Common outpatient diagnoses and associated treatments logged by osteopathic medical students within a geriatric population.

CONTEXT: Clinical clerkships provide osteopathic medical students the opportunity to participate in the diagnosis and treatment of commonly encountered medical conditions. Appropriate management of these conditions may include pharmacotherapy and/or nonpharmacologic interventions, such as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Opportunities may exist to expand the utilization of OMT in the management of common conditions, particularly for geriatric patients, who are at increased risk for adverse outcomes from pharmacologic treatments. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the most common diagnoses and corresponding treatments logged by osteopathic medical students within an ambulatory geriatric population. METHODS: Patient encounters logged electronically by osteopathic medical students were retrospectively reviewed to determine the most commonly reported diagnostic codes and their treatments. Logged interventions were filtered to include patients over the age of 65 years who were seen on family medicine rotations within an ambulatory setting. The top 10 diagnoses were sorted and assessed to determine the associated treatments, including medications, procedures, and OMT. RESULTS: Between January 2018 and June 2020, a total of 11,185 primary diagnoses were logged pertaining to the defined patient population. The most frequently documented diagnoses were essential hypertension (n=1,420; 12.7 %), encounter for well examination (n=1,144; 10.2 %), type 2 diabetes mellitus (n=837; 7.5 %), hyperlipidemia (n=346; 3.1 %), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; n=278; 2.5 %), osteoarthritis (OA; n=221; 2.0 %), low back pain (LBP; n=202; 1.8 %), pain in joint (n=187; 1.7 %), hypothyroidism (n=164; 1.5 %), and urinary tract infections (n=160; 1.4 %). Three of the top 10 logged diagnoses were musculoskeletal in nature (OA, LBP, and pain in joint). Pharmacotherapy was reported as the predominant treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, with OMT being logged as a treatment for 10.9 % (n=50) of those cases. The most commonly logged medication class in the management of patients with those musculoskeletal conditions was nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; n=128; 27.9 %), while opioids were the second most frequently documented class of medications (n=65; 14.2 %). CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal complaints were commonly logged by osteopathic medical students within the studied population. Opioids were documented as a treatment for musculoskeletal conditions more frequently than OMT. As such, opportunities exist to expand the utilization of OMT during clinical clerkships and to decrease the frequency of prescribed medications for pain management.

Incorporating physical manipulatives into an integrated pharmacotherapy course to reinforce antimicrobial spectrum of activity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Teaching and learning the spectrum of activity (SOA) of antimicrobial agents can be a challenge in pharmacy education. This study describes the implementation and assessment of a novel tool to aid in the instruction of SOA. Physical manipulatives were used as an active-learning technique to model bacterial pathogens for antimicrobial SOA in an infectious diseases (ID) integrated medication therapy management course. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: Pharmacy students enrolled in two consecutive years of the ID course were provided the opportunity to utilize a set of manipulatives for in-class activities and out-of-class practice. The manipulatives were small, colored building blocks that could be used to model bacterial pathogens for antimicrobial SOA. A key was included with each set of blocks, color-coding each block to represent a different bacterial pathogen or pathogen group. Blocks were used during classroom instruction to model the SOA of antimicrobial agents, compare/contrast SOA between medications, and model bacterial pathogens requiring empiric coverage for various infections, allowing students to produce "bug-drug" matches. Course data from the previous year was utilized to compare pre-implementation aggregate performance with post-implementation data. Performance on SOA-related questions was assessed during the course, using an independent samples t-test. FINDINGS: The intervention group exhibited a statistically significant increased mean score on test questions relating to SOA as compared to the control group. SUMMARY: The use of manipulatives was associated with improved performance on SOA-related questions in an integrated ID course of pharmacy students.

Y-site physical compatibility of hydrocortisone continuous infusions with admixtures used in critically ill patients.

PURPOSE: Critically ill patients with septic shock often receive multiple intravenous medications, necessitating either the placement of separate lines for medication administration or administration of medications concurrently through a Y-site connector only where compatibility has been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to examine the physical compatibility of hydrocortisone infusions and select intravenous medications through a simulated Y site. METHODS: The medications tested for simulated Y-site physical compatibility with hydrocortisone included acetaminophen, albumin, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, cisatracurium, doripenem, epinephrine, esomeprazole, ibuprofen, levofloxacin, levothyroxine, meropenem, and norepinephrine. Hydrocortisone in solution with 0.9% sodium chloride injection was combined with an equivalent volume of solutions of each test drug at maximum or commercially available concentrations used clinically in intensive care units, as appropriate. The samples were evaluated using turbidimetric measurements and examined visually against light and dark backgrounds to determine physical compatibility. Observations and analyses were completed over a one-hour period at 15-minute intervals beginning immediately after mixing. Each test was performed in triplicate. RESULTS: All study medications demonstrated visual and/or turbidimetric physical compatibility when combined with hydrocortisone in a simulated Y-site infusion. No medications demonstrated a visual physical incompatibility when combined with hydrocortisone. CONCLUSION: Acetaminophen, albumin, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, cisatracurium, doripenem, epinephrine, esomeprazole, ibuprofen, levofloxacin, levothyroxine, meropenem, and norepinephrine exhibited physical compatibility with hydrocortisone via Y-site infusion.

