bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenytoin Concentration Elevation Subsequent to Ranitidine Administration
Authors: Tse C.S. Ted , Akinwande Kayode I. , Biallowons Klaus 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To report elevated phenytoin (PHT) plasma concentrations in a patient receiving ranitidine. CASE SUMMARY: A patient treated with PUT and ranitidine experienced elevated PHT plasma concentrations that persisted several days after PHT was discontinued. The PHT plasma concentration declined rapidly after withdrawal of ranitidine. DISCUSSION: This is an unusual case report of elevated PHT plasma concentrations associated with concurrent ranitidine use. Ranitidine has been reported to interfere with the hepatic metabolism of other drugs. The proposed mechanism of this interaction is similar to that of other histamine2-receptor antagonists—by binding to cytochrome P-450 hepatic mixed-function oxidase. We postulate that a small subset of patients may be susceptible to this effect of ranitidine. CONCLUSIONS: This case was complicated by several variables that may have affected the changes observed in total PHT concentrations. However, an interaction between ranitidine and PHT should be considered, especially in a subpopulation of patients that are more susceptible to this effect. Patients using ranitidine and phenytoin concurrently should be routinely monitored.
Acute Pancreatitis Associated with the Use of Lisinopril
Authors: Maliekal James , Drake Clayton F. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of acute pancreatitis associated with lisinopril use. CASE SUMMARY: A 67-year-old man with no past history of pancreatitis or its associated risk factors developed acute pancreatitis after taking lisinopril for two years. To date, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and development of pancreatitis has been described in the literature with captopril, enalapril maleate, and one case temporally related to lisinopril use. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ACE inhibitors as first-line agents in controlling hypertension and congestive heart failure has increased. In addition to monitoring for efficacy and commonly reported adverse effects, clinicians need to be aware that acute pancreatitis may occur with all ACE inhibitors.
Salmeterol: A Novel, Long-Acting Beta2-Agonist
Authors: Meyer Joette M. , Wenzel Christine L. , Kradjan Wayne A. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: The clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of the long-acting beta2-agonist salmeterol are reviewed. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search was performed to identify English-language publications pertaining to salmeterol. STUDY SELECTION: Open and controlled trials were reviewed in assessing clinical efficacy. Only the results of controlled, randomized trials were considered in the effectiveness evaluation. DATA EXTRACTION: The primary measures of effectiveness in the clinical trials were bronchodilator activity and reduction of hyperresponsiveness that may reflect antiinflammatory activity. Bronchodilator activity was measured as changes in pulmonary function; reduction of hyperresponsiveness was evaluated using respiratory challenge with methacholine, histamine, allergen, or cold air. Secondary measures included symptom scores, need for rescue doses, and patient preference. DATA SYNTHESIS: Salmeterol is a selective, beta2-agonist that has been studied in the treatment of exercise-induced, nocturnal, and allergen-induced asthma. Salmeterol interacts with the traditional beta-receptor in a similar manner as other beta-agonists, and it exhibits potent in vitro antiinflammatory effects as an inhibitor of inflammatory mediator release. Less evidence exists for its in vivo antiinflammatory activity. Salmeterol demonstrates prolonged receptor occupancy, which is thought to contribute to its long duration of action. The recommended dose is 50 μg via metered-dose inhaler or dry-powdered inhalation. In the published clinical trials, salmeterol was more effective than albuterol in treating asthma, including exercise and allergen-induced asthma. Salmeterol's major advantage over other inhaled beta-agonists is its long duration of action (12 hours), making it an excellent choice for treatment of nocturnal asthma. A potential disadvantage is delayed onset of action. Tachyphylaxis to salmeterol's bronchodilator effects has not been shown, but tolerance to its protective effects against methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction has occurred. Adverse effects reported have been mild and have included headache, tremor, and palpitations. CONCLUSIONS: Salmeterol is an effective beta2-agonist in the treatment of asthma. However, several issues require further investigation regarding its long-term effects on disease control, significance of antiinflammatory activity, and role as a rescue medication.
