Effects of clinical interventions through a comprehensive medication management program: A retrospective study among outpatients in a private hospital.

Introduction: The intricate nature of certain diseases necessitates complex medication regimens, utilization including high-cost medications, and continual vigilance to avoid potential complications. To address these exigencies, numerous healthcare institutions have instituted multidisciplinary management teams, exemplified in pharmaceutical care through Comprehensive Medication Management (CMM) programs. These programs oversee diverse facets such as patient education, medication adherence promotion, clinical monitoring, dose adjustments, and scrutiny of prescribed drug therapies. Given the emphasized significance, it is relevant to possess evidence to continue endorsing these initiatives from management positions within health centers, and it is for this reason that this study aims to evaluate the clinical and economic benefits provided by a CMM program within a private hospital in Latin America, by analyzing the effects of clinical interventions. Methods: A retrospective examination was conducted involving documented pharmaceutical interventions in an outpatient setting from January 2019 to September 2022. To assess the interventions' repercussions, a retrospective analysis was undertaken. The collated data included patients' basic characteristics, a comprehensive pharmacist-generated description of interventions, potential associated complications, and avoided medical services. Multiple clinical projections, which were endorsed by internal medicine physicians, were developed to explore potential scenarios in the absence of pharmaceutical care. These projections were associated with conceivable complications, aligned with the most plausible circumstances. Subsequently, utilizing the average cost of healthcare within a private hospital in Latin America, the cumulative savings were quantified. These savings were then attributed to the intrinsic advantages offered by pharmaceutical care. Results: The study discloses demographic trends among patients within distinct age groups in the CMM program. Rheumatology predominated as the main referral source, and interventions centering on monitoring emerged as the pivotal drug-related concern. This encompassed a collaborative approach, involving interdisciplinary efforts toward patient education and critical parameter monitoring. Of the total 347 pharmaceutical interventions, 66.3% (N = 230) specialty office visits, 14.1% (N = 49) general practitioner consultations, 12.4% (N = 43) hospitalizations, and 7.2% (N = 25) ER visits were avoided. The economic analysis underscores cost savings ensuing from pharmaceutical interventions, amounting to a cumulative 603,792.82 USD. Extrapolating these findings to a patient cohort of 400 enrolled in the pharmaceutical care program approximates per-patient savings of 361.47 USD. Conclusion: This study reveals the significant clinical and economic benefits of CMM programs, led by multidisciplinary pharmaceutical professionals. The findings provide compelling evidence for hospital management to consider promoting such programs, drawing from the patient-centered care model in the United States applicable to Latin America.

Optimizing Heart Failure Management: A Review of the Clinical Pharmacist Integration to the Multidisciplinary Health Care Team.

Heart failure (HF) stands as a prevalent chronic ailment, imposing a substantial burden on global healthcare systems due to recurrent hospitalizations, intricate management, persistent symptoms, and polypharmacy challenges. The augmentation of patient safety and treatment efficacy across various care stages, facilitated by a multidisciplinary HF team inclusive of a clinical pharmacist, emerges as paramount. Evidence underscores that the collaborative engagement of a physician and a clinical pharmacist engenders proficient and secure management, forestalling avoidable adversities stemming from drug reactions and prescription inaccuracies. This synergistic approach tailors treatments optimally to individual patients. Post-discharge, the vulnerability of HF patients to re-hospitalization looms large, historically holding sway as the foremost cause of 30-day readmissions. Diverse strategies have been instituted to fortify patient well-being, leading to the formulation of specialized transitional care programs that shepherd patients effectively from hospital to outpatient settings. These initiatives have demonstrably curtailed readmission rates. This review outlines a spectrum of roles assumed by clinical pharmacists within the healthcare cohort, spanning inpatient care, transitional phases, and outpatient services. Moreover, it traverses a compendium of studies spotlighting the affirmative impact instigated by integrating clinical pharmacists into these fields.

Evaluation of Systemic Antifungal Use in a Latin American General Care Hospital: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal infections significantly contribute to mortality and morbidity rates. Despite the presence of all four major classes of antifungal medications, it is estimated that these infections result in the death of 1.5 million people each year, and death rates are increasing at an alarming rate. With increasing concerns about the emergence of antifungal resistance, there is a growing consideration in many countries to incorporate antifungal stewardship into existing antimicrobial stewardship programs. This approach aims to address issues hindering the appropriate use of antifungal drugs and to optimize their utilization. METHODS: An analytical retrospective study of 48 hospitalized patients was conducted to assess factors related to the use of systemic antifungals and develop and implement an internal protocol to improve its use. RESULTS: All patients with severe comorbidity had SOFA scores linked with a mortality risk of more than 10%. Based on 48 evaluations of antifungal orders, 62.5% were considered appropriate, 14.6% were considered debatable, and 22.9% were considered inappropriate. Infectious disease physicians made most of the prescriptions considered appropriate in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities and risk factors in patients receiving systemic antifungals can be associated with the development of more serious fungal infections; hence, the implementation of antifungal stewardship as a complement to antimicrobial stewardship programs can help facilitate decision-making when dealing with a suspected case of fungal infection.

Difference in mortality rates in hospitalized COVID-19 patients identified by cytokine profile clustering using a machine learning approach: An outcome prediction alternative.

