Hypokalemia Measurement and Management in Patients With Status Asthmaticus on Continuous Albuterol

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney Cox ◽  
Krishna Patel ◽  
Rebecca Cantu ◽  
Chary Akmyradov ◽  
Katherine Irby
Keyword(s):  
Potassium Level ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Status Asthmaticus ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Secondary Outcome Measure ◽  
Treatment Frequency ◽  
Care Costs

OBJECTIVE: Status asthmaticus is commonly treated in pediatric patients by using continuous albuterol, which can cause hypokalemia. The primary aim of this study was to determine if serial potassium monitoring is necessary by examining treatment frequency of hypokalemia. METHODS: This retrospective analysis was performed in 185 pediatric patients admitted with status asthmaticus requiring continuous albuterol between 2017 and 2019. All patients were placed on intravenous fluids containing potassium. The primary outcome measure was the treatment of hypokalemia in relation to the number of laboratory draws for potassium levels. The secondary outcome measure was hypokalemia frequency and relation to the duration and initial dose of continuous albuterol. RESULTS: Included were 156 patients with 420 laboratory draws (average, 2.7 per patient) for potassium levels. The median lowest potassium level was 3.40 mmol/L (interquartile range, 3.2–3.7). No correlation was found between initial albuterol dose and lowest potassium level (P = .52). Patients with hypokalemia had a mean albuterol time of 12.32 (SD, 15.76) hours, whereas patients without hypokalemia had a mean albuterol time of 11.50 (SD, 12.53) hours (P = .29). Potassium levels were treated 13 separate times. CONCLUSIONS: The number of laboratory draws for potassium levels was high in our cohort, with few patients receiving treatment for hypokalemia beyond the potassium routinely added to maintenance fluids. Length of time on albuterol and dose of albuterol were not shown to increase the risk of hypokalemia. Serial laboratory measurements may be decreased to potentially reduce health care costs, pain, and anxiety surrounding needlesticks.

scholarly journals Success of trabeculectomy surgery in relation to cataract surgery: 5-year outcomes

2018 ◽  
Vol 103 (10) ◽  
pp. 1395-1400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashmi G Mathew ◽  
Sahar Parvizi ◽  
Ian E Murdoch
Keyword(s):  
Cataract Surgery ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Secondary Outcome Measure ◽  
Risk Of Failure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Measure Change ◽  
Group 2

AimsTo compare success proportions at 5 years in three surgical groups: group 1, trabeculectomy alone; group 2, trabeculectomy followed by cataract surgery within 2 years; and group 3, trabeculectomy performed on a pseudophakic eye.MethodsA retrospective cohort study. 194 eyes of 194 patients were identified with at least 5 years’ follow-up post trabeculectomy (N=85, 60 and 49 in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively).Main outcome measures1. Primary outcome measure: intraocular pressure (IOP) at 5 years post-trabeculectomy surgery, 2.Secondary outcome measure: change in visual acuity at 5 years.ResultsAt 5 years, the mean IOP (SD) was 12.9 (3.5), 12.5 (4.8) and 12.7 (4.8) mm Hg in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Overall success was almost identical, 58%, 57% and 59% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of percentage IOP reduction, number of medications, proportion restarting medication and reoperation rates at 5 years. Logistic regression for an outcome of failure showed men to be at increased risk of failure OR 1.97 (95% CI 1.10 to 3.52, p=0.02). Nearly 80% of patients retained or improved their vision following their initial trabeculectomy.ConclusionsThe sequence in which surgery is carried out does not appear to affect trabeculectomy function at 5 years, success being similar to trabeculectomy alone. In our study, men may be at increased risk of failure.

