ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The number of medical cannabis licenses in Israel is increasing persistently (over 120,000 approved licenses in October 2022), reaching about 1.5% of adult population. Medical cannabis products are available in two main forms: inflorescence (administered by smoking or evaporation) and cannabis oil (administered sub-lingually). Data from the Israel ministry of health, regarding the split between these forms, show a major preference for inflorescence products over cannabis oils. This preference is increasing over time. This article reviews the main differences between the administration of these forms and their effects on the quality of treatment. It's conclusion is that for the most common cases of cannabis treatment, sublingual oils should be preferred and that the medical community has an important role in driving this change.
Subject(s)
Medical Marijuana , Humans , Medical Marijuana/administration & dosage , Israel , Cannabis , Plant Oils/administration & dosage , Administration, Sublingual , Adult , Marijuana Smoking/legislation & jurisprudence , Inflorescence , Drug Administration RoutesABSTRACT
Because of their high specificity, high affinity, and targeting, antibody drugs have been widely used in the treatment of many diseases and have become the most favored new drugs for research in the world. However, some antibody drugs (such as small-molecule antibody fragments) have a short half-life and need to be administered frequently, and are often associated with injection-site reactions and local toxicities during use. Increasing attention has been paid to the development of antibody drugs that are long-acting and have fewer side effects. This paper reviews existing strategies to achieve long-acting antibody drugs, including modification of the drug structure, the application of drug delivery systems, and changing their administration route. Among these, microspheres have been studied extensively regarding their excellent tolerance at the injection site, controllable loading and release of drugs, and good material safety. Subcutaneous injection is favored by most patients because it can be quickly self-administered. Subcutaneous injection of microspheres is expected to become the focus of developing long-lasting antibody drug strategies in the near future.
Subject(s)
Delayed-Action Preparations , Drug Delivery Systems , Microspheres , Humans , Drug Delivery Systems/methods , Animals , Injections, Subcutaneous , Antibodies/administration & dosage , Half-Life , Drug Administration Routes , Drug LiberationABSTRACT
Osteoporosis and vertebral and non-vertebral fractures are common in glucocorticoids (GC) treated patients. Oral GC treatment leads to bone loss, particularly of trabecular bone. The benefits of GC used in rheumatological and traumatological disorders are known but they would have possible negative effects on bone. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of epidural steroid injections (ESI), and intra-articular and intramuscular GC administration on bone mineral density (BMD) and fragility fractures. A systematic review of Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, and LILACS up to November 2020 was conducted. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, and prospective and retrospective studies comparing the effect of ESI, intra-articular or intramuscular GC used compared to a control group or baseline measurements were included. Results: A total of 8272 individuals were included among the 13 selected articles (10 about ESI and 3 about intra-articular GC; no article was found evaluating intramuscular GC). Only a few studies showed a negative effect of ESI on bone in the qualitative analysis considering osteopenia and osteoporosis in lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip and BMD as surrogate outcomes. On the other hand, the qualitative analysis showed that most studies found an increased risk of fragility fracture. However, only two studies could be included in the quantitative analysis, in which there were no differences between patients exposed to ESI versus controls in all evaluated regions. In conclusion, there was insufficient evidence to suggest that ESI and intra-articular GC, unlike oral GC, negatively affect bone mass. Longitudinal studies are needed to obtain more knowledge regarding the effect of ESI or intra-articular GC on BMD and fragility fractures. (AU)
La osteoporosis y las fracturas vertebrales y no vertebrales son comunes en pacientes tratados con glucocorticoides (GC). El tratamiento oral con GC conduce a la pérdida ósea, particularmente del hueso trabecular. Los beneficios de los GC utilizados en patologías reumatológicas y traumatológicas son conocidos, pero tendrían posibles efectos negativos sobre el hueso. Esta revisión sistemática tuvo como objetivo evaluar los efectos de las inyecciones epidurales de esteroides (ESI), GC intraarticulares e intramusculares sobre la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) y las fracturas por fragilidad. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de Medline/PubMed, Cochrane y LILACS hasta noviembre de 2020. Se incluyeron metanálisis, revisiones sistemáticas, ensayos controlados aleatorizados y no aleatorizados, estudios prospectivos y retrospectivos que compararon el efecto de ESI, GC intraarticular o intramuscular utilizado en comparación con un grupo de control o mediciones iniciales. