scholarly journals Adherence and Systemic Reaction Rates to Allergy Immunotherapy among Veterans

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. ar.2016.7.0170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph T. Ellenburg ◽  
Jay A. Lieberman ◽  
Debendra Pattanaik
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Systemic Reaction ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Reaction Rates ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Adherence Rate ◽  
Systemic Reactions ◽  
History Of ◽  
Facility Age

Background Although allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is effective and safe, nonadherence is common. Limited data exist regarding adherence to ATT, factors that affect adherence, and systemic reactions associated with ATT among veteran populations. Objective To evaluate adherence to AIT and the prevalence of reactions secondary to AIT among patients at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of veterans who received AIT at a single Veterans Affairs facility. Age, race, sex, the total number of shots, travel distance, a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the number of severe adverse reactions were compared between the veterans who were adherent and veterans who were nonadherent. Results The overall adherence rate was 60.9%. Factors associated with adherence were a chart diagnosis of PTSD (293% [adherent group] versus 13.6% [nonadherent group]; p = 0.03) and home residence being a further distance from the facility (21.9 miles / 35.2 kilometers [adherent group] versus 18.0 miles/28.9 kilometers [nonadherentgroup]; p = 0.03). Patients who were adherent received an average of more total injections compared with patients who were nonadherent. Age, sex, race, and history of systemic reactions during AIT displayed no statistically significant differences between the groups. There were a total of 20 systemic reactions, and the systemic reaction rate was 0.2% per AIT encounter and 0.1% per injection. Conclusion AIT adherence and systemic reaction rates among veterans at our facility was comparable with similar studies. Adherence was associated with a chart diagnosis of PTSD and home residence that was further away from the clinic.

scholarly journals 662. Tick Borne-Associated Thrombocytopenia Among United States Veterans in Long Island New York

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S239-S239
Author(s):  
Olga Kaplun ◽  
Beth Lemaitre ◽  
Zeena Lobo ◽  
George Psevdos
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Long Island ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
The Past ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background Long Island, New York, is highly endemic for tick borne illnesses (TBI) with rising numbers of cases in the past years. Thrombocytopenia is a known complication of babesiosis caused by Babesia microti, anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis. We identified cases of thrombocytopenia attributed to TBI in our institution. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis from 2000 to 2017 at Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Demographics, method of diagnosis (PCR/serologies), CBC/chemistries, treatment choices, and outcomes were analyzed. Results Thirty-two veterans (VETS) were identified with the following TBI: Babesiosis 22, Ehrlichiosis 6, Anaplasmosis 4. The majority of cases (19) were from Suffolk County, Long Island. The median (MED) age of this group was 62 years (range 31–89). Ninety-one percent were Caucasian, 9% Black. 37.5% had history of tick bite. The MED temperature on presentation was 101.9°F (range 97.6–105.2°F). 56% had HTN, 6% DM, 37% HLD, 9% hepatitis C, 3% HIV. Laboratory studies: MED platelet count 88,000/µL (36,000–161,000); MED hemoglobin 12 gm/dL (5.6–15.6); MED ALT 41 IU/L (6–330); MED LDH 335 IU/L (193–1,322). Twelve VETS had positive C6 peptide. The peak MED B. microti parasitemia was 1.4% (0.1–3%). PCR tests were available in the later years of the study period: three were positive for E. chaffeensis, two for A. phagocytophilum, and 14 for B. microti. The majority of the cases (19) were observed after year 2010. Morulae were seen in only one case. Haptoglobin in eight VETS was undetectable. One veteran with history of splenectomy and babesiosis with 3% parasitemia required exchange transfusion with 12 units of PRBCs. Two other babesiosis cases required regular transfusion of PRBCs. 20 babesiosis cases were treated with azithromycin-atovaquone and two with clindamycin-primaquine. Doxycycline was used in the other cases. One patient developed NSTEMI and required coronary stent placement. Platelet counts returned to baseline levels with treatment. No deaths occurred. Conclusion The incidence of TBI in Long Island, New York is rising. PCR testing for TBI can be utilized in our VETS presenting with febrile illness and thrombocytopenia to help identify the possible tick borne pathogen during the months of high tick activity. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals A single-centre retrospective study of systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara Robertson ◽  
Nazanin Montazeri ◽  
Urvashi Shelke ◽  
Samira Jeimy ◽  
Harold Kim
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Systemic Reaction ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Epinephrine Administration ◽  
Epinephrine Injection ◽  
Systemic Reactions

