Evaluation of anticoagulation with bivalirudin for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

INTRODUCTION: Unfractionated heparin is the most commonly utilized anticoagulant in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) due to clinician familiarity, ease of reversal, and low cost compared to alternative agents. However, heparin's anticoagulant effect can be unpredictable and its use accompanies a risk of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Successful use of bivalirudin as an alternative to heparin in non-HIT ECMO patients has previously been described. However, there is a paucity of data regarding its utilization in patients with confirmed HIT on ECMO. METHODS: This single-center retrospective chart review at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus included 12 ECMO patients who were managed with bivalirudin for a new diagnosis of HIT. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed utilizing median with interquartile range and number with percent as appropriate. RESULTS: Of the 12 patients included, median ECMO duration was 328.5 (218.8-502.1) h and venoarterial ECMO was the most common configuration. No patients experienced the primary outcome of in-circuit thrombosis while on bivalirudin. One patient developed a deep vein thrombosis 22.5 h after switching from heparin to bivalirudin. Major bleeding occurred during bivalirudin therapy in 8 (66.7%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study results suggest that bivalirudin is effective for the management of HIT and did not show evidence of in-circuit thrombosis. A high incidence of major bleeding was observed with bivalirudin use within this study. Clinicians should view bivalirudin as an acceptable agent for the treatment of HIT in the ECMO population, but must consider bleeding risk given the lack of effective reversal agents.

Corticosteroids for Septic Shock: Another Chapter in the Saga.

The use of corticosteroids in the management of septic shock has been a highly debated topic for quite some time. Corticosteroids have the ability to combat hyperinflammatory and exaggerated vasodilatory responses, as well as to sensitize adrenergic receptors to decrease the duration of shock. While helpful clinically, this has not translated to consistent mortality benefits. Conflicting results from 2 landmark trials published in 2002 and 2008 have led to varying clinical practices, and a clearly defined role of corticosteroids in septic shock is lacking. A decade later, an influx of new data derived from 2 more large trials continues to echo diverging viewpoints regarding patient mortality. In combination with fluctuating study designs (eg, adjunctive therapies and shock management) and patient populations (eg, illness severity), generalized conclusions are still difficult to draw. Despite these challenges, this review critically analyzes recently published data in the context of historical debate to provide an updated comment on the role of corticosteroids in septic shock. In summary, hydrocortisone therapy is likely to demonstrate maximal benefit when initiated on patients with septic shock and organ failure refractory to vasopressor therapy and should be used judiciously in other settings as it comes without a demonstrated benefit in mortality and increased potential for adverse effects.

A Systematic Review of ICU and Non-ICU Clinical Pharmacy Services Using Telepharmacy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of telepharmacy services in the acute care setting. DATA SOURCES: EMBase, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS database searches were performed through April 2018. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: PRISMA guidelines were applied for this systematic review. All English-language studies meeting the criteria of the following population, intervention, comparison, and outcome question were included: What impact does the provision of inpatient clinical pharmacy services delivered via telemedicine have on patient outcomes compared with standard of care? DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 11 studies were identified for the acute care setting, including 3 for critically ill patients. All studies demonstrated a positive impact on patient outcomes, nursing satisfaction, and disease management. Varying modes of telepharmacy technology were used, such as remote access to electronic medical records, faxing or scanning documents, pictures or webcams. For communication purposes, telepharmacists used email or electronic communication, facsimile, video review, or telephone to speak directly with hospital personnel and patients. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Inpatient telepharmacy is feasible and should be leveraged to further enhance patient care by complementing existing service models. CONCLUSIONS: Telepharmacy services enhanced patient outcomes, improved nursing satisfaction, and expanded services within inpatient settings. Similar technologies were leveraged in non-intensive care units (ICUs) and ICUs, but the goals of telepharmacy appeared to differ. ICUs focused on an expansion of services in the ICU and non-ICUs addressed improved patient outreach in rural areas.

Probable Interaction Between Warfarin and Banana Flakes Supplement.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of subtherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) associated with concomitant use of warfarin and banana flakes in a patient with diarrhea. SUMMARY: A man in his 30s was hospitalized for an elective procedure, but his stay was complicated by cerebral venous thrombosis requiring intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin, ventilator-associated pneumonia, bacteremia requiring broad-spectrum antimicrobials and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement, and diarrhea. Eventually, the heparin was transitioned to warfarin. After several days of therapeutic INR, the INR became subtherapeutic and remained so for 3 days. The decreased INR correlated temporally with initiation of consistent administration of dried banana flakes to treat diarrhea and the subsequent decrease in the rate and extent of diarrhea. Diarrhea decreases the amount and activity of vitamin K-producing intestinal flora and dietary vitamin K absorption, resulting in increased INR. Resolution of diarrhea secondary to banana flakes administration in this patient may have contributed to the decreased INR by causing a relative increase in vitamin K-producing flora and vitamin K absorption. A probability score of 5 was obtained upon applying the Drug Interaction Probability Scale modified to address interactions between warfarin and dietary supplements, indicating a probable interaction between warfarin and banana flakes. CONCLUSION: Concomitant use of warfarin and banana flakes supplements may result in a reduced rate and extent of diarrhea and may be associated with subtherapeutic INR and decreased warfarin efficacy. Practitioners must be aware of this potential interaction and closely monitor INR and adjust warfarin doses accordingly.

Innovation in clinical pharmacy practice and opportunities for academic--practice partnership.

Clinical pharmacy has a rich history of advancing practice through innovation. These innovations helped to mold clinical pharmacy into a patient-centered discipline recognized for its contributions to improving medication therapy outcomes. However, innovations in clinical pharmacy practice have now waned. In our view, the growth of academic­practice partnerships could reverse this trend and stimulate innovation among the next generation of pioneering clinical pharmacists. Although collaboration facilitates innovation,academic institutions and health care systems/organizations are not taking full advantage of this opportunity. The academic­practice partnership can be optimized by making both partners accountable for the desired outcomes of their collaboration, fostering symbiotic relationships that promote value-added clinical pharmacy services and emphasizing continuous quality improvement in the delivery of these services. Optimizing academic­practice collaboration on a broader scale requires both partners to adopt a culture that provides for dedicated time to pursue innovation, establishes mechanisms to incubate ideas, recognizes where motivation and vision align, and supports the purpose of the partnership. With appropriate leadership and support, a shift in current professional education and training practices, and a commitment to cultivate future innovators, the academic­practice partnership can develop new and innovative practice advancements that will improve patient outcomes.