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2.
Curr Pharm Teach Learn ; 16(7): 102107, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38735777

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Little is known about nutrition education in pharmacy programs. This study reports on the outcomes assessment of pharmacy students' knowledge, perceptions, and satisfaction in a clinical nutrition course. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: A 2-credit required course in clinical nutrition and diet therapy provides third-year professional pharmacy students with knowledge on various diet and nutrition topics. These relate to nutrition concepts in health and disease, the prevention and treatment of diet- and nutrition-related health conditions, and enteral and parenteral nutrition. FINDINGS: Between the academic years 2012 and 2021, 720 students were enrolled in the course. Direct assessment data were collected from 227 students, and indirect assessment data from 173 students. On average, 85.7% of students acquired the necessary knowledge on all 23 course learning objectives. Average course evaluation ratings by students on a 5-point Likert scale (strongly disagree = 1; disagree = 2; somewhat agree = 3; agree = 4; strongly agree = 5) were high (4.43). High ratings were also recorded for students' satisfaction with the course structure (4.46) and teaching effectiveness (4.39). Students appreciated the clear presentation of the course learning objectives, requirements, and teaching effectiveness. They also acknowledged the quality of the learning experience and the course's relevance to pharmacy. DISCUSSION: Students highly rated the course in achieving its learning objectives in addition to their satisfaction with its content, structure, delivery, and relevance to pharmacy education and practice. Furthermore, the course content addressed the accreditation requirements for nutrition education and covered the topics listed in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Pharmacotherapy Didactic Curriculum Toolkits. SUMMARY: The clinical nutrition and diet therapy course was well received. Educating pharmacy students on diet and nutrition prepares graduates for expanding their role in these domains in the community, hospital and clinical practice settings.


Subject(s)
Curriculum , Education, Pharmacy , Perception , Personal Satisfaction , Students, Pharmacy , Humans , Students, Pharmacy/statistics & numerical data , Students, Pharmacy/psychology , Curriculum/trends , Curriculum/standards , Education, Pharmacy/methods , Education, Pharmacy/standards , Education, Pharmacy/statistics & numerical data , Educational Measurement/methods , Educational Measurement/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and Questionnaires , Nutritional Sciences/education , Female , Male , Adult , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
3.
BMC Med Educ ; 24(1): 436, 2024 Apr 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38649947

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The integration of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) within the professional pharmacy program, contributes to assessing the readiness of pharmacy students for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) and real-world practice. METHODS: In a study conducted at an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)-accredited Doctor of Pharmacy professional degree program, 69 students in their second professional year (P2) were engaged in OSCEs. These comprised 3 stations: best possible medication history, patient education, and healthcare provider communication. These stations were aligned with Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and Ability Statements (AS). The assessment aimed to evaluate pharmacy students' competencies in key areas such as ethical and legal behaviors, general communication skills, and interprofessional collaboration. RESULTS: The formulation of the OSCE stations highlighted the importance of aligning the learning objectives of the different stations with EPAs and AS. The evaluation of students' ethical and legal behaviors, the interprofessional general communication, and collaboration showed average scores of 82.6%, 88.3%, 89.3%, respectively. Student performance on communication-related statements exceeded 80% in all 3 stations. A significant difference (p < 0.0001) was found between the scores of the observer and the SP evaluator in stations 1 and 2 while comparable results (p = 0.426) were shown between the observer and the HCP evaluator in station 3. Additionally, a discrepancy among the observers' assessments was detected across the 3 stations. The study shed light on challenges encountered during OSCEs implementation, including faculty involvement, resource constraints, and the necessity for consistent evaluation criteria. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of refining OSCEs to align with EPAs and AS, ensuring a reliable assessment of pharmacy students' clinical competencies and their preparedness for professional practice. It emphasizes the ongoing efforts needed to enhance the structure, content, and delivery of OSCEs in pharmacy education. The findings serve as a catalyst for addressing identified challenges and advancing the effectiveness of OSCEs in accurately evaluating students' clinical readiness.


