bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential Use of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors for Osteoporosis
Authors: Cushenberry Lolita M , de Bittner Magaly Rodriguez 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To review the current clinical data describing the effects of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors in bone formation and reduction of fracture incidence and their potential use for osteoporosis. DATA SOURCES: English-language articles and abstracts were identified from a MEDLINE database search (1966–May 2001) that used the key words osteoporosis, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, and treatment. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All the articles identified from the data sources were evaluated, and all information deemed relevant was included in this review. DATA SYNTHESIS: In the past, there has been considerable emphasis placed in the detection, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis. New drug therapies have been introduced in the market aimed at decreasing bone loss and increasing bone formation, with the ultimate goal of decreasing fractures. Currently, there are a variety of agents available for the treatment of osteoporosis. A limited number of case—control studies have suggested that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) may have the potential to reduce the risk of fractures by increasing bone formation, although other studies have failed to show a benefit in fracture reduction. The potential benefit of this therapy is still undetermined because of a lack of randomized, controlled, clinical trials and conflicting data. CONCLUSIONS: At this time, there are limited data on the role of statins in the treatment of osteoporosis. Practitioners must be cautious when using these agents over other proven conventional therapies. Randomized, controlled, clinical trials are needed to accurately determine the role of these agents in the treatment of osteoporosis.
In Vitro Assessment of Urinary Isolates of Ampicillin-Resistant Enterococci
Authors: Williamson John C , Craft David W , Butts John D , Raasch Ralph H 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: Susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) studies of ampicillin-resistant enterococci (ARE) were performed with vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, and trovafloxacin. Ampicillin MICs were determined to make comparisons with achievable urinary concentrations of ampicillin. DESIGN: From July 1998 to April 1999, all enterococci isolated from urinary specimens were tested for susceptibility to ampicillin by disk diffusion. For all ARE, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, and trovafloxacin susceptibilities were determined by use of either disk diffusion or the E-test. Ampicillin MICs were determined for these isolates by liquid agar microdilution testing. ARE were identified to the species level on the basis of biochemical reactions. SETTING: The study was performed at a university-affiliated tertiary care hospital. OUTCOME MEASURES: In vitro susceptibility studies and MIC determinations were performed in accordance with the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. RESULTS: A total of 310 urine samples were culture positive for enterococcus. Thirty (9.7%) unduplicated isolates were resistant to ampicillin. Of these, nine ARE isolates (30%) were also vancomycin resistant, whereas only 2 ampicillin-susceptible isolates were vancomycin resistant (p < 0.05). All ARE were resistant to ciprofloxacin, and 29 (96.7%) were resistant to trovafloxacin. Nine (30%), 18 (60%), and 3 (10%) isolates had an ampicillin MIC of 128, 256, and 512 μg/mL, respectively. Ampicillin MICs did not differ significantly between vancomycin-susceptible and -resistant isolates (p = 0.963). Twenty-seven isolates (90%) were identified as Enterococcus faecium; the other 3 were either Enterococcus avium or Enterococcus raffinosus. CONCLUSIONS: Ampicillin resistance is associated with resistance to vancomycin. Most ARE are resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and trovafloxacin. Ampicillin MICs for ARE found in these urinary specimens were all within 1 dilution of 256 μg/mL, a concentration achievable in the urine with higher doses of oral amoxicillin or intravenous ampicillin. Additional studies are needed to assess the clinical implications of these data.
Thalidomide Use in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Bessmertny Olga , Pham Trinh 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To provide a detailed overview of thalidomide use in pediatric patients. DATA SOURCES: English-language articles were identified through a MEDLINE search (1966–February 2001); key terms included thalidomide, child, graft-versus-host disease, cancer, HIV, Crohn's disease, Behcet's disease, and lupus erythematosus. References cited in those articles were also evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS: Thalidomide appears to be effective in patients with chronic, not acute, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and in healing aphthous ulcers in patients with HIV infection. Limited case reports suggest efficacy of thalidomide in the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of Behçet's disease, Crohn's disease, and lupus in children; however, the recurrence of disease is almost universal on drug discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Thalidomide should be used as a last resort when all other therapies fail, preferably in male or prepubescent female patients.
