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.

Impact of the Five-Year Intervention of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program on the Optimal Selection of Surgical Prophylaxis in a Hospital without Antibiotic Prescription Restrictions in Costa Rica: A Retrospective Study.

This study aims to characterize the impact of the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program (AMS) on the optimal selection of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in adult patients. This is a retrospective quasi-experimental study that compared the selection and duration of antibiotics for all surgical prophylaxis prescriptions over six months, both before (pre-AMS) and after a five-year intervention of AMS (post-AMS). In addition, data related to the consumption of antibiotics, adverse drug reactions, and surgical site infections throughout the years of the intervention were analyzed. The rate of appropriate selection of antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical procedures improved to 80% during the post-AMS period. The percentage of optimal duration increased from 69.1% (N = 1598) in the pre-AMS period to 78.0% (N = 841) in the post-AMS period (p < 0.001). The consumption of ceftriaxone significantly decreased, while the use of cefazolin increased more than nine times. No severe adverse reactions or increases in surgical site infections were detected after the intervention. The implementation of an AMS in the surgical ward demonstrated a trend towards a positive overall impact on the selection and duration of prophylactic antibiotics for surgery, with positive results also observed in other variables associated with the prescription of these antibiotics.

Antibiotic Consumption in Primary Care in Costa Rica and Italy: A Retrospective Cross-Country Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:  The increasing emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens resulting from inappropriate antibiotic usage have become more evident in recent years, particularly with the rising incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Since joining the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Costa Rica can now compare its healthcare system with other countries, and similarities have been noted with Italy regarding health indicators. Both nations have universal healthcare systems, covering their entire populations, and hold similar positions in the Human Development Index (HDI). Consequently, the goal is to compare antibiotic prescribing and consumption patterns to collaboratively develop strategies against bacterial resistance. METHODS:  In order to compare antibiotic consumption between regions, a standardized contrast was utilized, specifically using the defined daily dose (DDD). An Orthogonal Contrast test was performed to test the means, followed by the application of the Student's t-test on these contrasts. This analysis aimed to assess the potential influence of regions on DDD values. Antibiotic consumption data were collected between January 2021 and December 2022 from the Local Health Authority of Naples 3 South (LHANS) in Italy and IMS Health, Q Quintiles, and VIA by way of (IQVIA) reports in Costa Rica. RESULTS:  LHANS shows a considerable disparity in gross expenditure compared to Italy's overall expenditure, while the private sector of Costa Rica exhibits even lower gross expenditure than Italy. Antibiotic consumption in Italy exceeds that of Costa Rica, with Costa Rica's consumption amounting to 47.70% of Italy's total consumption. Additionally, LHANS exhibited a 22.43% higher gross expenditure compared to the Campania region, emphasizing the variability in antibiotic usage within the same country The results indicated no statistically significant differences in antibiotic consumption between the regions, as none of the null hypotheses were rejected. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides valuable insights into expenditure patterns and antibiotic consumption, highlighting the need for improved prescribing practices and awareness campaigns to address the issue of antibiotic resistance. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing international guidelines to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and ensure the effective management of infectious diseases.

Assessing pharmaceutical consultations: Comparing pharmacy-recommended medications for minor ailments and regulatory compliance in a Latin American healthcare network.

Background: The importance of access to medicines in promoting global health cannot be overstated, particularly as an estimated 2 billion people lack access to basic medicines, particularly in developing nations. While over-the-counter (OTC) medications are relatively safe and cost-effective, there is a risk of misuse due to factors such as inaccurate self-diagnosis, inadequate dosing, addiction, adverse drug reactions, and drug interactions. To ensure proper use and prevent irrational self-medication, pharmacists can play a crucial role in guiding patients. However, the legislation in Costa Rica only covers OTC and prescription drugs, and health authorities are proposing a new decree to include a list of drugs that can be recommended by pharmacists without a prescription to treat minor ailments, which would be classified as behind-the-counter (BTC). Objective: Characterize the pharmaceutical consultation, compare the medications recommended by pharmacy professionals for minor ailments with the legislation in force in Costa Rica, and determine whether the current OTC medications are sufficient to treat minor ailments. Material and methods: This study is a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study that focuses on a sample of the Costa Rican population that comes to consult with a pharmacist in one of the four pharmacies of the Hospital Clínica Bíblica (HCB) in San José, Costa Rica. Consultations included users over 18 years of age or caregivers of underage patients seeking advice or assistance from publicly accessible pharmacies, excluding consultations that involved information related to other hospital departments. This study aims to analyze the pharmaceutical consultation for minor ailments and compare the medications recommended by pharmacists with the list of medications allowed in Costa Rica. The study also aims to determine if the current OTC medications are adequate for treating minor ailments. Results: A total of 1537 consultations were gathered, which were divided into four categories: pharmaceutical recommendation (48%), medication information (31%), other consultations (18%), and referrals to another health professional (3%). Among the consultations classified as pharmaceutical recommendations, 90% were related to minor ailments. Prescription drugs accounted for 75.3% of the medications recommended and consulted. However, when the BTC category was included, the percentage of recommended prescription drugs decreased to 29.6%, while BTC drugs constituted 45.7%. Finally, the chi-square test rejected the null hypothesis that there was no association between the availability of OTC drugs and the minor ailments for which patients sought consultation. Conclusions: Most cases of pharmacy consultations involve minor illnesses such as digestive symptoms, joint pain, and respiratory issues. The proposed decree by health authorities in Costa Rica is noteworthy as it establishes standardized protocols for the prescription of BTC medications to ensure the safety of patients.