Pharmacotherapy of Disseminated Histoplasmosis in Patients with AIDS
Authors: Goodwin S. Diane , Fletcher Courtney V. , Drew Richard H. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacotherapy of disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) in patients with AIDS. The article provides an overview of the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis of this disease. Clinical trials reporting intervention with antifungal therapy are reviewed, with an emphasis on efficacy and toxicity of these agents. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search from 1976 to the present was performed to identify pertinent biomedical literature, including reviews. STUDY SELECTION: All available reviews and clinical trials in AIDS patients were evaluated, as were all available case series and interventional clinical trials. DATA SYNTHESIS: DH in patients with HIV infection is an AIDS-defining opportunistic infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. It is most frequently observed in HIV-infected patients living in or traveling to endemic regions. The clinical presentation most often includes fever and weight loss, but may be complicated by comorbid illness such as other opportunistic infections. Diagnosis is best established by histologic examination of peripheral blood smear or bone marrow aspirate, or isolation of the organism in cultures of blood, bone marrow, and respiratory secretions. Serologic examinations may provide supportive diagnostic information. Detection of histoplasma polysaccharide antigen (HPA) in serum or urine may prove to be a promising approach for the rapid diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of DH in AIDS patients. In contrast to immunocompetent hosts, high relapse rates are reported after therapy in AIDS patients. Therefore, initial (induction) therapy is routinely followed by long-term (maintenance) therapy to prevent relapse. Issues regarding the selection, dosage, and duration of therapy, as well as prophylaxis of patients at highest risk, still need to be addressed by controlled clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: Amphotericin B is presently the drug of choice for induction therapy. Maintenance therapy with either amphotericin B or an oral azole antifungal agent active against H. capsulatum is necessary to prevent relapse. Itraconazole, a triazole antifungal agent, may provide effective alternative therapy for both induction and maintenance treatment of DH.
Newer Insights into Cisplatin Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Hartshorn Edward A. , Anand Ajay J. , Bashey Baquar 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To review recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms of cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Factors affecting this toxicity and agents that may protect against it are discussed. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search was used to identify pertinent literature including reviews. A manual search of bibliographies was performed to include all articles on the subject. STUDY SELECTION: All available data relating to the mechanisms, modifying factors, and management of cisplatin nephrotoxicity were assessed. DATA EXTRACTION: As limited human data are available, all animal studies were included. Articles with hypotheses or suggestions not backed by scientific data were excluded from review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Cisplatin is one of the most effective agents available for treating a variety of solid tumors. Nephrotoxicity is the dose-limiting factor for the use of this drug. Mechanisms for renal toxicity range from definitive histologic changes found in the proximal convoluted tubules to physiologic and biochemical alterations involving a decrease in mitochondrial respiratory function, enzymatic activity in the respiratory chain and glutathione peroxidase, and effects on cellular calcium homeostasis. Important factors related to nephrotoxicity include age, renal irradiation, and concurrent alcohol intake. Agents that appear promising in attenuating the nephrotoxic effects of cisplatin include loading with NaCl solution and/or mannitol, sodium thiosulfate, WR 2721, glutathione, probenecid, and many other compounds under active investigation. CONCLUSIONS: Cisplatin is a nephrotoxic drug; however, agents that may make cisplatin therapy more safe and rewarding will be available in the near future.
Therapeutic Monitoring and Pharmacist Intervention in a Hansen's Disease Clinic
Authors: Robinson J. Daniel , Piscitelli Stephen C. , Occhipinti Donna J. , Danziger Larry H. , Hill Carlotta , West Dennis P. , Fischer James H. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To describe the role of the clinical pharmacist in a Hansen's disease (HD, leprosy) clinic and to describe the development, validation, and operation of a dapsone compliance monitoring program. RATIONALE: HD remains a major, worldwide healthcare problem. Dapsone is the drug of choice for treatment of HD; however, high rates of noncompliance with this agent have been reported by many treatment centers. The assessment of compliance in HD patients is important to help distinguish between treatment failure secondary to noncompliance or to the development of resistance. SETTING: In the US, the Chicago Regional Hansen's Disease Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago is one of ten centers that provide comprehensive care to patients diagnosed with this condition. This article reviews the clinical pharmacy services and dapsone compliance program in the clinic encompassing the years 1983–93. RESULTS: The clinical pharmacist provides a variety of clinical services in the clinic as well as coordinating the clinical research program. A pharmacist-generated dapsone compliance program led to improvement in compliance rates and clinical outcome. This improvement in compliance has been sustained over an extended period of time. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical pharmacy services performed in the HD clinic provide a model for pharmacy involvement in other chronic disease states. The dapsone compliance program has been successful in improving patient care and obtaining reimbursement for clinical pharmacy services.
