bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperlipidemia in HIV-Positive Patients Receiving Antiretrovirals
Authors: Segarra-Newnham Marisel 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of lipid abnormalities and treatment outcomes for hyperlipidemia in HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy as outpatients at a Veterans Affairs HIV clinic. METHODS: All patients monitored for at least 3 months were reviewed. Data collected included age, most recent CD4+ cell count and viral load, ARV history, and all fasting cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values. The ARV therapy at the time of lipid readings was classified as including protease inhibitors (PI+) or not including them (PI-). Lipid values were compared with goals per national guidelines and risk factors. RESULTS: Male patients (n = 101) providing 210 lipid profiles were evaluated (median 2 per patient). Median age was 51 years. Fourteen patients were diabetic, 31 were hypertensive, and 6 patients had documented coronary disease. Mean cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL values were significantly higher in PI+ (n = 50) compared with those of PI- patients (n = 51; p < 0.05). HDL values were not different between groups. Significantly more PI+ patients had lipid concentrations above recommended goals compared with PI- patients (17 vs. 7; p = 0.04). Six patients achieved lipid goals after following a low-fat diet (4 PI+). Fifteen subjects (11 PI+) were being treated with medications. Ten patients (67%) reached lipid goals, 2 had not reached goals (13%), and 3 (20%) were undergoing medication titration. CONCLUSIONS: Our HIV-infected patients had significantly higher cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL values when PI+. In contrast to other reports, the majority of patients treated for lipid abnormalities achieved treatment goals.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Associated with Interleukin-2
Authors: Huerta Angel A Segura , Tordera Pablo , Cercós Ana C , Yuste Ana L , López-Tendero Pedro , Reynés Gaspar 
Published: June 2003

BACKGROUND: Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) has been characteristically unresponsive to chemotherapy. In lieu of an effective regimen, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon alfa are considered drugs of choice to treat this cancer. Subcutaneous IL-2 is safe and well tolerated, with a mortality rate <3%. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of cutaneous and hematologic toxicity in a patient treated with IL-2. CASE SUMMARY: A 67-year-old woman received radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer that had metastasized to the bone and lungs. IL-2 was part of the regimen. After 5 days of treatment with IL-2, the patient developed a hemorrhagic lesion that progressed to toxic epidermal necrolysis, as well as grade 4 pancytopenia. She died 10 days after treatment was begun. At the time of death, leukocytes were 0.3 × 103/mm3, platelets 10 × 103/mm3, and hemoglobin 6.8 mg/dL. DISCUSSION: Cutaneous IL-2 adverse effects are frequent, but generally mild and reversible. The adverse hematologic effects are usually transitory and pancytopenia is not frequent. The severity of cutaneous and hematologic toxicity experienced by our patient has rarely been reported. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IL-2 in bedridden patients with performance status >2 must be given on an individualized basis. If radiotherapy over extensive areas of the body is needed, the use of IL-2 must be postponed until radiotherapy is completed.
Low-Dose Ritonavir for Protease Inhibitor Pharmacokinetic Enhancement
Authors: Rathbun R Chris , Rossi Deanna R 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To examine the use of low-dose ritonavir as a pharmacokinetic enhancer for HIV protease inhibitors. DATA SOURCES: Primary articles, review articles, and conference abstracts identified by MEDLINE search (1995–May 2001) and secondary sources. DATA SYNTHESIS: Low-dose ritonavir (100–200 mg) is increasingly being combined with HIV protease inhibitors to improve their effectiveness and allow less frequent dosing. An evaluation of the clinical evidence supporting this practice was conducted. CONCLUSIONS: Limited outcome data exist for low-dose ritonavir-based regimens in general. Although preliminary data appear promising, more clinical evidence is needed to determine the optimal dosing, long-term safety, and relative effectiveness of this approach. The role of these regimens in early therapy remains to be defined.