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 8272 individuos entre los 13 artículos seleccionados (10 sobre ESI y 3 sobre GC intraarticular; no se encontró ningún artículo que evaluara GC intramuscular). Solo unos pocos estudios mostraron un efecto negativo del ESI sobre el hueso en el análisis cualitativo considerando la osteopenia y la osteoporosis en la columna lumbar, el cuello femoral y la cadera total y la DMO como un resultado indirecto. Por otro lado, el análisis cualitativo mostró que la mayoría de los estudios encontraron un mayor riesgo de fractura por fragilidad. Sin embargo, solo dos estudios pudieron incluirse en el análisis cuantitativo, en los que no hubo diferencias entre los pacientes expuestos a ESI versus los controles en todas las regiones evaluadas. En conclusión, no hallamos datos suficientes para sugerir que la ESI y los GC intraarticulares, a diferencia de los GC orales, afectan negativamente a la pérdida ósea. Se necesitan estudios longitudinales para obtener más conocimiento sobre el efecto de ESI o GC intraarticular en la DMO y las fracturas por fragilidad. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Osteoporosis/etiology , Bone Diseases, Metabolic/etiology , Bone Density/drug effects , Osteoporotic Fractures/chemically induced , Glucocorticoids/adverse effects , Review Literature as Topic , Bias , Drug Administration Routes , Meta-Analysis as Topic , Clinical Trials as Topic , Risk Assessment , Densitometry , Estrogens/adverse effectsABSTRACT
The use of cannabidiol (CBD) for treating brain disorders has gained increasing interest. While the mechanism of action of CBD in these conditions is still under investigation, CBD has been shown to affect numerous different drug targets in the brain that are involved in brain disorders. Here we review the preclinical and clinical evidence on the potential therapeutic use of CBD in treating various brain disorders. Moreover, we also examine various drug delivery approaches that have been applied to CBD. Due to the slow absorption and low bioavailability with the current oral CBD therapy, more efficient routes of administration to bypass hepatic metabolism, particularly pulmonary delivery, should be considered. Comparison of pharmacokinetic studies of different delivery routes highlight the advantages of intranasal and inhalation drug delivery over other routes of administration (oral, injection, sublingual, buccal, and transdermal) for treating brain disorders. These two routes of delivery, being non-invasive and able to achieve fast absorption and increase bioavailability, are attracting increasing interest for CBD applications, with more research and development expected in the near future.
Subject(s)
Brain Diseases , Cannabidiol , Drug Administration Routes , Humans , Brain , Brain Diseases/drug therapy , Cannabidiol/administration & dosage , Cannabidiol/pharmacokinetics , Cannabidiol/therapeutic useABSTRACT
RESUMO Objetivo caracterizar os vídeos que contém a demonstração do procedimento de administração de medicamentos por via intramuscular em indivíduos adultos. Métodos estudo de corte transversal descritivo, foram selecionados 44 vídeos brasileiros disponíveis no YouTube® que abordavam o procedimento de administração de medicamentos por via intramuscular. Resultados a maioria dos vídeos selecionados é de origem pessoal (86,4%), tem como autor um técnico de Enfermagem (59,1%), adota a região dorsoglútea como local de injeção (54,5%), foi produzido em ambiente de saúde utilizando um paciente para a demonstração do procedimento (52,3%). Nenhum vídeo apresentou a completude do procedimento, sendo identificada grande frequência de erros em todas as etapas do procedimento. Observou-se uma diferença estatisticamente significante entre os testes de confiabilidade e popularidade dos vídeos (p=0,042). Conclusão os vídeos que abordam o procedimento de administração de medicamentos por via intramuscular disponíveis na plataforma YouTube® foram considerados atuais, de pouca relevância, elaborados por fontes não confiáveis, de baixa acurácia e frágil finalidade. Contribuições para a prática os vídeos disponíveis na plataforma YouTube® sobre a administração de medicamentos por via intramuscular não devem ser indicados como material educativo para a formação ou atualização profissional.
ABSTRACT Objective to characterize videos that contain a demonstration of the procedure for administering drugs intramuscularly to adults. Methods a descriptive cross-sectional study, 44 Brazilian videos available on YouTube® were selected which addressed the procedure of intramuscular drug administration. Results the majority of the videos selected are of personal origin (86.4%), were made by a Nursing technician (59.1%), used the dorsal gluteal region as the injection spot (54.5%), and were produced in a healthcare environment using a patient to demonstrate the procedure (52.3%). No video showed the completeness of the procedure, and a high frequency of errors was identified at all stages of the procedure. There was a statistically significant difference between the reliability and popularity tests of the videos (p=0.042). Conclusion the videos on intramuscular drug administration available on the YouTube® platform were considered to be up-to-date, of little relevance, produced by unreliable sources, of low accuracy, and with a weak purpose. Contributions to practice the videos available on the YouTube® platform on intramuscular drug administration should not be used as educational material for professional training or updating.