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing an acute respiratory disease that can eventually lead to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). An exacerbated inflammatory response is characteristic of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which leads to a cytokine release syndrome also known as cytokine storm associated with the severity of the disease. Considering the importance of this event in the immunopathology of COVID-19, this study analyses cytokine levels of hospitalized patients to identify cytokine profiles associated with severity and mortality. Using a machine learning approach, 3 clusters of COVID-19 hospitalized patients were created based on their cytokine profile. Significant differences in the mortality rate were found among the clusters, associated to different CXCL10/IL-38 ratio. The balance of a CXCL10 induced inflammation with an appropriate immune regulation mediated by the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-38 appears to generate the adequate immune context to overrule SARS-CoV-2 infection without creating a harmful inflammatory reaction. This study supports the concept that analyzing a single cytokine is insufficient to determine the outcome of a complex disease such as COVID-19, and different strategies incorporating bioinformatic analyses considering a broader immune profile represent a more robust alternative to predict the outcome of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The risk of treatment-induced QT interval prolongation.

OBJECTIVE: QT interval prolongation can increase patients' hospital stay and  mortality rate. This study aims to determine the incidence of drug-induced QT  interval prolongation and establish which QT interval measurement method is  the most appropriate for electrocardiographic monitoring. METHOD: A retrospective observational study was conducted of patients admitted to the Clínica Bíblica Hospital during 2018. The electronic  medical records of patients hospitalized for longer than 48 hours and whose drug regimen included at least one drug potentially able to prolong the  QT interval were reviewed. Manually-measured QT intervals were corrected using Fridericia's and Rautaharju's formulae, while automatically- measured QT intervals were corrected with Bazett's formula. Risk was assessed  using the RISQ-PATH scale. RESULTS: Of the 141 patients analyzed, 23 had arrhythmia as per their clinical  history and 14 suffered a complication during their stay in hospital. A total of  113 (80%) had a high RISQ-PATH score and only 64 were subjected to an  electrocardiogram on admission. Patients received a mean of three potentially  QT interval prolonging drugs. Most of the QT intervals measured automatically  were shorter than those obtained manually. Of all corrections, the longest QTc  interval values were obtained with Bazett's formula, and the shortest with  Rautaharju's formula. None of the patients developed TdP or complex  ventricular tachycardia. CONCLUSIONS: Every effort should be made to implement strategies conducive to more effective monitoring of the QT interval to prevent QT  nterval prolongation related complications in hospitalized patients.

OBJETIVO: La prolongación del intervalo QT puede aumentar la estancia hospitalaria y la tasa de mortalidad de los pacientes. Esta  investigación determina la incidencia de prolongación del intervalo QT debido al  uso de medicamentos y evalúa el método más apropiado para realizar el  monitoreo electrocardiográfico.Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo en pacientes hospitalizados en el Hospital Clínica Bíblica durante el año 2018. Se revisaron los expedientes de los pacientes con hospitalización superior a 48  horas cuya historia clínica incluyera al menos tratamiento con un medicamento que prolongara el intervalo QT y que las medidas manuales del intervalo QT  fueran corregidas con la fórmula Fridericia y Rautaharju, y las medidas  automáticas con la fórmula Bazett. La valoración del riesgo se realizó con la  escala RISQ-PATH. RESULTADOS: De los 141 pacientes analizados, 23 tenían una arritmia previa en  su historia clínica y 14 de ellos sufrieron complicaciones durante la  hospitalización. Un total de 113 (80%) pacientes tenían un valor alto  RISQ­PATH y sólo a 64 se les realizó un electrocardiograma al ingreso. En  promedio, los pacientes recibieron tres medicamentos que aumentaban el  intervalo QT. La mayoría de los QT obtenidos automáticamente fueron más  cortos que aquellos obtenidos en forma manual. De todas las correcciones, los  valores del intervalo QT más largos se obtuvieron con la fórmula de Bazett, y  los más cortos con la fórmula Rautaharju. No ocurrieron eventos como  taquicardia ventricular compleja o torsade de pointes durante el estudio. CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario implementar estrategias que permitan una mejor  monitorización del intervalo QT con el fin de prevenir las complicaciones derivadas en los pacientes hospitalizados.

The Pharmacist's Role in the Implementation of FASTHUG-MAIDENS, a Mnemonic to Facilitate the Pharmacotherapy Assessment of Critically Ill Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

FASTHUG is a mnemonic used by intensive care physicians to ensure the proper management of patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). FASTHUG-MAIDENS is a modified version that incorporates key pharmacotherapeutic elements such as delirium management, drug dosing, and drug interactions for an appropriate medication assessment of critically ill patients. An analytical cross-sectional study of hospitalized patients was carried out to determine aspects related to the pharmacotherapeutic management of critically ill patients that required to be optimized, to design and implement a protocol based on the FASTHUG-MAIDENS mnemonic. A total of 435 evaluations were performed to assess the status of current critical patient management. The main parameters with opportunities to be improved were analgesia, feeding, and sedation. With the implementation of MAIDENS, the parameters of analgesia, sedation, and thromboprophylaxis showed an increase in the percentage of optimal management. Furthermore, 103 drug-related problems were detected, and most of them were associated with feeding (21.3%), glucose control (11.7%), and delirium (9.7%). The FASTHUG MAIDENS protocol implementation allows for the evaluation of more vital aspects in the management of critically ill patients. The daily review of patients admitted to the ICU by a clinical pharmacist (CP) using the FASTHUG-MAIDENS checklist instead of the FASTHUG mnemonic facilitates the identification of DRPs for the performance of possible interventions by the CP to improve the pharmacotherapeutic management.

