Intravenous Drug Administration Research Articles

Hyaluronic acid-oleylamine and chitosan-oleic acid conjugate-based hybrid nanoparticle delivery via. dissolving microneedles for enhanced treatment efficacy in localized breast cancer

Microneedle technology offers a minimally invasive treatment strategy to deliver chemotherapeutics to localized tumors. Amalgamating the surface functionalized nanoparticles with microneedle technology can potentially deliver drugs directly to tumors and subsequently target cancer cells via, overexpressed receptors on the cell surface, thereby enhancing the treatment efficacy while reducing side effects. Here, we report cetuximab anchored hyaluronic acid-oleylamine and chitosan-oleic acid-based hybrid nanoparticle (HA-OA/CS-OA NPT)-loaded dissolving microneedles (MN) for targeted delivery of cabazitaxel (CBT) in localized breast cancer tumor. The HA-OA/CS-OA NPT was characterized for their size, surface charge, morphology, physicochemical characteristics, drug release behavior, and in vitro anti-cancer efficacy. The HA-OA/CS-OA NPT were of ~125 nm size, showed enhanced cytotoxicity and cellular uptake, and elicited a superior apoptotic response against MDA-MB-231 cells. Subsequently, the morphology and physicochemical characteristics of HA-OA/CS-OA NPT-loaded MN were also evaluated. The fabricated microneedles were of ~550 μm height and showed loading of nanoparticles equivalent to ~250 μg of CBT. The ex vivo skin permeation study revealed fast dissolution of microneedles upon hydration, while the drug permeation across the skin exhibited ~4-fold improvement in comparison to free drug-loaded MN. In vivo studies performed on DMBA-induced breast cancer in female SD rats showed a marked reduction in tumor volume after administration of drug and nanoparticle-loaded microneedles in comparison to intravenous administration of free drug. However, the HA-OA/CS-OA NPT-MN showed the highest tumor reduction and survival rate, with the lowest body weight reduction in comparison to other treatment groups, indicating its superior efficacy and low systemic toxicity. Overall, the dissolving microneedle-mediated delivery of targeted nanoparticles loaded with chemotherapeutics offers a superior alternative to conventional intravenous chemotherapy.

Evolution of Intravenous Medication Errors and Preventive Systemic Defenses in Hospital Settings-A Narrative Review of Recent Evidence.

Intravenous drug administration has been associated with severe medication errors in hospitals. The present narrative review is based on a systematic literature search, and aimed to describe the recent evolution in research on systemic causes and defenses in intravenous medication errors in hospitals. This narrative review was based on Reason's theory of systems-based risk management. A systematic literature search covering the period from June 2016 to October 2021 was conducted on Medline (Ovid). We used the search strategy and selection criteria developed for our previous systematic reviews. The included articles were analyzed and compared to our previous reviews. The updated search found 435 articles. Of the 63 included articles, 16 focused on systemic causes of intravenous medication errors, and 47 on systemic defenses. A high proportion (n = 24, 38%) of the studies were conducted in the United States or Canada. Most of the studies focused on drug administration (n = 21/63, 33%) and preparation (n = 19/63, 30%). Compared to our previous review of error causes, more studies (n = 5/16, 31%) utilized research designs with a prospective risk management approach. Within articles related to systemic defenses, smart infusion pumps remained most widely studied (n = 10/47, 21%), while those related to preparation technologies (n = 7/47, 15%) had increased. This narrative review demonstrates a growing interest in systems-based risk management for intravenous drug therapy and in introducing new technology, particularly smart infusion pumps and preparation systems, as systemic defenses. When introducing new technologies, prospective assessment and continuous monitoring of emerging safety risks should be conducted.