Subject(s)
Drug Administration Routes , Instructional Film and Video , Patient Safety , Internet Use , Injections, IntramuscularABSTRACT
Objetivo: Comparar custos da terapia endovenosa exclusiva com linezolida com os custos da terapia iniciada por via endovenosa com transição para via oral após 72 horas, como estratégia de intervenção em programas de gestão de antimicrobianos. Métodos: Avaliação econômica de custo-minimização comparando custos diretos da terapia endovenosa exclusiva com linezolida com a terapia endovenosa seguida de transição para via oral em cenário simulado, sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), com árvore de decisão como modelo para tomada de decisão. Resultados: A alternativa englobando a transição de via mostrou-se a mais econômica em todos os cenários analisados. Para 28 dias de tratamento com linezolida, houve redução de 22% nos custos, considerando o paciente internado. Ao considerar alta após o sexto dia de tratamento, a redução de custos variou de 26%, com financiamento pelo SUS do restante do tratamento, a 84%, com financiamento do tratamento pós-alta pelo paciente. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a transição de via de linezolida é uma importante estratégia nos programas de gerenciamento de antimicrobianos, capaz de gerar economia significativa para a instituição. As avaliações econômicas de custo-minimização, nesse contexto, são uma importante ferramenta para demonstrar o aspecto econômico com potencial para sensibilizar gestores e tomadores de decisão.
Objective: To compare the direct costs of linezolid intravenous therapy with the costs of intravenous therapy switching to oral therapy after 72 hours as an intervention strategy in antimicrobial stewardship programs. Methods: Economic evaluation cost-minimization comparing direct costs of exclusive linezolid intravenous therapy with intravenous therapy for 72 hours and after switching to oral therapy in a simulated scenario, from the perspective of the National Health Service, with a decision tree as a decision modeling. Results: The alternative encompassing the therapy transition proved to be the most economical in all analyzed scenarios. For 28 days of treatment with linezolid, there was a 22% reduction in costs, considering the hospitalized patient. When considering discharge after the sixth day of treatment, the cost reduction ranged from 26%, with funding from the National Health Service for the rest of the treatment, to 84%, with funding for the post-discharge treatment by the patient. Conclusion: It was concluded that the linezolid therapy transition is an important strategy in antimicrobial management programs, capable of generating significant savings for the institution. In this context, economic cost-minimization assessments are an important tool to demonstrate the economic aspect with the potential to raise awareness among managers and decision-makers.
Subject(s)
Drug Administration Routes , Economics, Pharmaceutical , Costs and Cost Analysis , Linezolid , Antimicrobial StewardshipABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Therapy with infused or injected hypomethylating agents (HMAs) may lead to higher treatment administration burden (ie, local reaction, visit frequency and duration) vs. oral HMAs.â¯â¯ OBJECTIVES: To reveal preferences of US and Canadian patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) for HMAs' benefits, risks, and administration burden through an online discrete-choice experiment (DCE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Choice of DCE attributes and survey development were informed by literature review and interviews with clinicians, MDS patients, and caregivers serving as patient proxies, and patient advocacy groups (PAGs) representatives, including from AAMAC, AAMDS, and MDSF. DCE choice tasks were analyzed using random parameter logit models. Survey patients were recruited by the PAGs via their networks. To understand key preference drivers and how much patients were willing to trade between attributes, we calculated each attribute's relative attribute importance (RAI) and marginal rates of substitution. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-four respondents (including 158 patients; mean age, 67.2 years; male, 50.5%; White, 50.5%; US residents, 88%) completed the survey. MDS risk was low (34.8%), high (30.9%), or unknown (34.2%). RAI (in decreasing order) was as follows: risk of AML (40%), fatigue level (33%), number of visits (12%), mode of administration (6%), visit duration (5%), and administration frequency (4%). Assuming the same risk of AML transformation or level of fatigue, most respondents (76.6%) were predicted to switch to an oral pill if it were available to them. CONCLUSION: Given equivalent effectiveness across HMAs, patients' preferences for HMA administration method should be considered in treatment decision-making to minimize burden and facilitate adherence.
