove (p = .0001), abnormal lateral ligaments (p = .0004), and lateral fibular spur (p = .0006). Conclusions MR imaging is useful in differentiating longitudinal split tears of the peroneus brevis tendon from other lateral ankle disorders. It can show the extent of the abnormality in the tendon and the associated findings of soft tissue and/or bone variations which must be addressed at the time of surgery.
Bednar Tumor of the Foot: A Case Report
Authors: Vandeweyer E , Deraemaecker R. , de Saint Aubain Somerhausen N. , Geledan L. , Gebhart M. 
Published: January 2017

Pigmented dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (Bednar tumor) is a rare neoplasm accounting for approximately 1–5% of all cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. The majority occurs on the trunk, and the remainders are more or less equally distributed in the upper and lower extremities and the head and neck. Microscopically it is characterized by spindled cells arranged in a tight storiform pattern and admixed with a small population of melanin-containing dendritic cells. The dendritic cells are the primary feature that distinguish this lesion from conventional dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. We report here a case of Bednar tumor occurring on the dorsal aspect of the foot in a young female.
An Analysis of Skin Perfusion Over the Achilles Tendon in Varying Degrees of Plantarflexion
Authors: Poynton Ashley R. , O'Rourke Kieran 
Published: January 2017

Delayed wound healing and, less commonly, wound breakdown are significant complications following open Achilles tendon repair. Skin perfusion over the Achilles tendon may be reduced when the ankle is plantarflexed. The aim of this study was to analyse skin perfusion over the Achilles tendon with the ankle in varying degrees of plantarflexion in 20 volunteers. Skin perfusion was determined by measuring the transcutaneous skin oxygen pressure (tcPO2) using the Novametrix TcO2M 860 monitor. Measurements were taken at the medial edge of the Achilles tendon in 20 volunteers. Skin perfusion was maximal with the ankle plantarflexed to 20°. With plantarflexion beyond this skin perfusion was reduced. At 40° plantarflexion skin perfusion was reduced by up to 49% (mean 35%, range 27% to 49%). We conclude plantarflexion beyond 20° reduces skin perfusion in the region of the Achilles tendon. Though this study was performed on non-operated cases, and is thus limited, the findings may have clinical implications with regard to cast position following Achilles tendon repair.
The Relationship of the Heel Pad Compressibility and Plantar Pressure Distribution
Authors: Kanatli Ulunay , Yetkin Haluk , Simsek Aykin , Besli Koksal , Ozturk Akif 
Published: January 2017

Loss of heel pad elasticity has been suggested as one of the possible explanations of heel pain. This study aimed to determine the effect of heel pad thickness and its compressibility to heel pressure distribution, in 47 (94 feet) normal subjects and 59 (94 feet) patients with heel pain, using radiological measurements and EMED-SF (Novel, Munich) plantar pressure distribution measurement system. Both heels of the patients and control group were radiographed with and without weight bearing. The ratio of the heel pad thickness in loading to unloading position was defined as “the heel pad compressibility index.” The plantar peak pressure of the heel was measured at heel strike phase of the gait cycle. The compressibility index for control and patient groups were found to be 0.60 and 0.69, respectively. The peak pressure under the heel pad was recorded to be 28.4 N/cm2 for patients and 31.7 N/cm2 for control group. No significant difference was found for heel pad compressibility index and heel pad pressures between patient and control groups (p>0.05). This study revealed that there is no relationship between heel pad compressibility and pressure distribution of the heel pad both in control and patient group. We feel the flexibility of the heel pad does not have any influence on heel pain syndromes.
Crescentic Proximal Metatarsal Osteotomy for Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus: A Mean 12.2 Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Veri J.P. , Pirani S.P. , Claridge R. 
Published: January 2017

The senior author's (R.C.) first 25 patients (37 feet) treated with a combination proximal crescentic osteotomy and distal soft-tissue reconstruction made up the patient cohort. All 25 patients were reviewed at a minimum of one year post-op (short-term follow-up) and 20/25 (31/37 feet) were reviewed again at a mean 12.2 years (range 11.4 to 13.0 yrs) post-op (long-term follow-up). This allowed for a comparison of short- and long-term results and led to a long-term follow-up rate of 84% (31/37 feet, mean 12.2 yrs). Clinical, radiographic and patient outcome measures were obtained and compared pre-op and at short- and long-term follow-up. The mean preoperative hallux valgus (HVA) and intermetatarsal angles (IMA) were 37° and 16° respectively. The mean HVA correction was 24° and IMA correction 10° at long-term follow-up with no tendency toward recurrence. Sesamoid position and first MTP subluxation was markedly improved postoperatively and the correction was maintained at long-term follow-up. Patients were asked about their satisfaction in terms of pain, appearance and motion. At long-term follow-up, more than 90% of patients were completely satisfied with pain and motion and greater than 80% with their appearance. Ninety-four percent of patients said they would have the operation again. The AOFAS clinical rating scale for the hallux was calculated retrospectively for pre-op and short-term follow-up and prospectively for long-term follow-up. The mean pre-op score was 37/100 (16 to 60) which significantly improved to 92/100 (67 to 100) at both follow-up periods, suggesting no evidence of decrease in outcome over time. Complications included two patients (5%) that were over-corrected into varus (one symptomatic, one asymptomatic), and four patients (11%) that were undercorrected, developing asymptomatic recurrences (>10° increase HVA) at long-term follow-up. In addition, two patients (5%) developed new transfer lesions postoperatively, likely related to technical error (one varus overcorrection, one dorsiflexion malunion). In conclusion, the long-term results, with a mean follow-up of 12.2 years, of the resection realignment procedure for moderate to severe hallux valgus are generally excellent and the complication rate is low and acceptable. Attention to detail, avoiding both undercorrection, which can lead to recurrence, and overcorrection, which can cause symptomatic varus, is essential.