Leading beyond the Script: A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring Preparedness of Pharmacy Academic Administrators.

Limited research exists on the preparedness of pharmacy academic administrators for their roles. This cross-sectional survey aimed to explore the self-perceptions of pharmacy academic administrators, including deans, associate deans, assistant deans, department chairs, and directors, within United States-based Colleges or Schools of Pharmacy. Participants answered questions regarding their demographics, self-perceived readiness for administrative roles, self-perceived leadership skills, and strategies used to develop these skills. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and subgroup comparisons were made using Student's t-test for normally distributed continuous variables, Mann-Whitney tests for ordinal variables or non-normally distributed continuous variables, and Chi-squared tests for nominal variables. A total of 193 responses were analyzed. Respondents reported feeling least prepared in two areas: entrepreneurial revenue and handling grievances and appeals. There were gender differences noted in preparedness to conduct performance reviews, manage unit finances, and develop entrepreneurial revenue, with men rating themselves significantly higher than women in all three areas. Despite high self-ratings of leadership skills in the overall cohort, significant gender differences were noted in micromanagement with men rating themselves lower than women. Seeking advice from senior colleagues was the most used development strategy, and women showed a significantly higher preference for programs facilitated by professional organizations. This study contributes valuable insights into the preparedness of pharmacy academic administrators to inform future strategies that better support individuals to be successful in their roles.

A randomized controlled trial to investigate the use of acute coronary syndrome therapy in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: the COVID-19 Acute Coronary Syndrome trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 suffer thrombotic complications. Risk factors for poor outcomes are shared with coronary artery disease. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of an acute coronary syndrome regimen in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and coronary disease risk factors. METHODS: A randomized controlled, open-label trial across acute hospitals (United Kingdom and Brazil) added aspirin, clopidogrel, low-dose rivaroxaban, atorvastatin, and omeprazole to standard care for 28 days. Primary efficacy and safety outcomes were 30-day mortality and bleeding. The key secondary outcome was a daily clinical status (at home, in hospital, on intensive therapy unit admission, or death). RESULTS: Three hundred twenty patients from 9 centers were randomized. The trial terminated early due to low recruitment. At 30 days, there was no significant difference in mortality (intervention vs control, 11.5% vs 15%; unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.38-1.41; p = .355). Significant bleeds were infrequent and were not significantly different between the arms (intervention vs control, 1.9% vs 1.9%; p > .999). Using a Bayesian Markov longitudinal ordinal model, it was 93% probable that intervention arm participants were more likely to transition to a better clinical state each day (OR, 1.46; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.88-2.37; Pr [beta > 0], 93%; adjusted OR, 1.50; 95% CrI, 0.91-2.45; Pr [beta > 0], 95%) and median time to discharge to home was 2 days shorter (95% CrI, -4 to 0; 2% probability that it was worse). CONCLUSION: Acute coronary syndrome treatment regimen was associated with a reduction in the length of hospital stay without an excess in major bleeding. A larger trial is needed to evaluate mortality.

A randomized controlled trial to investigate the use of acute coronary syndrome therapy in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: the COVID-19 Acute Coronary Syndrome trial

BACKGROUND: patients hospitalised with covid-19 suffer thrombotic complications. risk factors for poor outcomes are shared with coronary artery disease. Objectives: to investigate efficacy of an acute coronary syndrome regimen in patients hospitalised with covid-19 and coronary disease risk factors. PATIENTS/METHODS: a randomised controlled open-label trial across acute hospitals (uk and brazil) added aspirin, clopidogrel, low-dose rivaroxaban, atorvastatin, and omeprazole to standard care for 28-days. primary efficacy and safety outcomes were 30-day mortality and bleeding. the key secondary outcome was a daily clinical status (at home, in hospital, on intensive therapy unit admission, death). RESULTS: 320 patients from 9 centres were randomised. the trial terminated early due to low recruitment. at 30 days there was no significant difference in mortality (intervention: 11.5% vs control: 15%, unadjusted or 0.73, 95%ci 0.38 to 1.41, p=0.355). significant bleeds were infrequent and not significantly different between the arms (intervention: 1.9% vs control 1.9%, p>0.999). using a bayesian markov longitudinal ordinal model, it was 93% probable that intervention arm participants were more likely to transition to a better clinical state each day (or 1.46, 95% cri 0.88 to 95 2.37, pr(beta>0) =93%; adjusted or 1.50, 95% cri 0.91 to 2.45, pr(beta>0) =95%) and median time to discharge home was two days shorter (95% cri -4 to 0, 2% probability that it was worse). CONCLUSIONS: acute coronary syndrome treatment regimen was associated with a 99 reduction in the length of hospital stay without an excess in major bleeding. a larger trial is needed to evaluate mortality.