Riesgo de prolongación del intervalo QT asociado al tratamiento / The risk of treatment-induced QT interval prolongation

Objetivo: La prolongación del intervalo QT puede aumentar la estanciahospitalaria y la tasa de mortalidad de los pacientes. Esta investigacióndetermina la incidencia de prolongación del intervalo QT debido al usode medicamentos y evalúa el método más apropiado para realizar elmonitoreo electrocardiográfico.Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo en pacienteshospitalizados en el Hospital Clínica Bíblica durante el año 2018. Serevisaron los expedientes de los pacientes con hospitalización superiora 48 horas cuya historia clínica incluyera al menos tratamiento con unmedicamento que prolongara el intervalo QT y que las medidas manualesdel intervalo QT fueran corregidas con la fórmula Fridericia y Rautaharju,y las medidas automáticas con la fórmula Bazett. La valoración del riesgose realizó con la escala RISQ-PATH.Resultados: De los 141 pacientes analizados, 23 tenían una arritmia previaen su historia clínica y 14 de ellos sufrieron complicaciones durante la hospitalización.Un total de 113 (80%) pacientes tenían un valor alto RISQ‑PATHy sólo a 64 se les realizó un electrocardiograma al ingreso. En promedio,los pacientes recibieron tres medicamentos que aumentaban el intervalo QT.La mayoría de los QT obtenidos automáticamente fueron más cortos queaquellos obtenidos en forma manual. De todas las correcciones, los valoresdel intervalo QT más largos se obtuvieron con la fórmula de Bazett, y los máscortos con la fórmula Rautaharju. No ocurrieron eventos como taquicardiaventricular compleja o torsade de pointes durante el estudio.Conclusiones: Es necesario implementar estrategias que permitan una mejor monitorización del intervalo QT con el fin de prevenir las complicacionesderivadas en los pacientes ospitalizados

Objective: QT interval prolongation can increase patients’ hospitalstay and mortality rate. This study aims to determine the incidence ofdrug-induced QT interval prolongation and establish which QT intervalmeasurement method is the most appropriate for electrocardiographicmonitoring.Method: A retrospective observational study was conducted of patientsadmitted to the Clínica Bíblica Hospital during 2018. The electronic medicalrecords of patients hospitalized for longer than 48 hours and whosedrug regimen included at least one drug potentially able to prolong the QTinterval were reviewed. Manually-measured QT intervals were correctedusing Fridericia’s and Rautaharju’s formulae, while automatically-measuredQT intervals were corrected with Bazett’s formula. Risk was assessed usingthe RISQ-PATH scale.Results: Of the 141 patients analyzed, 23 had arrhythmia as per theirclinical history and 14 suffered a complication during their stay in hospital.A total of 113 (80%) had a high RISQ-PATH score and only 64 were subjectedto an electrocardiogram on admission. Patients received a meanof three potentially QT interval prolonging drugs. Most of the QT ntervalsmeasured automatically were shorter than those obtained manually. Of allcorrections, the longest QTc interval values were obtained with Bazett’sformula, and the shortest with Rautaharju’s formula. None of the patientsdeveloped TdP or complex ventricular tachycardia.Conclusions: Every effort should be made to implement strategies conducive to more effective monitoring of the QT interval to prevent QT intervalprolongation related complications in hospitalized patients

Impact of a pharmacist-driven antimicrobial stewardship program in a private hospital in Costa Rica.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the impact generated by the implementation of the pharmacy-driven antimicrobial stewardship program of the Clínica Bíblica Hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study that evaluates the consumption of antibiotics for the periods before and during implementation of the Clínica Bíblica Hospital antimicrobial stewardship program, calculated by means of defined daily dose per 1 000 patient-days and days of therapy per 1 000 patient-days. In addition, bacterial resistance patterns for the periods 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 were compared. RESULTS: Consumption of most-used antibiotics was calculated, looking for trends that might be associated with the activities implemented by the Clínica Bíblica Hospital antimicrobial stewardship program. Comparing some of the antibiotics with the highest consumption in periods I and II, use of levofloxacin and ceftriaxone showed a decrease of 54.0% (p < 0.001) and 14.6% (p = 0.003), respectively, whereas there was an increase in the use of cefazolin of 4 539.3% (p < 0.001). Regarding percentage of bacterial resistance, in most bacterial isolates no statistically significant changes were observed between the two periods. CONCLUSIONS: A reduction in the overall consumption of antibiotics has been achieved over time, most likely attributable to the antimicrobial stewardship program. However, this trend was not observed for all the antibiotics studied. The pattern of resistance among the commonly isolated microorganisms did not vary greatly between the periods studied, which suggests that either the antimicrobial stewardship program may have prevented an increase in bacterial resistance since its implementation, or that it is too soon to see impact on bacterial resistance.

Impact of a pharmacist-driven antimicrobial stewardship program in a private hospital in Costa Rica