Subject(s)
Clinical Competence , Curriculum , Education, Pharmacy , Educational Measurement , Students, Pharmacy , Humans , Clinical Competence/standards , Educational Measurement/methods , Competency-Based Education
4.
Curr Pharm Teach Learn ; 16(5): 363-369, 2024 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38458839

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is limited literature describing the outcomes of formal career guidance in pharmacy programs. This study assessed the course outcomes including students' satisfaction, achievement of the learning objectives and scoring on assignments. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: A 1-credit elective course aims at providing second- and third-year professional pharmacy students (P2 and P3) to career guidance. The main topics address career planning and paths, communication skills, personal and professional development, leadership and entrepreneurship. Included are written assignments, oral group presentations and mock interviews. FINDINGS: Data on 303 students, including 279 P2 and 24 P3, between 2012 and 2021 were analyzed using course evaluations, direct assessment and scoring. Average evaluations ratings were consistently above 4 on a 5-point scale including the clarity of the course policies and procedures (4.61) and its objectives and requirements (4.59), organization (4.58), instructors' simulated questions, responses, discussion and openness to other viewpoints (4.57) and quality (4.5). Students found the experience to be interesting and relevant to pharmacy practice. All students scored above 70% on the course assignments. DISCUSSION: Students were satisfied with the course and gave high ratings to the course content, delivery and in meeting its learning objectives. They scored high on the different course assignments. These findings are similar to the results of other studies reporting students' satisfaction with career guidance. SUMMARY: The career opportunities course is popular among pharmacy students who consistently reported their satisfaction with its content, design and delivery.


Subject(s)
Education, Pharmacy , Pharmacy , Students, Pharmacy , Humans , Education, Pharmacy/methods , Curriculum , Occupations
5.
Curr Pharm Teach Learn ; 15(9): 775-778, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37541946

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Considering the various professional roles of pharmacists, pharmacy students and pharmacists have had difficulty identifying with a clear professional identity. Thereby there is a need for a professional identity formation (PIF) that conveys a consistent message about the role and value of pharmacists. Having a clear professional identity may also be a driver to advance the pharmacy profession. While achieving PIF is a challenging path, one element that conceivably contributes to PIF is emotional intelligence (EI). EI is acquired through life experiences and relates to personal and social awareness and the management of emotions and relationships. EI is critical for personal and professional success. PERSPECTIVE: Pharmacy students are exposed to different pharmacists' professional identities. This faces them with challenges as they try to incorporate their roles and expectations into practice. Integrating the core elements of EI into pharmacy education through a variety of teaching and learning methods is essential in the PIF of pharmacy students. PIF will enable pharmacy students to better associate with the profession by "thinking, acting, and feeling like a pharmacist." IMPLICATIONS: Both EI and PIF need to be integrated in pharmacy curricula. However, there is paucity of literature on how to best develop, integrate and assess EI and PIF. Therefore, a collaborative comprehensive approach by the pharmacy profession is necessary to that end.


Subject(s)
Education, Pharmacy , Pharmacy , Humans , Social Identification , Emotional Intelligence , Curriculum
6.
BMC Med Educ ; 16: 19, 2016 Jan 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26772809

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Health sciences programs are increasingly expanding their curricula to bridge foundational scientific knowledge with needed skills to practice and patient care. The primary objectives of this study are to 1) assess whether the personal and professional development (PPD) subdomains (self-assessment, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, and professionalism) are integrated in a pharmacy curriculum; and 2) identify any gaps related to the subdomains' learning objectives. METHODS: Four different mapping activities were completed to create a comprehensive mapping plan regarding the integration of the PPD subdomains in the curriculum. The first mapping activity entailed matching the school's program educational outcomes (PEOs) to these subdomains (Step 1). Mapping of the enacted curriculum by faculty (Step 2) and learned curriculum by students (Step 3) were also completed in order to evaluate the integration of these subdomains in the curriculum. Finally, Step 4 involved mapping of the assessed curriculum by analyzing the progress of students on PPD-related competencies using standardized scoring rubrics and the correlation between students' and facultys' assessments with regard to matching competencies. The Cochrane's Q test and the Cohen's kappa coefficient were used in the statistical analysis of parametric data. RESULTS: The subdomains were found to be woven across curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities based on the four different mapping activities. Faculty and students agreed that the PPD competencies are integrated in the curriculum; provided example courses, experiences and activities; and identified areas of further improvements. The completed mapping activities drove the development of action plans for remediation of identified gaps in the curriculum. CONCLUSION: Mapping activities showed the sequential integration of the PPD skills at different depths and breadths in the curriculum. This study provides an example to health sciences schools on the incorporation of the PPD skills in their curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities as current accreditation standards have directed Pharmacy programs to integrate and enforce them in their curricula.


