Administration Of Premedication Research Articles

Decreasing Premedication for Blood Transfusions: A Quality Improvement Project.

Premedication administration to patients who are to receive blood transfusions continues despite evidence of a lack of benefit when given to prevent febrile nonhemolytic or mild allergic transfusion reactions. Reviews of ordering practices and staff surveys on an adult inpatient hematology-oncology unit in our multisite oncology medical center indicated a lack of standardization and overuse of premedication in blood transfusions and a lack of knowledge of when it was appropriate to use premedication. A literature search was performed, and the evidence led to a proposal for a quality improvement (QI) project focused on development of an evidence-based algorithm to guide clinicians in when to administer which premedication, development of clear documentation for premedication plans, integration of the documented premedication plans into electronic orders for blood products, and staff education. Interventions included a hospital-wide algorithm and an electronic order to be integrated with a premedication plan for each patient on the adult hematology-oncology unit. Seven months after implementation of the intervention, premedication use among patients decreased by 57.6%, and the transfusion reaction rate decreased from 1% to 0.8%. Staff knowledge as measured by responses to pre- and postintervention surveys on the appropriate use of premedication also improved. Evidence-based interventions can reduce the incidence of premedication use in patients receiving blood transfusions.

Comparing the Sedative Effects of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine, Midazolam, and Ketamine in Outpatient Pediatric Surgeries: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The management of preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients, as well as its implications, has remained challenging for anesthesiologists. In this study, we compared the safety and efficacy of intranasal dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and ketamine as surgical premedication in children. This double-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in January 2014, on 90 children aged between 2-7 years old. The participants' American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status was I or II, and they were scheduled for elective unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy. Using the block randomization method, the patients were randomly assigned to three groups, each receiving intranasal dexmedetomidine (2 µg/Kg), midazolam (0.2 mg/Kg), and ketamine (8 mg/Kg) 60 min before induction of anesthesia. Anxiety and sedation state were evaluated before drug administration, and then every 10 min for the next 50 min. Parental separation anxiety, mask acceptance, postoperative agitation, pain, nausea, and vomiting were also recorded and compared between these groups. All the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 21.0). P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ketamine indicated the strongest sedative effect 10, 20, and 30 min after administration of premedication (P<0.001, P=0.03, P=0.01, respectively). However, dexmedetomidine was more effective than other drugs after 40 and 50 min (P<0.001). Other variables indicated no statistically significant difference. In case of emergencies, intranasal ketamine, with the shortest time of action, could be administered. Intranasal dexmedetomidine, which was revealed to be the most potent drug in this study, could be administrated 40-50 min before elective pediatric surgeries.Trial registration number: IRCT2013081614372N1.

Premix versus On-Demand Workflow Models in a Veterans Affairs Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy: Impact on Estimated Waste Costs and Patient Wait Time

Background: The balance between reducing patient wait time and mitigating waste of parenteral products has not been well described in literature. Objective: Evaluate the patient wait times and cost-effectiveness of employing a premix versus an on-demand workflow model for compounding parenteral admixtures in a hematology/oncology infusion setting. Methods: This single center, retrospective cost analysis compiled manually documented monthly waste reports and estimated drug pricing for the institution to calculate the cost of waste during both premix and on-demand compounding workflows. Time to administration was audited for one week with both models. Results: Over a period of 28.5 months following the premix model, 564 products were documented as wasted ($1,196,014.01 in estimated drug purchasing cost). Over a period of 3 months following the on-demand model, 12 products were wasted ($34,823.98 in estimated drug purchasing cost). Switching models reduced the monthly average number of wasted products from 20 to 4 per month; the average cost of waste was reduced from $41,965.40 to $11,607.99 per month (P < .0001). Overall patient wait time from clearance until administration, excluding any recommended wait times after premedication administration (if applicable), was similar in both models: an average of 38.26 minutes in the premix model and 40.97 minutes in the on-demand model. Conclusion: Premixing parenteral admixtures was not cost effective at our institution. After resuming an on-demand compounding model, the monthly cost of waste (based on drug pricing alone) was reduced by over 70%. The wait time from clearance to treatment administration was similar in both models.