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To measure the impact generated by the implementation of the pharmacy-driven antimicrobial stewardship program of the Clínica Bíblica Hospital. Methods. This is a retrospective observational study that evaluates the consumption of antibiotics for the periods before and during implementation of the Clínica Bíblica Hospital antimicrobial stewardship program, calculated by means of defined daily dose per 1 000 patient-days and days of therapy per 1 000 patient-days. In addition, bacterial resistance patterns for the periods 2014–2015 and 2016–2017 were compared. Results. Consumption of most-used antibiotics was calculated, looking for trends that might be associated with the activities implemented by the Clínica Bíblica Hospital antimicrobial stewardship program. Comparing some of the antibiotics with the highest consumption in periods I and II, use of levofloxacin and ceftriaxone showed a decrease of 54.0% (p < 0.001) and 14.6% (p = 0.003), respectively, whereas there was an increase in the use of cefazolin of 4 539.3% (p < 0.001). Regarding percentage of bacterial resistance, in most bacterial isolates no statistically significant changes were observed between the two periods. Conclusions. A reduction in the overall consumption of antibiotics has been achieved over time, most likely attributable to the antimicrobial stewardship program. However, this trend was not observed for all the antibiotics studied. The pattern of resistance among the commonly isolated microorganisms did not vary greatly between the periods studied, which suggests that either the antimicrobial stewardship program may have prevented an increase in bacterial resistance since its implementation, or that it is too soon to see impact on bacterial resistance.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Medir el impacto de la ejecución de un programa de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos conducido por la farmacia del Hospital Clínica Bíblica. Métodos. En este estudio retrospectivo y de observación se evaluó el consumo de antibióticos antes y después de la ejecución del programa de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos en el Hospital Clínica Bíblica. El consumo se calculó tomando como base la dosis diaria por 1.000 días-paciente y los días de tratamiento por 1.000 días-paciente. Además, se compararon los perfiles de resistencia bacteriana en los períodos 2014-2015 y 2016-2017. Resultados. Se calculó el consumo de los antibióticos más usados para establecer las tendencias que podrían estar relacionados con las actividades ejecutadas por el programa de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos del Hospital Clínica Bíblica. Se compararon algunos de los antibióticos de mayor consumo en los períodos I y II, el uso de la levofloxacina y la ceftriaxona mostró una disminución de 54,0% (p < 0,001) y 14,6% (p = 0,003), respectivamente, mientras que se evidenció un aumento en el uso de la cefazolina de 4.539,3% (p < 0,001). Con respecto al porcentaje de resistencia bacteriana, no se encontró ningún cambio estadísticamente significativo entre los dos períodos para la mayoría de las cepas bacterianas aisladas. Conclusiones. Con el transcurso del tiempo se ha logrado una disminución en el consumo de antibióticos en general, probablemente relacionada con el programa de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos. Sin embargo, esta tendencia no se observó en todos los antimicrobianos analizados. No se evidenció una variación significativa en los patrones de resistencia entre los microorganismos aislados comúnmente entre los períodos comparados, lo que puede significar dos cosas: que el programa de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos podría haber evitado un aumento de resistencia bacteriana desde que se puso en marcha o que es demasiado pronto para que se evidencie un impacto en la resistencia bacteriana.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Mensurar o impacto da implantação de um programa de gerenciamento do uso de antimicrobianos por profissionais farmacêuticos em um hospital particular. Métodos. Trata-se de um estudo observacional retrospectivo para avaliar o uso de antibióticos no período anterior e posterior à implantação do programa de gerenciamento do uso de antimicrobianos no Hospital Bíblica Clínica, em San José, Costa Rica. O consumo dos medicamentos foi calculado com base na dose diária definida por 1.000 pacientes-dia e dias de tratamento por 1.000 pacientes-dia. Foi realizada uma comparação dos padrões de resistência bacteriana entre os períodos 2014–2015 e 2016–2017. Resultados. O consumo dos antibióticos mais utilizados foi calculado visando identificar possíveis tendências associadas às ações do programa de gerenciamento do uso de antimicrobianos implantado no hospital. A comparação do consumo de alguns dos antibióticos mais utilizados no primeiro e no segundo períodos considerados apontou uma redução de 54,0% no uso de levofloxacina (p < 0,001) e 14,6% no uso de ceftriaxona (p = 0,003), com um aumento de 4.539,3% no uso de cefazolina (p < 0,001). Com relação à resistência bacteriana, não se observou variação estatisticamente significativa na maioria dos isolados bacterianos entre os dois períodos. Conclusões. Houve redução no consumo de antibióticos em geral, provavelmente atribuível ao programa de gerenciamento do uso de antimicrobianos. Porém, esta mesma tendência não foi observada para todos os antibióticos estudados. Não houve variação importante no padrão da resistência dos microrganismos mais frequentemente isolados entre os períodos estudados. Isso indica que o programa de gerenciamento do uso de antimicrobianos implantado possivelmente evitou o aumento da resistência bacteriana ou que é ainda muito cedo para se observar o impacto na resistência bacteriana.

Farmacoterapia de la insuficiencia cardíaca: análisis de casos de pacientes hospitalizados en un centro de salud privado en Costa Rica / Pharmacotherapy of heart failure: analysis of cases of hospitalized patients in a private health center in Costa Rica

Resumen Introducción y objetivos: La insuficiencia cardíaca es una patología que afecta a la población adulta mundial; se estima que más de 23 millones de personas en el mundo la padecen, siendo esta una de las principales causas de mortalidad cardiovascular. Dicha investigación buscó evaluar la terapia utilizada en un ambiente hospitalario privado y su correlación con respecto a las guías internacionales; todo esto con el fin de proyectar el posible impacto sobre la morbimortalidad del paciente. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional retrospectivo analizando múltiples variables obtenidas de los expedientes físicos y electrónicos de todos los pacientes adultos hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardiaca en el Hos pital Clínica Bíblica enero 2014 y diciembre 2016, para comparar la farmacoterapia utilizada con la definida por las guías terapéuticas seleccionadas. Resultados: Se analizaron 72 pacientes, de los cuales 35% estaba entre 81-90 años, 58% eran hombres; 61% estuvieron hospitalizados entre 1-5 días (61%), 9 ingresaron por rehospitalización y el resto fue por primera vez; 69 fueron egresados y 3 fallecieron. La estrategia terapéutica más utilizada en estos pacientes fue un betabloqueador en conjunto con un antagonista del receptor de angiotensina y un diurético de asa. Un 78% mantuvo un tratamiento adecuado según las guías. Conclusiones: El abordaje farmacoterapéutico de los pacientes con falla cardiaca fue satisfac torio, estuvo en la mayoría de los casos de acuerdo con las guías clínicas, por lo que se podría esperar beneficios en torno a la mortalidad, tiempo de hospitalización y tasa de rehospitalización.