Subject(s)
Curriculum/standards , Education, Pharmacy/organization & administration , Job Satisfaction , Personal Satisfaction , Professional Competence , Female , Humans , Male , Program Evaluation , Students, Pharmacy/statistics & numerical data , United States
7.
Nutr Clin Pract ; 28(6): 737-44, 2013 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24192265

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Increased risk for infection has been associated with the administration of intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE). Typically, IVFE is infused daily as part of the parenteral nutrition (PN) regimen. However, a national IVFE shortage in 2010 compelled institutions to restrict administration to nondaily. This retrospective study evaluated the rate of infections associated with the nondaily as compared to daily IVFE infusion in hospitalized adult patients. METHODS: Patients in the study group received nondaily IVFE during the shortage period, and patients in the control group received daily IVFE. The primary outcomes were the development of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs) or any bloodstream infection (BSI). Secondary outcomes were the development of respiratory, urinary, wound, or other infections. RESULTS: Included in the study were 52 patients, 33 patients in the study group and 19 patients in the control group. There were no CR-BSIs reported. BSIs occurred in 1 patient in the study group. The total number of infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs) per 1000 catheter days were not different between the 2 groups (45.28 vs 21.24, P = .203) and (24.39 vs 5.525, P = .099), respectively. Survival analyses showed no difference between the 2 groups for the time to first infection (11.24 vs 6.59 days, P = .30) and time to first UTI (11.97 vs 7 days, P = .093), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Nondaily vs daily IVFE infusion did not have a significant effect on the risk of infection or time to development of infection; however, results are limited due to the small sample size. Large prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the effect of daily as compared to nondaily IVFE infusion on infectious complications.


Subject(s)
Catheter-Related Infections/epidemiology , Cross Infection/epidemiology , Fat Emulsions, Intravenous/administration & dosage , Hospitalization , Parenteral Nutrition/methods , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Critical Illness , Drug Administration Schedule , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , Middle Aged , Parenteral Nutrition/adverse effects , Retrospective Studies , Survival Analysis , Young Adult
8.
Nutr Clin Pract ; 26(5): 583-92, 2011 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21947641

ABSTRACT

The duodenal switch (DS) procedure is a type of restrictive-malabsorptive bariatric surgery that is typically reserved for severe morbidly obese people (body mass index >50 kg/m(2)) with obesity-related comorbidities, when diet, lifestyle changes, and pharmacologic therapy fail to achieve adequate weight loss. Patients who undergo the DS procedure are at risk for malabsorption, malnutrition, and nutrient deficiencies. Copper deficiency is a commonly reported long-term complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. However, data are limited on copper deficiency-associated complications and their treatment in DS patients. This article presents a case of a patient who developed hypocupremia with associated pancytopenia, myeloneuropathy, and leukoencephalopathy following DS and reviews the literature related to the pathophysiology of copper deficiency and copper replacement in bariatric surgery patients. When severe diarrhea was present, intravenous elemental copper 4 mg (as cupric chloride)/d in addition to daily oral copper gluconate was necessary to correct the hypocupremia and improve the hematologic indices and neurologic symptoms of copper deficiency. When diarrhea subsided, oral elemental copper 4 mg (as copper gluconate) 3 times daily maintained normal serum copper concentrations and avoided the relapse of severe neurologic dysfunction. Regular monitoring of serum copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations is recommended following DS surgery to detect any copper deficiency before irreversible neurologic damage occurs. Long-term copper supplementation is likely necessary to maintain normal copper status in DS patients.


