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Optimising electronic health records for highly specialised hospital areas: a call for collaborative hospital pharmacist involvement Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-08 Manuela González-Navarro, Mònica Gómez-Valent, Jordi Sarlé-Rubí, Alba Pérez-Comtel
Information technology (IT) has been regarded as a promise to improve patient safety in healthcare.1 While IT offers potential benefits like increased efficiency and quality of care, its impact in hospitals remains limited in its application possibilities, and lacks robust evaluation. Furthermore, poorly designed systems can compromise patient safety. Electronic health record (EHR) programmes must
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Extravasation of brentuximab vedotin, an antibody-drug conjugate, in a patient with anaplastic large cell lymphoma Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-06 Marianna Rivasi, Carla Porretta Serapiglia, Gregorio Medici, Lucia Ricchi
Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an antibody-drug conjugate, consisting of a CD30-directed antibody, conjugated by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule disrupting agent auristatin E (MMAE). Although the safety datasheet of BV does not warn of severe toxic effects of extravasation, we report a third case of a patient with anaplastic large cell lymphoma who developed severe epidermal necrosis after
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To maximise impact, hospital pharmacists need to increase visibility Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-04 Peter Chengming Zhang, Cheyenne Matinnia, Zubin Austin
Hospital pharmacists are essential to patient care and the integrity of the healthcare system. By applying their expertise as medication experts, they act to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of medication therapy. These outcomes have been demonstrated by numerous studies. In one meta-analysis, it was observed that the addition of a hospital pharmacist on interdisciplinary rounds in the
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Study of therapeutic patient education practices in French renal transplantation centres Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Camille Boissiere, Tristan Rallon, Cécile Vigneau, Elouan Demay, Claire Chatron, Astrid Bacle
Objectives Therapeutic patient education (TPE) plays a critical role in the management of kidney transplant recipients. However, discrepancies exist in the guidance provided regarding the usage of immunosuppressants across different kidney transplant centres in France. Methods To assess the current landscape of TPE practices in this patient population, an online questionnaire consisting of 51 questions
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Development of hospital pharmacy services at transition of care points: a scoping review Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-28 Jasmin Theresa Stoll, Anita Elaine Weidmann
Background Several hospital pharmacy services exist, which take place at different interfaces of patient care. Although they are an important tool for improving medication safety, they are not yet sufficiently implemented in hospitals around the world. Objective This scoping review aims to summarise different hospital pharmacy services at transition of care (TOC) points in order to identify development
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Evaluation of resources for effective decision-making about drug manipulation Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-27 Vera Damuzzo, Adriana Brusegan, Anna Bin, Nicola Realdon, Susanna Zardo
Physicians, pharmacists and nurses often take care of patients with dysphagia, swallowing impairment or declined cognitive function.1 Previous studies have shown that patients with swallowing difficulties of any grade and cause are more likely to experience medication errors.2 Moreover, difficulties in administering oral medications may cause the reduction of treatment adherence and the mishandling
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Physicochemical stability of pevonedistat at 50, 100 and 200 µg/mL diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride and at 10 mg/mL in partially used vials Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-26 Ralitsa Doncheva, Elise D'Huart, Nathalie Sobalak, Jean Vigneron, Béatrice Demoré
Objectives Pevonedistat is a new cytotoxic used in association with azacitidine for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. The manufacturer indicates an 18-hour stability after dilution in dextrose 5% or 0.9% sodium chloride (0.9% NaCl) at 2–8°C. No information is given for re-using vials of pevonedistat. Our objectives were to study the physico-chemical stability
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Effect of a smart temperature logger on correctly storing biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs at home: a pre-post study Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-21 Lex L Haegens, Victor J B Huiskes, Charlotte L Bekker, Bart J F van den Bemt
Objectives Biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) require specific storage temperatures, but are frequently stored outside the recommended range of 2–8°C. As incorrect storage may affect therapy effectiveness and consequently lead to higher disease activity, compliance with recommended storage temperatures should be improved. eHealth interventions can provide insight into storage