Treatment of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Dager William E , White Richard H 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To describe heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT or HIT-2), an immune-mediated adverse reaction to heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin. Available treatment options and considerations in developing a therapy approach are discussed. DATA SOURCES: A search of the National Library of Medicine (1992–June 2001) was done to identify pertinent literature. Additional references were reviewed from selected articles. STUDY SELECTION: Articles related to laboratory recognition and treatment options of HIT, including the use of agents in selected clinical conditions, were reviewed and included. CONCLUSIONS: HIT is a rare but potentially severe adverse reaction to heparin that was, until recently, poorly understood and had limited treatment options. Recent advances describing the recognition and clinical manifestations of immune-mediated HIT, including recently available antithrombotic treatment options, have dramatically changed outcomes for patients having this syndrome.
New-Onset Seizure Associated with Quetiapine and Olanzapine
Authors: Hedges Dawson W , Jeppson Kreg G 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report a case involving a witnessed seizure in a patient receiving concurrent olanzapine and quetiapine. CASE SUMMARY: A 27-year-old white woman was observed to have a seizure while receiving a stable dosage of olanzapine 15 mg/d, with the addition of quetiapine 100 mg in the evening 1 day before the occurrence of the seizure. There were no known risk factors for epilepsy. DISCUSSION: This case reports a new-onset seizure in the context of concurrent olanzapine and quetiapine use. Interpretation is complicated by recent discontinuation of low-dose clonazepam. CONCLUSIONS: While uncommon, seizures can occur with non-clozapine atypical antipsychotics. Caution is indicated when using these drugs with other agents that may lower the seizure threshold.
Ototoxicity Induced by Gentamicin and Furosemide
Authors: Bates Duane E , Beaumont Steve J , Baylis Barry W 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To present a case of ototoxicity induced by furosemide and once-daily gentamicin therapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 60-year-old white woman presented to the hospital with community-acquired pneumonia and urinary tract infection. The antibiotic regimen included gentamicin and, after 5 doses, the patient reported profound bilateral hearing loss. A Pure Tone Audiogram suggested moderate to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss bilaterally. The only risk factors present included her age, elevated temperature, and the use of furosemide. DISCUSSION: Several risk factors may predispose a patient to developing aminoglycoside ototoxicity: the 1555 chromosomal mutation, preexisting disorders of hearing and balance, hypovolemia, bacteremia, liver and renal dysfunction, and the simultaneous administration of other ototoxic medications. The cumulative dose and duration of aminoglycoside therapy are more important than serum concentrations. Administration of an aminoglycoside followed by furosemide may increase the risk of ototoxicity. The aminoglycoside interacts with the cell membranes in the inner ear, increasing their permeability. This theoretically allows the loop diuretic to penetrate into the cells in higher concentrations, causing more severe damage. CONCLUSIONS: Auditory toxicity occurred after only 5 days of gentamicin therapy and 1 dose of furosemide. An aminoglycoside followed by furosemide may increase the risk for ototoxicity. Clinicians need to be aware of the synergistic potential of ototoxic medications.
Preventable Drug-Related Hospital Admissions
Authors: Winterstein Almut G , Sauer Brian C , Hepler Charles D , Poole Charles 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of preventable drug-related hospital admissions (PDRAs) and to explore if selected study characteristics affect prevalence estimates. METHODS: Keyword search of MEDLINE (1966–December 1999), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–December 1999), and hand search. Two reviewers independently selected studies published in peer-reviewed journals and extracted crude prevalence estimates and study characteristics. Trials had to specifically address consequences of drug therapy requiring hospital admission and include a quantitative preventability assessment. Stratified analysis and meta-regression were used to explore the association between study characteristics and prevalence estimates. DATA SYNTHESIS: Fifteen studies reported a median PDRA prevalence of 4.3% (interquartile range [IQR] 3.1–9.5%). The median preventability rate of drug-related admissions was 59% (IQR 50–73%). No evidence of publication bias related to study size could be determined. Because the individual study results were highly heterogeneous (Cochran's Q = 176, df = 14; p < 0.001), no meta-analytic summary estimate was computed. Stratified analysis suggested an association between prevalence estimates and 3 study characteristics: exclusion of first admissions (readmission studies: average PDRA prevalence of 14.0 %, estimated prevalence OR = 3.7); mean age of admissions >70 (OR = 2.1); and inclusion of “indirect” drug-related morbidity, such as omission errors or therapeutic failure (OR = 1.9). There was little evidence of other associations with prevalence estimates, such as selection of specific hospital units, exclusion/inclusion of planned admissions, country, and specified methods of PDRA case ascertainment. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-related morbidity is a significant healthcare problem, and a great proportion is preventable. Study methods in prevalence reports vary and should be considered when interpreting findings or planning future research.
