Cost-effectiveness analysis of dupilumab versus omalizumab, mepolizumab, and benralizumab added to the standard of care in adults with severe asthma in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Cost-effectiveness studies evaluate health technologies and help choose treatments. The current study compared dupilumab to omalizumab, mepolizumab, and benralizumab in Colombian adults with severe uncontrolled type 2 asthma. METHODS: Over a 5-year period, a Markov model was utilized to assess the costs of biological treatments and management of exacerbations, comparing various doses of exacerbations, comparing various doses of dupilumab, omalizumab, mepolizumab, and benralizumab as add-on treatments. It included a 5% annual discount rate per local HTA, and set willingness-to-pay at three times GDP per capita per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) in Colombia. RESULTS: Dupilumab (200 mg) exhibited greater QALYs and reduced overall costs compared to mepolizumab (100 mg), benralizumab (30 mg), and omalizumab (450 mg and 600 mg), with the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per QALYgained being -$5.429, -$6.269, -$196.567 and -$991.007, respectively. Dupilumab had greater QALYs and costs versus omalizumab 300 mg (ICERof $200.653 per QALY, above the willingness-to-pay threshold of 3 × GDP per capita). Sensitivity analyses were consistent with base case results. CONCLUSIONS: Dupilumab 200 mg was strongly dominant versus omalizumab 450 mg and 600 mg, mepolizumab 100 mg, and benralizumab 30 mg; however, cost-effectiveness was not demonstrated versus omalizumab 300 mg. These results could assist healthcare professionals in choosing an appropriate biologic for treating severe type 2 asthma.

Estimation of the Difference in Colistin Plasma Levels in Critically Ill Patients with Favorable or Unfavorable Clinical Outcomes.

In recent decades, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has led to an increased use of therapeutic alternatives. Among these options, colistin continues to be an option for the treatment of multi-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections. However, due to its high toxicity (nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity) and narrow therapeutic window, colistin treatment must be utilized carefully. Colistin-treated patients have been observed to have higher mortality due to inadequate therapeutic levels. The objective of this study was to estimate the difference in colistin plasma levels in critically ill patients, and its relationship to favorable or unfavorable clinical outcomes. This prospective observational study was conducted between September 2017 and June 2020 at the Universidad de La Sabana Clinic, in patients who had been treated with colistimethate sodium (CMS) for at least 72 h until day 7 of drug treatment in the critical care unit of a university hospital. There were no statistically significant differences in colistin levels between groups with favorable or unfavorable clinical outcomes (0.16 SD vs. 0.54 SD p-value = 0.167). There was higher mortality in patients with subtherapeutic levels (18% vs. 0%), and additionally, there was a greater rate of renal failure in the group with higher therapeutic levels (50% vs. 20.7%). Due to the loss of power of the study, we were unable to demonstrate a possible difference between colistin levels related to favorable or unfavorable clinical outcomes at day 7. However, we recommend further studies to evaluate the impact of measuring levels in terms of mortality and security.

Is There a Role for the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Colistin? An Overview.

Colistin is used as a last-line antibiotic for the treatment of Gram-negative multiresistant bacteria. Due to its high nephrotoxicity, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is recommended for dose adjustment. We aimed to evaluate the available evidence of TDM in patients given colistin to treat Gram-negative infections. In this paper, we offer an overview, using an electronic search of the literature (published up to June 2019, without language restrictions) that compares the clinical outcomes and measurements of colistin TDM. Ultimately, the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) of colistin in Plasma could prevent nephrotoxicity risk.

Foraging habits and levels of mercury in a resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Caribbean Sea, Panama.

A small and genetically isolated bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population resides year-round in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago-Panama (BDT). Photo-identification and genetic data showed that this dolphin population is highly phylopatric and is formed exclusively by individuals of the "inshore form". This study aimed to investigate the trophic ecology and mercury concentrations of bottlenose dolphins in BDT to assess their coastal habits. We collected muscle samples (n = 175) of 11 potential fish prey species, and skin samples from free-ranging dolphins in BDT (n = 37) and La Guajira-Colombia (n = 7) to compare isotopic niche width. Results showed that BDT dolphins have a coastal feeding habit, belong to the "inshore form" (δ13C = -13.05 ±â€¯1.89‰), and have low mercury concentrations (mean = 1637 ±â€¯1387 ng g-1dw). However, this element is biomagnified in the BDT food chain, showing a marginal dolphins health risk (RQ = 1.00). We call for a monitoring pollutant program and conservation strategies aimed to protect the dolphin population at BDT.