Lamotrigine Update and its Use in Mood Disorders
Authors: Hurley Stephen C 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To provide a qualitative, systematic update and review of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy in mood disorders, adverse effects, and costs of lamotrigine. DATA SOURCES: Citations obtained from MEDLINE searches (1985–September 2001) using lamotrigine as a text word, articles identified in reference lists of pertinent articles, abstracts presented at conferences, and research data from GlaxoSmithKline. DATA EXTRACTION: English-language articles were considered for possible inclusion. Each title and abstract was examined to determine whether the publication contained up-to-date information relevant to the objective. Twenty clinical trials that provided data on response rates in mood disorders were tabulated. DATA SYNTHESIS: Lamotrigine's primary action is to modulate voltage-gated sodium channels. Evidence suggests that it decreases glutamate transmission, directly reduces calcium influx, mildly blocks transmitter reuptake, and alters intracellular mechanisms of resting transmitter release. The average half-life of lamotrigine is approximately 24 hours, but decreases to approximately 7.4 hours when used concurrently with phenytoin, and increases to approximately 59 hours with valproic acid. Seven of the 20 clinical trials were randomized, double-blind, and controlled. Existing data are inadequate to evaluate lamotrigine use in major depression. The pooled response rates for patients with depressed, manic, mixed, and rapid cycling bipolar disorder were similar, ranging from 52% to 63%. Adverse effects are infrequent when the drug is used alone, but become more frequent when lamotrigine is combined with other anticonvulsants. While most rashes are mild, approximately 1 in 500 patients develops exfoliative dermatitis. A slow upward dose titration is recommended to reduce the incidence of serious rash, but this may delay the attainment of adequate dosage for 6 weeks. Lamotrigine has positive effects on cognitive function, but occasionally produces insomnia. Lamotrigine costs 2–4 × more than lithium, carbamazepine, and generic valproic acid. CONCLUSIONS: When efficacy, adverse effects, and cost are considered, lamotrigine should probably be reserved as a second-line agent for bipolar depression.
Intravenous versus Oral Corticosteroids for Treatment of Acute Asthma Exacerbations
Authors: Fulco Patricia Pecora , Lone Amista A , Pugh Carol B 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To compare the duration of hospitalization of patients treated with either oral or intravenous corticosteroids for an acute asthma exacerbation. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on a random sample of inpatients. Patients were included with the following: a discharge diagnosis of an acute asthma exacerbation, a past medical history significant for asthma, age between 16 and 60 years, and treatment with either oral or intravenous corticosteroids at the time of admission. Exclusion criteria included: patients receiving chronic prednisone therapy, a past medical history significant for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, an admission to the intensive care unit, or a consistent smoking habit of at least 1 pack daily. Length of hospitalization was the primary outcome measured. Secondary outcomes included 24-hour peak expiratory flow rate, 24-hour pulse oximetry (pO2), and amount of β-agonist and ipratropium used. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were included in the final data analysis. Patients were grouped by route of corticosteroid administration (intravenous or oral). No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups for race, gender, age, height, weight, admission peak expiratory flow rate, admission pO2, or types of asthma medications used prior to admission. No significant differences were demonstrated in any of the outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Both the intravenous and oral corticosteroid groups demonstrated similar clinical outcomes and lengths of hospitalization in the treatment of acute asthma exacerbations. These results support the initial use of oral corticosteroids for the treatment of acute asthma exacerbations in adult patients admitted to a general medical service.
Gender- and Age-Related Prescription Drug Use Patterns
Authors: Roe Catherine M , McNamara Ann M , Motheral Brenda R 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report the top 15 prescription drug categories used by males and females of all ages and to compare this information with national prevalence data. METHODS: Data used were pharmacy claim and eligibility information over the period January 1, 1999, through December 31, 1999, for 1 294 295 members of a large pharmacy benefit manager. Participant ages ranged from 1 to more than 100 years. Each participant was assigned to 1 of 9 age categories. Use of a drug category was defined as filling at least 1 prescription for a medication in that category during the study year. The percentage of males and females that used each drug group was established, and the 15 drug groups used most frequently were reported for each age category. RESULTS: Most gender differences in medication use appear after or around the puberty years. Women are more likely to use several classes of medications, including antidepressants and antianxiety and pain medications. Except for diuretics, men use cardiovascular medications at an earlier age than do women. The use of medications for chronic conditions increases with older age categories for both genders. The use of female hormones represents only a small proportion of the difference in medication use between genders. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of data from the epidemiologic literature suggests that the gender differences in medication use shown in this study generally are to be expected.
