bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Megestrol-Induced Cushing Syndrome
Authors: Caparrós Gracia Cruz , Zambrana Jose L , Delgado-Fernández Marcial , Díez Felipe 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Cushing syndrome associated with megestrol acetate therapy in a patient with renal insufficiency. SUMMARY: A 17-year-old boy with renal insufficiency due to unilateral renal agenesis developed Cushing syndrome and worsening of his renal function after megestrol acetate therapy. The diagnosis was based on clinical and analytical evaluation. DISCUSSION: Megestrol acetate is indicated for the treatment of cachexia associated with AIDS and malignancy. Due to its glucocorticoid activity, megestrol use has resulted in the occurrence of Cushing syndrome in both patient groups. We report the case of a young patient with renal insufficiency due to unilateral renal agenesis who developed Cushing syndrome two months after administration of high-dose (900-mg/d) megestrol acetate for an eating disorder. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of megestrol-induced Cushing syndrome, especially with high doses of the medication, should be considered as a possible adverse effect in patients with renal insufficiency.
Gabapentin for Treatment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Authors: Miller Lisa J 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report the use of gabapentin in the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and to review the available literature relating to the use of gabapentin in this population. CASE SUMMARY: A 62-year-old white man was admitted to the hospital due to a worsening state of confusion, anxiety, depressed mood, insomnia, and verbal and physical aggressiveness toward his wife. He had a past medical history significant for vascular dementia. He had been intolerant of or had failed to respond to numerous antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and neuroleptics. The addition of gabapentin to the patient's medication regimen resulted in reduced agitation, sexual inappropriateness, and lability. He was discharged to his home on a dose of gabapentin 300 mg three × daily. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1966–August 2000) was performed to identify case reports and clinical trials discussing the efficacy of gabapentin in the treatment of BPSD. DISCUSSION: Gabapentin, like other anticonvulsants, has been used with success in several psychiatric illnesses. Available literature indicates that the drug may have some efficacy in the treatment of BPSD. It has a favorable adverse effect profile in the elderly, which makes it an attractive alternative to standard therapies, including benzodiazepines and neuroleptics. Optimal dosing remains unclear. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that gabapentin is a reasonable alternative therapy for patients whose behavioral symptoms do not respond to conventional agents.
Prevention and Treatment of Veno-Occlusive Disease
Authors: Pegram Anita A , Kennedy LeAnne D 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: T o review the current options for prevention and treatment of veno-occlusive disease in bone marrow transplant patients. DATA SOURCES: Articles were selected from a MEDLINE search (1966–October 1999) using the key terms veno-occlusive disease and bone marrow transplantation. In addition, references of all articles were examined for articles not found in the computer-based search. DATA EXTRACTION: All clinical trials, case—control studies, and case reports were evaluated. RESULTS: Heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, prostaglandin E1, ursodiol, and glutamine have been studied for prevention of veno-occlusive disease. Heparin has been studied most extensively; however, no preventive regimen has a defined role in therapy. For treatment, tissue plasminogen activator has been evaluated most thoroughly, yet its safety and efficacy have not been clearly established in patients with veno-occlusive disease. Other possible treatment options include antithrombin-III, defibrotide, glutamine plus vitamin E, and surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the available data, the most promising agents are ursodiol for prevention and defibrotide or glutamine plus vitamin E for treatment of veno-occlusive disease. Further clinical trials are needed to establish the appropriate preventive and treatment options available for bone marrow transplant patients suffering from veno-occlusive disease. To date, such decisions depend largely on poorly designed trials, case reports, and clinical experience.
Levofloxacin Failure in a Patient with Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Authors: Empey Philip E , Jennings Heath R , Thornton Alice C , Rapp Robert P , Evans Martin E 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of levofloxacin failure in a patient with a penicillin-sensitive Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia. CASE SUMMARY: A previously healthy, immunocompetent, 53-year-old white man presented with penicillin-sensitive S. pneumoniae pneumonia. The patient was empirically placed on levofloxacin monotherapy, which was continued due to a local penicillin shortage. When the patient failed to improve, further susceptibility testing was ordered. The organism was found to have a penicillin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.023 μg/mL and a levofloxacin MIC of 6 μg/mL. Effective antimicrobial therapy was delayed, as clinicians did not anticipate fluoroquinolone resistance. DISCUSSION: Newer fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin have good activity against most S. pneumoniae isolates and are used for the treatment of pneumonia. Although resistance to these agents is rare, it has been reported. Current guidelines from the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards do not recommend initial fluoroquinolone susceptibility testing. CONCLUSIONS: As fluoroquinolone resistance may not be identified by susceptibility patterns to other antibiotics, early fluoroquinolone susceptibility testing and increased awareness of resistance may aid clinicians in their treatment of pneumococcal disease.