A phase III trial of intramuscular recombinant interferon beta as treatment for exacerbating-remitting multiple sclerosis: design and conduct of study and baseline characteristics of patients

1995 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
LD Jacobs ◽  
DL Cookfair ◽  
RA Rudick ◽  
RM Herndon ◽  
J R Richert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Interferon Beta ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Recombinant Interferon ◽  
Study Population ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Baseline Characteristics

The design and conduct of a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter, phase III study of recombinant interferon beta-1a (IFN-β-1a) as treatment for exacerbating-remitting MS are described, as are baseline characteristics of the study population. The purpose of the study was to determine if 6.0 × 106 IU (30 μg) of IFN-β-1a, administered by weekly intramuscular (i.m.) injections, was effective in delaying the onset of sustained disability. The primary outcome measure was time to onset of treatment failure, defined as a worsening on the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of greater than or equal to 1.0 point compared with baseline, persisting for at least 6 months. An intent-to-treat design was used. The primary outcome measure was analyzed using the Mantel-Cox log-rank statistic and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Secondary outcomes included quantitative measures of upper and lower extremity function, neuropsychological test performance, functional and quality of life assessments and several measures derived from annual brain MRI studies. Entry criteria included prestudy exacerbation rates of at least 0.67 per year and EDSS scores of 1.0–3.5. A total of 301 MS patients were randomly assigned to receive weekly i.m. injections of IFN-β-1a or placebo. The average age of the study population at entry was 37 years; 92% were Caucasian and 73% were women. The mean prestudy disease duration was 6.5 years, mean prestudy exacerbation rate was 1.2 per year and the mean EDSS score was 2.3. The randomization yielded well-balanced treatment arms. Various aspects of the study are discussed, including: (1) the decision to focus study design on sustained disability; (2) the rationale for the treatment regimen; (3) measures taken to assure the reliability of the primary outcome measure; and (4) a description of the secondary outcome measures.

scholarly journals Neoadjuvant cryotherapy improves dysphagia and may impact remission rates in advanced esophageal cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 07 (11) ◽  
pp. E1522-E1527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tilak Shah ◽  
Vladimir Kushnir ◽  
Pritesh Mutha ◽  
Mankanchan Majhail ◽  
Bhaumik Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Esophageal Cancer ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Secondary Outcome Measure ◽  
Dysphagia Score ◽  
Locally Advanced Cancer

Abstract Background and study aims Liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy (LNSC) can provide rapid dysphagia relief, and is postulated to stimulate a local antitumor immune response. The aim of this prospective pilot clinical trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LNSC when administered prior to chemoradiotherapy. Patients and methods Treatment-naïve adult patients with dysphagia at the time of biopsy-proven squamous carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus were prospectively enrolled at two tertiary medical centers. Patients underwent a single session of LNSC. The primary outcome measure was change in dysphagia at 1 and 2 weeks post-cryotherapy. A secondary outcome measure was clinical complete response rate (CR) following chemoradiotherapy. Results Twenty-five patients were screened, of whom 21 patients were eligible and enrolled. There were seven with metastatic and 14 with locally advanced cancer. The primary outcome of dysphagia improvement of ≥ 1 point occurred in 15/21 patients (71 %) at 1 week, and 10/20 patients (50 %) at 2 weeks. The median dysphagia score improved by 1 at 1 week (P = 0.0003), and 0.5 at 2 weeks (P = 0.02). Six of nine patients (67 %) with locally advanced cancer who completed chemoradiation did not have residual tumor cells on mucosal biopsy, and five of nine patients (56 %) had a clinical CR. There were no serious cryotherapy-related complications. Conclusions LNSC provided safe and effective palliation for esophageal cancer patients who presented with dysphagia at index diagnosis. Its combination with chemoradiotherapy did not lead to any serious toxicity. Our study provides a scientific rationale for pursuing larger clinical trials addressing synergistic effects of combining LNSC with chemoradiation.

scholarly journals Association between workarounds and medication administration errors in bar-code-assisted medication administration in hospitals

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 385-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem van der Veen ◽  
Patricia MLA van den Bemt ◽  
Hans Wouters ◽  
David W Bates ◽  
Jos WR Twisk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Medication Administration ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Bar Code ◽  
Implementation Evaluation ◽  
Medication Administration Errors ◽  
Large Numbers

