Pharmacological Management Of Patients Research Articles

Impaired kidney function: supporting the safe use of medicines for patients.

Due to the increasing incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), nurses in most healthcare settings are likely to care for patients with some degree of impaired kidney function. Impaired kidney function can adversely affect the way the body excretes, absorbs, distributes and metabolises medicines (pharmacokinetics), potentially resulting in a wide range of drug-related complications. This article provides an overview of the effects of impaired kidney function on pharmacokinetics and the importance of accurate drug dose adjustments for patients with related conditions. It also discusses various aspects of medicines use in patients with AKI, the pharmacological management of patients with CKD and the use of immunosuppressive therapy in patients who have had a kidney transplant. The authors consider the role of the nurse in ensuring safe medicines use for patients with impaired kidney function throughout the article.

Unraveling a Psychiatric Puzzle: Corticosteroid-Induced Psychosis in Addison’s Disease. A case report

IntroductionThe spectrum of neuropsychiatric adverse effects of corticosteroids ranges from unspecific symptoms to structured psychotic or affective episodes. We present the case of a 30-year-old woman admitted to our hospital due to behavioral alterations, coinciding with the initiation of treatment with corticosteroid boluses as part of a chemotherapy regimen for gastric adenocarcinoma. She had a previous diagnose of Addison’s disease, undergoing treatment with supplemental corticosteroids.Objectives1)To describe the clinical particularities of this case, focusing on the psychopathological aspects and their correlation with the corticoid treatment.2)To review the available literature regarding the clinical characteristics and management of corticosteroid-induced psychosis, with special interest in patients with adrenal insufficiency that require long term steroid supplementation.MethodsA review of the patient’s clinical history and complementary tests were carried out. Likewise, we reviewed the available literature in relation to the clinical presentation of corticosteroid-induced psychosis and its pharmacological management.ResultsThe patient was admitted to our hospital due to acute behavioural alterations, which temporally coincided with the 4th cycle of FOLFOX chemotherapy and corticosteroid boluses. She presented with incoherent speech, with non sequitur answers and glossolalia, as well as dysphoric affect and purposeless behavior. She presented a favorable clinical course after the initiation of treatment with antipsychotics and temporary suspension of corticosteroid treatment.Manic symptoms are the most common presentation of “corticosteroid-induced psychosis”, with the key characteristic being the temporal association with the corticosteroids administration. Although the discontinuation of steroids generally results in a sudden decrease in symptoms, additional treatment with antipsychotics such as haloperidol or olanzapine might be required for a symptomatic control. In patients with adrenal insufficiency, long-term treatment with lithium or anti-seizure treatments are effective strategies in relapse prevention when a higer steroid dose is required.Conclusions-Corticosteroid-induced psychosis is a well described clinical phenomenon, that usually presents with manic symptoms rather than psychotic experiences.-Progressive discontinuation of corticosteroid treatment usually results in complete cessation of symptoms, but additional psychopharmacological treatment might be required, especially in patients with adrenal insufficiency undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment.-This case outlines the psychopathological richness in the presentation of corticosteroid-induced psychosis, and illustrates the challenges in the pharmacological management in patients with adrenal insufficiency.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The role and application of current pharmacological management in patients with advanced heart failure.