Evaluation of a New Integrated Discharge Prescription Form
Authors: Paquette-Lamontagne Nicolas , McLean William M , Besse Lysanne , Cusson Jean 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a new discharge prescription form which integrates admission medications, in-hospital changes, and discharge medications could enhance the accuracy of information in patient profiles in community pharmacies after hospital discharge. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, prospective, multi-site study. SETTINGS: Internal medicine wards of the three teaching hospitals (1200 beds) of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal. SUBJECTS: Patients admitted to the internal medicine wards between January 4 and 31, 1999, at St.-Luc and Notre-Dame Hospitals formed the control group and received a usual discharge form (UD). Those admitted between February 1 and 28, 1999, received the new discharge prescription form (DPF) capturing the list of admission medications and revisions during hospitalization; they served as the experimental group. METHODS: Patient profiles were reviewed to calculate conformity rates of community pharmacy patient profiles after discharge and the rate of overall conformity for each group in the study. Each drug in the patient profile was assessed according to six criteria. Healthcare providers' satisfaction with the DPF was assessed via a written questionnaire. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients and 669 discharge medications were studied. The patient profiles had a higher conformity rate in the DPF group than in the UD group (82% vs. 40%; p < 0.001); improvement could be attributed to higher conformity rates, particularly for two criteria (medications stopped in hospital and dose changes in hospital). CONCLUSIONS: Integration of admission medications, in-hospital changes, and discharge medications on a single form increases the conformity rates of community pharmacy patient profiles after hospitalization. This tool is well accepted by both pharmacists and physicians and may lead to a major decrease in drug-related problems.
Antidepressant Prescribing to Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Patients in Primary Care
Authors: Sleath Betsy L , Rubin Richard H , Huston Sally A 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether there was a difference in the prescribing of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and non-SSRI antidepressants to Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients in primary care. METHODS: Twenty-seven family practice and internal medicine resident physicians and 407 of their Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients who were fluent in English or Spanish participated in the study. The medical records of all patients were reviewed and information about patient diagnoses and antidepressant prescriptions was abstracted. Logistic regression was used to examine whether Hispanic ethnicity influenced physician prescribing of SSRI and non-SSRI antidepressants while controlling for other patient characteristics and diagnoses. For patients with a diagnosis of depression, logistic regression was used to examine whether Hispanic ethnicity influenced whether patients received antidepressant treatment while controlling for other patient characteristics. RESULTS: Twenty-seven percent of patients received a prescription for one or more antidepressants. Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients were equally likely to be prescribed SSRI and non-SSRI antidepressant medications. Having a diagnosis of depression and having a diagnosis of chronic pain was significantly correlated with the prescribing of a non-SSRI antidepressant (p < 0.001; p < 0.01, respectively). Having a diagnosis of depression was significantly correlated with the prescribing of an SSRI antidepressant (p < 0.001). Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients with a diagnosis of depression were equally likely to be prescribed antidepressant treatment. Patients with a diagnosis of depression in the general medicine clinic were significantly less likely to receive antidepressant therapy than patients in the family practice clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic ethnicity did not influence antidepressant prescribing. Future research in other settings is needed to further determine whether Hispanic ethnicity influences antidepressant prescribing.
Role of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Protease Inhibitors
Authors: John Leela , Marra Fawziah , Ensom Mary HH 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To review the role of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for protease inhibitors in the treatment of HIV infection. DATA SOURCES: Primary articles were identified using MEDLINE (1966–October 2000), EMBASE (1987–October 2000), AIDSLINE (1980–October 2000), Current Contents, PubMed, and Medscape. Further articles were identified from bibliographic review of primary articles and review papers. Abstracts presented at the World AIDS Conference, Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, and Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections were also identified from 1997 to 2000. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language, prospective clinical trials, as well as selected retrospective studies and case series, pertaining to therapeutic drug monitoring of protease inhibitors were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: A number of clinical studies have found a good relationship between concentration and pharmacologic response and/or toxicity as well as wide interpatient variability in the pharmacokinetics of protease inhibitors. There also is some preliminary evidence of the usefulness of plasma drug concentrations to guide dosage adjustments of protease inhibitors in patients with liver dysfunction. Furthermore, there is preliminary evidence of a relationship between drug concentrations and resistance. CONCLUSIONS: A number of clinical studies support the usefulness of TDM of protease inhibitors. However, before TDM can be of the most value, further evaluation requires simplified and standardized assays to be performed routinely by clinical laboratories; determination of the appropriate target concentration and therapeutic range, as well as the best predictor of pharmacologic response; and refined interpretation of plasma drug concentrations. Randomized, controlled clinical trials of patient outcomes are needed to assess the clinical utility of TDM for protease inhibitors.