Effects of haemodynamically atrio-ventricular optimized His bundle pacing on heart failure symptoms and exercise capacity: the His Optimized Pacing Evaluated for Heart Failure (HOPE-HF) randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial.

AIMS: Excessive prolongation of PR interval impairs coupling of atrio-ventricular (AV) contraction, which reduces left ventricular pre-load and stroke volume, and worsens symptoms. His bundle pacing allows AV delay shortening while maintaining normal ventricular activation. HOPE-HF evaluated whether AV optimized His pacing is preferable to no-pacing, in a double-blind cross-over fashion, in patients with heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40%, PR interval ≥200 ms and either QRS ≤140 ms or right bundle branch block. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients had atrial and His bundle leads implanted (and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead if clinically indicated) and were randomized to 6 months of pacing and 6 months of no-pacing utilizing a cross-over design. The primary outcome was peak oxygen uptake during symptom-limited exercise. Quality of life, LVEF and patients' holistic symptomatic preference between arms were secondary outcomes. Overall, 167 patients were randomized: 90% men, 69 ± 10 years, QRS duration 124 ± 26 ms, PR interval 249 ± 59 ms, LVEF 33 ± 9%. Neither peak oxygen uptake (+0.25 ml/kg/min, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.23 to +0.73, p = 0.3) nor LVEF (+0.5%, 95% CI -0.7 to 1.6, p = 0.4) changed with pacing but Minnesota Living with Heart Failure quality of life improved significantly (-3.7, 95% CI -7.1 to -0.3, p = 0.03). Seventy-six percent of patients preferred His bundle pacing-on and 24% pacing-off (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: His bundle pacing did not increase peak oxygen uptake but, under double-blind conditions, significantly improved quality of life and was symptomatically preferred by the clear majority of patients. Ventricular pacing delivered via the His bundle did not adversely impact ventricular function during the 6 months.

Safety of early antiplatelet administration in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with alteplase (SEAPT-24).

OBJECTIVES: Alteplase, a tissue-type plasminogen activator, is recommended for ischemic stroke patients presenting within 4.5 h. Due to bleeding risks, current guidelines advise delaying antiplatelet therapy for 24 h after alteplase. However, specific scenarios may require antiplatelet therapy to be given within the 24 h window. This study aimed to examine the safety of early antiplatelet therapy administration within the first 24 h after alteplase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective, observational study of adult patients with acute ischemic stroke who received alteplase across a multi-hospital system. Patients were grouped based on early antiplatelet therapy (within 24 h window) or as recommended per guidelines. The occurrence of bleeding events, including symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and/or gastrointestinal bleeding, in-hospital mortality, unfavorable outcomes (modified Rankin score 3-6), and hospital length of stay, were compared between groups. RESULTS: Patients were predominantly African American (72%) and female (53%) with a median age of 62 years. Median baseline NIHSS scores were higher in the early group (5 vs. 7; p = 0.04), and patients in the early group were more likely to undergo endovascular therapy (26% vs. 8%, p < 0.0001). In patients treated with alteplase only and who did not undergo endovascular therapy, there was no difference in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (1.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.1), gastrointestinal bleeding, in-hospital mortality, unfavorable outcomes, or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: In our retrospective analysis, early administration of antiplatelet therapy (< 24 h post-alteplase) did not increase the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, or unfavorable outcomes in patients who received alteplase alone for management of acute ischemic stroke. Prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.