In the last decades, several classifications and definitions have been proposed for advanced heart failure (ADVHF) patients, including clinical, functional, hemodynamic, imaging, and electrocardiographic features. Despite different inclusion criteria, ADVHF is characterized by some common items, such as drug intolerance, low arterial pressure, multiple organ dysfunction, chronic kidney disease, and diuretic use dependency. Additional features include fatigue, hypotension, hyponatremia, and unintentional weight loss associated with a specific laboratory profile reflecting systemic multiorgan dysfunction. Notably, studies evaluating guideline-directed medical therapy recently endorsed by guidelines in stable HF, including the 4 drug classes all together (i.e., betablocker, mineral corticoid antagonist, renin angiotensin inhibitors/neprilysin inhibitors, and sodium glucose transporter inhibitors), remain scarcely analyzed in ADVHF and New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IV. Additionally, due to the common conditions associated with advanced stages, the balance between drug tolerance and potential benefits of the contemporary use of all agents is questioned. Therefore, less hard endpoints, such as exercise tolerance, quality of life (QoL) and self-competency, are not clearly demonstrated. Specific analyses evaluating outcome and rehospitalization of each drug provided conflicting results and are often limited to subjects with stable conditions and less advanced NYHA class. Current European Society of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ESC/AHA) Guidelines do not indicate the type of treatment, dosage, and administration modalities, and they do not suggest specific indications for ADVHF patients. Due to these concerns, there is an impelling need to understand what drugs may be used as the first line, what management leads to the better outcome, and what is the best treatment algorithm in this setting. In this paper, we summarize the most common pitfalls and limitations for the use of the traditional agents, and we propose a personalized approach aiming at preserve drug tolerance and maintaining adverse event protection and satisfactory QoL.

A cross-sectional study to determine the potential drug–drug interactions in patients with alcoholic liver disease in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, and it significantly contributes to liver-related mortality on a global scale. These patients often require drug treatment either for liver disease and its complications or for other comorbid conditions. Due to compromised hepatic function and the prevalence of polypharmacy-associated comorbidities, liver disease significantly increases the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the potential drug interactions in the pharmacological management of patients with alcoholic liver disease undergoing conservative treatment. Materials and Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted at Victoria Hospital attached to Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute over a period of 3 months. The study analyzed 200 cases of alcoholic liver disease for the presence of potential drug interactions using the LEXICOMP computer program. Results: The study included 200 subjects with alcoholic liver disease. About 92% were males, and 35% were from the age group of 41 to 50 years followed by 28% from 31 to 40 years. Cirrhosis was identified in 53% of the cases. The median number of drugs per patient was 8.8. A total of 118 potential DDIs (pDDIs) were identified averaging 2.5 pDDIs per patient. The common pDDIs were seen with ondansetron, metronidazole, propranolol, rifaximin, and ranitidine. It was noted that polypharmacy exhibited a robust association with the occurrence of drug interactions. The findings highlight a significant association between polypharmacy and the incidence of pDDIs. Conclusion: The complexity of pharmacotherapy in alcoholic liver disease stems from compromised liver function. It is crucial for physicians to be cognizant of the significant DDIs associated with medications used in liver disease treatment, given the heightened susceptibility of these patients to ADRs.

Abstract 14630: Young Female Presenting With Chest Pain Due to Left Main Aneurysm

Background: Incidence of ACS is increasing in young patients. While atherosclerosis needs to be ruled out, there should be high suspicion for alternate causes. Case: A 36-year-old African American woman with obesity, prediabetes and tobacco use, presented to the ED with chest pain. Initial cardiac investigations unremarkable. CTA chest ruled out pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection. Her pain had resolved and she was discharged home. Within hours, the pain recurred and became progressively worse. She returned to the ED and was found to have an anterior STEMI with a troponin I 0.72 ng/ml. Cardiology was consulted, left heart cath revealed a large left main aneurysm (LMA) with large thrombus burden, with mildly aneurysmal LAD, RCA and LCx, moderate decrease in systolic function and no significant arch or main vessel aneurysms. Case was discussed with cardiothoracic surgery, who recommended medical management. Her symptoms resolved while on anticoagulation. Discussion: Coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) are a rare cause of ACS. The reported incidence of CAA ranges from 0.3% to 5%, most often affecting men. The RCA is the most commonly affected artery followed by the LAD, with the LM being the least common. Risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, diabetes, and a family history of coronary artery disease. Known etiologies include atherosclerosis, Kawasaki disease, inflammatory, congenital, and degenerative conditions. Transient myocardial ischemia may result from aneurysm-related blood stasis that may predispose to thromboembolic events, coronary spasm, and microvascular dysfunction. Conclusion: Although considered extremely rare, the number of LMA reported has increased in the last decades and may continue to grow with the widespread use of invasive and noninvasive coronary imaging. Considering the rarity of CAA and absence of dedicated studies, both the interventional and the pharmacological management of patients with LMA are challenging.