Changing Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents to Prevent Recurrent Acute Adverse Drug Reactions: 6-Year Cohort Study Using Propensity Score Matching.

To determine the preventive effect of changing gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) to reduce the recurrence of GBCA-associated acute adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This retrospective, observational, single-center study-conducted between January 2016 and December 2021-included 238743 consecutive GBCA-enhanced MRI examinations. We focused on a subgroup of patients who experienced acute GBCA-associated ADRs during any of these examinations and subsequently underwent follow-up GBCA-enhanced MRI examinations up until July 2023. The follow-up examinations involved either the same (non-change group) or different (change group) GBCAs compared to the ones that initially caused the acute ADR. Baseline participant characteristics, generic profile of the GBCAs, administration of premedication, history of prior ADR to iodinated contrast media, and symptoms of GBCA-associated acute ADRs were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations and propensity score matching were used. A total of 1042 instances of acute ADRs (0.44%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41%-0.46%) were reported. Three-hundred and seventy-three patients underwent GBCA-enhanced MRI examinations after experiencing GBCA-associated acute ADRs within the study period; 31.9% (119/373) reexperienced acute ADRs at any of the follow-up examinations. The ADR recurrence was significantly lower in the GBCA change group than in the non-change group according to multivariable logistic regression (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.13-0.90; P = 0.03) and analysis with propensity score matching (14.3% [6/42] vs. 36.9% [31/84], respectively; OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11-0.94; P = 0.04). A history of an ADR to iodinated contrast media (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.68-1.90; P = 0.62) and premedication (adjusted OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 0.93-4.68; P = 0.07) were not significantly associated with GBCA-associated acute ADR recurrence. A separate analysis for recurrent allergic-like hypersensitivity reactions demonstrated similar results (adjusted OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06-0.65; P < 0.01). Changing GBCAs may reduce the risk of GBCA-associated acute ADR recurrence.

Quantifying the administration and monitoring time burden of several disease-modifying therapies for relapsing multiple sclerosis in the United Kingdom: A time and motion study

BackgroundThe treatment landscape for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) has changed dramatically in recent decades, including an increasing number of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) with varied administration and monitoring requirements. Coupled with greater focus on earlier treatment, these factors have resulted in stretching of the capacity of MS specialist services and allied healthcare professionals (HCPs). To assist with the effective planning of MS services in the UK NHS, this study quantified the administration and monitoring time burden associated with high-efficacy DMTs (alemtuzumab, cladribine tablets, fingolimod, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab) for relapsing MS. MethodsA Time and Motion (T&M) study was conducted across four MS centres in the UK, over 3–4 months per centre (Aug 2019–Feb 2021). Time dedicated by HCPs (including but not limited to neurologists, MS specialist nurses, infusion nurses, and healthcare assistants) to pre-specified drug administration and monitoring activities, elicited during pre-study interviews at each centre, was assessed for each of the selected DMTs. Administration activities included: installing peripheral access; pre-medication administration (if needed); preparing drug for infusion; infusion initiation, monitoring, and disconnection; and patient monitoring post-infusion. Monitoring activities included: booking appointments for blood draws; blood draw; retrieval and review of blood results; maintaining blood records and follow-up with the patient; checking availability of MRI results and follow-up with the patient; booking appointments for neurologist or nurse consultations; and checking patient files prior to clinic visits. A T&M model was built using observational T&M study results, data obtained through pre-study interviews, as well as stipulated monitoring intervals from relevant Summaries of Product Characteristics for the selected DMTs, to estimate active HCP time with each DMT, extrapolated over a period of 4 years per-patient. ResultsFor oral DMTs, projected total active HCP time (monitoring only) per-patient over 4 years was 14.7 h for cladribine tablets and 19.2 h for fingolimod. For infused DMTs, total time (administration and monitoring) for alemtuzumab was 37.7 h (6.0 and 31.6 h, respectively), 48.1 h for natalizumab (17.4 and 30.8 h, respectively), and 23.5 h for ocrelizumab (6.1 and 17.4 h, respectively). ConclusionsWhile active HCP time varied across centres, infused DMTs were projected to require the greatest amount of HCP time associated with administration and monitoring over 4 years versus oral DMTs. These findings may assist MS-specific HCPs in planning and delivering the equitable provision of DMT services for patients with relapsing MS.