Evaluation of Hospitalized Patients Receiving High versus Low-Dose Opioids for Non-Cancer Pain.

Limited studies suggest that opioid-related adverse effects (ORAEs) may worsen hospitalized patient outcomes, but there is insufficient data related to the impact of high-dose opioids compared to low-dose on adverse patient events. Given the paucity of data, our study aims to evaluate these ORAEs in the general hospitalized patient with non-cancer pain. A retrospective study of adult patients receiving opioids with a primary diagnoses of myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, pneumonia, sepsis, or diabetes was conducted. Average oral morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) administered over the entire LOS was collected, and patients were categorized as high-dose (≥50 MMEs/day) or low-dose (<50 MMEs/day). The primary composite endpoint was the incidence of ORAEs (naloxone use, decreased oxygen saturations, nausea/vomiting). Secondary outcomes included LOS, 30-day readmission, ORAEs with >100 MMEs/day. A total of 100 patients were included (n = 58 low-dose group; n = 42 high-dose group). For the primary outcome, more patients in the high-dose group experienced ORAEs (50% high-dose vs. 22.4% low-dose; p < 0.006). No statistically significant differences in LOS or 30-day readmission rates were identified between the groups. For patients receiving >100 MMEs/day, ORAEs occurred in 61% of patients. Hospitalized patients receiving high-dose opioids for non-cancer pain may have an increased incidence of ORAEs.

SGLT-2 Inhibitor Use in Heart Failure: A Review for Nurses.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors (empagliflozin, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and ertugliflozin) are a new class of heart failure medications that have previously been exclusively utilized in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The rationale for using SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure has stemmed from recent landmark clinical trials in T2DM in which reductions in mortality and hospitalization for heart failure were first observed. On the basis of these robust outcomes, empagliflozin has further been evaluated in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction and dapagliflozin solely in the management of HFrEF. While cardiovascular outcomes among each agent vary depending on the patient population, updates among both the American and European guidelines have included SGLT-2 inhibitors as pillars of therapy. The exact mechanisms for how SGLT-2 inhibitors are beneficial in heart failure are unknown, but current hypotheses include multiple metabolic and hemodynamic mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to summarize available literature focusing on the use of the SGLT-2 inhibitors as adjunctive therapy in heart failure, as well as evaluate mechanisms for heart failure benefit, adverse effects, and practical considerations for using these agents in the clinical setting.

Pharmacist Transition-of-Care Services Improve Patient Satisfaction and Decrease Hospital Readmissions.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacists ability to directly impact patient satisfaction through increases in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys utilizing transitions-of-care (TOC) services is unclear. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of TOC patients from 07/01/2018 to 03/31/2019 was conducted. Intervention (INV) patients received pharmacist medication reconciliation and education prior to discharge and post-discharge telephone follow-up. All other patients served as control group (CON). Primary outcome: Evaluate impact of TOC services on HCAHPS scores for "Communication about Medicines" and "Care Transitions." Secondary outcomes: 30-day readmissions, quantification of prevented potential safety events, assessment of discharge prescriptions sent to the academic medical center outpatient pharmacy (MOP) for TOC patients. RESULTS: Of 1,728 patients screened, 414 patients met inclusion criteria (INV = 414, CON = 1314). A significant improvement (14.7%; p = <0.0001) in overall medication-related HCAHPS results was seen when comparing pre- vs post-implementation of the TOC service. Statistically significant increases for individual questions "staff told you what the medicine was for" (14.2%; p = 0.018), "staff describe possible effects" (21.2%; p = 0.004), and "understood the purpose of taking medications" (11.4%; p = 0.035) were observed. A non-significant decrease in 30-day readmission rates for the groups was observed (CON 16.4%, INV 13.3%; p = 0.133); however, an unplanned subgroup analysis evaluating impact of discharge phone calls on 30-day readmission rates revealed a significant reduction of 17.3% to 12.4% (p = 0.007). One hundred forty-three medication safety event(s) were potentially prevented by the TOC pharmacist. Lastly, 562 prescriptions were captured at the MOP as a result of the TOC initiative. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacy-based TOC models can improve patient satisfaction, prevent hospital readmissions, and generate revenue.