Factors related to nurse compliance in monitoring infusion fluid in hospital

Infusion therapy involves the intravenous administration of drugs, fluids, and blood products to hospitalized clients. This study aimed to identify factors influencing nurse compliance in monitoring infusion fluids according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The research adopted a quantitative approach with a descriptive correlational design and a cross-sectional approach, focusing on a study population of 50 nurses. Data collection utilized observation techniques and questionnaires as research instruments, with the analysis employing Kendall's Tau B and Kendall's Tau C methods. The findings revealed significant correlations between age (p-value=0.000), education (p-value=0.006), career path level (p-value=0.013), and knowledge (p-value=0.011). However, there was no significant relationship between the length of work experience and nurse compliance in monitoring infusion fluids (p-value=0.257) according to SOPs in this private hospital. To enhance the quality of care, it is recommended that nurses receive additional training provided by the nursing education team at the hospital, focusing specifically on the monitoring of infusion fluids. This targeted training could contribute to reducing instances of complaints related to mismatched patient needs and ultimately improve compliance with established SOPs in infusion therapy.

Strategy to secure the neuraxial route in anaesthesia: Risk mapping and feedback from the application of the ISO 80369-6 standard NRFit® connectors

In anesthesia, a medication error would occur every 20 to 133anesthesia procedures, and 14% is related to a route administration error. To secure neuraxial route, ISO group published a norm in 2016 to develop specific connectors, the "NRFit® connector". The main objective of this work, is to develop a risk mapping related to neuraxial medication errors therefore prepare the NRFit® implementation in anesthesia units in a French Universitary Hospital. Failure modes, effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) methodology was used for our risk mapping which was divided in 3 anesthesia specialities. For each, the analysis was performed for accidental neuraxial administration of intravenous drugs, and its opposite error. Secondly, NRFit® devices were tested for 1month by 3 experimented anesthetists. The majority of reported errors concerns epidural and intrathecal anesthesia, and more frequently in the field of obstetrics. Opioids and tranexamic acid, administered in neuraxial route, are drugs with the highest criticality. The tests were rather conclusive and made it possible to highlight the additional needs in medical devices. Obstetrics is the riskiest area due to the frequency of epidural anesthesia, the administration of critical drugs in intravenous and neuraxial route. This work increased the awareness of our group, improved the measure of this risk and harmonized practices. This work is the first step of the project to prevent administration route error in anesthesia during patient's drug management. The next step will be the NRFit® implementation for epidural and combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in our hospital.

The effect of air-free administration of intravenous drugs on microemboli during cardiopulmonary bypass.

During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), gaseous microemboli (GME) that originate from the extracorporeal circuit are released into the arterial blood stream of the patient. Gaseous microemboli may contribute to adverse outcome after cardiac surgery with CPB. Possibly, air may be collected in the right atrium during induction of anesthesia and released during CPB start. The aim of this study was to assess if the GME load entering the venous line of the CPB circuit could be reduced by training of anesthesia personal in avoiding air introduction during administration of intravenous medication. In 94 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with CPB, GME number and volume were measured intraoperatively with a bubble counter (BCC300). The quantity and the relationship between GME number and volume in the venous and arterial line were determined in 2 periods before and after education of the anesthesiologists and nurses. In the venous line no significant differences were observed between numbers and volumes of GME between groups. Comparing patients with low versus high GME load, showed significantly more patients from the intervention group in the low GME-load group, namely 29 versus 18. Administration of medication by anesthesia was confirmed as a clear cause of GME/air-introduction into the venous circulation. Scavenging properties of the CPB circuit including the oxygenator showed a 99.9% reduction of GME. A wide spread of GME generation during perfusion was present with no difference in generation of GME between groups. Lower GME load observed in patients (intervention group) and examples of air introduction during drug administration suggest that air introduced by anesthesia contributes to the GME load during CPB. Scavenging properties of the CPB circuit contribute very much to patient safety regarding reduction of venous air. Awareness and education create the possibilities for further reduction of GME during cardiopulmonary bypass.

How should newer therapeutic agents be incorporated into the treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis?

Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) is a postsynaptic neuromuscular junction disorder that results in fatigable muscle weakness. The traditional treatment approach includes the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids, and steroid-sparing immunosuppressant therapies (ISTs) for chronic management, whereas exacerbations and crises are managed with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PLEX). Over the past 6 years, four new therapeutic agents with novel immunological mechanisms of action-complement and neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) inhibition-were approved as a result of clinically significant improvement in gMG symptoms of those treated with these newer agents in Phase 3 clinical trials. At present, it is unclear when and in whom to initiate these therapeutic agents and how to integrate them into the current treatment paradigm. When selecting a newer therapeutic agent, we use a simple equation: Value = Clinical Improvement/(Cost + Side Effects + Treatment Burden), which guides our decision-making. We consider using these novel therapeutic agents in two specific clinical situations. Firstly, the newer agents are fast-acting, suggesting they can be used in clinically unstable patients as "bridge therapy," and secondly, they provide additional options for those patients considered treatment-refractory. There are downsides, however, including treatment cost, unique side effect profiles, and intravenous and subcutaneous drug administration (though for some, this may be an advantage). As additional drugs enter the marketplace with unique mechanisms of action, routes of administration, and dosing schedules, the placement of the novel therapeutic agents in the gMG treatment algorithm will likely evolve.

Prevalence of errors in the preparation and administration of intravenous drugs in adults: Meta-analysis with meta-regression

Objective: To evaluate the average prevalence of errors in the preparation and administration of intravenous medications in a hospital by means of a meta-analysis. Method: Systematic review through meta-analysis with meta-regression, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022324431), with a search in the seven databases, using the Rayyan QCRY®. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The meta-analysis was calculated using the random-effect model and adjusted by the inverse of the variance, and analyses were carried out to investigate heterogeneity. Results: 34 primary studies were included. The estimated prevalence of errors in the preparation and administration of intravenous drugs was 41,23% (IC95% 30,51–51,96; I2 = 100,00%). Conclusion: The results reflect the lack of health systems official data on the reporting of errors in institutions, the basis for the effective strategies that ensure for patient safety in the process medicated.

Pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and in vivo toxicity of 7-nitroindazole loaded in pegylated and non-pegylated nanoemulsions in rats

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. The development of sepsis is associated with excessive nitric oxide (NO) production, which plays an important role in controlling vascular homeostasis. 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) is a selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS-1) with potential application for treating NO imbalance conditions. However, 7-NI exhibits a low aqueous solubility and a short plasma half-life. To circumvent these biopharmaceutical limitations, pegylated (NEPEG7NI) and non-pegylated nanoemulsions (NENPEG7NI) containing 7-NI were developed. This study evaluates the pharmacokinetic profiles and toxicological properties of 7-NI loaded into the nanoemulsions. After a single intravenous administration of the free drug and the nanoemulsions at a dose of 10 mg.kg−1 in Wistar rats, 7-NI was widely distributed in the organs. The pharmacokinetic parameters of Cmax, t1/2, and AUC0-t were significantly increased after administration of the NEPEG7NI, compared to both free 7-NI and NENPEG7NI (p < 0.05). No observable adverse effects were observed after administering the free 7-NI, NEPEG7NI, or NENPEG7NI in the animals after a single dose of up to 3.0 mg.kg−1. The results indicated that 7-NI-loaded nanoemulsions are safe, constituting a promising approach to treating sepsis.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ЛЕЧЕНИЯ БОЛЬНЫХ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ ЛЕГКИХ С ПРЕ-ШЛУ И ШЛУ M. tuberculosis C ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ СПОСОБОВ ВВЕДЕНИЯ ПРОТИВОТУБЕРКУЛЕЗНЫХ ПРЕПАРАТОВ

Aim: to evaluate effectiveness of treatment of patients with extensively drug resistant (XDR) or pre-extensively drug resistant (pre-XDR) pulmonary TB using parenteral administration of TB drugs. Materials and methods. We carried out a prospective open cohort study of 143 patients with pulmonary TB hospitalized in 2022. The patients were divided into two groups according to the route of drug administration. The main group consisted of 74 patients, who received parenteral TB drugs before sputum conversion followed by oral drug administration. Parenteral drug administration was indicated to patients with severe intoxication syndrome, advanced TB process, or concomitant gastrointestinal diseases. The control group consisted of 69 patients, who received all TB drugs orally. Oral drug administration was also indicated to patients with difficult venous access. Results. Sputum conversion was observed by the third month of treatment much faster in the main group than in the control group. Treatment effectiveness by cavity closure did not differ between the groups. Conclusion. Intravenous administration of TB drugs contributes to rapid sputum conversion, which allows earlier patient discharge from hospital or surgical treatment.