Pre-medication Attitudes of Anesthesiologists: A Nationwide Survey Study from Turkey

Objective: This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the demographic data, institutional affiliations, pre-operative evaluations, pre-medication preferences, and induction practices of anesthesiologists in Turkey. This study aimed to examine the implementation of these elements and how they reflect on the attitudes and behaviors of Turkish anesthesiologists, particularly in relation to pre-medication. Methods: This study, conducted between 16.06.2012 and 16.06.2013, utilized an electronic questionnaire distributed to practising anesthesiologists nationwide after approval from the Çanakkale 18 Mart University Clinical Research Ethics Committee. The questionnaire was divided into five sections, encompassing 26 questions addressing demographics, institutional information, pre-anaesthetic assessment data, pre-medication data, and induction data. Results: The survey gathered responses from 419 anesthesiologists across Turkey. Our findings indicated that pre-anaesthetic evaluations were predominantly conducted 2-7 days before elective surgery. There were significant variations in the pre-operative evaluations based on the type of institution, with private sector hospitals being less likely to have a dedicated room for pre-anaesthetic evaluation. The study also revealed differences in pre-medication preferences based on sex and age groups, with midazolam, ketamine, and atropine being the most preferred agents. Interestingly, the location of pre-medication administration varied significantly between private and university hospitals. The predominant motivation for pre-medication was a reduction in patient anxiety. Pediatric anesthesia induction was primarily conducted without the presence of family members, and volatile anesthetic agents were the preferred option. The route of pre-medication administration varied with age, with oral pre-medication being more common in pediatric patients, and intravenous administration being preferred in adults. Concerns about respiratory depression were prevalent after pre-medication. Conclusion: This study emphasizes that pre-operative evaluation and pre-medication are routinely carried out by anesthesiologists in Turkey, although with variations among different types of hospitals. Given the patient safety implications and importance of standardization, this study underscores the need for regular similar surveys to monitor trends and inform practice guidelines.

Impact of institutional interventions on the rate of paclitaxel hypersensitivity reactions.

Paclitaxel is associated with hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). Intravenous premedication regimens have been devised to decrease the incidence and severity of HSRs. At our institution oral histamine 1 receptor antagonists (H1RA) and histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) were adopted as standard. Standardizations were implemented for consistent premedication use in all disease states. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the incidence and severity of HSRs before and after standardization. Patients who received paclitaxel from 20 April 2018 to 8 December 2020 having an HSR were included in analysis. An infusion was flagged for review if a rescue medication was administered after the start of the paclitaxel infusion. The incidences of all HSR prior to and post-standardization were compared. A subgroup analysis of patients receiving paclitaxel for the first and second time was performed. There were 3499infusions in the pre-standardization group and 1159infusions in the post-standardization group. After review, 100 HSRs pre-standardization and 38 HSRs post-standardization were confirmed reactions. The rate of overall HSRs was 2.9% in the pre-standardization group and 3.3% in the post-standardization group (p = 0.48). HSRs, during the first and second doses of paclitaxel, occurred in 10.2% of the pre-standardization and 8.5% of the post-standardization group (p = 0.55). This retrospective interventional study demonstrated that same-day intravenous dexamethasone, oral H1RA, and oral H2RA are safe premedication regimens for paclitaxel. No change in the severity of reactions was seen. Overall, better adherence to premedication administration was seen post-standardization.

