Integrating cardiovascular risk assessment into mobile low-dose CT lung screenings in rural Appalachia: A comprehensive analysis of the relationship between lung cancer risk, coronary artery calcium burden, and cardiovascular risk reduction strategies.

Objective: Mobile low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung screenings are part of an outreach program in rural Appalachia to detect early lung cancer. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring on LDCT can identify calcium deposits in coronary arteries and can prompt consideration of risk modification for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. It is not known if Lung CT Screening Reporting & Data System (Lung-RADS) scoring correlates with CAC scores. There is no clear guidance for patients undergoing LDCT screenings to receive follow-up regarding CAC or prevention of associated CVD risk. Methods: This was a retrospective review of mobile LDCT LCS in adults with no known history of CVD. CT images were obtained at 100 kVp with a slice thickness of 3 mm. Agatston CAC scoring was performed retroactively. Lung-RADS scores were categorized as: Negative (1), Benign (2), Probably Benign (3), and Suspicious (4). CAC scoring was grouped as 0, 1-100, 101-399, and ≥400. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were utilized. Results: A total of 526 LDCT screenings were included. Over 54 % of patients had coronary calcification on LDCT LCS. 161 patients (30.6 %) had a CAC score of ≥100 and 75 patients (14.3 %) had a CAC score ≥400. Of patients with a CAC score ≥100, 7.5 % received referrals for follow-up after the LDCT screen and 9.3 % had additional cardiac testing. Of those with a CAC score ≥100 not already on a statin (45.3 %) and not already on aspirin (63.3 %), few were started within 3 months of LDCT for prevention (8.2 % and 5.9 % respectively). Among patients with a Lung-RADS score of 4, 17 % had a CAC score >400, whereas only 12 % with a Lung-RADS score of 1 fell into the same CAC category. Higher Lung-RADS scores correlated with fewer patients with CAC of 0. A significant correlation was observed between higher Lung-RADS scores and elevated CAC scores (p = 0.02). Conclusion: In patients with no CVD history, coronary artery calcification was frequently identified on mobile LDCT lung screenings in rural communities. Patients with higher probabilities of malignant lung nodules may also be at increased risk for significant coronary artery disease. Calcium scoring from LDCT screenings allowed for simultaneous assessment of lung cancer and CVD risk. Unfortunately, few referrals or CVD prevention medications were initiated. Awareness of CAC score utility, follow-up for identified coronary calcifications, and consideration of primary prevention medications when indicated, would be beneficial in patients undergoing LDCT lung screenings, especially in rural areas with limited healthcare access.

Pharmacy residency training program increases residents' confidence in inpatient medical emergency response.

PURPOSE: The benefits of pharmacists' involvement in medical emergencies are well established, but optimal methods of training pharmacists for emergency response are unknown. The primary objective of this report is to describe the design and evaluation of a pharmacy resident medical emergency response training (PR-MERT) program for preparing trainees to respond to hospital medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest and rapid sequence intubation (RSI). SUMMARY: The PR-MERT program was a year-long longitudinal experience designed to prepare postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residents for medical emergency response. During the first month, the residents completed an orientation session that encompassed several lectures, certification by the American Heart Association in basic life support and advanced cardiovascular life support, standardized simulation scenarios, and mock medical emergencies. The trainees continued to utilize these skills and clinical knowledge through a longitudinal didactic lecture series, resident case conferences, and practice-based application by responding to real-life medical emergencies. Residents were assessed and coached throughout the program by clinical pharmacy preceptors and a "code coach" with extensive medical emergency response experience. After the year-long training, residents completed an anonymous survey assessing self-confidence and the structure of the program. The results showed improved confidence in medication selection and dosing, as well as anticipating the needs of the team and speaking up in cardiac arrest and RSI situations. Residents were satisfied with the training offered and structure of the program. CONCLUSION: The development of a PR-MERT program at an academic medical center was successful in achieving longitudinal learning objectives and improving residents' confidence in responding to medical emergencies. The implementation of a similar medical emergency training curriculum in inpatient pharmacy residency programs may be beneficial.

Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes of Intravenous Drug Use-Related Infective Endocarditis in Buprenorphine-Treated Patients.