Continuous learning through platforms

The health crisis situation we have experienced caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has changed our daily life in numerous aspects, including those related to training (undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education, etc). Training activities, conferences, lectures, face-to-face workshops were suspended until the Health Situation was over. Alternatives to face-to-face training were needed to guarantee the continuity of these activities. Online training, teaching and evaluation emerged as a relatively fast, simple, operational and flexible solution.Universities and faculties promoted online teaching through virtual classes. The Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy supported this initiative by signing an agreement with the Board of Deans and Chancellors of Pharmacy to make it possible for undergraduate students to continue their studies and supervised practices in hospital pharmacy departments.Specialized training was affected. Pharmacy residency programs were significantly modified by hospital pharmacies to be able to provide the new clinical and research activities required, everyday, by the pandemic situation.Postgraduate and residency training were also negatively affected. Again, online activities made up for restrictions to face-to-face teaching and training. The Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy promoted continuing education and provided updated information on the SARS-CoV-2 virus through its website. Thus, numerous virtual sessions, lectures and webinars have been held, and high-quality material was offered to provide up-to-date knowledge, on the pharmacological management of patients with COVID-19.Online teaching and education has demonstrated to be an invaluable tool for hard times. During the lockdown, technology has kept us closer and has emerged as an ally. Many of us have found a new means of communication, information, and training. The Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy has substantially contributed to make it possible.

EFFECT OF CARDIOPROTECTIVE THERAPY ON INFLAMMATION AND FIBROSIS FORMATION IN PATIENTS WITH MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN COMBINATION WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Myocardial infarction, especially ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), is the leading cause of death worldwide. Rapid detection and treatment of patients with STEMI is essential to minimize heart muscle damage and improve patient outcomes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common metabolic disorder that is associated with various cardiovascular diseases, including STEMI. Patients with T2DM have a higher risk of developing STEMI, and this relationship is explained by factors such as insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and low-grade inflammation. Low-grade inflammation is now considered a characteristic feature of T2DM associated with the development of cardiovascular disease.
 Aim: to evaluate the effect of quercetin and adenosine-containing drug Advocard on inflammation and myocardial remodeling in patients with STEMI and concomitant T2DM.
 Materials and methods. This study involved 97 patients who were diagnosed with STEMI and T2DM who were inpatients at the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Clinical Cardiology Center. The patients were divided into three separate groups. The first group included 34 patients who received only standard treatment as prescribed by current protocols for STEMI and T2D. The second group consisted of 29 patients who received the same basic therapy, but with the addition of quercetin (4.5 g intravenously for 5 days) to the treatment complex. The third group included 34 patients who received quercetin and Advocard (adenosine -29.25 mg in combination with molsidomine - 0.3 mg and folic acid - 0.45 mg in one half tablet) 2 tablets 3 times a day for 3 weeks against the background of similar basic therapy.
 Results. After analyzing the data of the three groups, it was found that the mean fibronectin level before treatment was 2.92±0.11 ng/ml in group 1, 2.67±0.39 ng/ml in group 2 and 2.68±0.38 ng/ml in group 3 (group 1 vs. group 2 p=0.892, group 1 vs. group 3 p=0.12). After treatment, the average fibronectin level decreased to 1.82±0.35 ng/ml in group 1, 1.11±0.26 ng/ml in group 2, and 0.82±0.28 ng/ml in group 3 (group 1 vs. group 2 p<0.001, group 1 vs. group 3 p<0.001). The difference between pre- and post-treatment levels (Δ fibronectin) was 0.86 ng/ml in group 1, 1.57 ng/ml in group 2, and 2.10 ng/ml in group 3. The mean level of sST2 before treatment was 23.08±1.39 ng/ml in the first group, 22.96±1.13 ng/ml in the second group and 23.11±1.05 ng/ml in the third group (group 1 vs. group 2, p=0.705, group 1 vs. group 3, p=0.916). After treatment, the mean level of sST2 decreased to 15.88±1.76 ng/mL in the first group, 10.06±1.77 ng/mL in the second group, and 7.11±1.65 ng/mL in the third group (group 1 vs. group 2 p<0.001, group 1 vs. group 3 p<0.001). The difference between the pre- and post-treatment levels, or Δ sST2, was 7.21 ng/mL in the first group, 12.90 ng/mL in the second group, and 16.00 ng/mL in the third group.
 Conclusions:
 The use of quercetin and advocard in the pharmacological management of patients with STEMI and T2DM reduces the intensity of inflammation and fibrosis, as evidenced by a decrease in the levels of fibronectin and sST2 in the blood.