Perioperative Management and Outcomes in Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by impairments in communication and socialization. There are little data comparing the differences in perioperative outcomes in children with and without ASD. We hypothesized that children with ASD would have higher postoperative pain scores than those without ASD. Pediatric patients undergoing ambulatory tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy, ophthalmological surgery, general surgery, and urologic procedures between 2016 and 2021 were included in this retrospective cohort study. ASD patients, defined by International Classification of Diseases-9/10 codes, were compared to controls utilizing inverse probability of treatment weighting based on surgical category/duration, age, sex, race and ethnicity, anesthetizing location, American Society of Anesthesiology physical status, intraoperative opioid dose, and intraoperative dexmedetomidine dose. The primary outcome was the maximum postanesthesia care unit (PACU) pain score, and secondary outcomes included premedication administration, behavior at induction, PACU opioid administration, postoperative vomiting, emergence delirium, and PACU length of stay. Three hundred thirty-five children with ASD and 11,551 non-ASD controls were included. Maximum PACU pain scores in the ASD group were not significantly higher than controls (median, 5; interquartile range [IQR], 0-8; ASD versus median, 5; IQR, 0-8 controls; median difference [95% confidence interval {CI}] of 0 [-1.1 to 1.1]; P = .66). There was no significant difference in the use of premedication (96% ASD versus 95% controls; odds ratio [OR], 1.5; [95% CI, 0.9-2.7]; P = .12), but the ASD cohort had significantly higher odds of receiving an intranasal premedication (4.2% ASD versus 1.2% controls; OR, 3.5 [95% CI, 1.8-6.8]; P < .001) and received ketamine significantly more frequently (0.3% ASD versus <0.1% controls; P < .001). Children with ASD were more likely to have parental (4.9% ASD versus 1.0% controls; OR, 5 [95% CI, 2.1-12]; P < .001) and child life specialist (1.3% ASD versus 0.1% controls; OR, 9.9 [95% CI, 2.3-43]; P < .001) presence at induction, but were more likely to have a difficult induction (11% ASD versus 3.4% controls; OR, 3.42 [95% CI, 1.7-6.7]; P < .001). There were no significant differences in postoperative opioid administration, emergence delirium, vomiting, or PACU length of stay between cohorts. We found no difference in maximum PACU pain scores in children with ASD compared to a similarly weighted cohort without ASD. Children with ASD had higher odds of a difficult induction despite similar rates of premedication administration, and significantly higher parental and child life specialist presence at induction. These findings highlight the need for future research to develop evidence-based interventions to optimize the perioperative care of this population.

Obinutuzumab Can Be Administered as a 90-minute Short Duration Infusion in Patients With Previously Untreated Follicular Lymphoma: GAZELLE End of Induction Analysis.

Obinutuzumab Can Be Administered as a 90-minute Short Duration Infusion in Patients With Previously Untreated Follicular Lymphoma: GAZELLE End of Induction Analysis.

To study the effect of three different doses of dexmedetomidine as premedication on the incidence and severity of etomidate-induced myoclonus

Background and Aims: Etomidate, a carboxylated imidazole is a rapid-acting nonbarbiturate, nonopioid hypnotic agent that has unique hemodynamic stability, favorable toxic profile, and rapid recovery after a single dose. Myoclonus may occur when etomidate is used for induction of general anesthesia. We tested the hypothesis that premedication with different doses of dexmedetomidine reduces the incidence and severity of myoclonus as well as the side effects induced by etomidate.Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded study was done on ninety patients undergoing elective surgical procedures who were randomly allocated into three groups for intravenous administration of premedication of 0.3 μg/kg (Group DL), 0.5 μg/kg (Group DM), and 1.0 μg/kg (Group DH) dexmedetomidine in 100 mL normal saline 10 min before induction of general anesthesia with 0.3 mg/kg etomidate. The primary outcome was to evaluate the incidence of etomidate-induced myoclonus, while the severity of etomidate-induced myoclonus and the incidence of adverse effects were taken as secondary outcomes.Results: The incidence of etomidate-induced myoclonus was reduced by 13.3% in Group DL, 36.7% in Group DM, and 56.7% in Group DH. The severity of myoclonus was significantly reduced in Group DH as compared to Group DL and DM (P = 0.001). Side effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, and nausea and vomiting were comparable among the three groups.Conclusion: Premedication with dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg before induction of general anesthesia not only resulted in a 56.7% reduction in the incidence of etomidate-induced myoclonus but also reduced the severity of myoclonus, without inducing any significant adverse effects, as compared to other two doses.

Comparative Study of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine Versus Intranasal Ketamine as Premedicant in Children.

