The Effect of a Computerized Pharmacist Communication Application-based SBAR Tool

Background@#Pharmacists communicate with a variety of healthcare experts to prevent medication errors. Situation-BackgroundAssessment-Recommendation (SBAR) is a tool used for concise and accurate communication. In 2018, we developed the pharmacy-SBAR (P-SBAR) to deliver pharmacists intervention more quickly and effectively through quality improvement activities. Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy of P-SBAR on pharmacists’ intervention activities before and after the implementation of P-SBAR applications. We assessed the impact of P-SBAR on reducing the burden of intervention work, promoting pharmacists’ participation, and enhancing the acceptance rate. @*Methods@#This is a retrospective study of the two groups before and after P-SBAR implementation. All pharmacists’ intervention records during two periods (2016-2017 and 2019-2020) were extracted from the data warehouse system at Kyunghee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul. The outcome was the number of inpatients and pharmacists who participated in the prescription monitoring activity, the number of interventions, and the physicians’ acceptance rate. @*Results@# Although the total number of inpatients decreased (364,753 vs. 348,229), the number of pharmacists who participated in intervention activity increased (monthly mean: 15.8 vs. 18.0, p=0.001). The total number of interventions (2,767 vs. 4,389), the frequency of full acceptance (2,018 vs. 3,710), and the monthly acceptance rate increased significantly (73.8% vs. 83.8%, p<0.001). @*Conclusion@# P-SBAR improved accessibility and convenience by digitalizing the intervention activities performed in an offline environment. Improvement in work burden and acceptance rate using P-SBAR is expected to contribute toward reducing medication errors.

Clinical Effects of Zinc Supplementation in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19:A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background@#Zinc is known for modulating antiviral and antibacterial immunity and regulating inflammatory response. This study aimed to examine the effect of zinc supplementation on clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients through systematic literature review and meta-analysis. @*Methods@#PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched for studies comparing zinc supplement group versus control group for clinical outcomes of COVID-19 up to November 3, 2020. The search results were updated on February 9, 2021. The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.4 software. @*Results@#Total 4 studies were included in this systematic review. The zinc administered group had a significantly lower mortality rate compared with the control group (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.53-0.75, p<0.001), with significantly higher discharge rate (OR 1.32, 95% Cl 1.15-1.52, p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the intensive care unit admission rate (OR 1.07, 95% Cl 0.26-4.48, p=0.92), mechanical ventilation rate (OR 0.80, 95% Cl 0.45-1.41, p=0.44), and length of hospital stay (mean difference 0.75, 95% Cl −0.64 to 2.13, p=0.29) between the two groups. @*Conclusion@#The meta-analysis of zinc administration showed positive clinical effects on the discharge rate and mortality of COVID-19 hospitalized patients. However, large-scale randomized controlled trial should be conducted for zinc to be considered as one of the adjuvant treatments.

Clinical Effects of Zinc Supplementation in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19:A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background@#Zinc is known for modulating antiviral and antibacterial immunity and regulating inflammatory response. This study aimed to examine the effect of zinc supplementation on clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients through systematic literature review and meta-analysis. @*Methods@#PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched for studies comparing zinc supplement group versus control group for clinical outcomes of COVID-19 up to November 3, 2020. The search results were updated on February 9, 2021. The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.4 software. @*Results@#Total 4 studies were included in this systematic review. The zinc administered group had a significantly lower mortality rate compared with the control group (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.53-0.75, p<0.001), with significantly higher discharge rate (OR 1.32, 95% Cl 1.15-1.52, p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the intensive care unit admission rate (OR 1.07, 95% Cl 0.26-4.48, p=0.92), mechanical ventilation rate (OR 0.80, 95% Cl 0.45-1.41, p=0.44), and length of hospital stay (mean difference 0.75, 95% Cl −0.64 to 2.13, p=0.29) between the two groups. @*Conclusion@#The meta-analysis of zinc administration showed positive clinical effects on the discharge rate and mortality of COVID-19 hospitalized patients. However, large-scale randomized controlled trial should be conducted for zinc to be considered as one of the adjuvant treatments.

