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Heavner MS, Louzon PR, Gorman EF, Landolf KM, Ventura D, Devlin JW. A Rapid Systematic Review of Pharmacologic Sleep Promotion Modalities in the Intensive Care Unit. J Intensive Care Med 2024; 39:28-43. [PMID: 37403460 DOI: 10.1177/08850666231186747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: The Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Pain, Agitation, Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep recommend protocolized non-pharmacologic sleep improvement. Pharmacologic interventions are frequently initiated to promote sleep but the evidence supporting these strategies remains controversial. Purpose: To systematically search and synthesize evidence evaluating pharmacologic sleep promotion modalities in critically ill adults. Methods: A rapid systematic review protocol was used to search Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase for reports published through October 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and before-and-after cohort studies evaluating pharmacologic modalities intended to improve sleep in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Sleep-related endpoints were the primary outcome of interest. Study and patient characteristics and relevant safety and non-sleep outcome data were also collected. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias or Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions were used to assess the risk of bias for all included studies. Results: Sixteen studies (75% RCTs) enrolling 2573 patients were included; 1207 patients were allocated to the pharmacologic sleep intervention. Most studies utilized dexmedetomidine (7/16; total n = 505 patients) or a melatonin agonist (6/16; total n = 592 patients). Only half of the studies incorporated a sleep promotion protocol as standard of care. Most (11/16, 68.8%) studies demonstrated a significant improvement in ≥1 sleep endpoint (n = 5 dexmedetomidine, n = 3 melatonin agonists, n = 2 propofol/benzodiazepines). Risk of bias was generally low for RCTs and moderate-severe for cohort studies. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine and melatonin agonists are the most studied pharmacologic sleep promotion modalities, but current evidence does not support their routine administration in the ICU to improve sleep. Future RCTs evaluating pharmacologic modalities for ICU sleep should consider patients' baseline and ICU risks for disrupted sleep, incorporate a non-pharmacologic sleep improvement protocol, and evaluate the effect of these medication interventions on circadian rhythm, physiologic sleep, patient-perceived sleep quality, and delirium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojdeh S Heavner
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patricia R Louzon
- Critical Care and Emergency Department, AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Emily F Gorman
- Health Sciences and Human Services Library, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kaitlin M Landolf
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
- University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Davide Ventura
- Department of Cardiology, AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - John W Devlin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Louzon PR, Ochogbu O, Rascon L, Moore S, Ali F. Tolerance of enteral nutrition during prone therapy in a COVID-19 cohort. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2023; 74:103338. [PMID: 36334970 PMCID: PMC9581802 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Otsanya Ochogbu
- AdventHealth Orlando, Department of pharmacy, United States.
| | - Linda Rascon
- AdventHealth Orlando, Department of nursing, United States
| | - Shawn Moore
- AdventHealth Orlando, Department of surgery, United States
| | - Fahd Ali
- AdventHealth Orlando, Department of surgery, United States
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Marinucci V, Louzon PR, Carr AL, Hayes J, Lopez-Ruiz A, Sniffen J. Pharmacist-Driven Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing for Pneumonia. Ann Pharmacother 2022; 57:560-569. [PMID: 36039495 DOI: 10.1177/10600280221121144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be detected using nasal swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and is associated with clinical MRSA infection. The MRSA nasal PCR has a rapid turnaround time and a negative predictive value for MRSA pneumonia of >98%; however, data are limited in critically ill patients. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of a pharmacist-driven algorithm, utilizing MRSA PCR nasal screening on duration of anti-MRSA therapy in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with suspected pneumonia. METHODS A single-center pre/post study was conducted in 4 ICUs at a large tertiary care community hospital. Adult patients admitted to the ICU initiated on vancomycin or linezolid for pneumonia managed using a pharmacist-driven MRSA PCR algorithm were included in the algorithm cohort. A historical cohort with standard management was matched 1:1 by age, type of pneumonia, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score. The primary outcome was duration of anti-MRSA therapy. Secondary outcomes included MRSA rates, number of vancomycin levels, new onset of acute kidney injury (AKI), ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and mortality. RESULTS Of the 245 patients screened, 50 patients met inclusion criteria for the algorithm cohort and were matched to 50 patients in the historical cohort. The duration of anti-MRSA therapy was significantly lower compared with the historical cohort (47 vs 95 hours; P < 0.001). Secondary outcomes were similar between groups for MRSA rates, new onset of AKI, LOS, and mortality. There were less vancomycin levels ordered in the algorithm cohort (2 vs 3, P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS A pharmacist-driven MRSA PCR algorithm significantly reduced anti-MRSA duration of therapy in critically ill patients with pneumonia. Future studies should validate these results in critically ill populations and in settings where MRSA pneumonia is more prevalent.