Subject(s)
Myelodysplastic Syndromes , Patient Preference , Aged , Canada , Drug Administration Routes , Fatigue , Female , Humans , Male , Myelodysplastic Syndromes/drug therapy , Risk Assessment , United StatesABSTRACT
En situaciones de emergencia, la canalización de un acceso venoso puede complicarse. En esos casos se utiliza la vía intraósea, al tratarse de un sistema de inserción rápido y seguro y de fácil ejecución. A través de la vía intraósea se consigue el paso de sustancias a la circulación sistémica con la misma rapidez que un acceso venoso periférico. Además, no se colapsa en situaciones de shock. Para su inserción existen distintos dispositivos según la situación clínica del paciente. Con este manuscrito se pretende dar a conocer las ventajas de la punción intraósea en emergencias extrahospitalarias, así como la necesidad de adquirir ciertos conocimientos y el adiestramiento necesario para el uso de esta vía de perfusión. Es una técnica que presenta muchas ventajas en situaciones de emergencia, cada vez más utilizada, pero aún desconocida por gran parte de los profesionales de Enfermería.(AU)
In emergency situations, the insertion of a venous IV line might get complicated. In these cases, the intraosseous route is used, because it is a fast and safe insertion system, and easy to conduct. Through the intraosseous route, the transit of substances to the systemic circulation is achieved with the same speed than with a peripheral venous access. Besides, there is no collapsing in shock situations. There are different devices for its insertion, according to the clinical situation of the patient. The objective of this text is to make public the advantages of intraosseous puncture in outpatient emergencies, as well as the need to acquire certain skills and the training necessary for the use of this perfusion route. This is a technique which offers many advantages in emergency situations and which is increasingly used, but still unknown by a great part of Nursing professionals.(AU)
Subject(s)
Vascular Access Devices , Infusions, Intraosseous , Emergency Medical Services , Drug Administration Routes , Punctures , Health Personnel/educationABSTRACT
To use or not to use, that is the first decision to take regarding a drug product. This mandatory step for adherence dictates product efficacy. The determinants for such decision do not only rely on the priority of the therapeutic or preventive strategy, but are related to a complex network of perceptions, preferences, personal and cultural backgrounds, and results from previous experiences. Women's preferences for dosage forms and even for drug delivery routes have been mainly studied in the fields of contraception and HIV prevention (and their related multipurpose approaches). Much less attention has been devoted to other therapeutic or preventive strategies. In a time when patient-centred approaches and shared decisions are increasingly valued, considering women's preferences and their main determinants is essential for product development and selection. Such products will be more likely to be chosen and used as intended, increasing efficacy, and reducing the overall costs related with these treatments. This knowledge shall be integrated in early stages of product development. This article reviews the state of the art related with women's preferences and acceptance for different dosage forms and drug delivery routes involved in women's health. The methodologies used for collecting these data and their major drawbacks are discussed. Results obtained from acceptability studies and the main determinants for selection of preventive and treatment drug products are discussed as tools for new developments in the field.
Subject(s)
Dosage Forms , Drug Administration Routes , Patient Preference , Women's Health , Choice Behavior , Data Collection , Female , HumansABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been used as an adjunct to fertility treatments in women with very low ovarian reserve and premature ovarian insufficiency. Recent literature in both humans and animals suggest that intraovarian PRP administration in the setting of poor ovarian reserve may help ovarian function and increase the chances of pregnancy. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search through PubMed, MEDLINE databases, and recent abstracts published at relevant society meetings was performed and resulted in 25 articles and 2 abstracts published that studied effect of PRP on the ovaries for the purpose of reproduction. RESULTS: This review article presents all the data published to date pertaining to intraovarian PRP injection and pregnancy, both naturally and after in vitro fertilization. It also presents the most recent data on the use of ovarian PRP in in vitro and animal model studies highlighting the possible mechanisms by which PRP could impact ovarian function. CONCLUSIONS: Even though recent commentaries questioned the use of PRP as an "add-on" therapy in fertility treatment because it has not been thoroughly studied, the recent basic science studies presented here could increase awareness for considering more serious research into the efficacy of PRP as an adjunct for women with poor ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, and even early menopause who are trying to conceive using their own oocytes. Given its low-risk profile, the hypothetical benefit of PRP treatment needs to be studied with larger randomized controlled trials.