Stress echocardiography in valvular heart disease.

Valvular heart disease (VHD) has been a significant health problem, particularly in developed countries, in relation to the aging population. Recent developments in the management of VHD require a more accurate assessment of disease severity to determine the need for transcatheter interventions or open heart surgery. Stress echocardiography is a crucial imaging modality for identifying the underlying pathology of VHD. Optimal administration of exercise or intravenous drugs may reveal hemodynamic abnormalities under stress without posing an invasive risk. Therefore, the implementation of stress echocardiography is recommended for determining interventional indications and risk stratification in mitral regurgitation and aortic stenosis. In addition, recent evidence has accumulated regarding the usefulness of stress echocardiography in various conditions including mitral stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and post-interventional VHD. Here, we summarize the current evidence and future perspectives on stress echocardiography in VHD.

Experience in the lower extremities trophic ulcers treatment in patient with combined pathologies: varicose veins and rheumatoid arthritis

Varicose veins of the lower extremities is one of the most common diseases on Earth and its combination with other diseases is inevitable. The combination of diseases aggravates the course of each other. Rheumatoid arthritis worsens the course of varicose veins with trophic disorders – both independently – an increase in pro-inflammatory factors, a change in microcirculation, deformation of the limb axis with a violation of musculoskeletal function, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis reduces the immune response of the body reducing the reparative capabilities of the body. Clinical case: a patient with a long course of rheumatoid arthritis and varicose veins. For a long time he used cytostatic drugs with a subsequent transition to hormonal drugs. For about 5 years, he noted the appearance of ulcers on both shins, which took a circular shape, which significantly reduced the quality of life and did not respond to conservative treatment. He repeatedly underwent inpatient treatment with intravenous administration of general restorative and vascular drugs. He was also constantly observed in the polyclinic at the place of residence with the implementation of local treatment of ulcerative surfaces. The patient was successively treated for varicose veins by endovenous laser coagulation of the trunks of large subcutaneous veins. The second stage was performed debridement of the wound surface and skin grafting with a free perforated flap. Between the stages, the appointment of drug therapy according to clinical recommendations. Rheumatoid arthritis and varicose veins aggravate each other, especially trophic manifestations. Treatment of such patients should be carried out by a team ofspecialists of various profiles together. Step-by-step treatment ofsuch patients with careful preparation for each of them shows excellent results. A special place is occupied by the patients’ commitment to treatment.

Implantation of central vascular access devices for intravenous administration. Complications and consequences for a patient on the example of a clinical case

Implanted central vascular access devices for intravenous administration of drugs are widely used in cancer patients who require long-term access, specific chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition. Installation of central vascular access devices solves the problem of venous access, but, unfortunately, it can lead to complications, including serious and irreversible ones. Here is a clinical case of cancer in a 49-year-old female patient who was implanted with a vascular access device for intravenous therapy. The incorrect and undiagnosed insertion of the vascular access device in the subclavian artery and also neoadjuvant polychemotherapy sessions led to myelomalacia with the subsequent development of myeloradiculopathy, the emergence and development of persistent neurological disorders. After radiological diagnosis and verification of this complication, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with single stenting and removal of the central vascular access device was performed. The article presents complications with the insertion of central vascular access devices and discusses in detail a clinical case of complication and methods for its solution when this device is incorrectly implanted in the artery.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior toward Medication Error in Saudi Arabia