Reversal and removal of oral antithrombotic drugs in patients with active or perceived imminent bleeding.

Remarkable progress has been made in the pharmacological management of patients with cardiovascular disease, including the frequent use of antithrombotic agents. Nonetheless, bleeding complications remain frequent and potentially life-threatening. Therapeutic interventions relying on prompt antithrombotic drug reversal or removal have been developed to assist clinicians in treating patients with active bleeding or an imminent threat of major bleeding due to urgent surgery or invasive procedures. Early phase studies on these novel strategies have shown promising results using surrogate pharmacodynamic endpoints. However, the benefit of reversing/removing antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs should always be weighed against the possible prothrombotic effects associated with withdrawal of antithrombotic protection, bleeding, and surgical trauma. Understanding the ischemic-bleeding risk tradeoff of antithrombotic drug reversal and removal strategies in the context of urgent high-risk settings requires dedicated clinical investigations, but challenges in trial design remain, with relevant practical, financial, and ethical implications.

Chronic constipation: from pathophysiology to management.

Chronic constipation (CC) is one of the most common conditions found in gastrointestinal clinical practice and defined by the presence of fewer than 3 bowel movements per week and/or more than one fourth of bowel movements with Bristol stool form types 1 or 2. CC affects people regardless of race, age, or sex, although it is most common in women and in elderly. It is associated with relevant disease burden, including significant impairment of patients' quality of life. In the absence of alarm features, patients should receive a symptom-based diagnosis. Treatment options include lifestyle and general measures, bulking agents, in particular dietary fiber supplementation. Osmotic laxatives are currently considered the first-line gold-standard pharmacological treatment of CC together with stimulant laxatives which are often used as a rescue therapy. When necessary, prokinetic agents and/or intestinal secretagogues can be used. Biofeedback may be indicated in patients with functional defecation disorders. In this review, we will briefly summarize the current understanding on epidemiology, classification, pathophysiology and clinical evaluation of CC and discuss in depth the pharmacological and not pharmacological management of patients with this disorder.

Changing Patterns of Antihyperglycaemic Treatment among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Hungary between 2015 and 2020-Nationwide Data from a Register-Based Analysis.

Background and objectives: In the last couple of years, pharmacological management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been markedly renewed. The aim of this study was to analyse the changes in prescribing patterns of antidiabetic drugs for treating patients with T2DM in Hungary between 2015 and 2020. Material and Methods: In this retrospective, nationwide analysis, we used the central database of the National Health Insurance Fund. We present annual numbers and their proportion of T2DM patients with different treatment regimens. Results: In the period of 2015–2020, the number of incident cases decreased from 60,049 to 29,865, while prevalent cases increased from 682,274 to 752,367. Patients with metformin (MET) monotherapy had the highest prevalence (31% in 2020). Prevalence of insulin (INS) monotherapy continuously but slightly decreased from 29% to 27% while that of sulfonylurea (SU) monotherapy markedly decreased from 37% to 20%. Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-4) inhibitors remained popular in 2020 as monotherapy (5%), in dual combination with MET (12%) and in triple combination with MET and SU (5%). The prevalence of patients with sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors increased from 1% to 4% in monotherapy, from <1% to 6% in dual combination with MET, and from <1% to 2% in triple oral combination with MET and SU or DPP-4-inhibitors. The prevalence of patients using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RAs) also increased but remained around 1–2% both in monotherapy and combinations. For initiating antihyperglycaemic treatment, MET monotherapy was the most frequently used regime in 2020 (50%), followed by monotherapy with SUs (16%) or INS (10%). After initial MET monotherapy, the incidence rates of patients with add-on GLP-1-RAs (2%, 3%, and 4%) and those of add-on SGLT-2 inhibitors (4%, 6%, and 8%) slowly increased in the subsequent 24, 48, and 72 months, respectively. Conclusions: In the period of 2015–2020, we documented important changes in trends of antihyperglycaemic therapeutic patterns in patients with T2DM which followed the new scientific recommendations but remained below our expectations regarding timing and magnitude. More efforts are warranted to implement new agents with cardiovascular/renal benefits into therapeutic management in time, in a much larger proportion of T2DM population, and without delay.