Subject(s)
Ovary/drug effects , Ovulation Induction/methods , Platelet-Rich Plasma/metabolism , Adult , Drug Administration Routes , Female , Humans , Ovary/physiopathology , Ovulation Induction/statistics & numerical data , Platelet-Rich Plasma/physiologyABSTRACT
Clozapine is the only antipsychotic with proven effectiveness in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. It is usually administered using commercially available oral tablets, but not all patients are willing or able to take medicines in this way. Orodispersible clozapine tablets are available from several manufacturers and may be useful where swallowing solid dosage forms is difficult, or as an aid to observe compliance. Liquid formulations of clozapine can be prepared extemporaneously or purchased commercially, but most preparations are suspensions (clozapine is poorly soluble) and patients may find them unpalatable. The administration of clozapine (suspension or crushed tablets) via enteral feeding tubes (predominantly nasogastric) has been reported both in medically unwell patients and in patients refusing clozapine. Enteral administration is likely to be superseded by intramuscular clozapine, which has recently been re-introduced and is being widely used in some countries. Successful use of this formulation in enforced treatment strategies has been described by several authors with good long-term outcomes when switched to oral treatment. Intramuscular clozapine has also been used in physically ill patients who are unable to take any form of enteral medication. Other methods of delivery (transdermal, nasal) are not yet commercially available, but offer promise of further treatment options for this group of seriously ill patients.
Subject(s)
Clozapine/administration & dosage , Drug Administration Routes , Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant/drug therapy , Antipsychotic Agents/administration & dosage , Directly Observed Therapy , Humans , Medication Adherence , Patient SelectionABSTRACT
Wound healing is a highly coordinated process which leads to the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue. Still, numerous diseases such as diabetes, venous insufficiencies or autoimmune diseases could disturb proper wound healing and lead to chronic and non-healing wounds, which are still a great challenge for medicine. For many years, research has been carried out on finding new therapeutics which improve the healing of chronic wounds. One of the most extensively studied active substances that has been widely tested in the treatment of different types of wounds was Substance P (SP). SP is one of the main neuropeptides released by nervous fibers in responses to injury. This review provides a thorough overview of the application of SP in different types of wound models and assesses its efficacy in wound healing.
Subject(s)
Regeneration/drug effects , Substance P/pharmacology , Animals , Drug Administration Routes , Drug Compounding , Humans , Models, Animal , Neuropeptides/chemistry , Neuropeptides/pharmacology , Neuropeptides/therapeutic use , Organ Specificity/drug effects , Substance P/chemistry , Substance P/therapeutic use , Wound Healing/drug effectsABSTRACT
This study was designed to characterize the type of interaction (subadditive, additive, or synergistic) after simultaneous administration by two different routes (intraperitoneal plus peripheral local) of the same nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) ketorolac and indomethacin or paracetamol. The antinociceptive effects of locally or intraperitoneally delivery of NSAIDs or paracetamol, and the simultaneous administration by the two routes at fixed-dose ratio combination were evaluated using the formalin test. Pain-related behavior was quantified as the number of flinches of the injected paw. Isobolographic analysis was used to characterize the interaction between the two routes. ED30 values were estimated for individual drugs, and isobolograms were constructed. Ketorolac, indomethacin, or paracetamol and fixed-dose ratio combinations produced a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in the second but not in the first phase of the formalin test. The analysis of interaction type after simultaneous administration by the two routes the same NSAID or paracetamol (on basis of their ED30), revealed that the simultaneous administration of ketorolac or paracetamol was additive and for indomethacin was synergistic. Since the mechanisms underlying the additive effect of ketorolac or paracetamol and the synergistic effect of indomethacin were not explored; it is possible that the peripheral and central mechanism is occurring at several anatomical sites. The significance of these findings for theory and pain pharmacotherapy practice indicates that the combination of one analgesic drug given simultaneously by two different administration routes could be an additive or it could lead to a synergistic interaction.
Subject(s)
Acetaminophen/pharmacology , Drug Synergism , Indomethacin/pharmacology , Inflammation/complications , Ketorolac/pharmacology , Pain , Analgesics/pharmacology , Animals , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Administration Routes , Drug Therapy, Combination , Pain/diagnosis , Pain/drug therapy , Pain/etiology , Pain Measurement/methods , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety communication to warn the public and health care professionals not to use needle-free devices for injection of dermal fillers. These devices are not approved by the FDA. FDA-approved dermal fillers are for prescription use only with a syringe and either a needle or cannula.Nurses should inform patients not to purchase any needle-free devices or products over the internet. Adverse effects from these devices should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch system.