Prescripción de analgésicos y reacciones adversas en pacientes hospitalizados / Analgesic's prescription and drug adverse events in hospitalized patients

RESUMEN Justificación. El dolor tiene alta prevalencia en la población general, siendo mayor en pacientes hospitalizados, con cifras cercanas al 80%. El control del dolor no siempre es adecuado debido a varios factores, siendo uno de los más importantes, el escaso conocimiento en el manejo de los analgésicos. Como una de las primeras medidas de mejoramiento asistencial para reducir el dolor en un hospital, debe conocerse la prevalencia de este síntoma y, asimismo, debe analizarse el abordaje terapéutico realizado. Por este motivo este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar el uso de analgésicos en pacientes de un hospital de cuarto nivel en Bogotá, Colombia, identificar los analgésicos más utilizados, el rango de dosis, las posibles interacciones y reacciones adversas a medicamentos (RAM) existentes. Resultados. El 78,9% de los pacientes hospitalizados presentaban dolor. Se prescribió analgésicos en 561 pacientes hospitalizados. Los más utilizados fueron: acetaminofén (33,3%) y tramadol (29,7%). El rango de duración de la terapia analgésica más común fue de 1 a 5 días (81,7%). Se identificaron 37 casos de sobredosificación y tres de terapia duplicada. Se presentaron 28 casos de reacciones adversas a medicamento (RAM). Discusión. El adecuado tratamiento del dolor cobra vital importancia al evaluar la satisfacción del paciente. Se encuentran diferentes tendencias de uso de analgésicos en pacientes hospitalizados, siendo los más utilizados el acetaminofén y los antiinflamatorios no esteroidéos (AINE). Se debe seguir investigando en este tema, para tener mayor evidencia que permita generar lineamientos para un adecuado alivio del dolor.

Summary Justification. Pain has a high prevalence in the general population, being higher in inpatient, with figures close to 80%. Pain management is not always suitable due to several factors, one of the most important the lack of knowledge in the management of analgesics. One of the first measures of improving care to reduce pain in a hospital should be determine the prevalence of this symptom and analyze the therapeutic approach performed. That is why the aim of this study was to analyze the use of analgesics in patients of a fourth-level hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, identify the most commonly used analgesics, range of doses, possible interactions and adverse drugs reactions. Results. The 78.9% of the patients were pain. Analgesics were prescribed in 561 hospitalized patients. The most used were acetaminophen (33.3%) and tramadol (29.7%). The most common range of duration of analgesic therapy was 1-5 days (81.7%). 37 cases of overdosing and 3 cases of duplicate therapy were identified. 28 cases of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were presented. Discussion. Proper treatment of pain plays a vital role in assessing patient satisfaction. There are different trends analgesic use in inpatient, being the most used acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It should further investigate on this issue to have stronger scientific evidence to dictate a universal application guidelines for proper pain relief.

Didácticas innovadoras en el aprendizaje de la farmacología en estudiantes de medicina / Innovative teaching in pharmacology learning for medicine students