Medication errors are a significant cause of adverse events, with knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (KAB) being key factors. Nurses play a crucial role in the medication administration process and should be proactive in preventing medication errors. This article is based on the author's dissertation research on the influence of nurses' knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward medication errors on medication errors reported. In this article, the author focuses on the comparison of the mean ranks of KAB scores towards medication errors in relation to nurses' socio-demographic and professional characteristics. The researchers utilized a descriptive correlational design with a cross-sectional survey to examine the relationship between variables. Knowledge scores towards medication errors in relation to nurses' socio-demographic and professional characteristics show that there is no significant difference found in the mean ranks of knowledge scores across any of these characteristics. However, both attitude and behavior scores towards medication errors were significantly higher among female nurses, non-Saudi nurses, nurses with education in intravenous drug administration, and nurses of more than 40 years of age in attitude score. Knowledge influences attitude, as nurses who have a deep understanding of the subject matter are more likely to have positive attitudes towards their patients, their colleagues, and their work. Attitude, on the other hand, influences behavior. It is understood that nurses who have positive attitudes are more likely to behave in a professional and ethical manner.

Performance of closed-loop systems for intravenous drug administration: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Closed-loop drug delivery systems are autonomous computers able to administer medication in response to changes in physiological parameters (controlled variables). While limited evidence suggested that closed-loop systems can perform better than manual drug administration in certain settings, this technology remains a research tool with an uncertain risk/benefit profile. Our aim was comparing the performance of closed-loop systems with manual intravenous drug administration in adults. We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Embase from inception until November 2022, without restriction to language. We assessed for inclusion randomised controlled trials comparing closed-loop and manual administration of intravenous drugs in adults, intraoperatively or in the Intensive Care Unit. We identified 32 studies on closed-loop administration of propofol, noradrenaline, phenylephrine, insulin, neuromuscular blockers, and vasodilators. Most studies were at moderate or high risk of bias. The results showed that closed-loop systems reduced the duration of blood pressure outside prespecified targets during noradrenaline (MD 14.9%, 95% CI 9.6-20.2%, I2 = 66.6%) and vasodilators administration (MD 7.4%, 95% CI 5.2-9.7%, I2 = 62.3%). Closed-loop systems also decreased the duration of recovery after propofol (MD 1.3min, 95% CI 0.4-2.1min, I2 = 58.6%) and neuromuscular blockers (MD 9.0min, 95% CI 7.9-10.0min, I2 = 0%). The certainty of the evidence was low or very low for most outcomes. Automatic technology may be used to improve the hemodynamic profile during noradrenaline and vasodilators administration and reduce the duration of postanaesthetic recovery.Registration: This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022336950) on the 7th of June 2022.

Quartz Crystal Microbalance as a Predictive Tool for Drug-Material of Construction Interactions in Intravenous Protein Drug Administration

As a growing number of protein drug products are developed, formulation characterization is becoming important. An IgG drug product is tested at concentrations from 0.0001–0.1 mg/mL for adsorption behavior to polymer surfaces polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP) upon dilution in normal saline (NS) using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The studies mimicked IgG antibody interaction during IV administration with polymeric surfaces within syringes, lines, and bags. Drug product was characterized with excipients, with focus on surfactant. Drug solutions were run over polymer-coated sensors to measure the adsorption behavior of the formulation with emphasis on the behavior of each of the formulation's components. Over 60 sensorgram data sets were correlated with assayed protein solution concentrations in mock NS-diluted infusions of drug product in the equivalent concentrations to QCM experiments to build a preliminary predictive model for determining fraction of drug and surfactant adsorbed and lost at the hydrophobic surface during administration. These results create a method for reliably and predictively estimating drug product adsorption behavior and protein drug dose loss on polymers at different protein drug concentrations.

BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES OF CHRONIC GENERALIZED PERIODONTITIS IN CHRONIC VIRAL HEPATITIS B, C AND MIXED INFECTIONS