Optimizing atrio-ventricular delay in pacemakers using potentially implantable physiological biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Hemodynamically optimal atrioventricular (AV) delay can be derived by echocardiography or beat-by-beat blood pressure (BP) measurements, but analysis is labor intensive. Laser Doppler perfusion monitoring measures blood flow and can be incorporated into future implantable cardiac devices. We assess whether laser Doppler can be used instead of BP to optimize AV delay. METHODS: Fifty eight patients underwent 94 AV delay optimizations with biventricular or His-bundle pacing using laser Doppler and simultaneous noninvasive beat-by-beat BP. Optimal AV delay was defined using a curve of hemodynamic response to switching from AAI (reference state) to DDD (test state) at several AV delays (40-320 ms), with automatic quality control checking precision of the optimum. Five subsequent patients underwent an extended protocol to test the impact of greater numbers of alternations on optimization quality. RESULTS: 55/94 optimizations passed quality control resulting in an optimal AV delay on laser Doppler similar to that derived by BP (median absolute deviation 12 ms). An extended protocol with increasing number of replicates consistently improved quality and reduced disagreement between laser Doppler and BP optima. With only five replicates, no optimization passed quality control, and the median absolute deviation would be 29 ms. These improved progressively until at 50 replicates, all optimizations passed quality control and the median absolute deviation was only 13 ms. CONCLUSIONS: Laser Doppler perfusion produces hemodynamic optima equivalent to BP. Quality control can be automatic. Adding more replicates, consistently improves quality. Future implantable devices could use such methods to dynamically and reliably optimize AV delays.

Corrigendum: Imaging Protocol, Feasibility, and Reproducibility of Cardiovascular Phenotyping in a Large Tri-Ethnic Population-Based Study of Older People: The Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE) Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.591946.].

The Hunger for Mirtazapine: A Discontinuation Syndrome.

While mirtazapine is primarily prescribed for major depressive disorder, it is less commonly prescribed for anorexia related to various disease states. Mirtazapine is associated with few adverse events but potential for a discontinuation syndrome does exist. Here we describe a case of a 53-year-old man prescribed mirtazapine 15 mg/day for appetite stimulation who experienced anxiousness, nausea, tremor, loss of appetite, lack of desire for food, and an 8-pound weight loss after abrupt, inadvertent discontinuation. Symptom onset was acute and presented within 48-hours of stopping his medication. Mirtazapine was restarted at the same dose after 14 days of ongoing symptoms and his symptoms subsided immediately. Scant literature exists to highlight the potentially serious adverse events associated with abrupt mirtazapine discontinuation, even at low doses, and this case contributes to advocating for the need of mirtazapine taper when medication cessation is being considered.

Imaging Protocol, Feasibility, and Reproducibility of Cardiovascular Phenotyping in a Large Tri-Ethnic Population-Based Study of Older People: The Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE) Study.