Subject(s)
Copper/deficiency , Deficiency Diseases/complications , Gastric Bypass , Nervous System Diseases/etiology , Obesity, Morbid/surgery , Pancytopenia/etiology , Postoperative Complications , Copper/blood , Copper/therapeutic use , Deficiency Diseases/blood , Deficiency Diseases/drug therapy , Diarrhea/etiology , Duodenum/surgery , Gluconates/therapeutic use , Hematology , Humans , Leukoencephalopathies/etiology , Male , Middle Aged , Nervous System Diseases/blood , Nervous System Diseases/drug therapy , Obesity, Morbid/blood , Postoperative Complications/blood
9.
JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr ; 35(6): 736-47, 2011 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21825087

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trace elements (TEs) dosing and monitoring in home parenteral nutrition (PN) patients vary with their underlying conditions. METHODS: This retrospective observational study evaluated parenteral TE dosing, serum TE concentrations and monitoring, and dose-concentration relationships between TE doses and serum TE concentrations in 26 adult and adolescent home PN patients. RESULTS: There was a total of 40,493 PN days. Average parenteral zinc doses of 9.1 mg/d and 7.6 mg/d resulted in the majority of serum zinc concentrations (90%) within normal range in patients with and without short bowel syndrome (SBS), respectively. Selenium at about 70 mcg/d resulted in about 60% of serum selenium concentrations within normal range, with 38% of values below normal in patients with and without SBS alike. Copper at 1 mg/d resulted in 22.5% of serum copper concentrations above the normal range. The majority of serum manganese (94.6%) and chromium (96%) concentrations were elevated. Serum TE concentrations were infrequently monitored. Significant relationships existed between doses and serum concentrations for zinc (P < .0001), manganese (P = .012), and chromium (P < .0001) but not for selenium or copper. CONCLUSIONS: TE doses in home PN should be individualized and adjusted based on regular monitoring of TE status. In long-term home PN patients, higher zinc and selenium doses may be necessary to maintain their normal serum concentrations. Lower copper doses and restrictions of manganese and chromium supplementation may be needed to avoid their accumulation. Relationships between TE doses and serum TE concentrations vary for each TE and underlying clinical conditions.


Subject(s)
Deficiency Diseases/etiology , Nutritional Status , Overnutrition/etiology , Parenteral Nutrition, Home , Short Bowel Syndrome/therapy , Trace Elements/administration & dosage , Trace Elements/blood , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Deficiency Diseases/blood , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Observation , Overnutrition/blood , Prevalence , Qualitative Research , Reference Values , Retrospective Studies , Short Bowel Syndrome/blood , Short Bowel Syndrome/complications , Young Adult
10.
J Infus Nurs ; 34(2): 89-96, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21399454

ABSTRACT

Needleless connectors have been introduced into clinical practice to prevent accidental needlestick injuries and associated bloodborne infections. Needleless connectors include the split-septum devices and the mechanical valves that are classified as neutral-, negative-, and positive-displacement types on the basis of their internal membrane or valve function. Some studies have reported that mechanical valves, especially positive-displacement valves, may decrease thrombotic catheter occlusions based on their valve function that prevents blood reflux into the intravascular catheter. This article describes the types of needleless connectors and reviews the evidence related to their effects on thrombotic catheter occlusions.


Subject(s)
Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects , Infusions, Intravenous/adverse effects , Needlestick Injuries/prevention & control , Thromboembolism/etiology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage , Equipment Contamination , Humans , Thromboembolism/prevention & control
11.
Am J Infect Control ; 39(4): 277-83, 2011 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21256629

ABSTRACT

Needleless connectors, including the standard split septum and the luer-activated mechanical valve connectors, have been introduced into clinical practice to eliminate the risk of needlestick injuries by avoiding the use of needles when accessing the intravascular catheters. Negative and positive displacement mechanical valves have been associated with increased rates of catheter-related bloodstream infections as compared with split septum connectors. Based on available data, split septum connectors should be preferentially used instead of mechanical valves. Adequate disinfection by scrubbing the access port preferably with chlorhexidine is recommended to minimize the risk of catheter microbial contamination along with proper infection control practices. Large prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate further the possible causes and effects of different types of mechanical valve needleless connectors on bloodstream infections.


Subject(s)
Catheter-Related Infections/epidemiology , Catheterization/adverse effects , Catheterization/methods , Sepsis/epidemiology , Chlorhexidine/therapeutic use , Disinfectants/therapeutic use , Disinfection/methods , Humans , Needlestick Injuries/prevention & control
12.
Nutr Clin Pract ; 25(1): 32-49, 2010 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20130156

ABSTRACT

Critically ill patients who are subjected to high stress or with severe injury can rapidly break down their body protein and energy stores. Unless adequate nutrition is provided, malnutrition and protein wasting may occur, which can negatively affect patient outcome. Enteral nutrition (EN) is the mainstay of nutrition support therapy in patients with a functional gastrointestinal (GI) tract who cannot take adequate oral nutrition. EN in critically ill patients provides the benefits of maintaining gut functionality, integrity, and immunity as well as decreasing infectious complications. However, the ability to provide timely and adequate EN to critically ill patients is often hindered by GI motility disorders and complications associated with EN. This paper reviews the GI complications and intolerances associated with EN in critically ill patients and provides recommendations for their prevention and treatment. It also addresses the role of commonly used medications in the intensive care unit and their impact on GI motility and EN delivery.