Background: Pre-operative anxiety in children not only makes induction difficult but it is also associated with an increase in the requirement of analgesics, the incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), emergence delirium (ED), and postoperative maladaptive behavioral changes. It can be reduced effectively by pharmacological interventions. In a quest to find the ideal premedicant and non-invasive way of its administration, we decided to compare intranasal (IN) dexmedetomidine with IN ketamine as a premedicant in pediatric patients.Aims and objectives: To compare sedation score, mask acceptance score (MAS) during induction, the incidence of ED, and other adverse events in both groups.Material and methods: Some 60 children, between 1 and 8 years of age of either sex undergoing surgical procedures were included in this study and randomly divided into two groups (Group D and Group K). Thirty minutes prior to induction of anesthesia, patients of Group D received dexmedetomidine 1 mcg kg-1 in 1 mL of 0.9% saline intranasally and patients of Group K received ketamine 5 mg kg-1 in 1 mL of 0.9% saline intranasally through calibrated dropper (0.5 mL in each nostril) in a recumbent position. Incidences of sneezing or coughing after IN administration of study drugs were recorded. The subsequent sedation scores were assessed using MOASS at 15 min, then at 30 min following premedication at the time of parental separation. After shifting patients to operation theater inhalation induction was done. MAS at induction and any adverse effects were recorded.Results: Children in Group K were found to be significantly more sedated at 30 min after administration of premedication and mask acceptance was also better (p value < 0.0001 with a confidence interval, CI=95%). But the incidence of ED and PONV was high.Conclusion: Intranasal dexmedetomidine (1 mcg kg-1) is clinically less effective as a premedicant in terms of sedation and mask acceptance in older children as compared to ketamine (5 mg kg-1), but associated with fewer incidence of ED and PONV. We recommend the usage of IN dexmedetomidine in a higher dose (1.5-2 mcg kg-1), through nebulization/atomizer for the desired level of sedation and mask acceptance.

Frequency of Prescribing and Administering Premedication in Paediatric Surgical Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital: An Observational Study.

Introduction: Preoperative period is a stressful event, especially for paediatric patients undergoing surgery. Stress may lead to the development of perioperative maladaptive behaviour, activation of stress responses, and susceptibility to postoperative infections. To alleviate preoperative stress, the use of a multimodal approach including preoperative pharmacological premedication in the ward is recommended. We conducted an observational study to determine the frequency of prescribing and administering premedication in paediatric surgical patients.Methods: This three-month retrospective observational study was conducted in the main operating room of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from October to December 2014. It included all paediatric patients (aged 1-16 years) coming for elective surgery. Patients’ preoperative forms and medical records were reviewed, and data recorded for written orders of premedication and the timing of administration of the premedication drug in the inpatient ward/surgical day care ward. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: This study included 125 paediatric patients. Premedication was not prescribed to 40% (50/125) patients. In these patients, drug and dose were properly mentioned in 98.7% (74/75) of cases while the route and time of administration were not mentioned in 26.6% and 12% prescription orders, respectively. The premedication drug was administered in 67 out of 75 patients (89.3%) by ward nurses as per prescription. The administration of premedication was documented in 95.5% patients, but the time was missing in 46.3% of cases.Conclusion: A significant number of patients were not prescribed preoperative premedication by the anaesthetist. Moreover, the route and timing of administration of drug were not mentioned especially in cases when premedication was prescribed in the wards.

A randomized double-blind feasibility study comparing cetirizine and diphenhydramine in the prevention of paclitaxel-associated infusion-related reactions: the PREMED-F1 study

