Women users of crack: systematic review of Brazilian literature / Mulheres usuárias de crack: revisão sistemática da literatura brasileira

ABSTRACT Objective To present Brazilian’s empirical studies that address this issue between the period of 2004 to 2014. Methods It is a Brazilian literature Systematic Review using the descriptors “crack cocaine” AND “women”, in the database Scopus, Lilacs, Medline and SciELO. Results From the 785 articles found, 16 articles contemplated the inclusion criteria. It was evidenced that the use of crack by women is related to physical and sexual violence, provoking HIV risks in consequence of prostitution, and social prejudice. Conclusion Given this reality, studies evaluating treatments in the Brazilian context are essential, according the specificities of women crack users.

RESUMO Objetivo Apresentar os estudos empíricos brasileiros que abordem o uso de crack em mulheres, no período de 2004 a 2014. Métodos Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura nacional, utilizando os descritores “crack cocaine” AND “women”, nas bases de dados Scopus, Lilacs, Medline e SciELO. Resultados Dos 785 artigos encontrados, 16 artigos contemplaram os critérios de inclusão. Evidenciou-se que o uso de crack em mulheres está relacionado à violência física e sexual, além do HIV advindo da prostituição, bem como o preconceito social. Conclusão Diante dessa realidade, estudos que avaliem tratamentos no contexto brasileiro são imprescindíveis, de acordo com as especificidades das mulheres usuárias de crack.

Drug Utilization Review of Potassium Chloride Injection Formulations Available in a Private Hospital in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Background: The concentrated potassium chloride injection is a high-alert medication and replacing it with a pre-mixed formulation can reduce the risks associated with its use. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of patients receiving different potassium chloride formulations available at a private institution. The study also assessed the effectiveness and safety of pre-mixed formulations in the correction of hypokalaemia. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study consisting of 296 cases using concentrated and pre-mixed potassium chloride injections in 2011 in a private hospital in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Results: There were 135 (45.6%) cases that received concentrated potassium chloride, and 161 (54.4%) cases that received pre-mixed formulations. The patients’ clinical characteristics that were significantly related to the utilization of the different formulations were diagnosis (P < 0.001), potassium serum blood concentration (P < 0.05), and fluid overload risk (P < 0.05). The difference observed for the cases that achieved or maintained normokalaemia was statistically insignificant (P = 0.172). Infusion-related adverse effects were seen more in pre-mixes compared to concentrated formulations (6.8% versus 2.2%, P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study provides insight into the utilization of potassium chloride injections at this specific institution. The results support current recommendations to use pre-mixed formulations whenever possible.

Analysis of the use of imipenem at a University Hospital following the restructuring of an antimicrobial audit system

This study analyzed the use pattern of imipenem following the restructuring of the antimicrobial audit system at a University Hospital. It was an observational study before and after the restructuring of the antimicrobial audit system in a University Hospital from May to August and then from September to December 2006. The criteria of the rational use of imipenem were obtained from a non-systematic revision of the literature. The collection of data on the general characteristics and clinical state of the patient, the infection and the established therapy was carried out in a previously tested instrument. Data was recorded, revised and analyzed in a database built with the software SPSS® for Windows® PC, version 10.0. The statistical analysis had a descriptive character: frequencies, mean, median and standard deviation. No differences were encountered in relation to the appropriate indication, consumption and clinical outcomes of patients. However, there was a reduction of 4 to 1 (75.0 percent) in the number of associations with spectrum superposition and an increase of 4 to 8 (50.0 percent) in the change of therapy. The restructuring of the antimicrobial audit system in the studied hospital did not reflect significantly the increase of the appropriate indication of imipenem. It contributed, however, to the reduction of the inappropriate associations of this antibiotic and to changes of therapy, without, however, compromising the quality of services rendered to patients.

The Introduction of Drug Use Review System in the United States / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE :To give sonic references for improving the quality of drug use and the regulations of pharmacy in China. METHODS: In this paper. OBRA - 90 and the situation of drug use review in America are introduced and analyzed,and inadequate insurance in drug use in China is pointed out.RESULTS & CONCLUSION :The drug use review system in USA is quite successful in ensuring the safety of drug use in public, and we can learn something from it to improve the quality of medication in China.