Subject(s)
Enteral Nutrition/adverse effects , Gastrointestinal Agents/therapeutic use , Gastrointestinal Diseases/drug therapy , Gastrointestinal Motility , Adult , Critical Illness , Gastrointestinal Diseases/etiology , Humans , Malnutrition/prevention & control
13.
Pediatr Nephrol ; 24(4): 807-13, 2009 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19156445

ABSTRACT

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is used to treat critically ill children with acute kidney injury. The effect of CRRT on trace element clearance is poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to quantify the transmembrane clearance of chromium, copper, manganese, selenium and zinc during continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). The transmembrane clearance of trace elements was assessed prospectively in five critically ill children receiving CVVHDF at the pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care university hospital. Pre-filter blood and effluent samples were measured for trace element concentrations. Transmembrane clearance of trace elements was calculated, and daily loss of each trace element was determined. Daily trace element loss via CVVHDF was compared with daily standard supplementation of trace elements in pediatric parenteral nutrition. Five patients (age range 23 months to 15 years) with a body weight range of 10.5-53 kg completed the study. The median transmembrane clearance of chromium, copper, manganese, selenium and zinc during CVVHDF was calculated as 0 ml, 0.59 ml, 2.48 ml, 1.22 ml, and 1.90 ml, respectively, per 1.73 m(2) body surface area per minute. The calculated CVVHDF losses were substantially smaller than the daily parenteral supplementation for all trace elements.


Subject(s)
Acute Kidney Injury/blood , Acute Kidney Injury/therapy , Hemodiafiltration/methods , Trace Elements/blood , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Hemodialysis Solutions/chemistry , Humans , Infant , Male , Nutritional Support , Prospective Studies
14.
Pharmacotherapy ; 29(2): 213-26, 2009 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19170590

ABSTRACT

Severe thermal injury is associated with hypermetabolism and hypercatabolism, leading to skeletal muscle breakdown, lean body mass loss, weight loss, and negative nitrogen balance. Muscle protein catabolism in patients with severe thermal injury is the result of stress-induced increased release of cytokines and counterregulatory hormones. Coupled with decreased serum anabolic hormone concentrations such as testosterone and growth hormone along with the presence of insulin resistance, anabolism in patients with severe thermal injury is inefficient or impossible during the acute postburn period. This causes difficulty in restoring lean body mass and regaining lost body weight, as well as poor healing of the burn wound and delayed patient recovery. Oxandrolone, a synthetic derivative of testosterone, has been used in adult patients with severe thermal injury to enhance lean body mass accretion, restore body weight, and accelerate wound healing. In clinical studies, oxandrolone 10 mg orally twice/day improved wound healing, restored lean body mass, and accelerated body weight gain. During the rehabilitation period, oxandrolone therapy with adequate nutrition and exercise improved lean body mass, increased muscle strength, and restored body weight. However, most data on oxandrolone use in adult patients with severe thermal injury are derived from single-center studies, many of which enrolled a relatively small number of subjects and some of which had a poor design. Multicenter, prospective, randomized studies are needed to better define the optimal oxandrolone dosage and to confirm the efficacy and safety of this drug in adult patients with severe thermal injury.