PurposeCetirizine is a less sedative alternative to diphenhydramine for the prevention of infusion-related reactions (IRR) to paclitaxel. However, its use remains controversial. In this study, we assessed feasibility for a future definitive non-inferiority trial comparing cetirizine to diphenhydramine as premedication to prevent paclitaxel-related IRR.MethodsThis was a single-center randomized prospective feasibility study. Participants were paclitaxel-naive cancer patients scheduled to start paclitaxel chemotherapy. They were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous diphenhydramine 50 mg + oral placebo (control) or intravenous placebo + oral cetirizine 10 mg (intervention) for their first two paclitaxel treatments. The percentage of eligible patients completing a first paclitaxel treatment and the recruitment rate were assessed (feasibility outcomes). Drowsiness was measured at baseline and at selected time points using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) (safety outcome). IRR events were also documented (efficacy outcome).ResultsAmong 37 eligible patients, 27 were recruited and randomized (control 13; intervention 14) and 25 completed the study. The recruitment rate was 4.8 participants/month, meeting the primary feasibility target. Drowsiness was the main adverse effect associated with the premedication. The increase in drowsiness compared to baseline (ΔSSS) was greater in the diphenhydramine group compared to the cetirizine group (median ΔSSS 2 (IQR 3.25) vs median ΔSSS 0 (IQR 1), p < 0.01) when measured one hour after the premedication administration. One participant had an IRR and no unexpected serious adverse event occurred.ConclusionThe trial methods were feasible in terms of recruitment, retention, and safety. Cetirizine was significantly less sedating than diphenhydramine. IRR were infrequent and a larger trial is warranted to confirm non-inferiority for IRR prevention.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04237090 (22.01.2020).Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-021-06734-4.

Assessment of medication administration of nurses in medical cardiac wards and its relationship with some demographic characteristics: An observational study.

BACKGROUND:Unsafe medication administration and medication errors pose a threat to medication safety. Safe medication is one of the most important nursing practices that plays an important role in preventing medication errors. The aim of this study was to assess the medication administration of nurses in cardiac wards and its relationship with some demographic characteristics.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The present study was conducted as an observational study in 2021 with the 60 nurses who working in the medical cardiac wards of one selected hospital affiliated with the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using three-part tools (demographic information, medication checklist (55 items), and documentation checklist (8 items). The checklist was completed by the observer after observing the nurses’ medication administration. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics in the SPSS software (version 16, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS:The mean total score of the principles of injection and oral medication administration were 82.53 ± 10.75 and 75.76 ± 9.62, respectively. The mean score of the principles of injection and oral medication administration in the morning shift was significantly higher than the evening and night shifts (P < 0.001). The relationship between the mean score of the principles of injection medication (r = 0.234, P = 0.067), oral medication (r = 0.222, P = 0.083), and the nurses’ work experience no significant. The rate of adherence to the principles of medication administration in the premedication administration stage was higher than during and after drug administration.CONCLUSION:Although the mean score of medication administration of nurses in the medical cardiac wards was at the desired level, it is necessary to monitor and plan by nursing managers to improve medication administration. Reducing the number of night shifts, adhering to accreditation programs in the hospital, continuous monitoring of nurses in terms of compliance with the principles of medication are among the proposed solutions to improve the safe medication in nurses.

Challenges in the Management of an Echis coloratus Adult Snakebite Victim at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 18-year-oldFinal Diagnosis: Snakebite envenomationSymptoms: CoagulopathyMedication:—Clinical Procedure: Anti snake venomSpecialty: General and Internal Medicine • Toxicology • Tropical MedicineObjective:Unusual clinical courseBackground:The World Health Organization has set clear guidelines for the management of snakebite envenomation. However, challenges have been reported in the clinical application of guidelines, such as identification of the biting snake, hypersensitivity reactions to the antivenom, and influence of repeated antivenom administration during hospital stay. This report aims to discuss how these challenges can affect patient management and to highlight improvement opportunities.Case Report:An 18-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department without remarkable signs of envenomation following a snakebite. An initial dose of antivenom was given despite the misidentification of snake species. An allergic reaction developed and was successfully managed. Following admission, the coagulation profile and local tissue reaction worsened. Upon consulting the Drug and Poison Information Center, it was discovered that a subtherapeutic dose of antivenom was administered. The patient was rechallenged after the administration of premedication. Coagulation profile could not be maintained; therefore, 2 extra doses of antivenom were administered, resulting in sustained improvement in local tissue reaction and coagulation profile.Conclusions:First, victims presenting without signs and symptoms of envenomation may benefit from close monitoring for late presentation of envenomation signs. Second, dosing guidelines are suggested to consider Institute of Safe Medication Practices recommendations for order sets to reduce the possibility of medication errors. Third, premedication may be an effective alternative in patients who develop allergic reaction to the locally produced equine antivenom in the setting of absent goat-derived antivenom. Lastly, antivenom administration should be titrated to patient response even if it occurs over several days.