Relief of Fibromyalgia Symptoms following Discontinuation of Dietary Excitotoxins
Authors: Smith Jerry D , Terpening Chris M , Schmidt Siegfried OF , Gums John G 
Published: June 2003

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a common rheumatologic disorder that is often difficult to treat effectively. CASE SUMMARY: Four patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome for two to 17 years are described. All had undergone multiple treatment modalities with limited success. All had complete, or nearly complete, resolution of their symptoms within months after eliminating monosodium glutamate (MSG) or MSG plus aspartame from their diet. All patients were women with multiple comorbidities prior to elimination of MSG. All have had recurrence of symptoms whenever MSG is ingested. DISCUSSION: Excitotoxins are molecules, such as MSG and aspartate, that act as excitatory neurotransmitters, and can lead to neurotoxicity when used in excess. We propose that these four patients may represent a subset of fibromyalgia syndrome that is induced or exacerbated by excitotoxins or, alternatively, may comprise an excitotoxin syndrome that is similar to fibromyalgia. We suggest that identification of similar patients and research with larger numbers of patients must be performed before definitive conclusions can be made. CONCLUSIONS: The elimination of MSG and other excitotoxins from the diets of patients with fibromyalgia offers a benign treatment option that has the potential for dramatic results in a subset of patients.
Calcium-Channel Antagonists and Nitrates in Coronary Artery Bypass Patients Receiving Radial Artery Grafts
Authors: Kalus James S , Lober Cheryl A 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature assessing the role of vasodilators for the prevention of vasospasm leading to graft failure in patients receiving the radial artery (RA) as a conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (January 1966–May 2000) was performed using calcium-channel antagonists, nitrates, radial artery, and coronary artery bypass as key words. English-language articles were identified, and the references of these articles were used to further identify pertinent articles. DATA SYNTHESIS: RAs can be used as conduits in CABG. It has been suggested that failure of these grafts may be due to vasospasm, leading to occlusion observed angiographically. Calcium-channel antagonists and nitrates have been proposed as a means of preventing vasospasm and subsequent graft failure. CONCLUSIONS: Currently published data on the use of calcium-channel antagonist or nitrate therapy as prophylaxis against vasospasm in patients receiving RA grafts are inconclusive. Systematic evaluations of currently available pharmacologic agents are needed to guide clinical practice in this area.
Colesevelam Hydrochloride: A Novel Bile Acid-Binding Resin
Authors: Aldridge Martha A , Ito Matthew K 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and adverse effects of colesevelam hydrochloride, a bile acid—binding resin. METHODS: MEDLINE searches (1966–June 2000) and manufacturer prescribing literature were employed to find articles on colesevelam. Additional studies and abstracts were identified from the bibliographies of reviewed literature. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All articles identified from data sources were evaluated, and all information deemed relevant was included in this review. Priority was given to randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. FINDINGS: Colesevelam HCl is a nonabsorbed hydrogel with bile acid sequestrant properties. Monotherapy using colesevelam in once-daily or two divided daily doses of 1.5–4.5 g has produced significant reductions in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Mean LDL cholesterol decreases to 20% have been noted when the patient is on 3.75–4.5 g/d. Increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol have been observed (up to 9%), whereas triglycerides (TG) have increased significantly to 25% in some studies. In unpublished studies, combined use of colesevelam plus hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor have produced greater reductions in LDL cholesterol than either the statin or colesevelam administered alone. The efficacy of colesevelam monotherapy is slightly less than or similar to cholestyramine or colestipol in decreasing LDL cholesterol, although colesevelam is more potent on a gram-to-gram basis. Adverse effects have been minimal with colesevelam in published studies; this suggests an advantage over cholestyramine or colestipol therapy. Colesevelam appears to be more cost-effective than the packet dosage form of the brand formulation of the older bile acid resins. Care in selection of an appropriate agent should be exercised when considering the issues of adverse effects and palatability. CONCLUSIONS: Colesevelam alone or combined with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is effective in the reduction of total and LDL cholesterol. Since colesevelam is formulated as a tablet, problems with palatability such as with the powder formulation of the bile acid—binding resins are likely to be eliminated.