Viral hepatitis (VH) belongs to the category of infectious diseases of the human body that develop under the influence of viruses, which are diverse in nature, in the ways of their spread and transmission from a patient to a healthy person and have one identical attribute - liver damage. VG is an atroponous infection, which means that their pathogens in natural conditions can only be present in the human body. In hepatitis of viral origin, pathogens have a selective similarity (tropism) to liver cells. For this reason, the early location of viruses and their replication (reproduction) are manifested mainly in the liver tissue, primarily in liver cells (hepatocytes). According to the nature and duration of development, hepatitis of viral origin is divided into acute and chronic. The threshold among these two types of disease is relatively taken into account 6 months from the onset of the disease or in certain patients from the onset of infection (if the disease does not develop) and up to 6 months - acute hepatitis B or acute virus carrier, after 6 months - chronic hepatitis or chronic virus carrier. [4; 8]. According to WHO, in different countries of the world more than 2 billion people are infected with viral hepatitis (VH), while about 350 million are carriers of hepatitis B and 500 million of hepatitis C [3; 5]. All known hepatitis viruses are present in the CIS countries. In relation to parenteral infections of viral hepatitis, the CIS countries belong to the region with a moderate incidence rate (35.2 cases per 100,000 people). In Tatarstan, the share of viral hepatitis "B" and "C" in the total number of viral hepatitis is 80%. According to some authors [1], the number of so-called "virus carriers" of infection is growing in our republic, more than 10,000-12,000 primary carriers of hepatitis B and C viruses are registered annually. However, the registered incidence is only a part of the true incidence and only the visible part of the "iceberg". This is due to the fact that most cases of hepatitis B occur outside the scope of medical diagnosis, without jaundice and with minor clinical symptoms. However, the anicteric form of parenteral hepatitis is less dangerous than the icteric form in terms of infection and consequences [10]. Viral hepatitis B and C belong to the group of viral hepatitis with a parenteral transmission mechanism. These pathogenic viruses are taxonomically distinct. Common features are the parenteral transmission mechanism and the obligatory circulation of the virus in the blood [7]. Viral hepatitis B is a strictly parenteral infection caused by the IIBV virus, including CMV; IIBV is highly resistant to cold, heat, chemical and physical attack. It persists for 3 months at room temperature and 25 years in dried plasma; a direct correlation has been demonstrated between IIBV duration and blood levels. [6]. The source of transmission of the virus (HBV) can be all forms of acute and chronic HBV, as well as virus carriers. More important as the main source of infection for the epidemic potential are chronic forms of HBV infection than acute ones. An important role is played by chronic carriers of HbsAg and patients with clinically icteric form of IIBV; the ability of IIBV to persist for a long time, often for life, in the human body is considered as an ecological form of its existence [3; 5]. The most fully studied artificial (artifacial) ways of HBV infection as a result of various parenteral therapeutic, diagnostic, therapeutic and non-medical manipulations, leading to a violation of the integrity of the mucous membranes and skin. The source of infection can be contaminated blood products, medical equipment and instruments, transplanted organs and tissues; transfusion of blood or blood products containing HBV can also cause infection (post-transfusion hepatitis) [8; 11]. In addition to medical procedures, non-medical parenteral injections are of paramount importance in the transmission of IIBV infections. This is especially true of intravenous administration of drugs, which has become widespread in recent years. According to a number of authors [2], it has been shown that in recent years there has been a rapid increase in the number of patients with acute viral hepatitis "B", which is associated with the use of intravenous drugs, and a quantitative increase in the incidence is observed among young men aged 15 to 30 years. . Below is a list of the most common causes of acute viral hepatitis B. The purpose of this study is to substantiate the functional features of periodontal tissues in chronic hepatitis B, C and mixed infection B + C.

Cefepime-induced encephalopathy

Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic widely used in clinical practice for various organ systems pathology treatment. The article describes the clinical observation of a patient who, 3 days after cefepime administration, had a decrease in the level of consciousness, regarded as encephalopathy. Cefepime-induced neurotoxicity is characterized by toxic encephalopathy, which manifests 2–6 days after the start of the treatment with this drug and disappears 1–3 days after its withdrawal. Electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities include generalized periodic discharges (GPR) of triphasic morphology or a pattern corresponding to the criteria for non-convulsive status epilepticus (BSES). In our observation, the EEG recorded stimulus-induced GPRs of triphasic morphology with a frequency of 1.5 Hz; a test with intravenous administration of an antiepileptic drug (levetiracetam) was negative. A day after the withdrawal of cefepime, the patient’s level of consciousness returned to the initial level, and on the EEG periodic discharges completely regressed. Thus, cefepime may cause encephalopathy in patients with rhythmic or intermittent EEG activity, especially in the presence of a stimulus-induced component. In some cases, the use of cefepime may develop epileptic seizures and BSES.