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Authors: beware of the elephant traps! Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Philip Wiffen
Elephant traps are nasty devices designed by hunters to capture large animals for profit. They are cleverly designed so that the terrain looks normal and it is only when the prey steps onto the trap that capture occurs. There are an increasing number of traps designed to capture authors of biomedical literature. They often look ‘normal’. I think it is useful to list some of these to alert you to what
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Quality assurance standards and their use in the preparation of parenteral systemic anticancer therapy products in healthcare establishments: a scoping review Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Kevin D Murphy, Cian O' Mahony, Megan McCarthy, Mohamad M Saab, Teresa M Barbosa, Aoife Fleming, Patrick Cotter, Brendan Noonan, Elizabeth Breen, Grant Carroll, AnneMarie De Frein, Patricia Heckmann, Margaret Triggs, Laura Sahm
Objectives The use of parenteral systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) has led to improved cancer survival. A quality assurance (QA) system of the aseptic compounding process is necessary to ensure safe and consistent production of parenteral SACT. This scoping review identifies international evidence and practice relating to QA standards in the preparation of parenteral SACT in healthcare establishments
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Development and validation of a risk prediction model for linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia in elderly patients Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Yan Qin, Zhe Chen, Shuai Gao, Yun Shen, Yanrong Ye
Objectives Linezolid is the first oxazolidinone antimicrobial agent developed for treating multi-drug-resistant gram-positive bacterial infections. The study aimed to investigate the risk factors of linezolid (LI)-induced thrombocytopenia (LI-TP) and to develop and validate a risk prediction model to identify elderly patients at high risk of developing LI-TP during linezolid therapy. Methods A retrospective
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Development and implementation of medication-related clinical rules for obstetrics, gynaecology, and paediatric outpatients Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Quanyao Chen, Luwei Wang, Min Lin, Weida Chen, Wen Wu, Yao Chen
Objectives Prescription errors can cause serious adverse drug events. Clinical decision support systems prevent prescription errors; however, real-time clinical rules in obstetrics, gynaecology, and paediatric outpatients remain unexplored. We evaluated the effects of localised, real-time clinical rules on alert rates and acceptance rates compared with manual prescription review. Methods We developed
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Classification of non-antineoplastic intravenously administered drugs according to their toxicity risk: the path towards safe drug administration Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Teresa Giménez Poderós, Juan José Fernández Cabero, Marta Valero Domínguez
Objective Extravasation is a potential complication resulting from parenteral administration of drugs. The purpose of this study was to characterise the physicochemical properties of non-antineoplastic parenterally administered drugs and determine their potential to cause a toxic effect on tissue. Methods A list of drugs administered by intermittent or continuous intravenous (IV) infusion was prepared
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Frequency of measuring body weight in (sub)populations of patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Shirley Kemps, Mostafa Soleyman, Harmen Huls, Mariette Labots, Mirjam Crul
Objectives Most cytostatics used in cancer treatment are dosed on body surface area (BSA). To administer an appropriate dose it is therefore necessary to know the patient’s correct body weight. However, evidence is lacking on how often, after initiation of treatment, body weight should be measured to recalculate BSA. We aimed to assess the relevance of weight measurements during chemotherapy treatment
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Reducing the use of sleep-inducing drugs during hospitalisation by a multi-faceted intervention: a pilot study Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Stephanie Heinemann, Jonas Klemperer, Eva Hummers, Roland Nau, Wolfgang Himmel
Objectives Many patients receive benzodiazepines or Z-drugs during hospitalisation due to sleeping problems. In a pilot study, we aimed to find out whether, and to what degree, a multi-faceted intervention can reduce the use of these drugs, especially in older patients and those without a psychiatric or neurological disorder. The results of this pilot study should inform the design of a randomised
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Determination of plasma uracil as a screening for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency: clinical application in oncological treatments Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Eduardo Tejedor-Tejada, Daniel Rubio Calvo, Antonio García Andreo