Pharmaceutical Care for Medication Safety in Critically Ill Neonates

Objective@#This study aimed to investigate pharmaceutical care for critically ill neonates and suggest targeted strategies compatible with the Korean health-system pharmacy. @*Methods@#Articles that reported pharmacy practices for critically ill neonates were reviewed. Pharmaceutical care practices and roles of neonatal pharmacists were identified, and criteria were developed for neonates in need of specialized care by clinical pharmacists. @*Results@#Neonatal pharmacists play many roles in the overall medication management pathway. For clinical decision support, multidisciplinary ward rounds, clinical pharmacokinetic services, and consultation for pharmacotherapy and nutrition support were conducted. Prevention and resolution of drug-related problems through review of medication charts contributed to medication safety. Pharmaceutical optimization of intravenous medication played an important role in safe and effective therapy. Information on the use of off-label medicine, recommended dosage and dosing schedules, and stability of intravenous medicine was provided to other health professionals. Most clinical practices for neonates in Korea included therapeutic drug monitoring and nutrition support services. Reduction in medication errors and adverse drug reactions, shortening the duration of weaning medicines, decreasing the use and cost of antimicrobials, and improvement in nutrition status were reported as the outcomes of pharmacist-led interventions. The essential criteria of pharmaceutical care, including for patients with potential high-risk factors for drug-related problems, was developed. @*Conclusion@#Pharmaceutical care for critically ill neonates varies widely. Development and provision of standardized pharmaceutical care for Korean neonates and a stepwise strategy for the expansion of clinical pharmacy services are required.

Pharmaceutical Care for Medication Safety in Critically Ill Neonates

Objective@#This study aimed to investigate pharmaceutical care for critically ill neonates and suggest targeted strategies compatible with the Korean health-system pharmacy. @*Methods@#Articles that reported pharmacy practices for critically ill neonates were reviewed. Pharmaceutical care practices and roles of neonatal pharmacists were identified, and criteria were developed for neonates in need of specialized care by clinical pharmacists. @*Results@#Neonatal pharmacists play many roles in the overall medication management pathway. For clinical decision support, multidisciplinary ward rounds, clinical pharmacokinetic services, and consultation for pharmacotherapy and nutrition support were conducted. Prevention and resolution of drug-related problems through review of medication charts contributed to medication safety. Pharmaceutical optimization of intravenous medication played an important role in safe and effective therapy. Information on the use of off-label medicine, recommended dosage and dosing schedules, and stability of intravenous medicine was provided to other health professionals. Most clinical practices for neonates in Korea included therapeutic drug monitoring and nutrition support services. Reduction in medication errors and adverse drug reactions, shortening the duration of weaning medicines, decreasing the use and cost of antimicrobials, and improvement in nutrition status were reported as the outcomes of pharmacist-led interventions. The essential criteria of pharmaceutical care, including for patients with potential high-risk factors for drug-related problems, was developed. @*Conclusion@#Pharmaceutical care for critically ill neonates varies widely. Development and provision of standardized pharmaceutical care for Korean neonates and a stepwise strategy for the expansion of clinical pharmacy services are required.

The Effect of Theophylline on Improvement of Renal Function in Asphyxiated Neonates: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the preventive effect of theophylline on acute kidney injury and the ameliorative effect of theophylline on renal function in asphyxiated neonates. A literature search of the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for information published up to February 2019 was conducted. All studies that reported the incidence rate of acute kidney injury, serum creatinine level, and glomerular filtration rate after the randomized administration of theophylline or placebo were included. In total, eight studies involving 498 neonates were eligible. The incidence rate of acute kidney injury was significantly lower in the theophylline group than in the placebo group (risk ratio [RR]: 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32–0.55, p < 0.001). The changes in serum creatinine level in the theophylline group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group from the first day of life to 3 and 5 days of age (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −0.51, 95% CI: −0.62 to −0.40, p < 0.001, and WMD: −0.26, 95% CI: −0.34 to −0.18, p < 0.001, respectively). The changes in glomerular filtration rate in the theophylline group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group from the first day of life to 3 days of age and the last day of follow-up (WMD: 12.30, 95% CI: 9.39–15.21, p < 0.001, and WMD: 9.35, 95% CI: 6.43–12.27, p < 0.001, respectively). These results suggested that theophylline has a beneficial effect on the prevention of acute kidney injury in neonates with perinatal asphyxia.