Abstract Pharmacotherapy of heart failure: analysis of cases of hospitalized patients in a private health center in Costa Rica Objective: Heart failure is a disease that affects a highly proportion of the adult population worldwide; about 23 million people endure this ailment, being one of the main causes of cardiovascular mortality. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the correlation between the current therapy in a hospital setting and international guidelines, as well as the impact on morbidity and mortality. Methods: Observational prospective study, to analyze multiple variables from physical and electronic registers from all hospitalized patients for heart failure at Hospital Clínica Bíblica from January 2014 to December 2016, with the intention to compare the prescribed therapy at the hospital with selected therapeutical guidelines. Results: There were 72 patients, from which 35% were between 81 and 90 years old, 58% were men, 61% were hospitalized between 1-5 days, 9 were readmitted and 63 had their first admission, 69 were discharged and 3 perished. Conclusions: The pharmacotherapeutic approach in patients with heart failure has had a satisfactory evolution, and it's according to clinical guidelines, which could have repercussions regarding the reduction of mortality rates, hospitalization stays and rehospitalization rates.

Análisis comparativo de las herramientas usadas para la prescripción potencialmente inapropiada de medicamentos en adultos mayores en un hospital privado en Costa Rica / Comparative analysis of tools used to detect drugs' potentially inappropriate prescriptions in the elderly at a private hospital in Costa Rica

Objetivos: En Costa Rica existe una proporción importante de adultos mayores y esta población se ve mayormente afectada por prescripciones inapropiadas, especialmente durante su estancia en un ambiente hospitalario. El objetivo del estudio fue establecer la mejor herramienta para detectar prescripciones potencialmente inapropiadas en los adultos mayores en un hospital privado de Costa Rica. Métodos: El estudio se realizó mediante la aplicación y comparación de tres herramientas: los criterios STOPP (2015), los criterios Beers’ (2015) y los criterios IPET (2002) a un total de 4866 prescripciones provenientes de un grupo de 388 adultos mayores hospitalizados, con el análisis posterior de los datos mediante pruebas estadísticas de chi-cuadrado (p<0.05). Resultados: los criterios Beers’ permitieron la detección de una mayor cantidad de prescripciones potencialmente inapropiadas que las dos otras herramientas en la población analizada. Conclusiones: los criterios Beers son la herramienta más apropiada para ser utilizada en el ámbito hospitalario estudiado, tanto por su mayor sensibilidad como por el tipo de información que es posible obtener de los expedientes en la institución, su construcción concisa y su practicidad a la hora de ser aplicada

Objective: There is an important proportion of elderly people in Costa Rica and they tend to be more affected by inappropriate prescriptions, especially during their hospital stay. The objective of this study is to establish the best tool to detect these potentially inappropriate prescriptions in an elderly population attended in a Costa Rica’s private hospital. Methods: Three tools were applied and compared: STOPP (2015), Beers’ (2015) and IPET (2002) criteria in a total sample of 4866 prescriptions from a group of 388 elderly hospitalized patients, with a subsequent chi-square analysis (p<0.05). Results: Beers’ criteria allowed a larger detection of potentially inappropriate prescriptions than the other tools applied in the study population. Conclusions: Beer ́s criteria allow to identify the greatest quantity of potentially inappropriate prescriptions because of the concise construction and practicality, as well as the information that can be gathered in this particular hospital setting

Analysis of the concordance between the estimated values of creatinine clearance using the Cockcroft-Gault equation and the real value determined in patients from the Hospital Clínica Bíblica.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the effect of the modifications in the Cockcroft-Gault equation for creatinine clearance rate determination (CrCl) and its concordance with the real value determined from 24-hours urine collection in a sample of Latin American patients hospitalized in San José de Costa Rica. METHOD: an observational, retrospective study, with patients submitted to a 24-hour urine collection test, and who met the inclusion criteria. The real and estimated values of creatinine clearance were determined, and their concordance was measured by applying the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient; a descriptive analysis of data was also conducted. RESULTS: there were 507 subjects (61% men); their age was described (ME = 60 years SD = 17 years), as well as their height (ME = 1.66 m SD = 0.09 m), current weight (ME =75 kg SD = 15 kg), body mass index (ME = 27.3 kg/m2 SD = 4.76 kg/m2) and endogenous creatinine clearance rates (ME = 69.72 ml/min SD = 33 ml/min). The best concordance with the equation was obtained with current weight values and serum creatinine without rounding. CONCLUSIONS: the application of the Cockcroft-Gault equation that matches more closely the real value is the one that uses current weight and does not round creatinine values below 1 mg/dL. It is suggested to conduct a prospective analysis, determining other variables that could affect CrCl real measures, and to replicate this methodology in specific populations. *ME: Mean **SD: Standard Deviation.

