Assessing the utility of pre-course assessment and voluntary pre-work in two required integrated pharmacotherapy courses.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Self-assessment and self-learning are essential skills for student pharmacists. Data demonstrating the association between these skills in pharmacy courses are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of providing pre-course review and administering a pre-course assessment on performance in two required integrated pharmacotherapy (IP) courses - IP: Pulmonology and IP: Cardiology. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: This study included second-year student pharmacists enrolled in fall semester IP: Pulmonology and IP: Cardiology from 2019 to 2021. Voluntary pre-course review materials and pre-course assessments were added in fall 2021. Overall course grades and examination scores between each year were analyzed. Student perceptions of the pre-course assessment were also captured. FINDINGS: Of the 454 students analyzed, there was no difference in median overall IP: Pulmonology grades (85.93%, 86.67%, 86.29%; P = .63) or IP: Cardiology grades (80.25%, 78.3%, 79.96%; P = .41) for 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. IP: Pulmonology Exam 1 scores were statistically higher in 2021. For IP: Cardiology, Exam 1 and Final Exam scores were statistically higher in 2020 compared to 2019 and Exam 3 scores were significantly higher in 2021 than 2019. Pre-course assessment scores had a statistically significant, positive association with overall course grade. Half of the students surveyed agreed that completing the course prep work was an effective approach to learning. SUMMARY: Although overall course grades did not differ between years, pre-course assessment scores correlated with overall course grade. Thus, voluntary pre-course assessments could provide early identification of poor performance.

Evaluation of Thrombocytopenia in Patients Receiving Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support With an Impella Device.

Evaluate the time course of thrombocytopenia in patients with Impella devices (Abiomed, Danvers, MA). DESIGN: This was a retrospective, multicenter review of electronic medical records at a large hospital system from April 2018 to August 2020. SETTING: Electronic medical records of patients at SSM Health hospitals were reviewed. PATIENTS: Patients 18-89 years old admitted to an SSM Health hospital from April 2018 to August 2020 who received greater than or equal to 24 hours of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) with an Impella device were included. Exclusion criteria were use of other pMCS devices, history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), and presence of device upon transfer from an outside hospital. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ninety-three patients were included. The median duration of pMCS was 63.5 hours. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 86% of patients and was evident 24 hours after device placement. The platelet nadir occurred 84 hours after device placement. Platelet recovery occurred 86.5 hours after device removal. The duration of thrombocytopenia was 156 hours. Signs of hemolysis were present in 44.09% of patients, were evident 12-24 hours after device placement, and resolved after device removal. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia occurred in the majority of patients and was evident 24 hours after device placement. The time course of thrombocytopenia mirrored that of hemolysis.

Impact of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Renal Function in Type 1 Cardiorenal Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) discontinuation during acute heart failure (AHF) is associated with increased mortality following hospitalization. Although the etiology of acute kidney injury (AKI) in type 1 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) has been linked to renal venous congestion, ACE-I/ARB withdrawal (AW) theoretically promotes renal function recovery. ACE-I/ARBs are dose-reduced or withheld in approximately half of patients with CRS, but the subsequent impact on renal function remains largely uninvestigated. This study compared AW to ACE-I/ARB continuation (AC) during CRS. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center chart review. Patients aged 18-89 years admitted from April 2018 to August 2019 with AHF and AKI were identified using discharge ICD-10 codes. All patients were treated with an ACE-I/ARB before admission. Key exclusion criteria included shock, pregnancy, and end-stage renal disease. The primary endpoint was change in serum creatinine (SCr) from admission through 72 hours. Data were analyzed utilizing chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests with SPSS software. RESULTS: A total of 111 admissions were included. AW occurred in 68 patients upon admission. AW patients presented with a higher blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.034), higher SCr (P = 0.021), and lower ejection fraction (P = 0.04). Median SCr change from admission to 72 hours did not differ between groups (AW -0.1 mg/dL vs AC 0.0 mg/dL, P = 0.05). There was no difference in SCr reduction ≥0.3 mg/dL at 72 hours, 30-day readmissions, or ACE-I/ARB prescription at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type 1 CRS, AW was not associated with improved renal function at 72 hours. A larger sample size is necessary to confirm these results.

Basic surface electrocardiogram interpretation for the pharmacist.

PURPOSE: The electrocardiogram (ECG) is an invaluable tool for clinicians that provides important information about a patient's heart. As clinical pharmacists play an ever-increasing role in cardiovascular care, ECG interpretation is an important skill with which to become familiar. SUMMARY: The ECG provides information on both electrical and biomechanical aspects of the heart. Electrical information such as the rhythm, rate, and axis of the electrical activity can all be provided by the ECG. Biomechanical information about the heart, such as the presence of ventricular hypertrophy and repolarization changes that may be associated with ischemia or myocardial injury, can also easily be gleaned from the ECG. Furthermore, the ECG plays a central role in both the diagnosis and treatment of common clinical conditions such as atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, and QT interval prolongation. CONCLUSION: The ECG is one of the most commonly performed diagnostic tests, and clinicians should become familiar with its basic interpretation.