The Association between Vitamin D Levels and Neonatal Early-onset Sepsis : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D has been associated with sepsis in pediatric and adult patients. The association with neonates is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effect of neonatal and maternal vitamin D levels on neonatal early-onset sepsis. METHODS: We searched studies published up to November 2017 in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases. All studies that reported 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in neonates with or without early-onset sepsis were included. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Four studies were eligible. The weighted mean difference of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in neonates with early-onset sepsis and controls was −7.27 ng/mL (95% confidence interval = −7.62, −6.92). Maternal vitamin D levels in neonates with early-onset sepsis were significantly lower than those in controls (weighted mean difference −7.24 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval −8.45, −6.03). All neonates with early onset sepsis had vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: Lower neonatal and maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were associated with neonatal early-onset sepsis. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may be helpful to prevent neonatal early-onset sepsis. The effects of vitamin D supplementation on early-onset sepsis in neonates warrant further study.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Cyclosporine after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Pediatric Patients

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive agent used to treat and prevent graft versus host reaction (GVHR)-a complication associated with stem cell transplantation. This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic model of cyclosporine and investigate factors affecting cyclosporine clearance in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. METHODS: A total of 650 cyclosporine concentrations recorded in 65 patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were used. Data including age, sex, weight, height, body surface area (BSA), type of disease, chemotherapy before stem cell transplantation, type of donor, serum creatinine levels, total bilirubin concentration, hematocrit value, and type of concomitant antifungal agents and methylprednisolone used were retrospectively collected. Data related to cyclosporine dosage, administration time, and blood concentration were also collected. All data were analyzed using the non-linear mixed effect model; a two-compartment model with first-order elimination was used. RESULTS: The population pharmacokinetic model of cyclosporine using the NONMEM program was as follows: CL (L/h) = 5.9 × (BSA / 1.2)0.9, V2 (L) = 54.5, Q (L/h) = 3.5, V3 (L) = 1080.0, ka (h-1) = 0.000377. BSA was selected as a covariate of cyclosporine clearance, which increased with an increase in BSA. CONCLUSION: A population pharmacokinetic model for Korean pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients was developed, and the important factor affecting cyclosporine clearance was found to be BSA. The model might contribute to the development of the most appropriate dosing regimen for cyclosporine. Further studies on population pharmacokinetics should be carried out, prospectively targeting pediatric patients.

Comparisons of Efficacy between Dapagliflozin and Sitagliptin in Combination with Metformin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare effects on glycemic control and weight loss between the metformin/dapagliflozin combination and the metformin/sitagliptin combination in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records, from January 1(st) 2015 to March 31(st) 2016, of type 2 diabetic patients who were older than 18 and were prescribed with dapagliflozin or sitagliptin in combination with metformin. Hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) levels and weights were measured every 3 months. RESULTS: The dapagliflozin group showed a greater decrease in HbA(1c) levels after 3 months (-0.75% vs. 0.01%, P<0.001), 6 months (-0.36% vs. 0.08%, P=0.029), and 9 months (-0.53% vs. 0.08%, P=0.046) compared to the sitagliptin group. Also, the dapagliflozin group showed a greater significant decrease in the rate of change in HbA1c levels after 3 months (-0.09 vs. 0.01, P<0.001), 6 months (-0.04 vs. 0.01, P=0.031), 9 months (-0.07 vs. 0.02, P=0.029), and 12 months (-0.05 vs. 0.05, P=0.047). Furthermore, the dapagliflozin group showed a greater decrease in amount of weight change after 3 months (-2.46 kg vs. 0.37 kg, P<0.001), 6 months (-3.02 kg vs. 0.13 kg, P<0.001), and 9 months (-2.27 kg vs. 0.50 kg, P=0.002). Finally, the dapagliflozin group showed a greater decrease in the rate of change in weight after 3 months (-3.10% vs. 0.52%, P<0.001), 6 months (-3.83% vs. 0.21%, P<0.001), 9 months (-2.84% vs. 0.79%, P=0.002), and 12 months (-4.91% vs. 0.44%, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that dapagliflozin is more effective than sitagliptin for type 2 diabetic patients.