Amphotericin B Infusion-Related Toxicity: Comparison of Two- and Four-Hour Infusions
Authors: Nicholl Tessa A , Nimmo Cindy Reesor , Shepherd John D , Phillips Peter , Jewesson Peter J 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To investigate the influence of infusion duration on infusion-related adverse effects (IRAEs) associated with prophylactic or treatment regimens of amphotericin B in patients with leukemia/bone marrow transplant (BMT). Design: Randomized, double-blind, 2-arm, complete crossover, prospective clinical trial. Setting: A university-affiliated tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants: The study population consisted of 25 consecutive patients with leukemia/BMT who received 162 prophylactic regimen infusions and 169 treatment regimen infusions of amphotericin B via a central line. Prior to each infusion all patients received a parenteral IRAE prophylaxis regimen of diphenhydramine 25 mg and hydrocortisone 25 mg. No test doses or incremental amphotericin B doses were administered. Patients were monitored closely for IRAEs, which were documented by using a standardized data collection form. Main Outcome Measures: The incidence and nature of IRAEs during a 6-hour monitoring period following the initiation of each infusion was measured. Patients served as their own controls. IRAEs were compared according to infusion duration and therapeutic indication. Results: Three hundred and thirty-one 2- and 4-hour amphotericin B infusions were administered. We found no difference between 2- and 4-hour infusions in the incidence and severity of IRAEs, including overall events (29% of 166 2-hour infusions vs. 25% of 165 4-hour infusions), chill scores (8% of 166 2-hour infusions vs. 7% of 165 4-hour infusions; highest score 7 vs. 6), nausea and vomiting (7% vs. 12%; highest score 4 in both groups), fever (3% vs. 2%), highest temperature increase (2.4 vs. 1.6 °C), systolic hypotension (6% vs. 2%), greatest decrease from baseline (40 vs. 62 mm Hg), diastolic hypotension (5% vs. 3%), and greatest decrease (30 vs. 28 mm Hg) (p > 0.05). Overall, IRAEs were less common in prophylactic treatment regimens (35 events [22%] in 162 infusions) than in treatment regimens (55 events [32%] in 169 infusions) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that patients with leukemia/BMT without myocardial or renal dysfunction who receive hydrocortisone and diphenhydramine as premedications can tolerate 2-hour central line infusions of prophylactic or treatment regimens of amphotericin B as well as 4-hour infusions.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Treatments in 58 Italian Hospitals: A Drug Utilization Survey
Authors: Venturini Francesca , Romero Marilena , Tognoni Gianni 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: To provide an updated and comprehensive profile of therapeutic practice in the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a sample of Italian hospitals, and to test the possible role of a network of hospital pharmacists in providing drug utilization data. Design: Prospective drug utilization survey. Participating pharmacists collected information on patients consecutively admitted to the hospital with a suspected AMI. The form reproduced those adopted in the Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto miocardico trials. Setting: Fifty-eight general hospitals in Italy belonging to the National Health Service, 6 of which are teaching hospitals. Thirty-four hospitals recruited patients from a coronary care unit, 10 from intensive monitoring beds in cardiology wards, and 14 from an intensive care unit. Participants: The study population consisted of patients consecutively admitted with a suspected AMI from May 31 through July 5, 1993. Main Outcome Measures: The management of AMI in terms of the use of drugs and nonpharmacologic treatments is described. Results: Of the 676 patients recruited for the study, 47.8% received thrombolytic therapy; alteplase was the preferred agent (55.4% of treated patients). The use of thrombolytic therapy varied significantly according to different demographic and clinical parameters such as age, sex, delay from the onset of symptoms to admission, and Killip scale class. During the first day of hospitalization 63.9% of patients received aspirin, 83.3% received nitrates, 24.8% received beta-blockers, and 77.1% received heparin therapy. Conclusions: Thrombolytic therapy was prescribed in a higher percentage of patients than is reported in the US, but lower than that reported in large trials. That a low percentage of patients who experienced a long delay between the onset of symptoms and admission as well as elderly patients received thrombolytic therapy reflects the lower expectations of clinicians for these subgroups of patients. A low proportion of patients received aspirin therapy. This study showed that in Italy an institutional network of hospital pharmacists could be interested observers of therapeutic practice, but further training is needed before high-quality data can be collected.
Vigabatrin-Associated Reversible Acute Psychosis in a Child
Authors: Martínez Andrés Cánovas , Ordovás Baines Juan Pablo , Marqués Marian Beltrán , Aparisi Amelia Escrivá , Cordón Fructuoso Delgado 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To describe a child with vigabatrin-associated reversible acute psychosis and review the literature reports on this adverse effect. Case Summary: A 7-year-old boy with intractable epilepsy developed acute psychosis 3 days after initiating a rapid vigabatrin dosage escalation. All symptoms resolved within 48 hours after vigabatrin therapy was withdrawn. Two months later, reinitiation of vigabatrin therapy using a slower dosage escalation was well-tolerated by the patient, and he currently is being treated with vigabatrin successfully. Discussion: Although vigabatrin-associated psychosis is rare, a few cases have been reported in predisposed adult patients, especially in the early stages of treatment. The mechanism of this reaction remains unclear and its incidence is unknown. To our knowledge, there has been no previous report of this adverse effect in children. Conclusions: Caution must be taken in children with predisposing factors at the beginning of vigabatrin therapy.