Sepsis With Preexisting Heart Failure: Management of Confounding Clinical Features.

Preexisting heart failure (HF) in patients with sepsis is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Core sepsis management includes aggressive volume resuscitation followed by vasopressors (and potentially inotropes) if fluid is inadequate to restore perfusion; however, large fluid boluses and vasoactive agents are concerning amid the cardiac dysfunction of HF. This review summarizes evidence regarding the influence of HF on sepsis clinical outcomes, pathophysiologic concerns, resuscitation targets, hemodynamic interventions, and adjunct management (ie, antiarrhythmics, positive pressure ventilatory support, and renal replacement therapy) in patients with sepsis and preexisting HF. Patients with sepsis and preexisting HF receive less fluid during resuscitation; however, evidence suggests traditional fluid resuscitation targets do not increase the risk of adverse events in HF patients with sepsis and likely improve outcomes. Norepinephrine remains the most well-supported vasopressor for patients with sepsis with preexisting HF, while dopamine may induce more cardiac adverse events. Dobutamine should be used cautiously given its generally detrimental effects but may have an application when combined with norepinephrine in patients with low cardiac output. Management of chronic HF medications warrants careful consideration for continuation or discontinuation upon development of sepsis, and ß-blockers may be appropriate to continue in the absence of acute hemodynamic decompensation. Optimal management of atrial fibrillation may include ß-blockers after acute hemodynamic stabilization as they have also shown independent benefits in sepsis. Positive pressure ventilatory support and renal replacement must be carefully monitored for effects on cardiac function when HF is present.

An individualized approach to residency preparation for fourth professional year pharmacy students.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an individualized residency preparation program and faculty mentorship on student preparedness for pursuing residency training and their ability to successfully match with a postgraduate year one (PGY1) residency position. METHODS: This prospective cohort enrolled fourth professional year pharmacy students from August 2016 to March 2017. Students participated in a faculty-designed residency preparation program, were assigned faculty mentors, and were provided with several residency preparation resources. The primary outcome was change in the median overall perceived level of preparedness, as measured by pre- and post-residency preparation program surveys. A key secondary end point was the correlation between obtaining a PGY1 residency position and the number of residency preparation sessions attended. RESULTS: Fifty-two students participated in the residency preparation program. The median overall perceived level of preparedness increased following the preparation program. Of the 52 students participating, 37 attended over half of the program sessions. Twenty-one of the 37 (56.8%) students participating in more than half of the sessions matched with a PGY1 program compared to three out of 15 (20%) students participating in fewer than half the sessions. Additionally, students reported value in mock interviews, faculty mentorship, and institution-specific residency preparation guidance delivered via a workbook. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in an individualized residency preparation program with faculty mentorship and institution-specific guidance improves the perceived level of preparedness for students pursuing residency training. High attendance at sessions, along with other factors, may contribute to a higher rate of success.

Perioperative Bridging With Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors Versus Cangrelor: Balancing Efficacy and Safety.

OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy and safety of perioperative administration of intravenous (IV) antiplatelet agents as a substitute for oral P2Y12 inhibitors and to provide clinicians guidance on optimal and cost-effective use of these medications. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE literature search (1950 to November 2018) was performed using the key search terms abciximab, bridging, cangrelor, cardiac surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery, eptifibatide, intravenous antiplatelet agent, and tirofiban. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: In all, 18 original research reports and case reports/series were included in the review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Prevention of postoperative bleeding is critical to decrease morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. IV antiplatelet medications have short half-lives and are frequently used to substitute for oral P2Y12 inhibitors to allow platelet function recovery before procedures. Functional recovery of platelets is delayed after abciximab discontinuation and increases postoperative bleeding risk. Eptifibatide and tirofiban have similar pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties and comparable efficacy and safety in the setting of perioperative bridging. Cangrelor may be considered in patients with renal insufficiency as decreased clearance of eptifibatide or tirofiban may increase the risk of postoperative bleeding. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Comparative studies of IV antiplatelet medications have not been published. Appropriate use of IV antiplatelet medications can prevent perioperative ischemic events and bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Eptifibatide, tirofiban, and cangrelor are preferred over abciximab as a perioperative bridge. The choice of agent should be tailored to clinical characteristics of the patient and institutional acquisition costs.

An evaluation of a potential calcium channel blocker-lower-extremity edema-loop diuretic prescribing cascade.