Contributing Factors on Pharmacokinetic Variability in Critically Ill Neonates

Neonates have large inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetic parameters of many drugs due to developmental differences. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the pharmacokinetic parameters of drugs, which are commonly used in critically ill neonates. Factors that reflect physiologic maturation such as gestational age, postnatal age, postconceptional age, birth weight, and current body weight were correlated with pharmacokinetic parameters in neonates, especially preterm infants. Comorbidity characteristics affecting pharmacokinetics in critically ill neonates were perinatal asphyxia, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and renal dysfunction. Administration of indomethacin or ibuprofen in neonates with PDA was associated with the reduced clearance of renally excreted drugs such as vancomycin and amikacin. Therapeutic hypothermia and extracoporeal membrane oxygenation were influencing factors on pharmacokinetic parameters in critically ill neonates. Dosing adjustment and careful monitoring according to the factors affecting pharmacokinetic variability is required for safe and effective pharmacotherapy in neonatal intensive care unit.

Comparisons of Bleeding Risks between Rivaroxaban and Dalteparin for Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and life-threating condition in cancer patients. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH), such as dalteparin, are recommended in the treatment of VTE. Also, rivaroxaban, an orally administered direct factor Xa inhibitor, was approved for the treatment of VTE. It showed similar efficacy to standard therapy (LMWH or warfarin) and was associated with significantly lower rates of major bleedings. However, in the real world, bleeding has been reported to occur frequently in cancer patient receiving rivaroxaban. The goal of this research was to analyze bleeding risks between rivaroxaban and dalteparin for treatment of VTE in cancer patients. METHODS: Medical records of oncology patients who were treated with rivaroxaban or dalteparin for VTE from July 2012 to June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected were as follows: age, sex, weight, height, cancer types and stages, ECOG (eastern cooperative oncology group) PS (performance score), VTE types, concurrently used medications, study drug information (dose and duration of therapy), INR (international normalized ratio), PT (prothrombin time), and platelet counts. Bleeding was classified into major bleedings, clinically relevant non-major bleedings, and minor bleedings. RESULTS: A total of 399 patients were included in the study. Of these patients, 246 were treated with rivaroxaban and 153 with dalteparin. Bleeding rates were significantly higher in the rivaroxaban group than in the dalteparin group (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.09, 95% CI 1.22-3.60) after adjusting for confounders. In addition, rivaroxaban remained independently associated with 1.78-fold (95% CI 1.14-2.76) shorter time to bleeding compared to dalteparin after adjusting other factors known to be associated with poor outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that rivaroxaban was associated with an increased risk of bleedings in cancer patients.

Comparisons of Perception on Direct-to-Consumer Advertisements of Prescription Drugs between Healthcare Providers and Consumers

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the difference of perception on direct-to-consumer advertisement (DTCA) of prescription drugs between healthcare providers and consumers. METHODS: The online and offline survey was conducted from May 26th to June 5th, 2013. The questionnaire was composed of 15 items about perception on DTCA of prescription drugs. RESULTS: A total of 215 healthcare providers and 202 consumers responded to the questionnaire. Consumers had an overall positive attitude on permitting DTCA of prescription drugs and carried favorable views about the influence of the DTCA of prescription drugs on providing drug information, promoting communications between healthcare providers and consumers, and improving images of healthcare providers. Healthcare providers displayed negative perception for the needs of permitting the DTCA of prescription drugs compared to consumers. They showed somewhat skeptical perception about the influence of the DTCA of prescription drugs on necessities and efficiencies of delivering drug information, promoting communications between healthcare providers and consumers, and improving images of healthcare providers. Both healthcare providers and consumers were concerned about the increase of drug prices following the increase in advertisement expenses of pharmaceutical products. CONCLUSION: This study identified the perception differences on direct-to-consumer advertisements of prescription drugs between healthcare providers and consumers. This study could be of much help in the process of review on permitting DTCA of prescription drugs in Korea.

Protein Metabolism and Glutamine Supplementation in Stress Condition

Stress conditions such as sepsis, trauma, burn, fracture, and major surgery are associated with hypermetabolism and hypercatabolism. Protein is mobilized for energy and uptake of amino acids by muscle tissue is decreased in stress conditions. The metabolic response to stress causes movement of amino acids (predominantly alanine and glutamine) from peripheral reserves to metabolically active tissues. Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid during stress. Glutamine plays a role in maintenance of intestinal immune function and reinforcement of wound repair. Supplementation of parenteral glutamine (0.3~0.5 g/kg/day) as a component of nutrition support may improve clinical outcomes in appropriate patients. In patients with multiorgan failure, supplementation with a high dose of glutamine (>0.5 g/kg/day) in the acute phase of critical illness is not recommended. In stress conditions, provision of adequate protein is essential and glutamine supplementation should be considered in patients without specific contraindications.