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Louzon PR, Heavner MS, Herod K, Wu TT, Devlin JW. Sleep-Promotion Bundle Development, Implementation, and Evaluation in Critically Ill Adults: Roles for Pharmacists. Ann Pharmacother 2021; 56:839-849. [PMID: 34612725 DOI: 10.1177/10600280211048494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review evidence for intensive care unit (ICU) sleep improvement bundle use, identify preferred sleep bundle components and implementation strategies, and highlight the role for pharmacists in developing and evaluating bundle efforts. DATA SOURCES Multiple databases were searched from January 1, 1990, to September 1, 2021, using the MeSH terms sleep, intensive care or critical care, protocol or bundle to identify comparative studies evaluating ICU sleep bundle implementation. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Study screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias evaluation were conducted in tandem. The ICU quality improvement literature and Institute for Healthcare Improvement bundle improvement guidance were also reviewed to identify recommended strategies for successful sleep bundle use. DATA SYNTHESIS Nine studies (3 randomized, 1 quasi-experimental, 5 before-and-after) were identified. Bundle elements varied and were primarily focused on nonpharmacological interventions designed to be performed during either the day or night; only 2 studies included a medication-based strategy. Five studies were associated with reduced delirium; 2 studies were associated with improved total sleep time and 2 with improved patient-perceived sleep. Pharmacists were involved directly in 4 studies. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE Sleep improvement bundles are recommended for use in all critically ill adults; specific bundle elements and ICU team member roles should be individualized at the institution/ICU level. Pharmacists can help lead bundle development efforts and routinely deliver key elements. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacists can play an important role in the development and implementation of ICU sleep bundles. Further research regarding the relative benefit of individual bundle elements on relevant patient outcomes is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kyle Herod
- Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Portsmouth NH, USA
| | - Ting Ting Wu
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.,Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John W Devlin
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.,Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Louzon PR, Wu TT, Duarte M, Bolton D, Devlin JW. Sleep documentation by intensive care unit clinicians: Prevalence, predictors and agreement with sleep quality and duration. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2021; 67:103115. [PMID: 34362658 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2021.103115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia R Louzon
- Department of Pharmacy, AdventHealth Orlando, 601 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803, USA.
| | - Ting-Ting Wu
- Department of Pharmacy and Health Systems Sciences, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Melissa Duarte
- Department of Nursing, AdventHealth Orlando, 601 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
| | - Daniel Bolton
- Department of Surgery, AdventHealth Orlando, 601 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
| | - John W Devlin
- Department of Pharmacy and Health Systems Sciences, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Louzon PR, Andrews JL, Torres X, Pyles EC, Ali MH, Du Y, Devlin JW. Characterisation of ICU sleep by a commercially available activity tracker and its agreement with patient-perceived sleep quality. BMJ Open Respir Res 2021; 7:7/1/e000572. [PMID: 32332025 PMCID: PMC7204814 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2020-000572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A low-cost, quantitative method to evaluate sleep in the intensive care unit (ICU) that is both feasible for routine clinical practice and reliable does not yet exist. We characterised nocturnal ICU sleep using a commercially available activity tracker and evaluated agreement between tracker-derived sleep data and patient-perceived sleep quality. Patients and methods A prospective cohort study was performed in a 40-bed ICU at a community teaching hospital. An activity tracker (Fitbit Charge 2) was applied for up to 7 ICU days in English-speaking adults with an anticipated ICU stay ≥2 days and without mechanical ventilation, sleep apnoea, delirium, continuous sedation, contact isolation or recent anaesthesia. The Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) was administered each morning by a trained investigator. Results Available activity tracker-derived data for each ICU study night (20:00–09:00) (total sleep time (TST), number of awakenings (#AW), and time spent light sleep, deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep) were downloaded and analysed. Across the 232 evaluated nights (76 patients), TST and RCSQ data were available for 232 (100%), #AW data for 180 (78%) and sleep stage data for 73 (31%). Agreement between TST (349±168 min) and RCSQ Score was moderate and significant (r=0.34; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.48). Agreement between #AW (median (IQR), 4 (2–9)) and RCSQ Score was negative and non-significant (r=−0.01; 95% CI −0.19 to 0.14). Agreement between time (min) spent in light (259 (182 to 328)), deep (43±29), and REM (47 (28–72)) sleep and RCSQ Score was moderate but non-significant (light (r=0.44, 95% CI −0.05 to 0.36); deep sleep (r=0.44, 95% CI −0.11 to 0.15) and REM sleep (r=0.44; 95% CI −0.21 to 0.21)). Conclusions A Fitbit Charge 2 when applied to non-intubated adults in an ICU consistently collects TST data but not #AW or sleep stage data at night. The TST moderately correlates with patient-perceived sleep quality; a correlation between either #AW or sleep stages and sleep quality was not found.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xavier Torres