Aims Treatment with dihydropyrimidines poses a significant risk of serious adverse reactions for patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. This study seeks to analyse the correlation between DPD deficiency and plasmatic uracil values in patients who are candidates for a fluoropyrimidine scheme. It also studies the incidence of adverse events (AEs) in patients with DPD deficiency
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Factors associated with potential drug–drug interactions in psychiatric inpatients Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Anica Ranković, Iva Milentijevic, Slobodan Jankovic
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of potential drug–drug interactions (pDDIs) in hospitalised patients with major psychiatric disorders and to identify factors associated with their occurrence. Methods The research was designed as an observational, cross-sectional study conducted at the Clinic for Mental Disorders (CMD) ‘Dr. Laza Lazarevic’, Belgrade, Serbia
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Short-term study on in-use stability of opened bevacizumab biosimilar PF-06439535 vials Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Mona Abdel-Tawab, Markus Waßmuth, Florian Gegenfurtner, Andrea Hawe, Jan H Schefe, Anke M Strunz, Joachim Wübert
Objectives Aggregation is one of the key critical points limiting the stability of monoclonal antibodies in solution. The present study aimed to investigate the in-use stability of a residual monoclonal antibody solution after withdrawal of most of the filling volume of PF-06439535 (bevacizumab biosimilar), addressing the physical and chemical stability with respect to aggregation and fragmentation
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Patient perspectives of successful adalimumab biosimilar transitioning in Crohn’s disease: an interview study Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 David Young, Fraser Cummings, Susan Latter
Objectives Transition from originator biological medicines to their biosimilar equivalents is now part of routine clinical practice, but there is little understanding of patient experiences, which influence adherence and overall satisfaction with care. Understanding this will help ensure future switches adequately address patients’ concerns and expectations leading to better outcomes for all stakeholders
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Real-world effectiveness and durability of dual antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Laia Pérez-Cordón, Azhara Sánchez, Sergio Marin, Lluis Force, Mateu Serra-Prat, Elisabet Palomera, Lluis Campins
Background and objectives While randomised controlled trials in HIV-infected patients have shown that certain dual antiretroviral therapy (DAT) regimens are non-inferior in terms of efficacy compared with classical triple-drug regimens, few real clinical experiences have been described. The aim of the study was to investigate, in real clinical practice, DAT effectiveness, durability, and risk factors
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Adherence, persistence and switching rates of apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a multicentre real-life analysis at 3 years Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Alessia Romagnoli, Fiorenzo Santoleri, Alberto Costantini, Angelora Di Risio
Introduction Adherence to and persistence with long-term treatment with oral anticoagulants play a significant role in preventing adverse events and mortality in patients with cardiac conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence, persistence and switching rate at 3 years in real-life patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation receiving treatment with first-line new oral anticoagulants
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Clinical trials Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Piera Polidori, Despina Makridaki, Stephanie Kohl
### Meeting future healthcare challenges! Clinical trials are essential for continuously improving patient outcomes and their quality of life. Medicines used in clinical trials need to be securely managed by trained personnel capable of directing their storage, dispensing, return and destruction. Hospital pharmacists are members of the multidisciplinary team needed for safely managing clinical trials
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Rare case report of moxifloxacin-induced persistent hiccups Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Jing Zhou, Fei Wang, Songlong Li
Moxifloxacin is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is commonly used in clinical practice. Here we report an unusual case of a patient with persistent hiccups caused by moxifloxacin. A man aged in his 40s was treated with moxifloxacin for tuberculous pleurisy. Hiccups occurred 2 hours after intravenous injection of moxifloxacin and lasted into evening. On the second day after injection, hiccups
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Factors influencing accuracy when preparing injectable drug concentrations in appliance with clinical practice: a norepinephrine case study Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Sixtine Gilliot, Anthony Martin Mena, Stéphanie Genay, Morgane Masse, Manon Thibaut, Natacha Carta, Damien Lannoy, Laura Négrier, Christine Barthélémy, Bertrand Décaudin, Pascal Odou