Increased Lithium Dose Requirement in a Hyperglycemic Patient
Authors: Cyr Monica , Guia Melanie AC , Laizure S Casey 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of apparent increased lithium clearance in a patient with persistent hyperglycemia. METHODS: Lithium doses, blood glucose concentrations, and lithium plasma concentrations were evaluated in a patient during a 53-day inpatient admission for exacerbation of bipolar disorder. The lithium dose required to increase the lithium plasma concentration by 0.1 mEq/L was computed from the lithium dose and corresponding lithium plasma concentration. This value was correlated with the blood glucose concentration. RESULTS: A plot of the lithium dose required to increase the lithium plasma concentration by 0.1 mEq/L versus the blood glucose concentration exhibited a direct linear relationship (r2 = 0.62). This plot indicates that higher lithium doses are needed during hyperglycemic states compared with euglycemic states to achieve equivalent plasma concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Glycosuria associated with hyperglycemia induces an osmotic diuresis that increases the renal clearance of lithium, necessitating higher lithium doses to maintain therapeutic lithium plasma concentrations.
Herbs for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Dvorkin Lana , Song Kathy Y 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To review and evaluate the literature relative to the use of herbal therapies in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. DATA SOURCES: Literature was identified by MEDLINE, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and the International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements searches and through cross-referencing of selected articles. STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION: All articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included in this review. DATA SYNTHESIS: A large percentage of men >50 years old begin to experience signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Herbs hold promise in the treatment of BPH. Serenoa repens, Pygeum africanum, Urtica dioica radix, and Cucurbita peponis semen are some of the botanical therapies used in the treatment of BPH. CONCLUSIONS: There are many European studies examining efficacy, dose, and adverse effects of these plants in the treatment of BPH. However, numerous questions remain. These include issues concerning long-term beneficial and adverse effects of herbal therapy, prevention of complications, standardization of extracts, and concomitant use with “mainstream” medications. Based on the information available today, these botanical therapies can be used for treatment of a number of objective and subjective symptoms in patients with BPH, stages I and II.
Breast Enlargement Induced by D-Penicillamine
Authors: Tchebiner Joseph Z 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report a patient with reversible breast enlargement due to D-penicillamine treatment for scleroderma. CASE SUMMARY: A 55-year-old white woman developed enlarged breasts during D-penicillamine therapy for scleroderma. The enlargement regressed following discontinuation of the drug, and planned breast reduction surgery was avoided. DISCUSSION: D-Penicillamine has been used in the treatment of various diseases including scleroderma. Breast enlargement has been previously described as a rare adverse effect of this drug. The enlargement subsided following discontinuation of the medication. CONCLUSIONS: Attention is called to this rare adverse effect in an effort to avoid unnecessary diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, including surgery.