Physical Compatibility of Medications Used in Critically Ill Patients with Balanced Fluid Solutions.

Using balanced fluids for resuscitation in patients with septic shock may lead to improved patient outcomes. However, compatibility data on co-administering balanced fluids via y-site connector with other intravenous medications is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine the physical compatibility of frequently used intravenous medications for patients with septic shock with balanced fluids, Plasma-Lyte A, and Lactated Ringers, using a simulated y-site. Medications studied were acyclovir, amiodarone, ampicillin, aztreonam, cefepime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, heparin, hydrocortisone, gentamicin, levofloxacin, meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, tobramycin, and vancomycin. All medications were assessed with Plasma-Lyte A; amiodarone, ampicillin, cefepime, hydrocortisone, and levofloxacin were also assessed for compatibility with Lactated Ringers, based on missing or conflicting compatibility data. The medications were diluted to maximum concentrations used for patient administration and mixed with the balanced fluid solution in equal volumes. Physical compatibility was determined by assessing samples visually against light and dark backgrounds and using a laboratory turbidimeter. Assessments occurred at time of mixing and at 15-minute intervals up to one hour. Amiodarone demonstrated turbidimetric incompatibility when combined with Plasma- Lyte A or Lactated Ringers and should not be co-administered with either of these fluids via y-site connector. Each remaining study drug displayed visible and turbidimetric compatibility with the assessed balanced fluid. Acyclovir, ampicillin, aztreonam, cefepime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, heparin, hydrocortisone, levofloxacin, meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, tobramycin, and vancomycin exhibited physical compatibility with Plasma- Lyte A in a simulated y-site for up to one hour. Ampicillin, cefepime, hydrocortisone, and levofloxacin were also physically compatible with Lactated Ringers.

Hypothermia Associated With Thioridazine Use in an Intellectually Disabled Patient.

PURPOSE: To report a case of hypothermia in a patient with intellectual disability treated with thioridazine. SUMMARY: A 59-year-old female presented to the emergency department with altered mental status, generalized weakness, chills, and fatigue and was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. Upon completion of a history and physical examination, the patient was found to be hypothermic with a temperature of 91 F. A Bair Hugger protocol was initiated to manage hypothermia, and a taper schedule for thioridazine was initiated as it was identified as a possible culprit for the patient's hypothermia. According to the Naranjo probability scale, thioridazine was a possible cause of this adverse effect. Other patient-specific risk factors for hypothermia were evaluated and ruled out. CONCLUSION: This case indicates a possible correlation between hypothermia and the use of phenothiazine antipsychotics such as thioridazine. Appropriate measures, including early detection and identification of possible causative agents, should be taken to prevent and treat this adverse event in patients taking these medications, specifically in patients with the inability to participate in self-care.

Y-site Physical Compatibility of Beta-blocker Infusions with Intensive Care Unit Admixtures.

Parenteral beta-blocker therapy via continuous infusion has shown promising results for improved outcomes for patients with septic shock. As patients with septic shock may require multiple intravenous medications, compatibility is necessary to co-infuse these medications through a y-site connector. The purpose of this study was to examine the physical compatibility of select intravenous drugs used for patients with septic shock combined with various intravenous beta-blockers including esmolol, labetalol, and metoprolol through a simulated y-site infusion. The tested drugs included albumin, levothyroxine, acetaminophen, esomeprazole, doripenem, epinephrine, ibuprofen, norepinephrine, levofloxacin, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, cisatracurium, and hydrocortisone. Equal volumes of normal saline, esmolol, labetalol, and metoprolol were combined with each test drug at maximum or commercially available concentrations as appropriate used clinically in intensive care units.The samples were examined visually against a white and black background andalso using turbidimetric measurements to determine physical compatibility.Beginning immediately after mixing, observations and analyses were taken over a one-hour period at 15-minute intervals. Each test was performed in triplicate. Many of the test drugs demonstrated visual and/or turbidimetric physical compatibility when combined with esmolol, labetalol, or metoprolol during a simulated y-site infusion. Albumin, cefepime, and hydrocortisone demonstrated physical incompatibility when combined with labetalol and should not be co-infused with labetalol. Esomeprazole and ibuprofen demonstrated physical incompatibility when combined with esmolol and labetalol and should not be co-infused with either beta-blocker. Esmolol and ciprofloxacin mixtures exhibited a statistically significant difference from control solutions and should not be co-infused.