Errors in injectable preparations with high-risk drugs can be fatal. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the accuracy of high-risk injectable drug concentrations in appliances used for intensive care unit preparation practices. Norepinephrine (NE) was chosen as an example of a high-risk medication drug. The concentration (0.2 and 0.5 mg/mL), the diluent (sodium chloride 0.9% and 5%
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Development of a quality assessment tool for pharmacy and therapeutics committees and subsequent pilot testing Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Nicole Schönenberger, Carla Meyer-Massetti, Silvina Bravo
Pharmacy and therapeutics committees (PTCs) are multidisciplinary hospital teams responsible for rational medication use. We aimed at developing and piloting an assessment tool for their operating quality. We conducted a scoping literature review in PubMed and Embase to identify potential assessment items. Their relevance was systematically rated and consolidated into the final tool. 60 relevant items
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Management of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and tacrolimus interaction in kidney transplant recipients infected by COVID-19: a three-case series Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Carlos Guzmán Cordero, Maria Saez-Torres de Vicente
Objectives Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir may cause a clinically relevant drug-drug interaction (DDI) with immunosuppressive drugs, such as tacrolimus, which may condition the use of this antiviral in transplant patients. We aimed to describe the management of this interaction. Methods Descriptive study in which renal transplant patients in treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and tacrolimus were included
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Correspondence on ‘Management of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and tacrolimus interaction in kidney transplant recipients infected by COVID-19: a three-case series’ Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Xiaohua Xiao Zhou, Hong Jian Ji
We read with great interest the recent study conducted by Guzmán Cordero and Saez-Torres de Vicente,1 which reported how to manage patients treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (brand name Paxlovid) and tacrolimus. The results hinted that nirmatrelvir/ritonavir combined with tacrolimus interaction could be controlled and achieve a good clinical effect. Based on these findings, we believe these provide
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Off-label use of cardiovascular drugs as an indicator of therapeutic need in paediatrics Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Silvia Miriam Cammarata, Giacomo Capone
The unapproved use of an approved drug is called ‘off-label’. In line with the European Medicine Agency’s pharmacovigilance directive, off-label “relates to situations where a medicinal product is intentionally used for a medical purpose not in accordance with the authorised product information (SmPC)”.1 The use of an off-label drug opens up a debate on one of the most delicate ethical aspects of medicine
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In-hospital expenditure for medical devices in relation to funds from diagnosis-related groups and ambulatory activity: temporal trend from 2019 to 2022 Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Andrea Messori, Sabrina Trippoli, Claudio Marinai
In a previous analysis1 conducted in our region (Tuscany in Italy), we studied the ratio between in-hospital expenditure for medical devices compared with the public funds resulting from diagnosis-related groups reimbursement and ambulatory activity. The analysis was focused on Tuscany and studied the year 2019; Tuscany is a region of central Italy with 3.7 million inhabitants, where hospitals are
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Concomitant drug use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and CYP3A4-modulating antimicrobial agents: an approach for drug use Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Robbert Visscher, Nadir Yalçın, Izgi Bayraktar, Aygin Bayraktar-Ekincioglu
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and associated infections will still be seen for some time yet in clinical care settings. Current standard of care practices recommend 5 days of treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for patients who do not use additional oxygen therapy and have a high risk for poor prognosis, regardless of their vaccination status.1 It has been recognised that viral respiratory infections
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Interprofessional collaborative practice is strong in young health professionals: evidence from an Italian Winter School attended by hospital pharmacists and internal medicine physicians Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Laura Camuffo, Daniele Mengato, Alessandro Nobili, Paola Santalucia, Marco Proietti, Francesca Venturini