Cost Impact of Switching Histamine2-Receptor Antagonists to Nonprescription Status
Authors: Furler Michelle D , Rolnick Mark S , Lawday Kathleen S , Mak Miranda W , Einarson Thomas R 
Published: June 2003

BACKGROUND: There is a recent trend to switching medications from prescription to nonprescription status. Often, such switches are accompanied by dramatic changes in utilization due to increased availability or decreased insurance coverage. The histamine2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) underwent such status change in the UK in 1994, the US in 1995, and Canada in 1996. OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of the status change for H2RAs on the market for gastrointestinal (GI) agents in the US, UK, and Canada. METHODS: IMS market sales data from 1992 to 1997 were procured. All costs were converted to 1997 US dollars using the consumer price index. Per capita sales figures were determined using population data from the US Census Bureau's International Database. RESULTS: Overall spending on GI remedies increased in all 3 markets between 1992 and 1997; however, the contribution of prescription sales and number of prescriptions varied across the 3 countries. An increased market share for nonprescription H2RAs occurred in the US, correlating with a decline in prescription numbers for GI remedies. The opposing trend occurred in the UK, where market share of nonprescription H2RAs was minimal and use of prescription H2RAs increased. Prescription and nonprescription H2RA sales could not be differentiated for Canada. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of the H2RA status change varied across countries. Differences in utilization may be attributed to many factors such as differing healthcare systems, patient convenience, and physician prescribing practices. Further research is required to identify the reasons for differences in utilization and to quantify the potential clinical impact.
Stability of Furosemide in Human Albumin Solution
Authors: Elwell Rowland J , Spencer Anne P , Barnes Julie F , Wynn James E , Jones Curtis E 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To determine the chemical stability of furosemide in human albumin solution over a 28-day period and to assess admixtures for microbiologic contamination. METHODS: Samples were prepared by mixing furosemide injectable solution and 25% human albumin solution in a 1:1 molar ratio. Six bulk containers were prepared and stored in the dark: 3 under refrigeration (∼4 °C) and 3 at room temperature (∼25 °C). Study samples were withdrawn from each bulk solution immediately after preparation and at predetermined intervals over the subsequent 28 days. Containers were observed for color change and precipitation against a light and dark background at each sampling interval. Total furosemide concentration was determined using HPLC. Additional vials were prepared and assessed for microbiologic growth at time points corresponding with chemical stability results. RESULTS: A mean of 94.5% ± 1.33% of the initial furosemide concentration remained after 48 hours at room temperature. Under refrigeration, 100.6% ± 1.02% of the initial concentration remained at 14 days. Beyond these respective time points, <90% of the initial furosemide concentration remained. No bacterial or fungal growth was observed. CONCLUSIONS: When combined with 25% human albumin solution and stored under darkness, furosemide is chemically stable and free of microbiologic contamination for 48 hours at room temperature and 14 days under refrigeration.
Effect of Tablet Splitting on Serum Cholesterol Concentrations
Authors: Duncan Megan C , Castle Sharon S , Streetman Daniel S 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of tablet splitting on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol values in patients taking simvastatin and atorvastatin. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol values of patients instructed to split simvastatin or atorvastatin between January 1999 and November 2000. SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Huntington, WV. PATIENTS: Patients were included if they were taking simvastatin or atorvastatin with regular lipid management and follow-up laboratory results. Patients were required to remain on the same milligram-per-day dose at least 6–8 weeks before and after tablet-splitting initiation and have cholesterol values drawn at least 6 weeks after initiation of both whole-tablet and half-tablet dosing. Patients were excluded if they had a triglyceride level >400 mg/dL or were noncompliant on the basis of pharmacy records and provider notes. MEASUREMENT OUTCOMES: The primary end points were changes in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol values before and after the patient was switched to half-tablet therapy. RESULTS: The overall results for this review demonstrated no statistically significant increase in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol values actually decreased from presplitting to postsplitting, p = 0.017 and p = 0.003, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The investigation showed that half-tablet dosing was as effective as whole-tablet dosing. The program will be continued as a part of quality patient care at the Huntington Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Neurotoxic Syndrome Associated with Risperidone and Fluvoxamine
Authors: Reeves Roy R , Mack James E , Beddingfield John J 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a neurotoxic syndrome in a patient undergoing concomitant treatment with risperidone and fluvoxamine. CASE REPORT: A 24-year-old African American woman hospitalized for psychosis was unresponsive to risperidone. Because of obsessive symptoms, low doses of fluvoxamine were added to her treatment regimen. Within 2 days, she developed confusion, diaphoresis, diarrhea, hyperreflexia, and myoclonus, which then progressed to rigidity, fever, and unresponsiveness, requiring endotracheal intubation. Symptoms resolved over 10 days with discontinuation of medication, hydration, and bromocriptine 5 mg 3 × daily. Ultimately, she was treated with olanzapine and fluvoxamine without adverse effects. DISCUSSION: This represents the first reported case of a neurotoxic syndrome secondary to treatment with risperidone and fluvoxamine. Differential diagnosis between neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and serotonin syndrome (SS) could not be accurately determined because of the overlap of signs and symptoms of both syndromes. NMS and SS may represent different aspects of a more generalized neurotoxic syndrome. This could be an important consideration in formulating treatment for neurotoxic syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of potentially serious adverse reactions that may occur during concomitant treatment with antipsychotics and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors.