Background: People of South Asian and African Caribbean ethnicities living in UK have a high risk of cardiometabolic disease. Limited data exist regarding detailed cardiometabolic phenotyping in this population. Methods enabling this are widely available, but the practical aspects of undertaking such studies in large and diverse samples are seldom reported. Methods: The Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE) study is the UK's largest tri-ethnic longitudinal cohort. Over 1,400 surviving participants (58-85 years) attended the 2nd study visit (2008-2011); during which, comprehensive cardiovascular phenotyping, including 3D-echocardiography [3D-speckle-tracking (3D-STE)], computed tomography, coronary artery calcium scoring, pulse wave velocity, central blood pressure, carotid artery ultrasound, and retinal imaging, were performed. We describe the methods used with the aim of providing a guide to their feasibility and reproducibility in a large tri-ethnic population-based study of older people. Results: Conventional echocardiography and all vascular measurements showed high feasibility (>90% analyzable of clinic attendees), but 3D-echocardiography (3DE) and 3D-STE were less feasible (76% 3DE acquisition feasibility and 38% 3D-STE feasibility of clinic attendees). 3D-STE feasibility differed by ethnicity, being lowest in South Asian participants and highest in African Caribbean participants (p < 0.0001). Similar trends were observed in men (P < 0.0001) and women (P = 0.005); however, in South Asians, there were more women with unreadable 3D-images compared to men (67 vs. 58%). Intra- and inter-observer variabilities were excellent for most of conventional and advanced echocardiographic measures. The test-retest reproducibility was good-excellent and fair-good for conventional and advanced echocardiographic measures, respectively, but lower than when re-reading the same images. All vascular measures demonstrated excellent or fair-good reproducibility. Conclusions: We describe the feasibility and reproducibility of detailed cardiovascular phenotyping in an ethnically diverse population. The data collected will lead to a better understanding of why people of South Asian and African Caribbean ancestry are at elevated risk of cardiometabolic diseases.

Within-patient comparison of His-bundle pacing, right ventricular pacing, and right ventricular pacing avoidance algorithms in patients with PR prolongation: Acute hemodynamic study.

AIMS: A prolonged PR interval may adversely affect ventricular filling and, therefore, cardiac function. AV delay can be corrected using right ventricular pacing (RVP), but this induces ventricular dyssynchrony, itself harmful. Therefore, in intermittent heart block, pacing avoidance algorithms are often implemented. We tested His-bundle pacing (HBP) as an alternative. METHODS: Outpatients with a long PR interval (>200 ms) and intermittent need for ventricular pacing were recruited. We measured within-patient differences in high-precision hemodynamics between AV-optimized RVP and HBP, as well as a pacing avoidance algorithm (Managed Ventricular Pacing [MVP]). RESULTS: We recruited 18 patients. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 44.3 ± 9%. Mean intrinsic PR interval was 266 ± 42 ms and QRS duration was 123 ± 29 ms. RVP lengthened QRS duration (+54 ms, 95% CI 42-67 ms, p < .0001) while HBP delivered a shorter QRS duration than RVP (-56 ms, 95% CI -67 to -46 ms, p < .0001). HBP did not increase QRS duration (-2 ms, 95% CI -8 to 13 ms, p = .6). HBP improved acute systolic blood pressure by mean of 5.0 mmHg (95% CI 2.8-7.1 mmHg, p < .0001) compared to RVP and by 3.5 mmHg (95% CI 1.9-5.0 mmHg, p = .0002) compared to the pacing avoidance algorithm. There was no significant difference in hemodynamics between RVP and ventricular pacing avoidance (p = .055). CONCLUSIONS: HBP provides better acute cardiac function than pacing avoidance algorithms and RVP, in patients with prolonged PR intervals. HBP allows normalization of prolonged AV delays (unlike pacing avoidance) and does not cause ventricular dyssynchrony (unlike RVP). Clinical trials may be justified to assess whether these acute improvements translate into longer term clinical benefits in patients with bradycardia indications for pacing.

Impact of a Pharmacist-Driven Poststroke Transitions of Care Clinic on 30 and 90-Day Hospital Readmission Rates.