Abstract BackgroundSubcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is the standard approach for treating patients with sensitizations to aeroallergens. However, immunotherapy can trigger severe systemic reactions if delivered inappropriately or to high risk patients. We sought to characterize and quantify SCIT systemic reactions requiring epinephrine administration during a 6-year period in a Canadian setting following the recommendations for components and dosages published in the 2010 Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) Immunotherapy Manual. MethodsA single centre retrospective chart review was performed for all patients with systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy requiring intramuscular epinephrine injection between January 2011 and October 2017. Each systemic reaction requiring epinephrine was reviewed for baseline patient characteristics, details of the reaction, and reaction severity. Research ethics approval was obtained through McMaster University.Results28 of 380 patients experienced a systemic reaction requiring epinephrine administration, with an incidence rate of 1 per 1,047 injection visits (0.095%). 26 of the 28 reactions occurred within the mandatory 30-minute observation period post allergen immunotherapy. Of the 28 patients that experienced a systemic reaction to SCIT, 11 patients had asthma and 5 patients had a history of possible food allergy. All of the systemic reactions occurred during injections from vial number 4, and five patients reacted to their first shot of a re-ordered extract. 10 of the 28 patients required more than one intramuscular injection of epinephrine, and 20 of 28 patients were transferred to the hospital by ambulance.ConclusionsThis is the first Canadian study to review patients with systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy. Several best practice methods were employed throughout the study to optimize subcutaneous delivery of immunotherapy extract, and our recorded per injection incidence rate for systemic reactions was comparable or below the rate published in similar studies. The recommendations in the CSACI Immunotherapy Manual provide an approach to standardizing prescriptions for SCIT to maximize immunotherapy efficacy and reduce the risk of systemic reactions, though similar studies in larger multicenter settings are needed to confirm these observations. These observations provide important objective information to clinicians about the potential risks for systemic reactions in patients considering SCIT.

scholarly journals A single centre retrospective study of systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara Robertson ◽  
Nazanin Montazeri ◽  
Urvashi Shelke ◽  
Samira Jeimy ◽  
Harold Kim
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Systemic Reaction ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Epinephrine Administration ◽  
Epinephrine Injection ◽  
Systemic Reactions

Abstract Background Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is the standard approach for treating patients with sensitizations to aeroallergens. However, immunotherapy can trigger severe systemic reactions if delivered inappropriately or to high risk patients. We sought to characterize and quantify SCIT systemic reactions requiring epinephrine administration during a 6-year period in a Canadian setting following the recommendations for components and dosages published in the 2010 Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) Immunotherapy Manual. Methods A single centre retrospective chart review was performed for all patients with systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy requiring intramuscular epinephrine injection between January 2011 and October 2017. Each systemic reaction requiring epinephrine was reviewed for baseline patient characteristics, details of the reaction, and reaction severity. Research ethics approval was obtained through McMaster University. Results 28 of 380 patients experienced a systemic reaction requiring epinephrine administration, with an incidence rate of 1 per 1,047 injection visits (0.095%). 26 of the 28 reactions occurred within the mandatory 30-minute observation period post allergen immunotherapy. Of the 28 patients that experienced a systemic reaction to SCIT, 11 patients had asthma and 5 patients had a history of possible food allergy. All of the systemic reactions occurred during injections from vial number 4, and five patients reacted to their first shot of a re-ordered extract. 10 of the 28 patients required more than one intramuscular injection of epinephrine, and 20 of 28 patients were transferred to the hospital by ambulance. Conclusions This is the first Canadian study to review patients with systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy. Several best practice methods were employed throughout the study to optimize subcutaneous delivery of immunotherapy extract, and our recorded per injection incidence rate for systemic reactions was comparable or below the rate published in similar studies. The recommendations in the CSACI Immunotherapy Manual provide an approach to standardizing prescriptions for SCIT to maximize immunotherapy efficacy and reduce the risk of systemic reactions, though similar studies in larger multicenter settings are needed to confirm these observations. These observations provide important objective information to clinicians about the potential risks for systemic reactions in patients considering SCIT.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Thrombotic Risk in Thyroid Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A861-A861
Author(s):  
Chukwuka Akamnonu ◽  
David A Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
The United States ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Cancer History ◽  
Thrombotic Risk ◽  
History Of