Cutaneous and Systemic Manifestations of Drug-Induced Vasculitis
Authors: Holder Sandra M ten , Joy Melanie S , Falk Ronald J 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the literature for published cases of drug-induced vasculitis with cutaneous and/or systemic manifestations. DATA SOURCES: The MEDLINE database was searched from 1965 to December 1999 for articles focusing on drugs and vasculitis, using various search terminologies (e.g., Churg-Strauss syndrome, Goodpasture's syndrome, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, various drugs suspected to induce vasculitis). Cases were included when they met the established criteria as described in the methodology. DATA SYNTHESIS: Drugs found to be most frequently associated with vasculitis were propylthiouracil, hydralazine, colony-stimulating factors, allopurinol, cefaclor, minocycline, D-penicillamine, phenytoin, isotretinoin, and methotrexate. The interval between the first exposure and appearance of symptoms was reported to be extremely variable (hours to years). Vasculitis has occurred after drug dosage increases and after rechallenge with the suspected drug. In the majority of cases, vasculitis has resolved after discontinuing the drug. Patients with more severe, often life-threatening, manifestations have required treatment with corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, hemodialysis, or cyclophosphamide. Death was the result in 10% of all published cases, with a predominance in patients in whom multiple organ systems were involved. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians need to be suspect of drug-induced vasculitis to enable prompt diagnosis and treatment. This should improve patient outcomes based on the data referenced for this article.
Delayed Wound Healing with Sirolimus after Liver Transplant
Authors: Guilbeau Jane M 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report 3 separate cases of wound dehiscence in liver transplant recipients receiving sirolimus for immunosuppressive therapy. CASE SUMMARIES: Three patients who had received liver transplants experienced a delay in wound granulation and healing after being placed on an immunosuppressive regimen containing sirolimus and steroids. Each patient was admitted and treated for wound dehiscence, at which time sirolimus was discontinued. When other immunosuppressive agents were substituted for sirolimus, each incisional wound granulated and closed without complication. DISCUSSION: Sirolimus is an important adjunctive immunosuppressant used to prevent acute rejection episodes in patients who have undergone transplant, particularly when nephrotoxic effects from first-line calcineurin inhibitors become problematic. The unique ability of sirolimus to inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and intimal thickening by blocking important growth factors may subsequently become a significant feature to prevent the development of chronic rejection. Theoretically, by this same mechanism, sirolimus may play a role in forestalling wound healing and may even promote dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: These case reports describe patients who underwent liver transplant who developed wound dehiscence possibly secondary to sirolimus therapy. Although the cases were complicated by acute rejection, wound infections, and comorbidities, wound granulation and healing began after discontinuation of sirolimus. Substitution with another immunosuppressant may be necessary for patients who experience wound dehiscence after transplant.
Influence of Standardized Orders on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Gynecologic Surgery
Authors: St. Pierre Edith , Frighetto Luciana , Marra Carlo A 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: The risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after gynecologic surgery remains high, despite effective prophylactic medications. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine whether standardized orders for the prophylaxis and treatment of PONV in gynecologic surgery patients (1) reduce PONV occurrence, (2) reduce total costs, and (3) influence the choice of medications used for PONV prophylaxis and treatment. METHODS: A retrospective design was employed in which a random sample of 200 patients was selected from each of the two 6-month phases before (pre) and after (post) the implementation of standardized orders for PONV prophylaxis and treatment. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any PONV episode. Logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounding factors. All costs were in 1999 Canadian dollars (Canadian dollar = US$0.673 in 1999). RESULTS: Characteristics were similar except for surgical and anesthesia length between phases. The proportion of patients who received PONV prophylaxis increased from 31% (pre) to 47% (post; p = 0.002). There was a reduction in the risk of a PONV event in the post-phase (odds ratio [OR] 0.67, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.97; p = 0.04). The risk of PONV was significantly reduced with the administration of prophylactic medications (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.67; p = 0.001). There was a reduction in the mean number of PONV episodes in the post-phase (1.47 events) versus the pre-phase (1.81 events; p = 0.02). A reduction in mean PONV management costs was observed in the post-phase ($8.31, SD ± 8.50) compared with the pre-phase ($10.23, SD ± 8.25; p = 0.02). For mean prophylactic costs, these were significantly higher in the postimplementation phase compared with the preimplementation phase ($1.64, SD ± 3.36 vs. $0.91, SD ± 2.43; p = 0.013). For mean total PONV costs (prophylaxis plus management costs), there was a nonsignificant reduction in the postimplementation phase compared with the preimplementation phase ($9.95, SD ± 9.20 vs. $11.15, SD ± 8.51, respectively; p = 0.18). Univariate sensitivity analyses revealed that the economic results were sensitive to several parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of preprinted order forms for PONV prophylaxis and treatment appears to be an effective and economically attractive strategy.