Abstract Objective To study the association of workarounds with medication administration errors using barcode-assisted medication administration (BCMA), and to determine the frequency and types of workarounds and medication administration errors. Materials and Methods A prospective observational study in Dutch hospitals using BCMA to administer medication. Direct observation was used to collect data. Primary outcome measure was the proportion of medication administrations with one or more medication administration errors. Secondary outcome was the frequency and types of workarounds and medication administration errors. Univariate and multivariate multilevel logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between workarounds and medication administration errors. Descriptive statistics were used for the secondary outcomes. Results We included 5793 medication administrations for 1230 inpatients. Workarounds were associated with medication administration errors (adjusted odds ratio 3.06 [95% CI: 2.49-3.78]). Most commonly, procedural workarounds were observed, such as not scanning at all (36%), not scanning patients because they did not wear a wristband (28%), incorrect medication scanning, multiple medication scanning, and ignoring alert signals (11%). Common types of medication administration errors were omissions (78%), administration of non-ordered drugs (8.0%), and wrong doses given (6.0%). Discussion Workarounds are associated with medication administration errors in hospitals using BCMA. These data suggest that BCMA needs more post-implementation evaluation if it is to achieve the intended benefits for medication safety. Conclusion In hospitals using barcode-assisted medication administration, workarounds occurred in 66% of medication administrations and were associated with large numbers of medication administration errors.

scholarly journals A Sternum-Disk Distance Method to Identify the Skin Level for Approaching a Surgical Segment without Fluoroscopy Guidance during Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-56
Author(s):  
Gun Woo Lee ◽  
Myun-Whan Ahn ◽  
Ji-Hoon Shin ◽  
Jae Woo Park ◽  
Jae-Hyung Uh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Kappa Coefficient ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Distance Method ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Observer Reliability ◽  
The Mean

<sec><title>Study Design</title><p>A retrospective review of prospectively collected data.</p></sec><sec><title>Purpose</title><p>To introduce the sternum-disk distance (SDD) method for approaching the exact surgical level without C-arm guidance during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery and to evaluate its accuracy and reliability.</p></sec><sec><title>Overview of Literature</title><p>Although spine surgeons have tried to optimize methods for identifying the skin level for accessing the operative disk level without C-arm guidance during ACDF, success has rarely been reported.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>In total, 103 patients who underwent single-level ACDF surgery with the SDD method were enrolled. The primary outcome measure was the accuracy of the SDD method. The secondary outcome measures were the mean SDD value at each cervical level from the cranial margin of the sternum in the neutral and extension positions of the cervical spine and the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the SDD outcome determined using repeated measurements by three orthopedic spine surgeons.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>The SDD accuracy (primary outcome measure) was indicated in 99% of the patients (102/103). The mean SDD values in the neutral-position magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were 108.8 mm at C3–C4, 85.3 mm at C4–C5, 64.4 mm at C5–C6, 44.3 mm at C6–C7, and 24.1 mm at C7–T1; and those in the extension-position MRI were 112.9 mm at C3–C4, 88.7 mm at C4–C5, 67.3 mm at C5–C6, 46.5 mm at C6–C7, and 24.3 mm at C7–T1. The Cohen kappa coefficient value for intra-observer reliability was 0.88 (excellent reliability), and the Fleiss kappa coefficient value for inter-observer reliability as reported by three surgeons was 0.89 (excellent reliability).</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusions</title><p>Based on the results of the present study, we recommend performing ACDF surgery using the SDD method to determine the skin level for approaching the surgical cervical segment without fluoroscopic guidance.</p></sec>

scholarly journals Serological prevalence of antibodies to SARS CoV-2 amongst cancer centre staff

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karol Sikora ◽  
Ian Barwick ◽  
Ceri Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Seroconversion Rate ◽  
Proton Beam Therapy ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Secondary Outcome Measure ◽  
Buffer Solution ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Vulnerable Patient