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.

Uncommon Progressive Systemic Tetanus: A Case Report.

Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by the toxin of Clostridium tetani. While it primarily affects newborns, people with incomplete vaccination schedules, it can also impact people of any age, especially in developing countries. Even though in the last 20 years several initiatives have been implemented worldwide to reduce the impact of this disease, regions like South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have registered mortality rates highest since 2015-2019. In Latin America, regional immunization coverage rates were reported at 89% in 2017 for diphtheria-tetanus toxoid and pertussis (DTP-3), although Costa Rica has reported decreased coverage rates of the national immunization schedule from 2019 to 2021. In this case study, we present a 53-year-old woman from Puntarenas, Costa Rica diagnosed with progressive systemic tetanus who developed status epilepticus. She previously was assessed in a central hospital of Costa Rica for paresthesia in her right upper limb of three months of duration, myoclonus and difficulty walking in the last weeks; the presumed diagnosis was Guillain-Barré syndrome. During her hospitalization she had three generalized tonic-clonic seizures treated with diazepam and phenytoin. Since there was no improvement, she was transferred to our medium-sized private hospital for the treatment of painful spasms and weakness in the lower limbs. On initial evaluation, no injury was found. She was initially treated with midazolam and magnesium sulfate for presenting seizures-like spasms in the lower limbs and then generalized without loss of consciousness for up to 15 minutes, mainly associated with desaturation, tachycardia and tachypnea. In the differential diagnosis, muscle contractions linked to hypocalcemia, neurosyphilis and epilepsy were ruled out. Despite this, magnetic resonance imaging showed fractures in T11, L1 and L2. Mainly due to the presence of spasms, opisthotonos and history of seizures and a wound on the hand four months ago, she was diagnosed with tetanus.  Among the initial management, tetanus toxoid (Td), antimicrobial therapy, and human antitetanic immunoglobulin (HTIG) were administered, which partially improved the patient's condition, although she remained dependent on the infusions. On the sixth week of hospitalization, the patient developed status epilepticus which is explained by the magnetic resonance findings that show subacute bi-occipital infarcts caused by hypoxia from the previous crises. Lacosamide therapy reversed the condition and kept the patient free of seizures.  It was necessary to carry out a lumbar osteosynthesis which was highly favorable to stabilize the patient's condition. The frequency and intensity of the spasms were gradually reduced, which allowed the gradual suspension of the infusions and the benzodiazepine overlap intravenous (IV) to oral (PO). The patient now has only self-limiting spasms and her maintenance therapy consists of lacosamide and oral clonazepam.  This case highlights the importance of considering tetanus in the differential diagnosis even if the vaccination schedule is complete, especially if there are spasms, convulsions, or a history of wounds or bites. It is important to monitor this type of report to reconsider and update the key elements in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of tetanus; as well as improve access to essential medicines, including the HTIG, and the patient's prognosis in terms of symptom resolution and associated sequelae.

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.

Evaluación de las características de la prescripción de opioides mayores otorgados por las farmacias de un Hospital General Latinoamericano / Evaluation of the prescription characteristics of major opioids dispensed by the pharmacies of a Latin American General Hospital

Resumen: Introducción: Los opioides se han utilizado para el alivio del dolor en diversos contextos. Su uso puede favorecer efectos indeseables. Actualmente los países industrializados viven una crisis de opioides. Objetivos: Caracterizar los opioides mayores despachados en términos de especialidad médica y de dosis total en miligramos equivalentes a morfina (MME) en un Hospital General Latinoamericano. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y observacional de prescripciones de opioides mayores despachadas en las Farmacias de un Hospital General Latinoamericano entre el año 2017 y 2020. Se tomó información de la base de datos del Ministerio de Salud. Se excluyeron las recetas que contenían estupefacientes no opioides y fentanilo inyectable. Se realizó una estandarización a MME para analizar la distribución de la prescripción según médicos y pacientes. Resultados: La cantidad total de recetas despachadas correspondientes a opioides mayores fue de 5,366 prescripciones. La morfina inyectable fue el medicamento más prescrito (46%) y como principio activo obtuvo 54% de todas las recetas estudiadas (considerando todas las vías de administración). Medicina general prescribió la mayoría de las recetas con un 48%, lo que representó 42% del total de MME. Conclusiones: La morfina es el principio activo preferido por los médicos evaluados en este estudio, la vía de administración parenteral es la más utilizada. Medicina general es el área que más prescribe opioides. Es pertinente crear políticas educativas en materia de opioides; por ello, resulta conveniente caracterizar la prescripción de manera cualitativa considerando información como el diagnóstico y las dosis diarias utilizadas.