Use of Cisapride with Contraindicated Drugs in the Netherlands
Authors: De Bruin Marie L , Panneman Martien JM , Leufkens Hubert GM , Hoes Arno W , Herings Ron MC 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of concomitant use and coprescribing of cisapride with potentially interacting drugs to evaluate the impact of these warnings from 1994 to 1998. DESIGN: Retrospective follow-up study of patients using cisapride. SETTING: Data for this study were obtained from the pharmacy database of the Dutch PHARMO record linkage system ( n = 834 000). RESULTS: From 1994 to 1998, the prevalence rate of the observed versus expected use of any potentially interacting drug decreased significantly over time (p < 0.01). However, the number of days-at-risk and number of coprescriptions of potentially interacting drugs among cisapride users increased on average by 13% and 9% per year, respectively. This increase was almost exclusively explained by a large increase in concomitant prescribing of clarithromycin, the most commonly used potentially interacting drug. Decreases in prevalence rates were observed for all individual potentially interacting drugs, except for concomitant use of fluconazole and miconazole. CONCLUSIONS: Over the last few years, healthcare professionals have refrained from dispensing potentially interacting drugs to patients who use cisapride, probably as a result of drug warnings implemented during this period. The limited absolute effects result from an increase of coprescription and concomitant use of clarithromycin and fluconazole among cisapride users. Because therapeutically equivalent alternatives were available for both drugs, such combinations were avoidable. Communicating information on these drug—drug interactions to prescribers and pharmacists and inclusion of cardiovascular morbidity as a relative contraindication for prescribing cisapride with these drugs may substantially decrease the risk of potentially adverse events to cisapride.
Stereoselective Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Anti-Asthma Agents
Authors: Vakily Majid , Mehvar Reza , Brocks Dion 
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: To review the previously published studies on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chiral drugs used in the treatment of asthma. DATA SOURCES: Primary and review articles were identified with a MEDLINE search (1980–May 2001) and through secondary sources. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language studies and reviews obtained from the MEDLINE search pertaining to stereoselective pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chiral anti-asthma drugs were assessed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Several anti-asthma drugs (e.g., β2-adrenergic agonists, leukotriene modifiers) are chiral and marketed as racemates, which consist of equal proportions of 2 enantiomers. Significant stereoselectivity has also been reported in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the β2-agonists. The enantiomers of β2-agonists in the R configuration are primarily responsible for the bronchodilating effects of the racemate. The plasma concentrations of the enantiomers of anti-asthma drugs may differ as a reflection of stereoselectivity in clearance, volume of distribution, and route of administration. CONCLUSIONS: Stereoselectivity in the pharmacokinetics of anti-asthma drugs may complicate the relationship between dose and/or plasma concentration of racemic drug versus effect relationship. An appreciation of the stereoselective pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chiral anti-asthma drugs may optimize the use of these agents in asthmatic patients.