Transient Hypoparathyroidism Due to Amphotericin B—Induced Hypomagnesemia in a Patient with β–Thalassemia
Authors: Marcus Nufar , Garty Ben Zion 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of transient hypoparathyroidism that developed in a β-thalassemic patient due to amphotericin B—induced hypomagnesemia. CASE SUMMARY: A 21-year-old man with β-thalassemia was treated with amphotericin B for Candida albicans intravenous line sepsis. After five days of treatment (cumulative dose 160 mg), he developed hypomagnesemia, which caused hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia; all three abnormalities resolved after the drug was withdrawn. DISCUSSION: Patients with β-thalassemia may develop endocrinologic abnormalities due to excessive iron deposition. Some may have subclinical hypoparathyroidism that clinically emerges after even a mild homeostasis disturbance. Amphotericin B is associated with variable adverse effects including renal tubular insult, which may induce hypomagnesemia following relatively short treatment. The resolution of hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and hypoparathyroidism in our patient after discontinuation of amphotericin B treatment suggests that the endocrine dysfunction was due to a drug-related adverse effect and not to parathyroid dysfunction caused by iron deposition. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates a known but rarely reported adverse effect of amphotericin B, namely hypomagnesemia, that may occur even at a low cumulative dose. It also emphasizes that patients with an underlying disease, such as thalassemia, may be more susceptible to hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia during treatment with amphotericin B.
Adherence to ATS Guidelines for Hospitalized Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Malone Daniel C , Shaban Hanan M 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of care and antibiotic utilization for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) throughout a group of not-for-profit hospitals. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients from community hospitals with a diagnosis of pneumonia at discharge admitted from December 1997 to May 1998. Data were collected based on American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria. RESULTS: Medical records of 330 patients were reviewed; mortality was 7%. Using ATS guidelines, 51 (15.5%) patients were not treated with recommended antimicrobial therapy. Of these patients, 14 had nonsevere cases of CAP and 37 cases were severe. Factors found to be associated with in-hospital mortality included nonadherence to ATS guidelines (OR 4.46; 95% CI 1.38 to 14.43), decreased urine output (OR 7.72; 95% CI 1.70 to 35.04), and increasing age (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12). Significant predictors of length of stay (LOS) included age, nonadherence to ATS criteria, suspected aspiration, discharge status, low pulse oximetry on admission, decreased urine output, use of vasopressor medications, and interstitial lung disease. More than 80% of patients had at least one culture performed, but only 27.5% of these cultures were positive. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was cefuroxime injection, representing 25% of the antibiotic orders. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CAP treated inconsistently with ATS guidelines had a 4.46-fold higher risk of inpatient mortality and had significantly longer LOS.
Antiepileptic Hypersensitivity Syndrome in Children
Authors: Bessmertny Olga , Hatton Randy C , Gonzalez-Peralta Regino P 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical features and outcomes of childhood antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS). AHS is an idiosyncratic reaction to aromatic anticonvulsants that can result in severe multiorgan dysfunction and death. METHODS: Children with suspected AHS (fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, liver dysfunction) were identified by an in-house computerized adverse drug event reporting system. The medical charts of children with suspected AHS were reviewed. A MEDLINE search (from 1966 to October 1999) was performed using the term antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome. RESULTS: Fourteen of 36 children who experienced a rash, urticaria, pruritus, fever, or hepatotoxicity associated with aromatic anticonvulsants met the criteria for AHS (mean age 10.4 ± 6.5 y; males to females 8:6, white to African-American to biracial 10:3:1). Eight patients were receiving phenytoin, six carbamazepine, and four phenobarbital alone or in combination. The mean time from exposure to development of symptoms was 23.0 ± 14.8 days. In addition to rash and fever (present in all patients by definition), other common features of AHS were lymphocytosis (71.4%), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (64.3%), elevated aminotransferases (64.3%), lymphadenopathy (57.1%), eosinophilia (42.8%), coagulopathy (42.8%), leukocytosis (35.7%), leukopenia (35.7%), hyperbilirubinemia (35.7%), and nephritis (7.1%). All children recovered except one, who died from complications of liver failure. Clinical outcome was similar between children who received systemic steroid therapy (n = 5) and those who did not. Antiepileptics producing AHS were discontinued in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: AHS can be fatal in children if not promptly recognized. Fever, rash, and hepatotoxicity should serve as presumptive evidence for AHS, which requires immediate discontinuation of an offending anticonvulsant.
Prophylaxis for Paclitaxel Hypersensitivity Reactions
Authors: Kintzel Polly E 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical literature supporting the prophylactic use of single-dose intravenous dexamethasone to prevent hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to paclitaxel infusion. DATA SOURCES: Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (from 1986 to 2000). DATA SYNTHESIS: Prophylaxis for paclitaxel-related HSRs generally includes repeated dexamethasone doses beginning 12 hours before paclitaxel, and administration of diphenhydramine plus a histamine2-receptor antagonist 30 minutes before infusion of paclitaxel. Single-dose intravenous dexamethasone administered with ancillary medications 30 minutes before infusion of paclitaxel has been used to prevent regimen-related HSRs. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose intravenous dexamethasone can be used in combination with appropriate ancillary medications to prevent paclitaxel-related HSRs.