Interprofessional education occurs when students from different professions learn about, from and with each other to enable effective interprofessional collaborative practice and improve health outcomes.1 Different instruments have been developed and validated to assess the impact of interprofessional education. The Student Perceptions Interprofessional Clinical Education Revised (SPICE-R) was demonstrated
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Switching of anti-migraine antibodies: effectiveness or regression to the mean? Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-13 Emilio Jesus Alegre-Del Rey, Silvia Fénix-Caballero, Carmen María Domínguez-Santana
The efficacy of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antibodies is limited. In the pivotal trial of erenumab, a response rate of 41.2% (47/187) was observed, defined as at least a 50% reduction in the number of migraine days per month. In comparison, the response rate for the placebo group was 23.5% (63/281), resulting in a difference of 17.7% and a number needed to treat of six, indicating
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Analysis of the use of antibiotics by AWaRe categories during the COVID-19 pandemic in hospitals across Scotland: a national population-based study Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-06 Euan Proud, Tanja Mueller, Karen Gronkowski, Amanj Kurdi, Niketa Platt, Aidan Morrison, Marion Bennie, William Malcolm
Objective The Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaRe) list of antibiotics was developed by the WHO to support antibiotic stewardship programmes (ASP). The Access group incorporates first-line options, while Watch antibiotics have higher resistance potential or toxicity, and Reserve drugs should be used only for complex infections. ASP implementation has been challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic. There
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Evaluation of the stability of aciclovir in elastomeric infusion devices used for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-06 Fekade Bruck Sime, Steven Wallis, Conor Jamieson, Tim Hills, Mark Gilchrist, Mark Santillo, R Andrew Seaton, Felicity Drummond, Jason Roberts
Objectives To investigate the stability of aciclovir solutions in elastomeric devices used for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). Methods Triplicates of two elastomeric devices, Accufuser and Easypump II, were filled with a solution of 200 mg, 2400 mg, and 4500 mg aciclovir in 240 mL 0.9% w/v saline. Devices were stored at room temperature for 14 days, followed by 24 hours storage
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RETRACTION—Specific features of rational pharmacotherapy in elderly patients Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-04 British Medical Journal Publishing Group
Ermakov D, Fomina E, Kartashova O. Specific features of rational pharmacotherapy in elderly patients. European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy 2023;30:322-7. This article has been retracted by the journal due …
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Results of EAHP’s 2023 shortages survey Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-02 Nenad Miljković, Piera Polidori, Daniele Leonardi Vinci, Darija Kuruc Poje, Despina Makridaki, Stephanie Kohl, András Süle
Aims and objective The aim of the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP)’s 2023 shortages survey was to collect data on causes and mitigation strategies of shortages of medicines and medical devices and their impact on patient care. The survey targeted hospital pharmacists (HPs), physicians (PHYs), nurses (NRS) and other healthcare professionals (OHCPs). A separate set of questions addressed
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Liquid antimicrobials: a national analysis of critical shortages Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-01 Nikolaus Riesenhuber, Maxine Krauss, Korinna Moßburger, Christina Gradwohl, Gunar Stemer
Medicine shortages, especially those involving antibiotics, pose a global public health dilemma that can lead to adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the supply situation of various antimicrobials in liquid dosage forms, which represent the mainstay of therapy for paediatric infections. The availability was examined over a period of 27 weeks in Austria. During the time period
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Combination of a propofol emulsion with alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists used for multimodal analgesia or sedation in intensive care units: a physicochemical stability study Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-30 Marine Roche, Damien Rousseleau, Cécile Danel, Héloïse Henry, Gilles Lebuffe, Pascal Odou, Damien Lannoy, Nicolas Simon
Objectives To assess the physicochemical stability of the combination of a propofol emulsion with an alpha-2 (α2) adrenergic receptor agonist (α2A; clonidine or dexmedetomidine) under conditions mimicking routine practice in an intensive care unit or in multimodal analgesia procedures. Methods We developed and validated three stability-indicating methods based on high-performance liquid chromatography
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Management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: a case of neutropenia caused by argatroban anticoagulation Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-25 Javier Gómez-Alonso, María Martínez Martínez, Camilo Andrés Bonilla Rojas, Héctor Carlos García Díaz, Jordi Riera del Brio, Mª Queralt Gorgas Torner, Laura Doménech-Moral