Subject(s)
Dermal Fillers/adverse effects , Drug Administration Routes , Injection Site Reaction , Product Surveillance, Postmarketing , Dermal Fillers/administration & dosage , Humans , United States , United States Food and Drug AdministrationABSTRACT
Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of death and disability resulting in inevitable burden globally. Ischemic injury initiates cascade of pathological events comprising energy dwindling, failure of ionic gradients, failure of blood brain barrier (BBB), vasogenic edema, calcium over accumulation, excitotoxicity, increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and eventually cell death. In spite of such complexity of the disease, the only treatment approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). This therapy overcome blood deficiency in the brain along with side effects of reperfusion which are responsible for considerable tissue injury. Therefore, there is urgent need of novel therapeutic perspectives that can protect the integrity of BBB and salvageable brain tissue. Advancement in nanomedicine is empowering new approaches that are potent to improve the understanding and treatment of the IS. Herein, we focus nanomaterial mediated drug delivery systems (DDSs) and their role to bypass and cross BBB especially via intranasal drug delivery. The various nanocarriers used in DDSs are also discussed. In a nut shell, the objective is to provide an overview of use of nanomedicine in the diagnosis and treatment of IS to facilitate the research from benchtop to bedside.
Subject(s)
Blood-Brain Barrier/drug effects , Drug Delivery Systems , Ischemic Stroke/therapy , Nanoparticles/therapeutic use , Animals , Drug Administration Routes , Forecasting , Humans , Ischemic Stroke/drug therapy , Ischemic Stroke/physiopathologyABSTRACT
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Approximately half of the patients with threatened miscarriage suffer an abortion, and consistent medication therapy to prevent threatened miscarriage is lacking. Our goal was to investigate the real-world pharmacological treatment patterns of patients with threatened miscarriage in China, with a focus on the trend and rationality of progestogen use over the last 7 years. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Hospital Prescription Analysis Cooperation Project that is overseen by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association. Information was extracted from prescriptions of outpatients with threatened miscarriage between January 2014 and December 2020. We quantified the types of medications using the first level anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification code and the frequency of use of medicines classified as category X by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We also calculated the prevalence of the most frequently used progestogens by assessing prescription rates, determined the sum of the defined daily doses (DDDs) and defined daily cost (DDC) and evaluated the rationality of progestogens according to drug labels and guidelines. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Of the 91,464 patients included in this study, 69.4% were from the eastern region, 92.5% were from tertiary hospitals, and 72.9% were between 25 and 34 years old. The average number of medications per patient was 1.4. The following types of medicines were the most prevalent: "genitourinary system and sex hormones" (90.7%), "alimentary tract and metabolism" (10.8%) and "blood and blood-forming organs" (9.9%). Progestogens were prescribed for 81,080 patients (88.6%), among which oral progesterone (39.7%) was the most commonly used, followed by oral dydrogesterone (34.4%), progesterone injection (26.0%), oral allylestrenol (0.7%) and progesterone gel (0.4%). In other words, 10,991 (12.0%) patients used more than one progestogen, and the top three combinations were oral dydrogesterone plus progesterone injection (5.6%), oral progesterone plus progesterone injection (4.7%) and oral dydrogesterone plus oral progesterone (1.1%). The prescription rate of dydrogesterone increased gradually, whereas that of progesterone, especially progesterone injection, obviously decreased. Among 34,760 prescriptions of progestogens with complete usage information, the primary errors of progestogen use were "low frequency" (18.4%), "high single dose" (15.9%) and "low single dose" (11.3%). In addition, 137 prescriptions were identified with drug-progestogen interactions, and 61 were identified with contraindications for progestogens. A total of 4.5% of prescriptions included FDA category X medicines. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Our findings are the first to provide information on medication use in patients with threatened miscarriage over the last seven years in China. Medicines targeting the "genitourinary system and sex hormones," especially progestogens, were the most commonly prescribed medications, among which dydrogesterone was the most prevalent. However, it is remarkable that the use of progestogens for the treatment of threatened abortion is still controversial; thus, high-quality large sample studies are still required, especially among Chinese patients. Since usage errors in progestogen records and exposure to category X medicines were common, more efforts are needed to guarantee the safety and rationality of medicines used in pregnant women.