BACKGROUND: Stroke impacts nearly 800,000 people annually and the risk of recurrent stroke and hospital readmission is increased early following the initial event. Due to the increase in morbidity and mortality associated with secondary events, a pharmacist-driven poststroke transitions of care clinic was created at Methodist University Hospital to provide risk factor modification in an effort to decrease risk of recurrence and hospital readmissions. METHODS: A retrospective matched-cohort study was conducted between 9/1/2017 and 2/28/2019. Adult patients with a primary diagnosis of stroke, discharged to home, and attended a poststroke transitions of care clinic visit were included. Patients were matched on the basis of age ±3 years, race, gender, and type of stroke to those who did not receive pharmacist intervention during the same time period. The primary endpoint was 30-day hospital readmissions. Secondary endpoints included 90-day readmissions, 30 and 90-day emergency department visits, and recurrent stroke rates. Type and quantity of pharmacist interventions was also assessed. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-eight patients were included in the analysis. Baseline differences existed between the groups in the following: history of transient ischemic attack, stroke severity score, and insurance status. No significant difference was found in 30-day readmissions. There was a significant difference found in 90-day readmissions (5.3% versus 21.3%, P = .001). There were no significant differences in emergency department utilization at 30 or 90 days or stroke recurrence rates. Pharmacists made a mean of 3.5 interventions made during each visit. CONCLUSIONS: Although the primary goal to reduce 30-day readmission was not met, a pharmacist-driven poststroke transitions of care clinic significantly decreased 90-day hospital readmission rates.

Lorazepam versus chlordiazepoxide for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and prevention of delirium tremens in general medicine ward patients.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a serious complication of abrupt alcohol cessation. Severe AWS can develop into delirium tremens (DT), which is potentially life-threatening. Lorazepam (LOR) and chlordiazepoxide (CDE) are mainstays of therapy for AWS. Current literature lacks studies comparing outcomes between the two drugs for patients who are not in a de-addiction ward specifically for withdrawal treatment. The primary objective of the study was to determine the incidence rate of DT between the groups. Of 2112 patients screened, 142 met inclusion criteria (LOR = 74, CDE = 68). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. No significant difference in the primary outcome of DT development was observed (7% LOR, 9% CDE; p = 0.76). No significant differences in cumulative doses of scheduled LOR or CDE were observed (LOR 14.6 ± 8 mg, CDE 15.4 ± 12; p = 0.64). However, significant differences were found in the amount of "as needed" (PRN) LOR required for the two groups (LOR 3.2 ± 4 mg, CDE 6.6 ± 13 mg; p = 0.03) and the amount of scheduled plus PRN LOR required (LOR 17.7 ± 10 mg, CDE 21.9 ± 14 mg; p = 0.04). Doses are reported in LOR equivalents. There were no observed differences in duration of treatment (LOR 3.6 ± 1.3 days, CDE 3.9 ± 2.1 days; p = 0.3) or length of stay (LOR 5.28 ± 3.8 days, CDE 4.73 ± 4.2 days p = 0.4). No adverse events related to BZD were noted in either group. Hospital outcomes did not differ between the groups, but patients treated with CDE may require more adjuvant therapy to control symptoms of AWS. Both agents appear equally effective at preventing the development of DT in those patients admitted to general medicine wards.

Multicenter Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial Comparing Hemodynamic Optimization Against Echocardiographic Optimization of AV and VV Delay of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: The BRAVO Trial.