Abstract: Introduction: Opioids have been used for pain relief in various settings. Its use can promote undesirable effects. Industrialized countries are currently experiencing an opioid crisis. Objective: To characterize the prescription of major opioids considering the medical area that made the prescription and total dose in milligrams morphine equivalents (MME) at a general hospital in Latin America. Material and methods: A retrospective and observational study was carried out. The number of prescriptions for major opioids dispensed in the pharmacies of a general hospital in Latin America, between 2017 and 2020, were documented. Information was taken from the database of the Ministry of Health. Prescriptions containing non-opioid narcotic drugs and injectable Fentanyl were excluded. A standardization to MME was carried out to analyze the distribution of prescriptions. Results: The total number of prescriptions filled for major opioids was 5,366 prescriptions. Injectable morphine was the most prescribed drug (46%) and as an active principle it obtained 54% of all the prescriptions studied (considering all routes of administration). General medicine prescribed most prescriptions (48%), which represented 42% of the total MME. Conclusions: Morphine is the substance preferred by the doctors evaluated in this study, the parenteral route of administration is the most used. General medicine is the area that prescribes most of the opioids. It is pertinent to create educational policies on opioids; therefore, it is convenient to characterize the prescription qualitatively considering information such as the diagnosis and the daily doses used.

Impacto de la atención clínica suministrada por los farmacéuticos a los pacientes atendidos en el servicio de Onco-Hematología en un hospital privado en Costa Rica / Impact of the clinical care provided by pharmacists to patients treated in the Onco-Hematology service in a private hospital in Costa Rica

Introducción: El cáncer es una enfermedad que se caracteriza por el crecimiento no controlado de las células, el cual puede tratarse de muy diversas maneras. Es necesario prescribir tratamientos farmacológicos de soporte, a pacientes que sufren síndromes asociados con la enfermedad; así como premedicaciones para manejar efectos adversos de la terapia principal. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto del farmacéutico y de los servicios de farmacia clínica oncológica en los pacientes atendidos en el Hospital. Material y Métodos: El presente proyecto es un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte retrospectivo. La información del estudio se obtuvo de los registros clínicos electrónicos, de los pacientes tratados por cáncer y que fueron atendidos entre enero 2017 y diciembre 2019. Resultados: Se analizaron 54 expedientes, y se incluyeron en el estudio 40. El cáncer de mama y Linfoma no Hodgkin fueron los cánceres de mayor incidencia. El protocolo de premedicación más utilizado fue el que incluía dexametasona y antihistamínicos, el cual se usó en el 70.6% y 64.7% respectivamente. Se realizaron un total de 25 intervenciones a los médicos tratantes. Se destaca que se logró un 100% de aprobación de las intervenciones realizadas por el farmacéutico del servicio de hemato-oncología. La mayoría de las intervenciones fueron recomendaciones de terapia de soporte, seguido por intervenciones debido a las interacciones detectadas. Conclusiones: En este estudio se evidencia la utilidad del farmacéutico clínico como parte del equipo multidisciplinario que aborda a los pacientes, con el fin de optimizar el tratamiento farmacológico asegurando la seguridad y eficacia de los medicamentos.(AU)

Introduction: In cancer treatment it is essential to evaluate the need of premedication in order to avoid toxicity and adverse effects of chemotherapies. This is why, the role of the pharmacist is important for the detection and management of adverse effects, dose verification, controlling pharmacological interactions, drug preparation and guaranteeing the stability of preparations.Objective:To evaluate the impact of the pharmacist and the oncology clinical pharmacy services in the patients treated at the Hospital. Methods: The present project is a retrospective, descriptive and observational study. The information was obtained from electronic clinical records of oncological patients treated between January 2017 and December 2019. Results: From the 40 patients included in the study, 37 were prescribed supportive therapy for a total of 51 individual protocols,46 (92.2%) of them had premedication that included corticosteroids (n=39; 76.5%) such as dexamethasone and antihistamine (n =36: 70.6%). Interventions associated with the recommendation of supportive therapy (n =7; 28.0%) and detection of drug interactions (n = 6; 24.0%) were mainly performed. 100% acceptance was obtained by hemato-oncologists. Conclusions: The interventions of the clinical pharmacist prevent, identify and optimize the management of problems related to the medication of the patients of theOnco-Hematology service. Therefore, they have an impact on their health and reaffirm the fact that an approach from a multidisciplinary perspective provides relevant clinical advantages.(AU)

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)

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.