Subject(s)
Abortion, Threatened/prevention & control , Progestins/therapeutic use , Adolescent , Adult , China , Cross-Sectional Studies , Drug Administration Routes , Fees, Pharmaceutical/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Pregnancy , Prescription Drugs/administration & dosage , Progestins/administration & dosage , Progestins/economics , Residence Characteristics/statistics & numerical data , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We sought to compare testosterone formulations and determine the degree that hematocrit increases vary by testosterone therapy formulation. As head-to-head trials are rare, network meta-analysis of the contemporary studies is the only way to compare hematocrit changes by testosterone type, including topical gels and patches, injectables (both short-acting and long-acting) and oral tablets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a thorough search of listed publications in Scopus®, PubMed®, Embase®, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov. A total of 29 placebo-controlled randomized trials (3,393 men) met inclusion criteria for analysis of mean hematocrit change after testosterone therapy. Randomized controlled trial data for the following formulations of testosterone were pooled via network meta-analysis: gel, patch, oral testosterone undecanoate, intramuscular testosterone undecanoate, and intramuscular testosterone enanthate/cypionate. RESULTS: All types of testosterone therapies result in statistically significant increases in mean hematocrit when compared with placebo. Meta-analysis revealed all formulations, including gel (3.0%, 95% CI 1.8-4.3), oral testosterone undecanoate (4.3%, 0.7-8.0), patch (1.4%, 0.2-2.6), intramuscular testosterone enanthate/cypionate (4.0%, 2.9-5.1), and intramuscular testosterone undecanoate (1.6%, 0.3-3.0) result in statistically significant increases in mean hematocrit when compared with placebo. When comparing all formulations against one another, intramuscular testosterone cypionate/enanthate were associated with a significantly higher increase in mean hematocrit compared to patch, but no differences in hematocrit between other formulations were detected. CONCLUSIONS: All types of testosterone are associated with increased hematocrit; however, the clinical concern of this increase remains questionable, warranting future studies. This is the first network meta-analysis to quantify mean hematocrit change and compare formulations, given the absence of head-to-head trials.
Subject(s)
Testosterone/administration & dosage , Bayes Theorem , Drug Administration Routes , Drug Compounding , Hematocrit , Humans , Network Meta-Analysis , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Testosterone/deficiencyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Less-invasive surfactant administration (LISA) under continuous positive airway pressure is increasingly used for the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress. Different procedures are described, but data on the optimal catheter insertion depth are sparse. OBJECTIVE: To generate data for recommending an optimal catheter insertion depth in LISA. METHODS: We examined 112 anterior-posterior chest X-rays from intubated infants and determined the carina's vertebral projection, whenever possible. After that, distances between the middle of cervical vertebra 4 (C4) and thoracic vertebra 2 and the middle of C4 to thoracic vertebra 3, respectively, were measured. Results were plotted against infant's weight. RESULTS: A weight-based chart and recommendations for the optimal intratracheal catheter position in infants with a body weight between 350 and 4000 g were created. CONCLUSIONS: Generated data offer standardisation and may thus help to find a balance between risk of surfactant reflux and unilateral surfactant administration.
Subject(s)
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure/methods , Infant, Premature , Intubation, Intratracheal/methods , Pulmonary Surfactants/administration & dosage , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/therapy , Drug Administration Routes , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Respiration, Artificial/methodsABSTRACT
Cluster headache belongs to the group of trigeminal autonomic headaches. This review summarizes drug therapy of cluster attacks and prophylactic treatment. Neurostimulation methods are not addressed. The therapy for acute cluster attacks includes inhalation of 100% oxygen, subcutaneous administration of sumatriptan, and intranasal application of sumatriptan or zolmitriptan. Bridging therapy, which is used until oral prophylactic therapy is effective, is performed either with oral prednisolone or with a pharmacological block of the major occipital nerves. Best documented drugs for preventive treatment of cluster headache are verapamil and lithium, and possibly effective drugs are gabapentin, topiramate, divalproex sodium, and melatonin. The efficacy of monoclonal antibodies to the calcitonin gene-related peptide so far has been only demonstrated for episodic cluster headache. Several drug therapies are being investigated including ketamine, onabotulinumtoxinA, lysergic acid, and sodium oxybate.