We present the case of a man in his 70s admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after mitral valve replacement and coronary artery bypass graft surgery requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support due to haemodynamic instability. He received anticoagulation therapy with heparin sodium and, after 5 days, the patient presented with thrombocytopenia and deep venous thrombosis. Heparin-induced
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Clinical pharmacy as a guarantee of safety in times of crisis: evolution and relevance of the continued presence of clinical pharmacists in frontline medical units during the first wave of COVID-19 Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-22 Arnaud Tanty, Elisa Vitale, Dorothée Lombardo-Duron, Armance Grevy, Prudence Gibert, Claire Chapuis, Christine Chevallier-Brilloit, Benoît Allenet, Pierrick Bedouch, Sebastien Chanoine
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the organisation of health services worldwide. In the first wave, many therapeutic options were explored, exposing patients to significant iatrogenic risk. In a context in which patient management was not well defined by clear recommendations and in which healthcare professionals were under great stress, was it still relevant to maintain pharmaceutical
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Benznidazole-induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome in a patient with human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A*68 Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-18 Thais Lizondo López, Javier Gil Lianes, Arnau Torrent Rodríguez, Rubén González-García, Montserrat Tuset Creus, Victoria Amat Samaranch, Dolors Soy-Muner, José Manuel Mascaró
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare but severe drug hypersensitivity reaction with potentially life-threatening consequences. It is characterised by fever, extensive maculopapular exanthema, lymph node enlargement, abnormal blood cell counts, and organ-related complications. Diagnosis can be challenging due to incomplete or non-specific symptoms, and it
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Physicochemical and biological stability of diluted vedolizumab in intravenous infusion bags Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-18 Tine C J Hendrickx, Kevin D H Balcaen, Marielle Baert, Jurgen Haustraete, Bart N Lambrecht
Introduction Intravenous vedolizumab is a widely used monoclonal antibody for outpatients with inflammatory bowel disease. Drug preparation is performed on the day of administration, but is time consuming, causing unnecessary in-hospital patient delay and inefficient logistics for preparation and distribution. Storage of vedolizumab ready-to-administer infusions and distribution via pneumatic air tubes
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Enhancing pharmaceutical decision support system: evaluating antithrombotic-focused algorithms for addressing drug-related problems Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-17 Arnaud Potier, Mathias Ade, Béatrice Demoré, Emmanuelle Divoux, Alexandre Dony, Edith Dufay
Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of integrating antithrombotic-focused pharmaceutical algorithms (PAs) into a pharmaceutical decision support system (PDSS) for detecting drug-related problems (DRPs) and facilitating pharmaceutical interventions. Methods A set of 26 PAs (12.4%) out of a total of 210 were created to model patient situations involving antithrombotics, and their contributions were compared
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Therapeutic drug monitoring of vancomycin in the case of augmented renal clearance: a case report of a paediatric patient Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-10 Hasan Memiş, Ahmet Çakır, Ayşe Ülgey
Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is a condition in which renal circulation increases, causing drug levels in the blood to remain at subtherapeutic levels in severe trauma patients. Vancomycin, a hydrophilic anti-Gram-positive drug, has been shown in the literature to have its levels fall below the therapeutic range in the case of ARC. However, vancomycin dosing recommendations in the case of ARC are
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No effects of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir on darunavir plasma trough concentrations: a case report Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-10 Dario Cattaneo, Simone Pagano, Samuel Lazzarin, Nunziata Calvagna, Cristina Gervasoni
COVID-19 may be associated with worst outcomes in people living with HIV compared with HIV-negative patients. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir can be safely co-administered with all the HIV antiretroviral drugs, without considering dose adjustment. However, no studies have formally investigated the effect of a double booster (ritonavir plus cobicistat) regimen on darunavir concentrations. We presented a case