Objetivo: analizar el efecto de las modificaciones en la fórmula de Cockcroft-Gault en la medición del aclaramiento de creatinina (CrCl) y su concordancia con el valor real calculado con la orina de 24 horas en una muestra de pacientes latinoamericanos hospitalizados en San José de Costa Rica. Método: estudio observacional, retrospectivo, con pacientes en quienes se midió la creatinina sérica en orina de 24 horas y que cumplieran los criterios de inclusión. Se determinaron los valores de aclaramiento de creatinina reales y calculados, y se estableció la concordancia entre estos, aplicando la prueba del Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase; se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos. Resultados: un total de 507 pacientes (61% hombres), de los cuales se describió la edad (*ME = 60 años**DE = 17 años), estatura (*ME = 1,66 metros**DE = 0,09 metros), peso actual (*ME = 75 kg **DE = 15 kg), índice de masa corporal (*ME = 27,3 Kg/m2**DE = 4,76 Kg/m2), y valores de aclaramiento endógeno (*ME = 69,72 ml/min **DE = 33 ml/min). Se obtuvo la mejor concordancia para la fórmula con valores de peso actual y creatinina sérica sin redondeo. Conclusiones: la aplicación de la fórmula de Cockcroft-Gault que mejor concuerda con el valor real es aquella que utiliza el peso actual y no redondea valores de creatinina inferiores a 1 mg/dL. Se sugiere realizar un análisis prospectivo, determinando otras variables que podrían afectar a la medición real del CrCl, y replicar la metodología en poblaciones específicas. *ME: Media **DE: Desviación Estándar.

Analysis of the concordance between the estimated values of creatinine clearance using the Cockcroft-Gault equation and the real value determined in patients from the Hospital Clínica Bíblica / Análisis de la concordancia entre los valores estimados de aclaramiento de creatinina utilizando la fórmula de Cockcroft-Gault y el valor real determinado en pacientes del Hospital Clínica Bíblica

Objective: to analyze the effect of the modifications in the Cockcroft-Gault equation for creatinine clearance rate determination (CrCl) and its concordance with the real value determined from 24-hours urine collection in a sample of Latin American patients hospitalized in San José de Costa Rica. Method: an observational, retrospective study, with patients submitted to a 24-hour urine collection test, and who met the inclusion criteria. The real and estimated values of creatinine clearance were determined, and their concordance was measured by applying the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient; a descriptive analysis of data was also conducted. Results: there were 507 subjects (61% men); their age was described (ME = 60 years SD = 17 years), as well as their height (ME = 1.66 m SD = 0.09 m), current weight (ME =75 kg SD = 15 kg), body mass index (ME = 27.3 kg/m2 SD = 4.76 kg/m2 ) and endogenous creatinine clearance rates (ME = 69.72 ml/min SD = 33 ml/min). The best concordance with the equation was obtained with current weight values and serum creatinine without rounding. Conclusions: the application of the Cockcroft-Gault equation that matches more closely the real value is the one that uses current weight and does not round creatinine values below 1 mg/dL. It is suggested to conduct a prospective analysis, determining other variables that could affect CrCl real measures, and to replicate this methodology in specific populations (AU)

Objetivo: analizar el efecto de las modificaciones en la fórmula de Cockcroft-Gault en la medición del aclaramiento de creatinina (CrCl) y su concordancia con el valor real calculado con la orina de 24 horas en una muestra de pacientes latinoamericanos hospitalizados en San José de Costa Rica. Método: estudio observacional, retrospectivo, con pacientes en quienes se midió la creatinina sérica en orina de 24 horas y que cumplieran los criterios de inclusión. Se determinaron los valores de aclaramiento de creatinina reales y calculados, y se estableció la concordancia entre estos, aplicando la prueba del Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase; se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos. Resultados: un total de 507 pacientes (61% hombres), de los cuales se describió la edad (*ME = 60 años**DE = 17 años), estatura (*ME = 1,66 metros**DE = 0,09 metros), peso actual (*ME = 75 kg **DE = 15 kg), índice de masa corporal (*ME = 27,3 Kg/m2 **DE = 4,76 Kg/m2 ), y valores de aclaramiento endógeno (*ME = 69,72 ml/min **DE = 33 ml/min). Se obtuvo la mejor concordancia para la fórmula con valores de peso actual y creatinina sérica sin redondeo. Conclusiones: la aplicación de la fórmula de Cockcroft-Gault que mejor concuerda con el valor real es aquella que utiliza el peso actual y no redondea valores de creatinina inferiores a 1 mg/dL. Se sugiere realizar un análisis prospectivo, determinando otras variables que podrían afectar a la medición real del CrCl, y replicar la metodología en poblaciones específicas (AU)

Caracterización farmacoterapéutica de los anticoagulantes orales utilizados en pacientes hospitalizados / Characterization of oral anticoagulant prescription in patients hospitalized (Costa Rica)

Justificación: los anticoagulantes orales requieren una estricta farmacovigilancia; describir y analizar la utilización de estos medicamentos es importante para editar guías, recomendaciones y advertencias ante el uso de esta terapia, y así brindar al personal médico una herramienta de apoyo para su adecuada utilización. Métodos: se seleccionaron pacientes a quienes durante su estancia hospitalaria se les prescribiera algún anticoagulante oral. Se recolectó la información específica que facilitara el análisis. Para validar lo recopilado se utilizaron las guías del Colegio Americano de Cirujanos Torácicos y las guías americanas y europeas de los colegios de cardiología. Resultados: se recopiló la información de un total de 176 pacientes. Los especialistas que prescriben estos medicamentos son ortopedistas (40%), internistas (14%), cardiólogos (13%) e intensivistas (11%), para el tratamiento de tromboprofilaxis de accidente cerebrovascular, tromboprofilaxis postoperatoria, tratamiento del tromboembolismo pulmonar y de trombosis venosa profunda; el 84% de los pacientes que usó estos medicamentos, lo hizo en indicaciones aprobadas. Se reportó un 3,4% de sangrados. Conclusión: la mayoría de las prescripciones se realizaron de acuerdo con lo establecido por las guías; a pesar de esto, existe una evidente incongruencia con respecto a los exámenes solicitados y su monitorización. La mayor proporción de los sangrados reportados se asoció a warfarina; aún así, seguirá siendo el estándar para el manejo de este tipo de pacientes, hasta que se apruebe tratamientos de reversión para los nuevos anticoagulantes y métodos adecuados para su monitorización, en los casos que se requiera.