PURPOSE: Intravenous drug use (IVDU) is an independent risk factor for infective endocarditis (IE). IVDU-related IE is associated with poor clinical outcomes, such as infection-related and drug abuse-related readmissions and mortality. Critical interventions to treat addiction, such as medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) with buprenorphine, may prevent these unfavorable outcomes. This study aimed to establish the effectiveness of buprenorphine prescriptions at hospital discharge for patients admitted for IVDU-related IE. METHODS: A single center, retrospective cohort study evaluated the effectiveness of discharge prescriptions of buprenorphine in adult patients (≥18 years of age) with OUD and IVDU-related IE. Outcomes of 30-day readmissions, 180-day readmissions, and mortality were compared to a cohort of patients who were not prescribed buprenorphine at hospital discharge. RESULTS: The primary endpoint of all cause 30-day readmission was lower in patients who received buprenorphine (n=11/122, 9%) at hospital discharge for IVDU-related IE compared to those who did not (n=9/48, 19%), although not statistically significant (unadjusted OR 0.429, 95% CI 0.165-1.138, p=0.082). After accounting for intensive care admission, infusion unit admission, and psychiatry consultation, the odds of all cause 30-day readmission were statistically lower in patients prescribed buprenorphine (adjusted OR 0.337, 95% CI 0.125-0.909, p=0.029). Additionally, significantly more patients prescribed buprenorphine at discharge followed-up in an outpatient treatment program, 57% and 15% respectively (p<0.001). Incidence of readmission at 180 days and mortality was similar between the two cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that buprenorphine prescriptions at hospital discharge in patients with OUD admitted for IVDU-related IE were effective at decreasing readmission rates at 30 days and increasing outpatient treatment follow-up. Therefore, it is imperative that an emphasis on addiction-focused interventions, such as initiating buprenorphine, be considered in this patient population at hospital discharge to decrease hospital readmissions and engage patients in outpatient treatment for OUD. This study is the first to evaluate the effects of MOUD on readmission rates for patients hospitalized with IVDU-related IE and contributes to the growing body of evidence to support addiction-focused interventions for this unique patient population.

Apixaban and rivaroxaban use for atrial fibrillation in patients with obesity and BMI ≥50 kg/m2.

BACKGROUND: Apixaban and rivaroxaban are increasingly used for thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and commonly in patients with obesity and body mass index (BMI) ≥50 kg/m2 despite the limited data. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to establish the effectiveness and safety of apixaban and rivaroxaban in patients with NVAF and BMI ≥50 kg/m2 . METHODS: A single health-system, retrospective cohort study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of apixaban and rivaroxaban initiated in adult patients (≥18 years of age) with BMI ≥50 kg/m2 and NVAF. Outcomes of ischemic stroke, systemic embolic events, and bleeding were compared to a cohort of patients with BMI 18 to 30 kg/m2 . RESULTS: After 1619 patient-years worth of follow-up in 595 patients, the primary endpoint of incidence of ischemic stroke was numerically similar in both groups, 1.3 per 100 patient-years in the BMI ≥50 kg/m2  group, compared to 2.0 per 100 patient-years in the BMI <30 kg/m2  group (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.38-1.82, p = 0.544). Incidence of major bleeding and clinically relevant non-major bleeding was also numerically similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that apixaban and rivaroxaban in patients with a BMI ≥50 kg/m2 for treatment of NVAF may be safe and effective at preventing thromboembolic events and had no increased risk of bleeding. Although, findings should be interpreted with caution and confirmed with additional studies. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be effective and safe to use for the treatment of NVAF in patients with BMI ≥50 kg/m2 .

Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia with Aggressive Continuous Intravenous Insulin.

PURPOSE: Severe hypertriglyceridemia requiring hospitalization for intravenous insulin to lower triglycerides and prevent complications of pancreatitis is becoming an increasing problem with little consensus treatment evidence. This is the largest case series to date to evaluate this under-studied area of literature. The objective of this study was to determine the average time to triglyceride lowering less than 500 mg/dL. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series from March 2018 to March 2020 at a single rural academic medical center. 23 patients were included who received weight-based intravenous insulin at 0.1 units/kg/hour through a hypertriglyceridemia management order-set over a two-year period. RESULTS: The median triglyceride level at initiation of the insulin infusion was 3759 mg/dL with an interquartile range of 5555. The median time to a triglyceride level less than 1000 mg/dL and 500 mg/dL was 45 hours (1.8 days) and 75 hours (3.1 days) respectively. Patients remained on intravenous insulin for a median of 60 hours (2.5 days). CONCLUSIONS: In this largest case series to date evaluating the use of intravenous insulin for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, a weight-based insulin infusion demonstrated reduction of triglyceride levels to less than 1000 mg/dL in approximately 2 days and less than 500 mg/dL in approximately 3 days.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants in the treatment of portal vein thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants vs. warfarin for portal vein thrombosis treatment. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study. Adult patients initiated on a direct oral anticoagulant or warfarin for treatment of a new portal vein thrombosis were included. The primary failure outcome was the absolute difference in recurrent thromboembolic events 90 days following initiation of a direct oral anticoagulant vs. warfarin. The primary safety outcome was the absolute difference in bleeding events 90 days following initiation of a direct oral anticoagulant vs. warfarin. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact, and Student's t-tests were utilized as appropriate. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included. Thirteen (39.4%) patients received direct oral anticoagulants, and 20 (60.6%) received warfarin. None of the patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants experienced a primary failure event compared to four receiving warfarin (P < 0.001). None of the patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants experienced a primary safety event vs. one receiving warfarin (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Direct oral anticoagulants appear to be effective and safe in the treatment of portal vein thrombosis and in preventing recurrent thromboembolic events. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm direct oral anticoagulants' efficacy in portal vein thrombosis.