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Switching anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies in chronic migraine: real-world observations of erenumab, fremanezumab and galcanezumab Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-05 Jamie Talbot, Rebecca Stuckey, Natasha Wood, Alexander Gordon, Ginette Crossingham, Stuart Weatherby
Objectives The anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies (anti-CGRP-mAb) are effective in migraine; however, few studies have examined the benefit of switching from one anti-CGRP-mAb to another. In order to better inform clinical practice in this situation, we present our real-world findings of switching anti-CGRP-mAb in chronic migraine. Methods Individuals with chronic migraine that
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The end of an era! Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Philip Wiffen
The journal has been available as a print version as well as online since its inception—but no more. The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) board took a decision earlier in October/November to cease production of the print version with immediate effect. This means that the November issue is the last print version available and unfortunately the news came too late to mention this in
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Systematic review of room temperature stability of key beta-lactam antibiotics for extended infusions in inpatient settings Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Abi Jenkins, Conor Jamieson, Mark Santillo
Background Extended infusion (EI) of beta-lactam antibiotics may offer clinical benefits aligned with improved probability of target attainment for critical pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters that correlate with efficacy. There is much research interest in prolonged and continuous infusions (collectively, extended infusions) of beta-lactams to improve patient outcomes, particularly in critically
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The potential for deprescribing in a palliative oncology patient population: a cross-sectional study Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Lisanne N van Merendonk, Bas J M Peters, Julia E Möhlmann, Cornelis B Hunting, Elisabeth A Kastelijn, Marcel P H van den Broek
Objectives The use of preventive medication in palliative oncology patients may be inappropriate due to limited life expectancy. Deprescribing tools are available but time-consuming and not always tailored to this specific population. Our primary goal was to identify potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in palliative oncology patients with a life expectancy of up to 2 years using an adapted
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Infliximab: a single-centre, prospective, observational evaluation of TDM data in patients with IBD Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Jessica Gadsby, Karen Hall, Fathima Shah, Sanjeev Pattni, Sharon Gethins, Hussain Mulla
Objectives Therapeutic drug monitoring of infliximab (IFX) is important to optimise treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A recent IBD consensus statement recommends targeting trough serum concentrations of >3 μg/mL, higher than our local recommendation of >1 μg/mL. We therefore investigated the relationship between IFX trough concentrations and C reactive protein (CRP), faecal calprotectin
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Improvement in RAID questionnaire results in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with advanced therapies Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Andrea Rodríguez Esquíroz, Amaya Arrondo Velasco, Amaia Egüés Lugea, Maite Sarobe Carricas
Objectives To analyse the changes in patient-reported outcomes after starting advanced antirheumatic treatment. Methods The study included all patients who started self-administered biological or targeted synthetic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis between February and November 2020. The patients were given the RAID quality of life questionnaire to complete before starting the treatment and after
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Analysis of adverse drug events as a way to improve cancer patient care Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Noelia Vicente-Oliveros, Teresa Gramage-Caro, Elena Corral de la Fuente, Eva Delgado-Silveira, Ana María Álvarez-Díaz
Purpose To define the signals that a new artificial intelligence (AI) system must emit to improve adverse drug events (ADEs) management in oral antineoplastic agents (OAA). Methods A multidisciplinary group of experts in patient safety was set up to define what signals the new AI system must emit to improve ADEs management in OAAs. The baseline data for the new AI system were generated through an observational
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Factors affecting voriconazole concentration to dose ratio changes according to route of administration Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Chunyan Chen, Tao Xu, Keting Zhou, Suyan Zhu
Background Voriconazole (VRCZ) is commonly used as oral and intravenous (IV) formulations. Few studies have comprehensively analysed the variation factors for the weight-corrected VRCZ serum concentration/dose (C/D) ratio based on the administration route. We retrospectively investigated the risk factors that influence the VRCZ C/D ratio in patients treated with oral or IV formulations. Methods A total