Impact of oncology pharmacist services on humanistic outcome in patients with breast cancer.

This study aims to investigate the change in quality adjusted life-years (QALYs) after providing oncology pharmacist services to assess its impact on humanistic outcome. It was a prospective, single-centered study conducted for a period of two years at Bharat cancer Hospital and Nirali memorial radiation center, Surat. Patients were recruited into the control group (CG) and the intervention group (IG). The oncology pharmacist services (OPS) were provided only to the IG. The humanistic outcome was measured by incorporating the EQ-5D-5L instrument to calculate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) in both the groups. Patients have been provided with the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire at the pre-determined intervals i.e. before the commencement of chemotherapy and then after every chemotherapy cycle till the completion of treatment. The analysis was carried out using descriptive analysis (frequency distribution for categorical variables and measures of central tendency (median and average) and dispersion (std. deviation) for quantitative variables). A total of 230 patients were screened and from them 105 patients were recruited, out of which 54 patients were in CG and 51 patients in IG. AC regimen followed by weekly paclitaxel was prescribed in majority of the patients (CG: 59.3%; IG: 60.8%) followed by AC-TRA and AC regimen alone. The majority of patients in the CG were facing improper administration of pre-medication (83.3%), lack of knowledge regarding chemo-mixing, counselling in nursing staff (66.7%) and a sub-therapeutic dose of anti-emetics (37%). The baseline QALY at the inception of chemotherapy was 0.040 and 0.014 in CG and IG, respectively. After the completion of the 6 chemotherapy cycle, the QALY was found to be 0.042 and 0.043 in CG and IG, respectively. The study has demonstrated that the improvisation in QALY after provision of oncology pharmacist services reflect the positive impact of oncology pharmacist on humanistic outcomes. The study also provided the opportunity to identify the thrust area where more clinical pharmacy exposure is needed in order to improve patient care.

Analysis of Antiemetic Premedication Administration Timing on Nausea and Vomiting Incidence among Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

The risk factors affecting chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) includes antiemetic premedication time pattern, and this study investigates the capability of enhancing this in breast cancer patients receiving high emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC). Furthermore, this observational research was implemented at the oncology unit of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya over a three-month period involving 69 female patients. The results showed unspecific antiemetic premedication timing in comparison to those with recommended timeframes, was connected with greater occurrence of both acute nausea in all cycles of chemotherapy (p&lt;0.05), and acute vomiting in second and third cycles (p&lt;0.05) but not in the first cycle (p=0.49). However, specific time administration of antiemetic treatment was linked with lower incidence of delayed nausea in all cycles (p&lt;0.05), and less delayed vomiting in second and third cycles (p&lt;0.05) but not in first cycle (p=0.10). These findings indicate specific time administration of antiemetic drugs causes significant advantages in mitigating CINV among breast cancer patients treated with emetogenic chemotherapy, and significantly lessened the occurrence of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting.Keywords: Antiemetic premedication timing, breast cancer, CINV, nausea and vomiting Analisis Waktu Pemberian Premedikasi Antiemetik terhadap Kejadian Mual Muntah pada Pasien Kanker Payudara yang Mendapatkan Kemoterapi AbstrakKemoterapi dapat menginduksi mual muntah (chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, CINV) yang dipengaruhi oleh beberapa faktor. Salah satu faktornya adalah waktu pemberian premedikasi antiemetik yang dapat meningkatkan kejadian CINV pada pasien kanker payudara yang menerima kemoterapi. Studi ini menganalisis waktu pemberian premedikasi antiemetik terhadap kejadian mual dan muntah yang terjadi pada pasien kanker payudara yang mendapatkan kemoterapi dengan tingkat emetogenik yang tinggi. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasional prospektif dilakukan di Poli Onkologi Satu Atap RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya selama periode pengambilan data tiga bulan dan melibatkan 69 wanita kanker payudara yang mendapat kemoterapi dengan tingkat emetogenik yang tinggi. Pemberian premedikasi antiemetik dengan waktu yang tidak spesifik, meningkatkan kejadian mual akut pada semua siklus dengan p&lt;0,05 dan pada kejadian muntah akut pada siklus kedua dan ketiga (p&lt;0,05), namun tidak pada siklus pertama kemoterapi (p=0,49). Pemberian premedikasi antiemetik dengan waktu spesifik dapat menurunkan kejadian mual tertunda di siklus pertama hingga ketiga (p&lt;0,05) dan pada kejadian muntah tertunda pada siklus kedua dan ketiga (p&lt;0,05), namun tidak pada siklus pertama (p=0,10). Penelitian ini memberikan bukti bahwa premedikasi antiemetik yang diberikan dengan waktu spesifik memberikan manfaat dalam mengurangi kejadian CINV yang berpotensi pada pasien kanker payudara yang mendapatkan kemoterapi dengan tingkat emetogenik tinggi. Kata kunci: CINV, kanker payudara, mual dan muntah, waktu pemberian premedikasi antiemetik