OBJECTIVES: BRAVO (British Randomized Controlled Trial of AV and VV Optimization) is a multicenter, randomized, crossover, noninferiority trial comparing echocardiographic optimization of atrioventricular (AV) and interventricular delay with a noninvasive blood pressure method. BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy including AV delay optimization confers clinical benefit, but the optimization requires time and expertise to perform. METHODS: This study randomized patients to echocardiographic optimization or hemodynamic optimization using multiple-replicate beat-by-beat noninvasive blood pressure at baseline; after 6 months, participants were crossed over to the other optimization arm of the trial. The primary outcome was exercise capacity, quantified as peak exercise oxygen uptake. Secondary outcome measures were echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) remodeling, quality-of-life scores, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. RESULTS: A total of 401 patients were enrolled, the median age was 69 years, 78% of patients were men, and the New York Heart Association functional class was II in 84% and III in 16%. The primary endpoint, peak oxygen uptake, met the criterion for noninferiority (pnoninferiority = 0.0001), with no significant difference between the hemodynamically optimized arm and echocardiographically optimized arm of the trial (mean difference 0.1 ml/kg/min). Secondary endpoints for noninferiority were also met for symptoms (mean difference in Minnesota score 1; pnoninferiority = 0.002) and hormonal changes (mean change in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide -10 pg/ml; pnoninferiority = 0.002). There was no significant difference in LV size (mean change in LV systolic dimension 1 mm; pnoninferiority < 0.001; LV diastolic dimension 0 mm; pnoninferiority <0.001). In 30% of patients the AV delay identified as optimal was more than 20 ms from the nominal setting of 120 ms. CONCLUSIONS: Optimization of cardiac resynchronization therapy devices by using noninvasive blood pressure is noninferior to echocardiographic optimization. Therefore, noninvasive hemodynamic optimization is an acceptable alternative that has the potential to be automated and thus more easily implemented. (British Randomized Controlled Trial of AV and VV Optimization [BRAVO]; NCT01258829).

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review of Anti-diabetic Pharmacologic Therapies.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common cause of liver disease, affects approximately 75 to 100 million Americans. Patients with concurrent NAFLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of progressing to advanced fibrosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis compared to non-diabetics. Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, remain the mainstay of treatment for NAFLD, as there are no medications currently indicated for this disease state. Anti-diabetic pharmacologic therapies aimed at improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing insulin production have been studied to determine their potential role in slowing the progression of NAFLD. In this review, we focus on the evidence surrounding anti-diabetic medications and their ability to improve disease progression in patients with NAFLD.

Pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis: A fatal case report.

Purpose Pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody which inhibits the programmed cell death 1 receptor, has been shown to efficaciously enhance pre-existing immune responses to malignancies. However, safety concerns must also be considered as pembrolizumab use has been associated with several life-threatening immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We report a fatal case of pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis in a patient with no prior myasthenia gravis history. Case report A 63-year-old male presented with right eyelid drooping, puffiness, blurred vision, and shortness of breath two weeks after an initial infusion of pembrolizumab. He was subsequently diagnosed with new onset acetylcholine-receptor positive myasthenia gravis. Despite aggressive treatment with corticosteroids, pyridostigmine, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis, the patient clinically deteriorated and ultimately expired from acute respiratory failure after a 12-day hospitalization. Discussion Current package labeling for pembrolizumab warns against various irAEs associated with its use including pneumonitis, colitis, and endocrinopathies. To date, only one case of new onset myasthenia gravis and two case reports of myasthenia gravis exacerbation have been identified. This case further highlights the mortality risk associated with development of irAEs. Conclusion While rare, evidence for the development of MG associated with pembrolizumab is growing. Prompt recognition of symptoms and discontinuation of pembrolizumab is necessary to help improve prognosis.

Asthma associated with the use of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana: A review of the evidence.

OBJECTIVE: A review of the evidence was conducted regarding asthma associated with the use of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. DATA SOURCES: A search of the English literature was performed via PubMed/Medline and EMBASE using the search terms asthma AND cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. When pertinent articles were found, salient references in those articles were assessed. STUDY SELECTION: Due to the relatively small number of studies, we included all studies and cases. RESULTS: For several decades, case reports, retrospective studies, and laboratory investigations have demonstrated that inhalation of cocaine or heroin is associated with increased asthma symptoms and reduced pulmonary function. Smoking crack cocaine, nasal insufflation of cocaine or heroin, and smoking heroin increases the risk of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for asthma. Although frequent smoking of marijuana may cause symptoms of cough, sputum production, and wheezing in the general population, more studies are needed specifically in patients with asthma. Smoking marijuana with concomitant tobacco use is common and further worsens the respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Use of cocaine and heroin in patients with asthma should be avoided. Pending further studies, it would be prudent for patients with asthma to avoid smoking marijuana. Clinicians need to be vigilant regarding use of these drugs in their patients with hyperreactive airway disease.