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Eric C Pyles
- Department of Pharmacy, AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Mahmood H Ali
- Pulmonology, Central Florida Pulmonary Group PA, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Yuan Du
- Research Institute, AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - John W Devlin
- School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Thomas CM, Vicent M, Moore S, Ali F, Wooten L, Louzon PR. Treatment of Severe Hypertriglyceridemia With Insulin Infusions in Severe COVID-19: A Case Series. J Pharm Pract 2021; 35:1044-1048. [PMID: 33882724 DOI: 10.1177/08971900211010473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rapid onset of severe hypertriglyceridemia was quickly recognized in critical COVID-19 patients. Associated causes have been due to secondary hemophagocytic lymphohystiocytosis (HLH) syndrome, medication-induced, or acute liver failure. Statins, omega-3 polyunsaturated acids, niacin, and fibrates are common oral lipid lowering therapy options in patients at risk for hypertriglyceridemia. The severity of hypertriglyceridemia in COVID-19 patients with triglyceride values reaching greater than 1,000 mg/dL put them at a heightened risk of pancreatitis and therefore an essential need to acutely lower their levels. We present a case series of 5 patients who achieved rapid triglyceride lowering through continuous insulin infusion therapy. METHODS A retrospective chart review of 48 critical COVID-19 patients who were admitted from March 22 to April 15, 2020 was conducted. Inclusion criteria consisted of mechanical ventilation and continuous insulin infusion to treat severe hypertriglyceridemia resulting with 5 eligible patients in this case report. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION In addition to standard oral lipid lowering therapies, continuous insulin infusion successfully treated severe hypertriglyceridemia in critically ill COVID-19 patients. None of the patients experienced pancreatitis or hypoglycemia necessitating cessation of insulin. Further studies are needed to show the optimum dose and duration of insulin infusion as monotherapy and in combination with oral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martie Vicent
- Department of Pharmacy, AdventHealth Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Shawn Moore
- Department of Surgery, AdventHealth Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Fahd Ali
- Department of Surgery, AdventHealth Orlando, FL, USA.,Department of Critical Care, AdventHealth Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Leslie Wooten
- Department of Pharmacy, AdventHealth Orlando, FL, USA
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Andrews JL, Louzon PR, Torres X, Pyles E, Ali MH, Du Y, Devlin JW. Impact of a Pharmacist-Led Intensive Care Unit Sleep Improvement Protocol on Sleep Duration and Quality. Ann Pharmacother 2020; 55:863-869. [PMID: 33166192 DOI: 10.1177/1060028020973198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep improvement protocols are recommended for use in the intensive care unit (ICU) despite questions regarding which interventions to include, whether sleep quality or duration will improve, and the role of pharmacists in their development and implementation. OBJECTIVE To characterize the impact of a pharmacist-led, ICU sleep improvement protocol on sleep duration and quality as evaluated by a commercially available activity tracker and patient perception. METHODS Critical care pharmacists from a 40-bed, mixed ICU at a large community hospital led the development and implementation of an interprofessional sleep improvement protocol. It included daily pharmacist medication review to reduce use of medications known to disrupt sleep or increase delirium and guideline-based recommendations on both environmental and nonpharmacological sleep-focused interventions. Sleep duration and quality were compared before (December 2018 to December 2019) and after (January to June 2019) protocol implementation in non-mechanically ventilated adults using both objective (total nocturnal sleep time [TST] measured by an activity tracker (Fitbit Charge 2) and subjective (patient-perceived sleep quality using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire [RCSQ]) measures. RESULTS Groups before (n = 48) and after (n = 29) sleep protocol implementation were well matched. After protocol implementation, patients had a longer TST (389 ± 123 vs 310 ± 147 minutes; P = 0.02) and better RCSQ-perceived sleep quality (63 ± 18 vs 42 ± 24 mm; P = 0.0003) compared with before implementation. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE A sleep protocol that incorporated novel elements led to objective and subjective improvements in ICU sleep duration and quality. Application of this study may result in increased utilization of sleep protocols and pharmacist involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xavier Torres
- University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Yuan Du
- AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, FL, USA