Rifabutin-Associated Uveitis
Authors: Tseng Alice L , Walmsley Sharon L 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To review rifabutin-associated uveitis and discuss the mechanism and potential role of drug interactions with clarithromycin and fluconazole in contributing to this adverse event. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (1991 through September 1994) of English-language literature using the main MeSH headings “rifabutin” and “uveitis” and the subheadings “adverse effects” and “chemically induced.” Relevant articles also were selected from references of identified articles. Abstracts from recent medical conferences of infectious diseases, pharmacology, and HIV were screened for additional data. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles and abstracts reporting uveitis potentially related to rifabutin were considered for inclusion. Fifty-four cases were identified. Pertinent information from the case reports, as judged by the authors, was selected and synthesized for discussion. Data Synthesis: Rifabutin is being prescribed increasingly for the treatment and prophylaxis of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in the HIV-infected population. Uveitis was initially thought to be a rare, dose-limited complication of rifabutin therapy. In an early dose-ranging tolerance study, uveitis was associated with daily doses of 1200 mg or more. Because this toxicity appeared to be dose-related, lower dosages (300–600 mg/d) of rifabutin were selected for study in subsequent clinical trials. More recent reports noting the association of uveitis with these lower dosages of rifabutin have raised concerns about the prevalence of this adverse event. In the 54 identified cases, patients presented with symptoms of unilateral or bilateral uveitis from 2 weeks to more than 7 months following initiation of rifabutin therapy. In all reported cases, patients were receiving concurrent therapy with clarithromycin and/or fluconazole, both of which have inhibitory effects on rifabutin metabolism. In most cases, uveitis resolved within 1–2 months following discontinuation of rifabutin with or without administration of topical corticosteroids. Conclusions: Rifabutin is prescribed frequently for the prophylaxis and treatment of MAC infection, especially in patients with HIV. Uveitis is a rare, dose-related toxicity of this therapy. The risk of rifabutin-associated uveitis may be increased in patients receiving concurrent therapy with clarithromycin or fluconazole because of drug interactions. Patients receiving therapy with combinations of any of these agents should be warned about signs and symptoms of uveitis and be monitored closely for the development of rifabutin toxicity. If uveitis develops, rifabutin therapy should be discontinued promptly.
Symptomatic Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Associated with Azithromycin
Authors: Cadle Richard M , Darouiche Rabih O , Ashton Carol M 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of symptomatic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion associated with azithromycin and review the literature related to this adverse drug reaction. DATA SOURCES: Review articles identified by a computerized (MEDLINE) (1966–April 1996) and manual ( Index Medicus) search. DATA SYNTHESIS: Azithromycin is a well-tolerated broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic. We report a symptomatic case of SIADH secretion associated with azithromycin. The patient received two doses of azithromycin before the development of sudden mental status changes associated with severe hyponatremia. All other potential causes were ruled out. No previous reports exist in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Azithromycin may be associated with symptomatic SIADH secretion. Awareness and attention are required if patients develop mental status changes or hyponatremia while receiving azithromycin so that appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic actions can be implemented.
Use of Estrogen Therapy in a Patient with Gastrointestinal Bleeding Secondary to arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Siple Jolene F , Joseph Carol L , Pagel Keith J , Leigh Sharon 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To describe a patient with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding caused by arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) that was treated with estrogen therapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 70-year-old white man was diagnosed with multiple AVMs in the cecum, duodenum, and stomach. Pharmacologic management included the use of ferrous sulfate; however, the patient continued to have recurrent bleeding that required multiple transfusions and endoscopic cauterization. Therapy was initiated with ethinyl estradiol 0.05 mg po qd; no further transfusions have been required for 10 months. DISCUSSION: It is estimated that AVMs of the GI tract account for 1–8% of upper GI bleeding episodes and up to 6% of lower GI bleeding episodes. Hormonal agents have been reported to decrease bleeding in patients with both hereditary and acquired AVMs. CONCLUSIONS: The role of estrogen therapy in treating AVMs of the GI tract is unclear and supported by only one clinical study.