Crushing deutetrabenazine for treatment of tardive dyskinesia in a patient with severe orofacial symptoms: A case report.

PURPOSE: Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a hyperkinetic movement disorder that results from exposure to dopamine receptor antagonists and/or first- and second-generation antipsychotics. While cessation of the offending agent(s) through early detection is recommended, TD symptoms may be irreversible and require further treatment. Deutetrabenazine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of persistent TD. Irreversible orofacial dyskinesia, a common affliction in TD, can progress to severe oropharyngeal dysphagia requiring alternate means of nutrition and medication delivery. Enteral administration of crushed deutetrabenazine has not been studied, and its use to treat TD in patients who cannot take medications by mouth has not been reported previously. SUMMARY: A 38-year-old female patient with a history of bipolar I disorder and TD secondary to atypical antipsychotic exposure developed worsening athetosis, hyperkinesia, and severe orofacial dyskinesia after initiation of ziprasidone. The patient had no improvement after discontinuation of atypical antipsychotics and required percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement for nutrition due to persistent aspiration and inability to tolerate oral nutrition. Despite a lack of information regarding administration of crushed deutetrabenazine tablets via PEG, that form of therapy was initiated and resulted in improvement of TD symptoms without noticeable adverse effects. CONCLUSION: TD can result in significant orofacial dyskinesia with impaired delivery of needed medications and nutrition. We describe a case in which a patient with severe TD and orofacial dyskinesia experienced improvement of symptoms with use of crushed deutetrabenazine. Larger studies to further evaluate use of crushed deutetrabenazine for treatment of TD are needed.

Antibiotic de-escalation on internal medicine services with rounding pharmacists compared to services without.

Background Antimicrobial stewardship programs ensure antibiotic therapy is used appropriately and includes de-escalation when clinical status or culture data indicates broad-spectrum agents are no longer needed. Although the impact of infectious diseases clinical pharmacists has been well documented, there is limited research evaluating the impact of adult internal medicine clinical pharmacists on broad-spectrum antibiotic de-escalation while rounding on internal medicine teams. Objective To determine if broad-spectrum antibiotics were de-escalated more regularly and more rapidly in patients on internal medicine services with a rounding pharmacist at the bedside compared to internal medicine services without rounding pharmacists. Setting A single 700 bed academic medical center in the United States of America. Method This was a prospective observational cohort chart review. Main outcome measure The primary endpoint was appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotic de-escalation within 72 h or upon return of culture results. Result A total of 64 patients were included in this study with 39 in the pharmacist group and 25 in the no pharmacist group. De-escalation occurred in 35/39 patients on services with pharmacists and in 13/25 patients on services without pharmacists (p = 0.001). In terms of mean days of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, services with rounding pharmacists saw patients on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus coverage for an average of 2.12 days of their duration of therapy compared to 2.8 days in those without pharmacists (p = 0.821). Services with rounding pharmacists saw patients on Pseudomonas aeruginosa coverage for 2 days of their length of stay compared to 3 days in those without pharmacists (0.398). Conclusion This data shows that broad-spectrum antibiotics were de-escalated more frequently on medicine services with rounding pharmacists compared to services without pharmacists.

Prescriber knowledge and attitudes regarding non-administration of prescribed pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.

Pharmacologic venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is important patient safety practice in hospitalized patients. However, a substantial number of ordered doses are not administered. Patient and nursing attitudes and behaviors can influence whether a patient receives a dose. The objective of this single center study was to evaluate prescriber knowledge and attitudes regarding missed doses of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis. An anonymous, 9-question survey was administered to internal medicine and general surgery resident physicians. The survey captured prescriber opinions on issues related to non-administration of VTE prophylaxis. Thirty-two percent of medicine residents compared with 3 % of surgery residents felt pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis was not necessary in an independently ambulating patient (P < 0.001). Medicine residents were more likely to agree that it is appropriate for nurses to make clinical decisions to determine whether a dose of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis should be administered to a patient (24 vs. 0 %, P < 0.001). Study findings indicate the need for additional resident physician education. Further investigation is needed to assess these beliefs and ensure patients receive necessary VTE prophylaxis.