Abstract Introduction: Current guidelines from the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis recommend limited screenings for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) with no identifiable precipitating factor (termed unprovoked). There is paucity of data with regards to thyroid cancer screening in the setting of an unprovoked VTE. Studies from Europe have shown an association between VTE and thyroid cancer; however, these studies do not account for differences in iodine availability, thus the need for studies in the United States. Understanding the risk of thyroid cancer as a provocative factor in developing a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) may be able to facilitate case detection of disease and prevent future morbidity and mortality from thyroid cancer and/or VTE. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to understand the risk of developing VTE in the setting of thyroid cancer. Methods: In this retrospective chart review study, we reviewed electronic medical records of patients with a history of DVT or PE between ages 18-99, presenting to all outpatient clinics at a single academic medical center in New Jersey between October 1, 2015, and Dec 31, 2018. We screened for coexistent cancer history among this group, and from this sample we further isolated cases of thyroid cancer. Results: 345 patients were found to have a history of VTE. 187 were female (54%) and 113 (29%) had a history of malignancy. The most common cancers were breast (19%), colorectal (9%), leukemia (9%), prostate (8%), and lymphoma (8%). Thyroid cancer accounted for 2% of all discovered cases. Conclusion: In this retrospective analysis, 2% of all patients with VTE and cancer carried a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Although this suggests a relatively low risk, given the medical burden of a venous thromboembolism and the comparable proportion of thyroid cancer in all new cancer cases, thyroid cancer should be considered a provoking factor in unprovoked VTE.

scholarly journals The Prescribing and Education of Naloxone in a Large Academic Medical Center

Pharmacy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Sabrina Miller ◽  
Lauren Williams ◽  
Amy N. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Reversal Agents ◽  
Outpatient Prescription ◽  
Current State ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
History Of ◽  
Improvement Measures

The opioid epidemic has led to increased needs for opioid reversal agents which require education and counseling for proper use. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outpatient naloxone prescribing and education practices at an academic medical center to understand the current state and inform quality improvement measures. This retrospective chart review study included 439 patients that were at least 18 years old and received an outpatient prescription for naloxone between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018. Descriptive and demographic data were collected. The primary endpoint was whether an indication for naloxone and education on administration were documented when naloxone was initially prescribed to patients. Overall, 39% of naloxone prescriptions did not have an indication for prescribing listed in the medical record. Of those with a documented indication, concomitant benzodiazepines and history of overdose or substance abuse were most common (22% and 14%). The average morphine milligram equivalents were 165. Additionally, 69% of dispenses did not have documentation that the patient or a caregiver received education regarding the use and administration of naloxone. These findings suggest that patients are receiving naloxone for appropriate indications. Documentation of medication education is needed to ensure it is occurring and that patients are informed.

Pharmacist-Run Medication Reconciliation for Veterans Admitted to Non-Veterans Affairs Hospice Care

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-48
Author(s):  
Anne Alley ◽  
Holly Dorscheid ◽  
Kathryn Hentzen
Keyword(s):  
Medication Reconciliation ◽  
Hospice Care ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Cost

PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase pharmacist involvement in the outpatient hospice transition process to improve care of veterans, prevent medication errors, and to ensure medications are provided to the patient via the appropriate pharmacy.METHODS: This project began with implementation of a pilot process for the pharmacist to complete medication reconciliation for each patient admitted to non-Veterans Affairs (VA) hospice care from the Omaha VA Medical Center. The second step of this project was completion of a retrospective chart review of the interventions made. Statistical analysis was completed via descriptive statistics.RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were eligible for this study. The mean age was 78 years. The average total number of medications per veteran before and after medication reconciliation for VA meds were 13 and 4 and for non-VA meds were 4 and 6, respectively. The average total cost savings for one fill of all medications changed to non-VA was estimated to be $40.08. The pharmacist noted on average 12.6 medication discrepancies during medication reconciliation per veteran. Just less than half of the clinical recommendations made by the pharmacist were accepted by the providers.CONCLUSIONS: All veterans admitted to non-VA hospice care had at least one medication discrepancy noted by the pharmacist during medication reconciliation. A majority of the veterans had at least one VA medication changed to non-VA since hospice was now prescribing and providing. The cost savings on average appear to outweigh the time spent on medication reconciliation by the pharmacist.

Pharmacist-Run Medication Reconciliation for Veterans Admitted to Non-Veterans Affairs Hospice Care

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-48
Author(s):  
Anne Alley ◽  
Holly Dorscheid ◽  
Kathryn Hentzen
Keyword(s):  
Medication Reconciliation ◽  
Hospice Care ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Cost

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase pharmacist involvement in the outpatient hospice transition process to improve care of veterans, prevent medication errors, and to ensure medications are provided to the patient via the appropriate pharmacy. Methods: This project began with implementation of a pilot process for the pharmacist to complete medication reconciliation for each patient admitted to non-Veterans Affairs (VA) hospice care from the Omaha VA Medical Center. The second step of this project was completion of a retrospective chart review of the interventions made. Statistical analysis was completed via descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 21 patients were eligible for this study. The mean age was 78 years. The average total number of medications per veteran before and after medication reconciliation for VA meds were 13 and 4 and for non-VA meds were 4 and 6, respectively. The average total cost savings for one fill of all medications changed to non-VA was estimated to be $40.08. The pharmacist noted on average 12.6 medication discrepancies during medication reconciliation per veteran. Just less than half of the clinical recommendations made by the pharmacist were accepted by the providers. Conclusions: All veterans admitted to non-VA hospice care had at least one medication discrepancy noted by the pharmacist during medication reconciliation. A majority of the veterans had at least one VA medication changed to non-VA since hospice was now prescribing and providing. The cost savings on average appear to outweigh the time spent on medication reconciliation by the pharmacist.