Epidemiological Analysis of HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan During 2018-2020.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a severe threat to public health everywhere, including the Central Asian region and Kazakhstan. The aim of the study was to conduct an epidemiological analysis of newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection during 2018-2020. A case series study. A descriptive analysis of national data on registered cases of HIV in Kazakhstan was conducted, and demographic information was collected and studied accordingly. The analysis of the influence of age, period, and cohort was performed using the age-period-cohort method. Based on the results, men prevailed (68.5%) among all cases of HIV infection (n=1235). Sexual transmission during heterosexual contact was higher in females (88.9%, P=0.005), and the number of new cases as a result of homosexual contact was higher in men (23.0%, P=0.087). In addition, the parenteral route of HIV transmission cases prevailed among men (27.5%, P=0.001), and intravenous drug administration was more common among males (27.4%, P=0.01). Moreover, 68.5% of men and 33.2% of women had a low therapy adherence. In men, the risk of HIV prevalence increased after 32.5 years (deviation [Dv]: 0.134, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.096 to 0.364). At the age of 37.5 years, there was an increase (Dv: 0.852, 95% CI=0.626 to 1.079) in HIV prevalence. However, no peaks were observed in women. Our findings indicated a rise in the prevalence of HIV infection in Kazakhstan. Men aged 37 and older were identified as the risk category. Eventually, inadequate adherence to treatment was observed in HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients.

Peripheral intravenous catheter-associated phlebitis and drug administration: Retrospective incident analysis

Background: Phlebitis is a complication associated with peripheral intravenous catheters and an adverse event.Objective: To analyze peripheral intravenous catheter-associated phlebitis incidents associated and drug administration to adult inpatients and their consequences. Methodology: Quantitative, retrospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Non-probabilistic convenience sampling technique was used, with 96 adult patients hospitalized in 2019 selected in the area of medicine at a Hospital Center in Lisbon. The type of phlebitis incident was characterized using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis scale adapted and translated to European Portuguese. Patient harm was categorized according to the International Classification for Patient Safety (ICPS). Results: Of the documented phlebitis incidents, 78% obtained a score 2 on the VIP PT-PT scale. According to the ICPS, 87.5% resulted in mild harm and 12.5% in moderate harm. Antibiotics were the most frequent therapeutic group. Conclusion: Phlebitis has an impact on patient safety. The importance of nursing care is reinforced, with a focus on surveillance and early detection of phlebitis to prevent complications.

A novel technique proposition for determining the resection margins in lung resection by using a thermal camera.

Determination of resection margins is very important in anatomical lung resections for both oncologic outcomes and postoperative complications. Absence of intersegmental plans naturally in segmentectomy surgeries and presence of incomplete fissure variationally in pulmonary lobectomy procedures constitute a challenge for surgeons in determining resection margins. Thoracic surgeons can prefer various techniques such as inflation deflation method, indocyanine green imaging, and three-dimensional segment modeling to cope with this problem. These techniques have some disadvantages such as high cost, the necessity of intravenous drug administration, need for an additional imaging system and ineffectiveness due to emphysema, anthracotic lung surface or interalveolar pores. Here we studied an alternative method for the solution of these disadvantages and aimed to demonstrate the correctness of a hypothesis based on detecting the cooling of the ischemic lung portion by a thermal camera after dividing the related pulmonary artery. We planned determining margins of resection with a thermal camera in patients scheduled for pulmonary lobectomy or segmentectomy. We made some measurements and mapping with a thermal camera before and after the dividing of pulmonary artery of related lobe or segment then processed the images taken with a software on the computer. We detected a significant decrease in temperature in the ischemic lung area and demonstrated mapping the demarcation line between ischemic and perfused areas effectively by thermography in a total of 32 patients underwent lung resection. Pulmonary resection margins can be detected effectively by thermography in patients.