Canadian Rheumatology Association Living Guidelines for the Pharmacological Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis With Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs.

To provide the initial installment of a living guideline that will provide up-to-date guidance on the pharmacological management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Canada. The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) formed a multidisciplinary panel composed of rheumatologists, researchers, methodologists, and patients. In this first installment of our living guideline, the panel developed a recommendation for the tapering of biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (b/ts DMARD) therapy in patients in sustained remission using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach, including a health equity framework developed for the Canadian RA population. The recommendation was adapted from a living guideline of the Australia &amp; New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network. In people with RA who are in sustained low disease activity or remission for at least 6 months, we suggest offering stepwise reduction in the dose of b/tsDMARD without discontinuation, in the context of a shared decision, provided patients are able to rapidly access rheumatology care and reestablish their medications if needed. In patients where rapid access to care or reestablishing access to medications is challenging, we conditionally recommend against tapering. A patient decision aid was developed to complement the recommendation. This living guideline will provide contemporary RA management recommendations for Canadian practice. New recommendations will be added over time and updated, with the latest recommendation, evidence summaries, and Evidence to Decision summaries available through the CRA website (www.rheum.ca).

Medikamentöse Therapie bei Patienten mit Leberzirrhose

Die Leberzirrhose ist das Endstadium chronischer Lebererkrankungen und insbesondere im fortgeschrittenen Stadium mit einer hohen Morbidität und Mortalität verbunden. Patienten mit Leberfunktionseinschränkung sind permanent von einer Vielzahl schwerwiegender Komplikationen bedroht. Ein optimales pharmakologisches Management bei Patienten mit Leberinsuffizienz kann die Progression der Grunderkrankung verlangsamen, Hospitalisationen verhindern sowie Lebensqualität und Überleben verbessern. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über den aktuellen Stand und neue Entwicklungen der Pharmakotherapie bei Patienten mit Leberzirrhose.

Effectiveness of Hydrotherapy on Neuropathic Pain and Pain Catastrophization in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for a Pilot Trial Study.

BackgroundNeuropathic pain (NP) is one of the most frequent spinal cord injury (SCI) complications. Pain, quality of life, and functionality are associated and can lead to pain catastrophization. Pharmacological management of patients with NP secondary to SCI is widely known and there is increasing evidence in the area. Nevertheless, nonpharmacological management is not fully elucidated since its efficacy is inconclusive.ObjectiveWe hypothesize that (1) hydrotherapy is effective in reducing NP secondary to SCI. Additionally, our secondary hypotheses are that (2) hydrotherapy decreases the catastrophization of NP, and that (3) hydrotherapy improves life quality and minimizes the degree of disability, when compared to physical therapy.MethodsA sample of approximately 20 participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention (hydrotherapy) or control group (standard physical therapy). Both interventions will be administered twice a week over a 9-week period (18 sessions in total). Primary outcomes are changes in neuropathic pain perception and pain catastrophization. Secondary outcomes are changes in disability and quality of life scores. They will be assessed at baseline and follow-up at 4 weeks after discharge. Validated Spanish language scales that will be used are the following: Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Pain Catastrophization, Health-related Quality of life, and the World Health Organization’s Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. Generalized mixed linear models will be used for comparing baseline and postintervention means of each group and their differences, together with 95% CIs and P values. A P value of less than .05 will be considered significant.ResultsRecruitment began in April 2019, and we recruited the last participants by December 2019, with 10 individuals assigned to hydrotherapy and 8 to physical therapy (control). Results from this study will be disseminated via scientific publication, in ClinicalTrials.gov, and in national and international conferences in the latter half of 2022.ConclusionsThis trial will explore the effects of hydrotherapy on neuropathic pain, together with functionality and quality of life, in patients with SCI. Furthermore, this study aims to evaluate these therapeutic modalities, including perception variables, and mental processes, which may affect the clinical condition and rehabilitation outcomes in these patients. Hydrotherapy is likely to be a safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to the current standard of care for NP secondary to SCI, with comparable results between the two.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04164810; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04164810International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/37255