Objectives: the aim of this study was to test Rutherford Health (RH) staff for the presence of SARS CoV-2 antibodies to reduce the risk of infection to cancer patients. Setting: Between 14 and 24 April 2020 we tested 161 staff at four locations: our cancer centres in Reading - Berkshire, Newport - S Wales, Liverpool - Merseyside, and Bedlington in Northumberland. Participants: Testing was available to all staff who were on site at the four locations named above at the time the study was carried out. 161 staff (80 men, 81 women) gave voluntary consent to have the tests and all testing gave rise to valid results. Interventions: We used the South Korean test for antibodies to SARS CoV-2: Sugentech SGTi-flex COVID-19 IgM/IgG1. For each test, blood was collected and added to the sample well of the test cassette and buffer solution added. The test result was legible after 15 minutes. Outcome measures: The number of tests positive for the presence of antibodies was the primary outcome measure. The ratio of tests positive for the presence of IgM antibodies versus IgG antibodies was the secondary outcome measure. Results: Between 14 and 24 April 2020, 161 staff (age m = 43) were tested at four Rutherford Cancer Care centres that offer proton beam therapy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Out of 161, 12 samples (7.50%) tested positive of which 7 samples (4.35%) detected IgM only, 2 samples (1.24%) detected IgG only and 3 samples (1.86%) detected both IgM and IgG. Conclusions: The low seroconversion rate in the sample population limits the current utility of the test as a way of reducing risk to vulnerable patient populations but longitudinal retesting will provide further data.

scholarly journals Algoritm for diagnostics of appendicitis in childhood and SIRS

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-223
Author(s):  
Y. Dimcheva ◽  
Kr. Kalinova ◽  
K. Georgiev
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Systemic Inflammatory Response ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Secondary Outcome Measure ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Reactive Protein

The specific purpose of this study was to describe and characterize the systemic inflammatory response to appendicitis in childhood. The clinical symptoms of SIRS are present in a large proportion of patients . A study of high-risk patients showed that over a given period of time, 44-68% of the patients met the criteria for this condition, while at the same time they had proven infection up to 50%.The incidence of SIRS is even higher in the post-operative period and in trauma regardless of the presence or absence of infection. On the other hand, between 10% and 43% of patients with proven sepsis do not meet the SIRS criteria.The inclusion of a number of biological markers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, cytokines) aims to help differentiate SIRS with infectious and noninfectious etiology. Sixty six patients were studied, divided into four groups from onset of symptoms to diagnosis. The primary outcome measure was to determine the systemic inflammatory response to appendicitis according to the established groups of time intervals. The secondary outcome measure was the analysis of C-reactive protein for the same purpose. The variables of the systemic inflammatory response, according to diagnostic intervals, showed non-significant differences in white blood cell count. The temperature rose constantly after 48 h, reaching its peak after 72 h (p = 0.001), and the respiratory rate rose after 72 h (p < 0.0001). After 73 h, most patients had three or four systemic inflammatory response criteria (p < 0.0001). C-reactive protein levels rose progressively, showing higher levels after 48 h (p = 0.005). The inflammatory response to appendicitis is progressive, being more marked along the timeline from onset of symptoms to diagnosis. Key words: appendicitis, diagnostic SIRS, children, algoritm.

scholarly journals Combining Lovastatin and Minocycline for the Treatment of Fragile X Syndrome: Results From the LovaMiX Clinical Trial

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille Champigny ◽  
Florence Morin-Parent ◽  
Laurence Bellehumeur-Lefebvre ◽  
Artuela Çaku ◽  
Jean-François Lepage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Fragile X Syndrome ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Fragile X ◽  
Combined Therapy ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Global Score