Introducción: la farmacología tiene alta relevancia en la formación del médico. Las clases expositivas son poco motivadoras para los estudiantes; esto ha llevado a incluir estrategias que despierten interés. Material y métodos: descripción de didácticas para apoyar el aprendizaje de la farmacología en tutorías por pares estudiantes (Caso clínico, Cubo mágico, Stop, Crucigrama, Parejas perfectas, Memoria al límite, Encapsúlate, Ritmo y fila, Ruleta, Sopa de letras, Cadeneta, Mapa conceptual y debate, Concéntrese). Se aplicó una encuesta semiestructurada para explorar la percepción de los estudiantes respecto de las tutorías. Resultados: la encuesta semiestructurada se aplicó a 37 estudiantes. El 65% está totalmente de acuerdo en que la asistencia a las monitorías de farmacología contribuye de manera positiva a su aprendizaje. El 40,5% refirió que las tutorías apoyan la obtención de un resultado favorable para la aprobación de la asignatura. El 62% manifestó la utilidad de las tutorías para definir los medicamentos que se usarán en el paciente. El 72,9% recomendaría a sus compañeros asistir a las tutorías. Entre el 24,3 y 48,6%, según la didáctica de aprendizaje, consideró que estas son excelentes. Discusión: se describe la experiencia del uso de didácticas que apoyan el aprendizaje de la farmacología, basadas en actividades lúdicas, promoviendo el aprendizaje significativo de la farmacología. En las tutorías con pares, los estudiantes se sienten en mayor confianza, participan activamente, lo que genera un ambiente que facilita el aprendizaje. Los estudiantes asistentes a las tutorías de farmacología refieren que hay empatía habitualmente con los tutores durante las sesiones. (AU)

Introduction: pharmacology is fundamental in the medical training. As theoretical classes hardly motivate students. This has led to include strategies that arouse interest. Methods: class syllabus, partnership working and informal activities by student tutors (clinical cases, crosswords, "cubo mágico", "stop", "parejas perfectas", "memoria al límite", "encápsulate", "ritmo y fila", "ruleta", "sopa de letras", "cadeneta", "concentrese" and brain storming) were sed in tutoring classes to help students in the pharmacology learning process. Questionnaires were used to collect feedback from students about tutorials. Results: the questionnaire was given to 37 students. 65% of them agreed on the positive impact the classes had on their learning; 40.5% found positive correlation between the tutoring classes and finals results; 62% referred that tutoring classes helped them defining how to match symptoms and drugs; 72.9% would recommend other students to attend the tutoring classes. Between 24.3% and 48.6% of the students, depending on the methods used, rated the experience as "excellent". Discussion: the experience regarding the use of new didactic methods was exposed. It encouraged students to approach pharmacology and it helped them improving their knowledge about the discipline through non-academic activities. Students reported that learning become easier during tutoring classes thanks to the informal context and informal relationship with the tutor. (AU)

Analgésicos en el paciente hospitalizado: Revisión de tema / Analgesics in hospitalized patients: Topic review

El dolor como experiencia subjetiva es de alta incidencia en el paciente adulto hospitalizado, por tal motivo el uso de analgésicos en estos pacientes tiene gran impacto en la evolución clínica y en la calidad de la estancia hospitalaria. Entre las opciones terapéuticas para el manejo del dolor se encuentran antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINEs), opioides, paracetamol, metamizol; los cuales se pueden administrar en diferentes formas farmacéuticas, que se adaptan a las condiciones de cada uno de los pacientes. Actualmente, el uso de opioides está siendo reevaluado, así como las técnicas de administración, entre las que se destacan la analgesia controlada por el paciente y la analgesia intervencionista (analgesia epidural, bloqueo de nervios periféricos y la infiltración local). El éxito de la terapia analgésica no solo consiste en el adecuado uso de los analgésicos, sino también en las estrategias usadas para objetivar el dolor; esto se consigue por medio de la aplicación de escalas para cuantificar el dolor, de las cuales se destacan la escala visual análoga, la escala verbal numérica y la de valoración verbal.

Pain as a subjective experience is high incidence in the adult hospitalized patient, so the use of analgesics in these patients has a high impact on their medical developments and their comfort during their hospital stay. Among the therapeutic options for pain management there are Non-Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Opioids, Paracetamol and Metamizol. Each has different pharmaceutical dosage forms to adjust to the condition of each patient. Currently the use of Opioids is being re-evaluated as well as the management techniques like patient-controlled analgesia and interventionist analgesia(epidural analgesia, peripheral nerve blocks and local infiltration). The success of analgesic therapy consists of the appropriate use of analgesics and in the strategies used to objectify the pain; this can be achieved with the implementation of scales to quantify the pain like the visual analogous scale, numeric verbal scale and the verbal assessment.