Subject(s)
Anabolic Agents/pharmacology , Burns/drug therapy , Oxandrolone/pharmacology , Adult , Anabolic Agents/adverse effects , Body Weight/drug effects , Burns/physiopathology , Clinical Trials as Topic , Humans , Nutritional Support/methods , Oxandrolone/adverse effects , Severity of Illness Index , Wound Healing/drug effects
15.
Ann Pharmacother ; 42(9): 1310-5, 2008 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18682543

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To review the role of oxandrolone in pediatric patients with severe thermal burn injury. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (1950-April 2008) and Science Citation Index (1900-April 2008) searches were performed using the key terms oxandrolone, burn, and children. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language articles that evaluated the efficacy and safety of oxandrolone in pediatric patients with severe thermal burn injury were included in this review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Oxandrolone stimulates protein synthesis by binding to androgen receptors. The efficacy and safety of adjunct oxandrolone therapy in pediatric patients (20%) were evaluated in 8 clinical studies. Oral oxandrolone 0.1 mg/kg twice daily increased protein synthesis, lean body mass accretion, and muscle strength; improved serum visceral protein concentrations; promoted weight gain; and increased bone mineral content. During the postburn rehabilitation period, oxandrolone 0.1 mg/kg/day improved muscle strength, especially when combined with exercise. Based on clinical studies, oxandrolone 0.1 mg/kg twice daily is safe when given for up to 12 months. However, mild increases in serum liver transaminase concentrations and reversible sexual changes were observed during therapy. Although data on the efficacy and safety of oxandrolone in severely burned children are supported by prospective, randomized, controlled studies, limitations of available data are that they originated from a single study center and that wound healing measurement is lacking in children with severe thermal burns. CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of adjunct oxandrolone therapy in severely burned pediatric patients have been demonstrated in the acute postburn injury and long-term postburn rehabilitation periods. Close monitoring of liver function, sexual development, and growth pattern is recommended during oxandrolone treatment.


Subject(s)
Anabolic Agents/pharmacology , Burns/complications , Oxandrolone/pharmacology , Child , Humans , Metabolic Diseases/drug therapy , Metabolic Diseases/etiology
16.
Pharmacotherapy ; 28(5): 600-13, 2008 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18447659

ABSTRACT

Acute kidney injury in critically ill patients is often a complication of an underlying condition such as organ failure, sepsis, or drug therapy. In these patients, stress-induced hypercatabolism results in loss of body cell mass. Unless nutrition support is provided, malnutrition and negative nitrogen balance may ensue. Because of metabolic, fluid, and electrolyte abnormalities, optimization of nutrition to patients with acute kidney injury presents a challenge to the clinician. In patients treated with conventional intermittent hemodialysis, achieving adequate amino acid intake can be limited by azotemia and fluid restriction. With the use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), however, better control of azotemia and liberalization of fluid intake allow amino acid intake to be maximized to support the patient's metabolic needs. High amino acid doses up to 2.5 g/kg/day in patients treated with CRRT improved nitrogen balance. However, to our knowledge, no studies have correlated increased amino acid intake with improved outcomes in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. Data from large, prospective, randomized, controlled trials are needed to optimize the dosing of amino acids in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury who are treated with CRRT and to study the safety of high doses and their effects on patient morbidity and survival.


Subject(s)
Acute Kidney Injury/therapy , Amino Acids/therapeutic use , Renal Replacement Therapy , Critical Illness , Humans , Proteins/metabolism
17.
Ann Pharmacother ; 41(11): 1867-72, 2007 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17911205

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To review the role of ursodeoxycholic acid (ursodiol) in treating parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC). DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE (1950-May 2007) search was performed using the key terms parenteral nutrition, cholestasis, ursodeoxycholic acid, and ursodiol. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language articles that evaluated the safety and efficacy of ursodiol for PNAC were included in this review. DATA SYNTHESIS: The benefits of exogenous ursodiol administration in the treatment of cholestasis can be explained by its alteration of effects on bile composition and flow and provision of cytoprotective, membrane stabilizing, and immunomodulatory effects. Two animal studies, 2 case reports, and 6 human studies (2 prospective and 3 retrospective pediatric studies, 1 adult prospective study) evaluated the efficacy of ursodiol in patients with PNAC. Ursodiol 10-30 mg/kg/day in children and 10-15 mg/kg/day in adults administered in 2-3 doses improved the biochemical and clinical signs and symptoms of PNAC. However, short-term improvement in biochemical parameters may not necessarily predict the outcome of PNAC patients. At recommended doses, ursodiol may not be effective in patients with short bowel syndrome or in those with resected terminal ileum because of reduced ursodiol absorption. Studies supporting the efficacy of ursodiol in treatment of PNAC are limited by small sample size, absence of randomization and controls, short duration, and lack of accountancy to confounding variables. Large, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, long-term follow-up studies evaluating the efficacy and optimal dosing and duration of ursodiol therapy for PNAC are not yet available. CONCLUSIONS: Ursodiol may improve the biochemical signs and clinical symptoms of PNAC. However, optimal dosing, timing, duration of therapy, and long-term effects on PNAC outcome and prognosis require further studies.