Background: Oral anticoagulants require a strict pharmacovigilance; it is important to describe and analyze use of these drugs in order to draft guidelines, recommendations and warnings, and thus provide medical personnel with a tool for their adequate use. Methods: Inpatients that received oral anticoagulants were selected and the specific information for this analysis was collected. The guidelines of the American College of Chest Physicians, as well as those of the American and European professional associations of cardiology were used. Results: Information from 176 patients was collected. The specialists that prescribe these drugs are orthopedists (40%), internal medicine (14%), cardiologists (13%) and intensive care (11%), for the treatment of stroke thromboprophylaxis, postoperative thromboprophylaxis, treatment of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis; 84% of the patients that used these drugs did so in approved prescriptions. Bleeding related to these drugs was reported in 3.4 % of the cases. Conclusion: Most prescriptions were administered according to the guidelines, despite this there is a clear inconsistency between tests ordered and their monitoring. Most bleeding reports were associated to warfarin, yet it remains the standard treatment for this kind of patients until reversion treatments for new oral anticoagulants and suitable methods for monitoring, when required, are approved.

Revisión del uso de antibióticos de amplio espectro en el ambiente hospitalario privado en Costa Rica / Review of the use of broad spectrum antibiotics in the private hospital environment in Costa Rica

Justificación: los errores de prescripción en los antibióticos de amplio espectro conducen a problemas de resistencia bacteriana, lo que ha disminuido las opciones farmacológicas para tratar a los pacientes, aumentando los días de hospitalización y la mortalidad. Métodos: el estudio incluye pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Clínica Bíblica, en el periodo del 1 de septiembre de 2012 al 28 de febrero de 2013, a quienes se les administró al menos una dosis en forma I.V. de un antibiótico de amplio espectro. Se analizaron 392 expedientes. Se recopilaron los documentos e información necesaria de cada paciente, para el correspondiente análisis. Resultados: Medicina Interna y Medicina Intensiva fueron las especialidades médicas responsables de prescribir mayoritariamente este tipo de antibióticos. En un 68% de los casos, la primera dosis fue prescrita a pacientes hospitalizados, y en un 57% de las ocasiones se utilizaron otros antibióticos junto con el de amplio espectro. En un 52% de los casos analizados no se realizó un cultivo para la utilización de los antibióticos de amplio espectro. De los pacientes que usaron antibióticos de amplio espectro, una proporción que oscila entre un 15% y un 45% presentaba de previo algún historial de alergia a otro antibiótico. En un 36% de los casos, durante el internamiento hubo un cambio en la estrategia antibiótica establecida. Conclusión: existe la necesidad de desarrollar un protocolo de manejo de antibióticos de amplio espectro en el centro hospitalario, en el cual se detallen los criterios para la utilización de cada antibiótico, con el fin de normar su uso.

Background: Errors in prescribing broad spectrum antibiotics lead to problems of bacterial resistance, this has decreased the pharmacological options for treating patients, and increased hospitalization stay and mortality. Methods: This study included patients treated at the Clinica Biblica Hospital from September 1st, 2012 to February 28, 2013 that received at least one IV dose of a broad-spectrum antibiotic. A total of 392 clinical records were analyzed. The documents and information required for the analysis of each patient´s case was gathered. Results: Intensive Care Medicine and Internal Medicine were largely responsible for prescribing the antibiotics included in this study. In 68% of cases, the first dose was prescribed to hospitalized patients and in 57% of cases other antibiotics were used along with the broad spectrum ones. In 52% of the cases analyzed, a bacterial culture was not performed in order to justify the use of a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Regarding patients that used broad spectrum antibiotics, 15% to 45% had a prior history of allergy to other antibiotics. In 36% of cases the antibiotic strategy was modified during hospitalization. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop a protocol to manage broad spectrum antibiotics in this hospital, in which the criteria to use each antibiotic is described in order to standardize such use.

Análisis y caracterización de la farmacoterapéutica de las heparinas de bajo peso molecular prescritas en pacientes hospitalizados en el Hospital Clínica Bíblica, Costa Rica, durante el periodo de marzo a agosto del 2010 / Analysis and characterization of the pharmacotherapy of low molecular weight heparins prescribed in hospitalized patients at the Hospital Clinica Biblica, Costa Rica, from March to August 2010