Medication Management of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Neurological Conditions: A Dimensional Transdiagnostic Approach.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are prevalent in neurologic practice, but their complexity makes them challenging to manage. Many cognitive, affective, behavioral, and perceptual symptoms span multiple neurologic diagnoses-and there is prominent variability in neuropsychiatric symptom burden for a given condition. There is also a relative lack of robust controlled clinical trial evidence and expert consensus recommendations for a range of neuropsychiatric symptom presentations. Thus, the categorical approach (e.g., a discrete diagnosis equals a specific set of medication interventions) used in many other medical conditions can sometimes have limited utility in commonly encountered neuropsychiatric clinical scenarios. In this review, we explore medication management for a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms using a dimensional transdiagnostic approach applied to the neurological patient. This approach allows the clinician to think beyond the boundaries of a discrete diagnosis and treat specific symptom domains (e.g., apathy, impulsivity). Pharmacologic considerations, including mechanisms of action and their application to various neurotransmitter systems and brain networks, are discussed, as well as general recommendations to optimize medication adherence and rapport with the patient. The dimensional, transdiagnostic approach to pharmacological management of patients with neurological conditions will help the clinician treat neuropsychiatric symptoms safely, effectively, and confidently.

Exploring the treatment gap among patients with osteoporosis-related fractures in France.

To describe real-world osteoporosis treatment patterns in individuals with a fragility fracture in France and to explore the impact of initiating treatment on the risk of subsequent fracture. A retrospective cohort study, using the national French Health Insurance claims database. Males and females 50 years and over, with a hospital discharge diagnosis of osteoporosis with fracture or a relevant fragility fracture between 2011 and 2014, were included and followed until death or the end of 2016, whichever came first. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving anti-osteoporosis treatments prior to and post-index fracture. Change in fracture rates before and after treatment initiation was assessed in an exploratory analysis. A total of 574,133 patients (138,567 males, 435,566 females) had a qualifying index fracture. The proportion of patients receiving any anti-osteoporosis treatment increased pre-index fracture to post-index fracture from 2.2 to 5.6% among males, and from 11.8 to 18.2% among females. Oral bisphosphonates were the most prescribed anti-osteoporosis treatment for both males and females among post-index fractures (60.6% and 68.8% of patients initiating treatment). Following initiation of anti-resorptives, the incidence of subsequent fracture was reduced by 60% (rate ratio (RR): 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34-0.45). Anti-osteoporosis treatment following an index fracture in France remains low. Improved identification and pharmacologic management of patients at risk of fragility fractures are necessary to reduce the risk of subsequent fractures.

GM1 content evaluation in fibroblasts for pre-diagnosis and pharmacological management of patients affected by GM1 gangliosidosis

GM1 content evaluation in fibroblasts for pre-diagnosis and pharmacological management of patients affected by GM1 gangliosidosis

Advances in asthma: New understandings of asthma’s natural history, risk factors, underlying mechanisms, and clinical management