Comparison the Oral Premedication of Midazolam, Dexmedetomidine, and Melatonin for Children's Sedation and Ease of Separation from Parents before Anesthesia.

ABSTRACTBackground:Children’s fear of surgery and preoperative separation from parents can contribute to anxiety and distress in children undergoing surgery. The study addressed the comparable efficacy of oral premedication of midazolam, dexmedetomidine, and melatonin to alleviate preoperative anxiety and easing the children’s separation from parents.Materials and Methods:A double-blinded trial enrolled three equal-sized groups of children (n = 153, aged 2–10 years) undergoing elective surgery who received oral midazolam, melatonin, and dexmedetomidine 30 min before induction. The observation sedation score, and ease of separation, acceptance of drug both preceding and following premedication administration were assessed and recorded every 5min till anesthesia induction.Results:A significant difference was observed in the mean scores of sedation before premedication and after separation from parents, as well as in the degree of the separation when comparing between the midazolam and melatonin groups and the dexmedetomidine and melatonin groups (P < 0.001). The scores were significantly lower in the melatonin group than the other two groups, whereas no significant difference was found in those between the midazolam and dexmedetomidine groups, as well as in the acceptance of anesthesia induction between the midazolam and melatonin groups (P = 0.250). The differences were significant between the midazolam and dexmedetomidine groups (P = 0.002) and melatonin and dexmedetomidine groups (P < 0.001) and anesthesia induction was effective in the dexmedetomidine group than that in the other two groups.Conclusion:Dexmedetomidine is more effective in acceptance of anesthesia induction. Furthermore, the midazolam and dexmedetomidine groups indicated better ease of separation and sedation scores than melatonin.

Use of pre-operative anxiety score to determine the precise dose of butorphanol for intra-operative sedation under regional anesthesia: A double-blinded randomized trial.

A randomized double-blinded controlled trial was performed to explore the association between pre-operative anxiety and intra-operative butorphanol requirement to evaluate the precise sedative requirement and to confirm the sedative effect of butorphanol in patients receiving lower-limb orthopedic surgery. The Amsterdam pre-operative anxiety and information scale and the Ramsay sedation score (RSS) were used to assess the patients' pre-operative anxiety score and sedation state during surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to their pre-operative anxiety score prior to administration of pre-medication. Patients in each group were randomly divided into a butorphanol group and a 0.9% saline group. A total of 142 patients were enrolled and 131 patients were analyzed. The sedation scores of patients with high pre-operative anxiety in the 0.9% saline group were lower than those in the butorphanol group at each time-point after infusion. An increased pre-operative anxiety score predicted an increased duration to reach an RSS of 4 for an acceptable level of sedation (r2=0.887, P<0.0001). In conclusion, butorphanol had a good sedative effect on patients with pre-operative anxiety. The following formula was proposed: Precise dose of butorphanol (µg/kg)=15.26 + (0.14× pre-operative anxiety score), which may provide an improvement for patients exhibiting a high level of pre-operative anxiety. The trial was registered prior to patient enrollment at clinicaltrials.gov on 20.01.2018 (trial registration no. NCT03429179).

Haemodynamic effects of premedication for neonatal intubation: an observational study

ObjectiveTo examine changes in blood pressure (BP), cardiac output (CO) and cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rScO2) with administration of premedication for neonatal intubation.DesignPilot, prospective, observational study. Oxygen saturation, heart rate,...