Subject(s)
Cholagogues and Choleretics/therapeutic use , Cholestasis/drug therapy , Parenteral Nutrition/adverse effects , Ursodeoxycholic Acid/therapeutic use , Animals , Cholestasis/etiology , Humans , Ursodeoxycholic Acid/administration & dosage
18.
Nephrol Dial Transplant ; 22(10): 2970-7, 2007 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17556411

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) increasingly is being used to treat critically ill patients with renal disease. CRRT removes waste products but also nutrients. Our understanding of trace element CRRT clearance has been limited by poor assay sensitivity. The development of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) allows for the measurement of CRRT trace element removal. METHODS: Continuous venovenous haemodialysis (CVVHD) transmembrane clearances of trace elements and urea were assessed using a bovine blood-based in vitro model using two different haemodialyser types. These findings were validated in 10 critically ill adult patients receiving continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). Calculated daily trace element loss was compared with a typical dose of daily trace element supplementation. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD in vitro CVVHD transmembrane clearances (ml/min) for the polysulfone haemodialyser were chromium 0.97 +/- 0.23, copper 0.47 +/- 0.18, manganese 4.6 +/- 3.6, selenium 1.2 +/- 0.63 and zinc 2.3 +/- 0.32 and for the cellulose diacetate haemodialyser chromium 1.54 +/- 0.91, copper 0.21 +/- 0.07, manganese 7.8 +/- 4.1, selenium 0.76 +/- 0.39 and zinc 2.7 +/- 0.37. The in vivo CVVHDF transmembrane clearances (ml/min) were chromium 5.4 +/- 2.4, copper 0.45 +/- 0.33, manganese 1.9 +/- 4.6, selenium 1.6 +/- 1.2, and zinc 4.0 +/- 1.3. CONCLUSION: ICP-MS assays detected the five trace elements in the effluent of CVVHDF patients. Trace element CVVHD transmembrane clearance estimates for our in vitro model were supported by the in vivo CVVHDF findings. Calculated daily trace element loss attributed to CVVHD and CVVHDF with dialysate flow rates of 33.3 ml/min is less than what is provided in a daily dose of a trace element supplementation product.


Subject(s)
Mass Spectrometry/methods , Renal Dialysis/instrumentation , Renal Dialysis/methods , Renal Replacement Therapy/instrumentation , Renal Replacement Therapy/methods , Trace Elements/analysis , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Diffusion , Female , Hemodialysis Solutions , Hemofiltration , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Renal Insufficiency , Reproducibility of Results , Water/chemistry
20.
Nutr Clin Pract ; 20(6): 625-33, 2005 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16306300

ABSTRACT

Refeeding syndrome describes a constellation of metabolic disturbances that occur as a result of reinstitution of nutrition to patients who are starved or severely malnourished. Patients can develop fluid and electrolyte disorders, especially hypophosphatemia, along with neurologic, pulmonary, cardiac, neuromuscular, and hematologic complications. We reviewed literature on refeeding syndrome and the associated electrolyte abnormalities, fluid disturbances, and associated complications. In addition to assessing scientific literature, we also considered clinical experience and judgment in developing recommendations for prevention and treatment of refeeding syndrome. The most important steps are to identify patients at risk for developing refeeding syndrome, institute nutrition support cautiously, and correct and supplement electrolyte and vitamin deficiencies to avoid refeeding syndrome. We provide suggestions for the prevention of refeeding syndrome and suggestions for treatment of electrolyte disturbances and complications in patients who develop refeeding syndrome, according to evidence in the literature, the pathophysiology of refeeding syndrome, and clinical experience and judgment.


Subject(s)
Malnutrition/complications , Malnutrition/therapy , Metabolic Diseases , Humans , Metabolic Diseases/etiology , Metabolic Diseases/physiopathology , Metabolic Diseases/therapy , Nutritional Support/adverse effects , Syndrome , Water-Electrolyte Balance/physiology
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