The last 2 years yielded a proliferation of high-quality asthma research. These include new understandings of the incidence and natural history of asthma, findings on the effects of exposure to air pollution, allergens, and intake of acetaminophen, soy isoflavones, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and exposure to microbial products. The past 2 years have benefited from great strides in determining potential mechanisms of asthma development and asthma exacerbations. These novel understandings led to identification and development of exciting new avenues for potential therapeutic intervention. Finally, there has been significant progress made in the development of tools to facilitate the diagnosis of asthma and measurement of airway physiology and in precision diagnostic approaches. Asthma guidelines were updated and new insights into the pharmacologic management of patients, including biologics, were reported. We review the most notable advances in the natural history of asthma, risk factors for the development of asthma, underlying mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, and treatments. Although greater knowledge of the mechanisms underlying responses and nonresponses to novel therapeutics and across asthma phenotypes would be beneficial, the progress over just the past 2 years has been immense and impactful.

Pharmacological and multimodal care of the adult patient with psychiatric presentation in the emergency department

The pharmacological management of patients with psychiatric presentations, on prescription, and by nurses in emergency medicine structures is based on knowledge of a limited number of molecules and their methods of administration. This is accompanied by a relational approach and techniques to ensure the safety of the teams in the case of an agitated or very resistant patient.

Variation in Pharmacologic Management of Patients with Kawasaki Disease with Coronary Artery Aneurysms

To evaluate practice variation in pharmacologic management in the International Kawasaki Disease Registry (IKDR). Practice variation in intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, anti-inflammatory agents, statins, beta-blockers, antiplatelet therapy, and anticoagulation was described. We included 1627 patients from 30 IKDR centers with maximum coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) z scores 2.5-4.99 in 848, 5.0-9.99 in 349, and ≥10.0 (large/giant) in 430 patients. All centers reported IVIG and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as primary therapy and use of additional IVIG or steroids as needed. In 23 out of 30 centers, (77%) infliximab was also used; 11 of these 23 centers reported using it in <10% of their patients, and 3 centers used it in >20% of patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents were used in >10% of patients in only nine centers. Beta-blocker (8.8%, all patients) and abciximab (3.6%, all patients) were mainly prescribed in patients with large/giant CAAs. Statins (2.7%, all patients) were mostly used in one center and only in patients with large/giant CAAs. ASA was the primary antiplatelet modality for 99% of patients, used in all centers. Clopidogrel (18%, all patients) was used in 24 centers, 11 of which used it in >50% of their patients with large/giant CAAs. In the IKDR, IVIG and ASA therapy as primary therapy is universal with common use of a second dose of IVIG for persistent fever. There is practice variation among centers for adjunctive therapies and anticoagulation strategies, likely reflecting ongoing knowledge gaps. Randomized controlled trials nested in a high-quality collaborative registry may be an efficient strategy to reduce practice variation.

Twenty-Year Trends in the Psychopharmacological Treatment of Outpatients with Borderline Personality Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Naturalistic Study in Spain.

Although no psychotropic drugs have been officially approved for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), medications are routinely prescribed for these patients. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the pharmacological management of patients with BPD treated in an outpatient specific unit in Spain over the past 20 years, while a secondary aim was to identify the factors associated with the prescription. Observational and cross-sectional study of all patients with a primary diagnosis of BPD (n=620) consecutively admitted to a BPD outpatient program in Barcelona, Spain, from 2001 through 2020. We examined trends in the prescription of antidepressants, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. For the analysis, prescription data were grouped into four 5-year periods (2001-2005, 2006-2010, 2011-2015, and 2016-2020). Logistic regression models were performed to identify sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with pharmacological prescription and polypharmacy. The percentage of patients receiving pharmacotherapy decreased over time. Antidepressant prescription rates remained high and stable over time (74% of patients), while benzodiazepine use decreased significantly during the study period (from 77 to 36%) and second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) use increased from 15 to 32%. Psychiatric comorbidity was the main factor associated with pharmacological treatment (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.5-4.2) and polypharmacy, although a high percentage of patients without comorbidity were also taking medications. Over the past 20 years, the pharmacological treatment of BPD outpatients has undergone important changes, most notably the decrease in benzodiazepines and increase in SGAs. The findings of this study demonstrate that pharmacotherapy is much more prevalent in patients with BPD than recommended in most clinical guidelines.