Justificación y objetivo: Analizar la farmacoterapéutica empleada con las heparinas de bajo peso molecular, HBPM, prescritas en pacientes hospitalizados en el Hospital Clínica Bíblica, hospital privado en Costa Rica, con base en los lineamientos establecidos por el Colegio Americano de Cirujanos Torácicos, 2008. Material y métodos: En el presente estudio se incluyeron pacientes internados en el período marzo-agosto 2010 que fueron tratados con HBPM. De esta población se analizaron 250 pacientes elegidos de forma aleatoria según la metodología recomendada. Se recopilaron todos los documentos e información necesaria de cada paciente para el correspondiente análisis. Resultados: Un 43 por ciento del total de pacientes hospitalizados utilizaron HBPM, 707 pacientes. En un 91 por ciento de los casos, las HBPM fueron utilizadas con un fin profiláctico. Solamente un 2 por ciento de los pacientes que utilizaron HBPM de manera profiláctica no necesitaban de la misma. En un 90 por ciento de los casos, la dosis utilizada fue correcta. En un 18 por ciento de los casos se requería un ajuste de dosis. Un 80 por ciento de los casos presentó algún tipo de interacción farmacológica de relevancia clínica. Un 4 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron algún tipo de hemorragia, en donde un 2 por ciento de los casos este efecto estaba ligado al uso de HBPM. El 9 por ciento de los casos en los que se utilizaron las HBPM como tratamiento, fueron abordados según los lineamientos. Conclusión: En el Hospital Clínica Bíblica, el uso las HBPM se apegó a las recomendaciones establecidas por la normativa de la ACCP, a pesar de la no existencia en ese momento de un protocolo en el hospital. El análisis farmacoterapéutico por parte del farmacéutico clínico, puede suministrar información importante al médico para que se tomen las medidas correctivas y/o preventivas asociadas a la correcta utilización de estos medicamentos. Realizar una correcta estratificación de riesgo e individualización del tratamiento facilita la implementación adecuada de la farmacoterapia con HBPM en este hospital, donde existe una alta proporción de pacientes que pueden desarrollar eventos tromboembólicos.

Caracterización del uso de antieméticos en el postoperatorio en pacientes adultos sometidos a cirugía durante el periodo enero-mayo 2009, en el Hospital Clínica Bíblica de Costa Rica / Characterization of the use of antiemetics in the postoperative period in adult patients undergoing surgery during january to may 2009 in a private hospital Clínica Bíblica in Costa Rica

Evaluar y caracterizar el abordaje farmacoterapéutico antiemético en el periodo postoperatorio en pacientes adultos sometidos a cirugía en el Hospital Clínica Bíblica, hospital privado en Costa Rica. Métodos: Se seleccionaron pacientes, con edades entre 18 y 75 años, sometidos a cirugía, en quienes se había utilizado algún antiemético profiláctico al proceso quirúrgico, excluyéndose los pacientes que permanecieran hospitalizados menos de 24 horas tras la cirugía. Resultados: Dentro de la terapia profiláctica antiemética utilizada en este Hospital, se incluyó: granisetrón, metoclopramida, dexametasona, dimenhidrinato, entre otros; el granisetrón fue el antiemético más utilizado en un 81 por ciento de los casos, solo o en combinación. El uso de la dexametasona junto con el granisetrón fue la combinación más utilizada en un 57 por ciento. Sin hacer asociación al procedimiento quirúrgico, las náuseas y vómitos postoperatorios se presentaron en un 12 por ciento con el granisetrón, en un 25 por ciento con la metoclopramida, en un 9 por ciento con el dimenhidrinato, en un 13 por ciento con la dexametasona y en un 14 por ciento con otros antieméticos. Las cirugías que presentaron más incidencia de NVPO fueron las cirugías ortopédicas en un 30 por ciento, y las cirugías laparoscópicas en un 28 por ciento. En los casos en los que se utilizó fentanyl como anestésico, se presentaron vómitos en un 18 por ciento de los pacientes, mientras que en los casos en que no se utilizó fentanyl, el porcentaje de NVPO fue del 9 por ciento. Conclusión: A pesar del amplio uso de antieméticos profilácticamente, las náuseas y vómitos postoperatorios siguen presentándose en los pacientes de este Hospital. No se ha encontrado un algoritmo que permita prevenir totalmente las náuseas y vómitos postoperatorios, a pesar de la gran cantidad de conocimientos adquiridos en este campo. Se debe tomar en cuenta el riesgo individual de cada paciente y la satisfacción de este...

To evaluate and characterize the pharmaco-therapeutic approach with antiemetics during the postoperative, in adult patients undergoing surgery at a private hospital in Costa Rica(Hospital Clinica Biblica) Methods: This is an observational, prospective and cohort study. Those patients who had surgery and received antiemetic prophylaxis before the procedure were selected (ages between 18 and 75 years) excluding those who had hospitalization shorter than 24 hours.Results: Prophylactic antiemetic therapy in this private hospital utilizes granisetron, metoclopramide, dexamethasone, and dimenhydrinate, Granisetron, either alone or incombination, was the most used antiemetic in 81%. The combination most commonly used was dexamethasone and granisetron (57%). Without considering the surgical procedure, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was 12% in patients taking granisetron, 25% with metoclopramide, 9% with dimenhydrinate, 13% with dexamethasone and 14% with otherantiemetics. On the other hand, looking at the procedure, the incidence of PONV in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery was by 30%, and 28% in those after laparoscopic surgery Finally,in cases in which fentanyl was used as an anesthetic 18% of the patients presented PONV, whereas in patients cases were fentanyl was not used, the rate of was 9%. Conclusion: Despite the widespread use of prophylactic antiemetics, PONV is still seen in thepatients at this private hospital. In spite of the wealth of knowledge in this field, physicians have not yet found an algorithm capable of the total prevention of PONV. Individual risks and patient`s satisfaction should be taken into account. Further research on this matter must continue in orderto unify and improve criteria of PONV treatment.