OBJECTIVES: Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (DH-CCB) are associated with lower-extremity edema (LEE). Loop diuretics have been used inappropriately to treat DH-CCB-associated LEE, constituting a prescribing cascade (PC). The aim of this work was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with potential DH-CCB-LEE-loop diuretic PC. METHODS: The 2014 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey was used to identify patient visits in which a DH-CCB was continued. The definition of a potential PC was the continuation or initiation of a loop diuretic in the absence of congestive heart failure, cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, obesity, or resistant hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors related to a potential PC, including demographic information, number of medications, number of patient visits in the previous 12 months, and comorbid conditions. RESULTS: Among the estimated 47.5 million patient visits in which a DH-CCB was continued, 4.6% had a potential PC. Visits in patients 65 to 84 years of age (odds ratio [OR] 2.56, 95% CI 1.20-5.43) and 85 years of age and older (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.76-8.61) were more likely to have potential PC compared with patients 18 to 64 years of age. Visits in patients with 5 to 7 (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.72-8.19), 8 to 11 (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.09-4.44), and 12 or more (OR 5.23, 95% CI 2.29-11.94) medications were more likely to have potential PC compared with patients with 4 or fewer medications. CONCLUSION: A potential DH-CCB-associated LEE loop diuretic PC was present in approximately 2.2 million patient visits in which DH-CCB was continued. Older age and an increasing number of concomitant medications were associated with this potential PC.

Warfarin and Aspirin Versus Warfarin Alone for Prevention of Embolic Events in Patients with a HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device.

Acquired von Willebrand disease increases bleeding risk in patients implanted with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device. Lower aspirin (ASA) doses decrease the risk of bleeding without an increased risk of embolic events. No published studies in the United States have compared the incidence of bleeding and thrombotic events between antithrombotic regimens with and without ASA. A single-center, retrospective analysis was conducted of adult patients implanted with a HeartMate II (HM II). Patients received warfarin and ASA 81 mg daily or warfarin alone. The primary end-point was a composite of death, bleeding events, and thrombotic events from the date of HM II implantation to first event or 18 months. Secondary end-points included the individual components of the primary end-point and the proportion of patients alive with HM II or transplanted. The Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. Of the 76 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 44 received warfarin and ASA and 32 received warfarin alone. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Warfarin alone was not associated with an increased risk of the primary composite outcome (53 vs. 59%, respectively, p = 0.64). No significant difference was observed in any bleeding event (34 vs. 43%, respectively, p = 0.48) nor any thrombotic event (9 vs. 11%, respectively, p = 1.00) with warfarin alone compared with warfarin and ASA. Elimination of antiplatelet therapy from the HM II antithrombotic regimen was associated with no significant difference in the composite outcome of bleeding events, thrombotic events, or death, nor the individual components of each end-point.

Meropenem-Induced Neutropenia in a Neonate.

Postmarketing surveillance has associated meropenem with the development of hematologic abnormalities, including agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and leukopenia, but the exact incidence in children is unknown. The case describes a full-term, 26-day-old neonate admitted for a sepsis workup. She was found to have a blood culture positive for Enterobacter cloacae and suspected meningitis and was initiated on meropenem 40 mg/kg/dose intravenously every 8 hours. On day 14 of antibiotic treatment, the patient developed an isolated neutropenia with an absolute neutrophil count of 288 cells/mm3. Meropenem was discontinued on hospital day 20, and a follow-up complete blood cell count 2 months later confirmed resolution of the hematologic abnormality. Clinicians should monitor complete blood cell counts diligently in children who receive large doses and prolonged courses of meropenem.

Comparative risk impact of edoxaban in the management of stroke and venous thromboembolism.

Edoxaban, a factor Xa inhibitor, was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2015 for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and treatment of venous thromboembolism. It is the fourth target-specific oral anticoagulant to be approved. Edoxaban is noninferior for efficacy compared to warfarin for both approved indications. Edoxaban is superior to warfarin for the first major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding event in venous thromboembolism and major bleeding in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Edoxaban is dosed once daily for both indications and requires dose adjustment for renal function. In patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, use is not recommended in patients with a creatinine clearance greater than 95 mL/min due to reduced efficacy. Edoxaban offers a new therapeutic alternative to the currently available options in the market.

Collaborative practice model between cardiologists and clinical pharmacists for management of patients with cardiovascular disease in an outpatient clinic.

The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has prompted leading cardiovascular organizations to advocate utilization of a team approach to patient care that includes nonphysician providers. In spite of that, the American College of Cardiology reported that nonphysician providers are underutilized in the management of patients with CVD. A survey of cardiologists revealed that the underutilization is a result of lack of understanding of how best to involve nonphysician providers in the health care team. Clinical pharmacists are one category of nonphysician providers that have recognized effectiveness in managing patients with CVD. No example of a comprehensive model of collaboration between cardiologists and clinical pharmacists is described in the literature that could serve to close this gap in understanding. The objective of this report is to describe a model of cardiologist-clinical pharmacist collaboration in the longitudinal management of patients with CVD that has been successfully implemented in 2 diverse settings. The implementation, evolution, scope of practice, required pharmacist training, logistical elements needed for success, and implementation barriers are reviewed. A summary of the patients referred to the clinic are examined as well.