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Impact of a pharmaceutical intervention on influenza vaccination in patients receiving treatment with biological medicines Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Laura Villaverde Piñeiro, Ana Isabel Cachafeiro Pin, Yveth Michelle Tajes González, Pilar Neira Blanco, Lorena Arias Fernández, Mónica Vázquez López, Andrés Blanco Hortas, Concepcion Castro Rubiños, José Vicente Aparici Bolufer
Objective The aims of this study were twofold — to determine the impact of a health education intervention led by a hospital pharmacy department on influenza vaccination take-up in patients diagnosed with immune-mediated diseases. Patients were receiving treatment with biological medicines. Secondly, to compare those rates with the vaccination percentages of another hospital pharmacy with similar characteristics
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Predictive value of immune-related adverse events during pembrolizumab treatment in non-small cell lung cancer Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Carmen Maria Valencia Soto, María Victoria Villacañas Palomares, Adela Garcia-Avello Fernández-Cueto, Sara Barbadillo Villanueva, Virginia Martínez Callejo, María Ochagavía Sufrategui, Pedro Muñoz Cacho, Marta Valero Domínguez
Objectives Several studies have reported the role of immune-related adverse events as a predictor of clinical benefit, but few have properly described these findings in advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with pembrolizumab. This study aimed to evaluate the association between immune-related adverse events development and clinical outcomes in the aforementioned group of patients
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A pharmacovigilance study on antiepileptic medications in a paediatric hospital in Italy Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Nicoletta Monti Guarnieri, Adriana Pompilio, Carla Marini, Giovanni Battista Ortenzi, Emanuela Andresciani, Angela Maria Felicita Garzone, Maria Consuelo Ieracitano, Carlo Polidori
Objective The standard treatment for epilepsy is based on the appropriate use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) to prevent the recurrence of seizures. For the newer ASMs, however, little information on their safety profile is available. This work sought to fill this gap by creating a database for ASM use in a paediatric hospital and the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported. Methods This observational
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Integrity performance assessment of a closed system transfer device syringe adaptor lock as a terminal closure for Luer-Lock syringes Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Alan Shaun Wilkinson, Kate E Walker, Laima Ozolina, Romana Machníková, Andrew J Johnson, Navneet Bhogal, Kate Pegg
Objectives To investigate the container closure integrity of a closed system transfer device syringe adaptor lock in combination with disposable Luer-Lock syringes as the terminal closure device. The UK National Health Service (NHS) Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Committee (PQAC) requires syringe integrity data for final storage devices of aseptic products such as chemotherapy drugs when prepared
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A qualitative evaluation of weekly reflective practice sessions for the intensive care unit pharmacy team during the COVID-19 pandemic Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Naima Fowlis, Nina Barnett, Sara Banks, Barry Jubraj
Despite well-being initially being high on the agenda for UK health organisations, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted significant gaps around provision for well-being of pharmacists in the UK. The COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) environment exposed pharmacists to mental, physical and emotional challenges, including high levels of patient mortality. Objectives To provide an account of the experience
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Advanced therapy medicinal products Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Ana Lozano-Blázquez, Despina Makridaki, Claudia Roxana Plesan, Stephanie Kohl
### Making a difference by revolutionising patient care! The use of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) to treat disease and injury is growing. The European Commission (EC) noted this in its Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe which also touches on ATMPs in the section covering enabling innovation and digital transformation.1 The European Medicines Agency (EMA) plays a central role in the authorisation
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Polymyxin B-related neurotoxicity: a brief case report Eur. J. Hosp. Pharm. (IF 1.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-01 Izgi Bayraktar, Burcin Halacli, Kutay Demirkan, Arzu Topeli
Polymyxin B and colistin are considered the last therapeutic option to treat infections caused by highly drug-resistant bacteria. However, their administration may lead to various adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and allergic reactions. The current case report presents the clinical manifestation of polymyxin B-associated neurotoxicity in a female patient with no chronic illness