Physical compatibility of cisatracurium with selected drugs during simulated Y-site administration.

PURPOSE: The physical compatibility of cisatracurium with selected drugs during simulated Y-site administration was studied. METHODS: Study drugs were selected based on the lack of physical compatibility data with cisatracurium and their use in intensive care units. Test admixtures were prepared by mixing 2.5-mL samples of varying concentrations of calcium gluconate, diltiazem, esomeprazole, regular insulin, nicardipine, pantoprazole, and vasopressin with either 2.5 mL of normal saline 0.9% (control) or 2.5 mL of cisatracurium (experimental) to simulate a 1:1 Y-site ratio. Drug infusions were prepared at the maximum concentrations used clinically. Physical compatibility of the admixtures was determined by visual and turbidimetric assessments performed in triplicate immediately after mixing and at 15, 30, and 60 minutes. Visual incompatibility was defined as a change in color, the formation of haze or precipitate, the presence of particles, or the formation of gas in the experimental groups compared with the controls. Disturbances invisible to the naked eye were determined by assessing changes in turbidity of experimental admixtures compared with the controls. RESULTS: None of the admixtures exhibited visual changes when mixed with cisatracurium. Six of the seven admixtures exhibited turbidimetric compatibility with cisatracurium. Pantoprazole admixtures demonstrated a significant difference in turbidimetric assessment between the control and experimental groups when mixed with cisatracurium (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Calcium gluconate, diltiazem hydrochloride, esomeprazole, regular insulin, nicardipine hydrochloride, and vasopressin demonstrated physical compatibility with cisatracurium over 60 minutes during simulated Y-site administration. Cisatracurium and pantoprazole should not be coadministered due to a significant difference in turbidity between control and experimental samples.

Cerebrovascular Accident in a High-Risk Patient During the Early Initiation Phase With Canagliflozin.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in a high-risk patient following initiation of canagliflozin, the first-in-class sodium-glucose-co-transporter 2 inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration for type 2 diabetes mellitus. CASE SUMMARY: We describe a 62-year-old woman, with multiple clinical risk factors for stroke, who began canagliflozin 300 mg daily in addition to basal insulin therapy for diabetes management. The patient developed expressive aphasia 15 days following initiation of canagliflozin. Neuroimaging revealed acute infarcts of the left basal ganglia and temporal and parietal lobes. The patient was diagnosed with a CVA. Canagliflozin therapy was discontinued, metformin therapy was reinitiated in addition to the patient's basal insulin, and the patient was treated with antiplatelet, statin, and speech therapies. DISCUSSION: Assessment of the cardiovascular (CV) safety of canagliflozin is currently being investigated. A numerical increase in CV events, including nonfatal stroke, has been noted in preliminary data from ongoing analyses of canagliflozin in patients with preexisting CV risk factors. Although significant clinical risk factors were present in the patient described, a workup for routine causality came back negative. According to the Naranjo probability score, initiation of canagliflozin had a possible to probable association with the patient's CVA. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests a potential association between the timing of canagliflozin initiation and development of stroke in patients with multiple clinical risk factors. We advise practitioners to use caution when initiating this new agent in patients at high risk for stroke while long-term CV safety surveillance is ongoing.

Effect of the human chorionic gonadotropin diet on patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary embolisms in a patient who initiated the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) diet 2 weeks prior to presentation. CASE SUMMARY: A 64-year-old white female presented with leg swelling and shortness of breath. Lower extremity ultrasound revealed left leg DVT, and a computed tomography angiogram revealed bilateral pulmonary embolisms. A complete history and physical examination were unremarkable for any risk factors for acute thrombosis, with the exception of the initiation of the HCG diet approximately 2 weeks prior to presentation; the patient was taking 20 sublingual drops of HCG twice daily. Results of her hypercoagulable workup were negative. Upon admission, therapy was started with enoxaparin 120 mg subcutaneously twice daily and warfarin 5 mg orally once daily. According to the Naranjo probability scale, initiation of the HCG diet was a probable cause of our patient's adverse effects. DISCUSSION: The HCG diet has very few efficacy studies and no significant safety studies associated with its use. Six relevant studies were identified for assessment of efficacy, and only 1 was associated with a significant weight reduction in the HCG diet study population. All of these studies evaluated the use of the HCG diet via injections of the hormone and significant calorie restriction, which is known as the Simeons method. Currently marketed HCG products include sublingual drops, lozenges, and pellets, but none of these methods has an evidence-based efficacy and safety standard. CONCLUSIONS: As popularity of the HCG diet continues to increase, so do the potential adverse events associated with the management of weight loss via an unproven strategy. Patient safety information regarding this dieting strategy should be recognized by medical professionals.