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Subedi B, Louzon PR, Masood A, Recksieck S. Prolonged Refractory ICU Delirium Successfully Treated With Valproic Acid: Case Report and Literature Review. J Pharm Pract 2020; 34:984-987. [PMID: 32912027 DOI: 10.1177/0897190020953017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intensive care unit (ICU) delirium is characterized by acute onset of cerebral dysfunction with a change or fluctuation in baseline mental status. Delirium management includes non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment. However at times, alternative pharmacologic treatment is warranted. Valproic acid (VPA) is a potential pharmacologic agent that can be utilized to treat ICU delirium, though there is a paucity of evidence for its use, especially in patients with a history of substance abuse. We review the literature on VPA use in ICU delirium, and describe a challenging case of a 27-year-old female with a history of substance abuse experiencing hyperactive ICU delirium for greater than a month, refractory to multiple treatment modalities, and successfully treated with VPA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibidh Subedi
- Department of Pharmacy, AdventHealth Orlando, FL, USA
| | | | - Ahmed Masood
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, AdventHealth Orlando, FL, USA
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Dunkley KA, Louzon PR, Lee J, Vu S. Efficacy, Safety, and Medication Errors Associated with the Use of Inhaled Epoprostenol for Adults with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Ann Pharmacother 2013; 47:790-6. [DOI: 10.1345/aph.1r540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a type of hypoxic respiratory failure that results from ventilation and perfusion mismatching. Inhaled epoprostenol induces relaxation of smooth muscle in pulmonary vasculature, leading to improved oxygenation. OBJECTIVE: To determine if the use of inhaled epoprostenol produced a 10% or greater increase in the ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) to fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) in ARDS patients and to review adverse events and medication errors. METHODS: An observational chart review was performed based on a report generated from the electronic medical record system. Patients who received at least 1 dose of inhaled epoprostenol from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2010, at any hospital within the Florida Hospital Health System were considered for inclusion. Demographics, dose, duration of therapy, adverse effects, medication errors, and outcomes data were collected. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in the study. Oxygenation improved by 10% or more in 62.5% (10/16) of the patients, with an initial (within the first 4 hours) median increase of 44.5% in PaO2/FiO2. The mean (SD) starting dose was 30 (10) ng/kg/min. Medication errors were observed in 25% (4/16) of patients. Hypotension was the most frequently observed adverse event, with a rate of 18.8% (3/16). CONCLUSIONS: Based on study findings, inhaled epoprostenol may improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, with findings suggesting a 62.5% response to therapy. The significance of these effects on improving survival remains unknown. The frequency of medication errors observed in this study poses a significant concern regarding the administration of epoprostenol. Further controlled prospective studies are needed to determine the role of inhaled epoprostenol in improving survival in patients with ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kisha A Dunkley
- Kisha A Dunkley PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist, Department of Pharmacy, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore MD
| | - Patricia R Louzon
- Patricia R Louzon PharmD BCPS, Critical Care Clinical Pharmacist, Department of Pharmacy, Florida Hospital Orlando
| | - Jinjoo Lee
- Jinjoo Lee PharmD BCPS, Clinical Staff Pharmacist, Department of Pharmacy, Florida Hospital East Orlando
| | - Steve Vu
- Steve Vu MD, Pulmonology/Critical Care Physician, Florida Hospital East Orlando and Central Florida Pulmonary Group, P.A., Orlando, FL
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Abstract
Purpose To describe the use of nebulized colistin (colistimethate sodium) for the treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative infections. Specific aims were to identify dose and frequency of nebulized colistin therapy currently used, to assess clinical and microbiological efficacy, and to assess the prevalence of adverse events resulting from colistin therapy. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed at a tertiary care, level I trauma center and teaching hospital. The review included examination of 29 courses of colistin therapy administered to 24 adults receiving at least 24 hours of nebulized colistin for the treatment of gram-negative pneumonia. Results Demographic, medication, adverse event, and outcome data were collected for the duration of colistin therapy. Colistin was administered to patients with multidrug-resistant infections caused by gram-negative organisms. Many patients had a history of exposure to multiple antibiotics or drug allergies. Resistance to colistin was observed in 3 of 18 isolates with available susceptibility data. Determining the prevalence of adverse events was difficult because of the use of multiple medications. Many patients had missed antibiotic doses. A 25% mortality rate was observed. Conclusion The findings of this study serve to demonstrate the use of nebulized colistin for treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative pneumonia in patients without cystic fibrosis; to raise concern with regard to the large number of missed antibiotic doses; and to emphasize the need for further investigation by a larger, prospective, randomized trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia R. Louzon
- PGY-2 Critical Care Pharmacy Resident, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Department of Pharmacy
| | - Kara L. Birrer
- Clinical Pharmacist, Trauma/General Surgery, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Department of Pharmacy
| | - Jason M. Brady
- Clinical Pharmacist, Emergency Department, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Department of Pharmacy, Orlando, Florida
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