Background: Limited success of previous clinical trials for Fragile X syndrome (FXS) has led researchers to consider combining different drugs to correct the pleiotropic consequences caused by the absence of the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Here, we report the results of the LovaMiX clinical trial, the first trial for FXS combining two disease-modifying drugs, lovastatin, and minocycline, which have both shown positive effects when used independently.Aim: The main goals of the study were to assess the safety and efficacy of a treatment combining lovastatin and minocycline for patients with FXS.Design: Pilot Phase II open-label clinical trial. Patients with a molecular diagnostic of FXS were first randomized to receive, in two-step titration either lovastatin or minocycline for 8 weeks, followed by dual treatment with lovastatin 40 mg and minocycline 100 mg for 2 weeks. Clinical assessments were performed at the beginning, after 8 weeks of monotherapy, and at week 20 (12 weeks of combined therapy).Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C) global score. Secondary outcome measures included subscales of the FXS specific ABC-C (ABC-CFX), the Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale (ADAMS), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF), and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale second edition (VABS-II).Results: Twenty-one individuals out of 22 completed the trial. There were no serious adverse events related to the use of either drugs alone or in combination, suggesting good tolerability and safety profile of the combined therapy. Significant improvement was noted on the primary outcome measure with a 40% decrease on ABC-C global score with the combined therapy. Several outcome measures also showed significance.Conclusion: The combination of lovastatin and minocycline is safe in patients for FXS individuals and appears to improve several elements of the behavior. These results set the stage for a larger, placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial to confirm the beneficial effects of the combined therapy.

scholarly journals Stapes Surgery in Patients with a Small Air-Bone Gap

2018 ◽  
Vol 97 (7) ◽  
pp. 198-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Lavy ◽  
Fiona McClenaghan
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Stapes Surgery ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Ktp Laser ◽  
Secondary Outcome Measure ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Hearing Outcomes

The objective of this study was to determine hearing outcomes in patients undergoing stapes surgery with a preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) <21.25 dB. Patients with a unilateral or bilateral preoperative ABG <21.25 dB undergoing primary stapes surgery were identified from a database of all stapes surgeries performed in a tertiary center over 15 years. A total of 254 ears met the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome measure was the degree of closure of the preoperative ABG. A secondary outcome measure was improvement in bone-conduction thresholds at 4 kHz. All patients underwent stapes surgery under local anesthesia. Ossicular reconstruction was achieved using a SMart 360 nitinol fluoroplastic piston (Gyrus ACMI, Inc.; South-borough, Mass.), and complete posterior crurotomy was performed with a KTP laser. Hearing was assessed with clinical voice testing immediately postoperatively and with pure-tone audiometry at 6 weeks postoperatively. A total of 248 ears (97.6%) demonstrated ABG closure to <10 dB. Bone-conduction thresholds showed an increase in 114 (44.9%), no change 74 (29.1%), and a decrease in 66 (26.0%). There is a slight increase in the risk of stapes mobilization in ears with a small ABG when compared to those with larger ABGs; however, this can be overcome by using a laser-assisted technique in combination with good surgical experience. The benefit in terms of hearing aid avoidance and the restoration of symmetrical hearing is both achievable and significant for the patient.

scholarly journals Effect of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection before Panretinal Photocoagulation on the Prevention of Macular Edema Aggravation in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3772
Author(s):  
Wungrak Choi ◽  
Hyun Goo Kang ◽  
Eun Young Choi ◽  
Sung Soo Kim ◽  
Hyoung Jun Koh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Macular Edema ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Intravitreal Bevacizumab ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Combination Group ◽  
Panretinal Photocoagulation ◽  
Secondary Outcome Measure ◽  
Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection

Objective: To investigate the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection before PRP on the prevention of macular edema (ME) in patients with PDR. Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients diagnosed with PDR treated by PRP with (combination group) or without (PRP alone group) preoperative IVB injection (1.25 mg/0.05 mL). The primary outcome measure was the change in the central macular thickness (CMT), while the secondary outcome measure was the change in visual acuity. Measurements were made before and at one, two, and three months after treatment. Results: In the PRP alone group, the mean baseline CMT of 277.8 μm increased to 290.4 μm at one month (p = 0.201) and 308.8 μm at two months (p = 0.002), followed by a decrease to 271.2 μm at three months (p = 0.437). In the combination group, the values at baseline and one, two, and three months after PRP were 322.9 μm, 295.4 μm (p = 0.002), 330.1 μm (p = 0.906), and 274.5 μm (p = 0.030), respectively. Visual acuity changes were comparable between the two groups at all time points. Conclusion: IVB injection before PRP leads to decreased CMT in comparison to CMT in patients with PRP alone.

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