Physical compatibility of various drugs with neonatal total parenteral nutrient solution during simulated Y-site administration.

PURPOSE: The physical compatibility of various drugs with neonatal total parenteral nutrient (TPN) solution during simulated Y-site administration was evaluated. METHODS: Study drugs were selected based on the lack of compatibility data with them and neonatal TPN solution and the frequency of use in a local neonatal unit. These drugs included amiodarone, caffeine citrate, clindamycin, enalaprilat, epinephrine, fluconazole, fosphenytoin sodium, hydrocortisone, metoclopramide, midazolam, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, and rifampin. Equal volumes of neonatal TPN solution or sterile water for injection were combined with study drugs or sterile water for injection at concentrations used clinically in neonates. Each test was performed in triplicate. The samples were examined via turbidimetric analysis and visually against light and dark backgrounds immediately after mixing and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 hours after mixing. Analysis of variance was used to determine statistically significant differences between the test and control solutions. RESULTS: Many of the drugs studied exhibited no visual or turbidimetric evidence of incompatibility when combined with neonatal TPN solution for up to three hours in a simulated Y-site injection. Pentobarbital, phenobarbital, and rifampin formed visible precipitation immediately after mixing with the neonatal TPN solution. CONCLUSION: Caffeine citrate, clindamycin, enalaprilat, epinephrine, fluconazole, fosphenytoin sodium, hydrocortisone, metoclopramide, and midazolam exhibited no visual or turbidimetric evidence of incompatibility when combined with a neonatal TPN solution for up to three hours in a simulated Y-site injection. Amiodarone, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, and rifampin were not compatible with the neonatal TPN solution and should not be coadministered via Y-site injection.

Applying biomarkers to clinical practice: a guide for utilizing procalcitonin assays.

Prudent use of antimicrobial therapies is an important component in decreasing bacterial resistance. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a novel biomarker proposed as both a diagnostic and prognostic agent for use in various severe infections. Elevated PCT levels have a high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing infections. This biomarker has been studied as an aid to identify patients requiring antimicrobial initiation, stratify infections according to severity and guide therapy durations. Two commercially available tests are approved for use in the USA. Other biomarkers have been studied for similar indications, but are subject to elevation from chronic inflammatory conditions and medications. The advantage of PCT over other biomarkers is due to the limited disease states and drug therapies that may interfere with this assay. PCT has been studied extensively for use in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, as well as in lower respiratory tract infections. Decreased antimicrobial utilization without an increase in patient morbidity and mortality has been illustrated through numerous studies using PCT algorithms. Determining the utility of PCT in practice requires a comprehensive evaluation of the impact this biomarker has on outcomes to the patient and healthcare system, as well as examining convenience and cost factors. PCT can be used to assist clinicians in initiating and guiding antimicrobial therapies for specific patient populations, as an adjunct to other diagnostic tools. Further studies examining long-term outcomes of PCT are needed to determine the effect of this intervention on resistance patterns and overall prescribing trends.

Visual compatibility of common nebulizer medications with 7% sodium chloride solution.

PURPOSE: The visual compatibility of hypertonic saline solution with various other drugs used for nebulizer therapy in cystic fibrosis (CF) was assessed. METHODS: Nebulized hypertonic saline solution has proved to be an effective adjunctive therapy for management of CF-related respiratory symptoms. Admixing of hypertonic saline solution and standard medications for nebulizer delivery has been suggested as a way to reduce the time-treatment burden on patients with CF, but that practice has been discouraged due to concerns about potential incompatibilities that could lead to precipitate formation (in the nebulizer or airway) and impeded drug delivery. For the study described here, visual and turbidimetric testing was conducted to assess the compatibility of admixtures of hypertonic saline solution and 11 medications widely used in CF (acetylcysteine, albuterol, atropine, cromolyn sodium, dexamethasone, glycopyrrolate, ipratropium, metaproterenol, sodium bicarbonate, terbutaline, and tobramycin). Three samples each of admixtures of the 11 drugs and 7% sodium chloride (experimental samples) or sterile water for injection (control samples) were prepared. The testing procedure entailed four turbidimetry measurements obtained at 15-minute intervals, as well as visual checks for signs of incompatibility (e.g., haze, particle or gas formation, alteration of color); analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences in test results between the experimental and control samples. RESULTS: Ten of the 11 medications assessed were visually compatible with 7% sodium chloride solution, as determined by serial turbidimetric testing and visual inspection; only cromolyn sodium was found to be visually incompatible with hypertonic saline. CONCLUSION: Eleven medications used in nebulizers for the treatment of CF were visually compatible with 7% sodium chloride solution.