Gabapentin for Hot Flashes in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Jeffery Sean M , Pepe Jeffrey J , Popovich Lisa M , Vitagliano Gail 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of successful treatment of refractory hot flashes with gabapentin in a patient with prostate cancer who was receiving combination antiandrogen and gonadotropin hormone—releasing hormone (GnRH) analog therapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 70-year-old white man with a history of advancing prostate cancer experienced disabling hot flashes from combination therapy with the antiandrogen bicalutamide and the GnRH analog goserelin acetate. He failed to respond to clonidine 0.1 mg twice daily, megestrol acetate 40 mg/d, diethylstilbestrol 1 mg/d, and venlafaxine 25 mg twice daily. The patient was then treated with gabapentin 600 mg once daily, at which time he experienced near-complete resolution of his symptoms. DISCUSSION: This case supports a previous report of the marked improvement in severity and duration of hot flashes associated with antiandrogen or GnRH analog therapy in prostate cancer. The mechanism by which gabapentin reduces hot flashes is unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Hot flashes resulting from antiandrogen or GnRH analog therapy are often difficult to treat and leave many patients disabled. Gabapentin has been shown to markedly reduce the severity, frequency, and duration of these hot flashes. Controlled trials are necessary to evaluate gabapentin against other therapeutic modalities.
Bupropion-Induced Acute Dystonia
Authors: Detweiler Mark B , Harpold Gary J 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of acute dystonia consisting of neck stiffness, trismus, and unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and subluxation secondary to an increase in sustained-release (SR) bupropion. CASE SUMMARY: A 44-year-old white man with a history of chronic low-back pain and tension headaches, taking no other medications, was started on bupropion SR 150 mg once a day for depression. The dosage was increased to 150 mg SR twice a day and eventually augmented with buspirone 15 mg 3 × a day. He developed bilateral trismus, inability to rotate his head laterally, and spontaneous left TMJ subluxation. Symptoms recessed with discontinuation of both medications and failed to reappear with a trial of buspirone 15 mg 3 × a day alone. A retrial of bupropion alone evidenced no adverse effects at a dosage of 150 mg SR once a day. However, when the dosage was increased to 150 mg SR twice a day, the patient reexperienced initial signs of neck stiffness, jaw muscle tightness, and left TMJ subluxation within 24–48 hours. Reduction of the bupropion dosage to 150 mg SR once daily stopped the symptoms; the patient has continued at this dosage without adverse effects for >1 year. DISCUSSION: Medication-induced focal dystonias usually present with dramatic head (most frequently oral—buccal) and neck muscle spasm with occasional jaw clenching, bruxism, and TMJ syndrome. In this case, the rapid onset of neck and jaw symptoms within 24–48 hours of an increase of bupropion SR from 150 mg once a day to 150 mg twice a day suggest that the patient may have been sensitized by an initial trial of bupropion and buspirone, or by the increased dose of bupropion alone. Both agents are reported to interact with both the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. Although buspirone has been implicated in inducing acute dystonia, it did not do so in this case when used alone at a dose of 45 mg a day. During a second trial of bupropion SR 150 mg a day, neck and jaw symptoms recurred within 24–48 hours of increasing the dose to 150 mg SR twice a day. The symptoms receded when the bupropion dose was returned to 150 mg SR once a day, suggesting a dose—response relationship. The Naranjo probability scale indicated that this untoward reaction was probable. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that selected patients may experience dose-related acute dystonic adverse reactions to bupropion with or without buspirone augmentation. Dystonias, which usually follow administration of antipsychotics, have been linked to acute dopamine depletion and basal ganglion—derived γ synchronization dysfunction. Acute dystonia symptoms may begin within hours of starting or changing antipsychotic drug dosage; however, 90% of symptoms are observed during the first 3–5 days of starting or increasing dosage. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of bupropion-induced dystonia.
Leukotriene Modifiers to Prevent Aspirin-Provoked Respiratory Reactions in Asthmatics
Authors: Volkman Julie A , Pontikes Pamala J 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of leukotriene modifiers in preventing aspirin-provoked respiratory reactions in asthmatics. DATA SOURCES: Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (1965–February 2001). Key search terms included aspirin, asthma, leukotriene, and treatment. DATA SYNTHESIS: Aspirin-sensitive asthmatics experience a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from rhinitis to life-threatening bronchospasms, after the ingestion of aspirin or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The relationship between aspirin sensitivity, asthma, and nasal polyps was first reported in 1922. The exact mechanism of these reactions is not clearly understood. Four studies investigated the use of leukotriene modifiers to prevent aspirin-provoked respiratory reactions. The efficacy of these agents ranged from complete inhibition to no blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who experience aspirin-sensitive asthma should be cautious when taking aspirin and NSAIDs, despite treatment with leukotriene inhibitors.