History of CT Scan Studies in Aphasia—1970s to 1990s

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret A. Naesser ◽  
Carole L. Palumbo ◽  
Paula I. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Ct Scan ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Hemispheric Dominance ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Lesion Site ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Boston University ◽  
History Of ◽  
Language Areas

This chapter summarizes early computed tomography (CT) scan studies in stroke patients with aphasia from the 1970s through the 1990s. Studies took place at the Boston University Aphasia Research Center located at the Boston Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Earliest studies associated classical aphasia syndromes with lesions located in cortical language areas on CT scans. In the 1980s, studies reported that chronic aphasia could be associated with subcortical lesion only; emphasis was on lesion in white matter pathways. In the 1990s, studies showed that lesion sites on CT scans performed after 2 months poststroke could be predictive for recovery of auditory language comprehension, and meaningful nonfluent speech at 1 year poststroke. Lesion site patterns were identified for different outcome levels following specific language therapy programs. Some rare aphasia cases are included: left-handers with separate hemispheric dominance locations for speech versus comprehension in the same person; and a unilateral, word deafness case.

scholarly journals A single-centre retrospective study of systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara Robertson ◽  
Nazanin Montazeri ◽  
Urvashi Shelke ◽  
Samira Jeimy ◽  
Harold Kim
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Systemic Reaction ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Epinephrine Administration ◽  
Epinephrine Injection ◽  
Systemic Reactions

Abstract Background Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is the standard approach for treating patients with sensitizations to aeroallergens. However, immunotherapy can trigger severe systemic reactions if delivered inappropriately or to high risk patients. We sought to characterize and quantify SCIT systemic reactions requiring epinephrine administration during a 6-year period in a Canadian setting following the recommendations for components and dosages published in the 2010 Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) Immunotherapy Manual. Methods A single centre retrospective chart review was performed for all patients with systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy requiring intramuscular epinephrine injection between January 2011 and October 2017. Each systemic reaction requiring epinephrine was reviewed for baseline patient characteristics, details of the reaction, and reaction severity. Research ethics approval was obtained through McMaster University. Results 28 of 380 patients experienced a systemic reaction requiring epinephrine administration, with an incidence rate of 1 per 1,047 injection visits (0.095%). 26 of the 28 reactions occurred within the mandatory 30-minute observation period post allergen immunotherapy. Of the 28 patients that experienced a systemic reaction to SCIT, 11 patients had asthma and 5 patients had a history of possible food allergy. All of the systemic reactions occurred during injections from vial number 4, and five patients reacted to their first shot of a re-ordered serum. 10 of the 28 patients required more than one intramuscular injection of epinephrine, and 20 of 28 patients were transferred to the hospital by ambulance. Conclusions This is the first Canadian study to review patients with systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy. Several best practice methods were employed throughout the study to optimize subcutaneous delivery of immunotherapy serum, and our recorded per injection incidence rate for systemic reactions was comparable or below the rate published in similar studies. The recommendations in the CSACI Immunotherapy Manual provide an approach to standardizing prescriptions for SCIT to maximize immunotherapy efficacy and reduce the risk of systemic reactions, though similar studies in larger multicenter settings are needed to confirm these observations. These observations provide important objective information to clinicians about the potential risks for systemic reactions in patients considering SCIT.

scholarly journals A Single-Centre Retrospective Study of Systemic Reactions to Subcutaneous Immunotherapy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara Robertson ◽  
Nazanin Montazeri ◽  
Urvashi Shelke ◽  
Samira Jeimy ◽  
Harold Kim
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Systemic Reaction ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Epinephrine Administration ◽  
Epinephrine Injection ◽  
Systemic Reactions

Abstract Background: Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is the standard approach for treating patients with sensitizations to aeroallergens. However, immunotherapy can trigger severe systemic reactions if delivered inappropriately or to high risk patients. We sought to characterize and quantify SCIT systemic reactions requiring epinephrine administration during a 6-year period in a Canadian setting following the recommendations for components and dosages published in the 2010 Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) Immunotherapy Manual.Methods: A single centre retrospective chart review was performed for all patients with systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy requiring intramuscular epinephrine injection between January 2011 and October 2017. Each systemic reaction requiring epinephrine was reviewed for baseline patient characteristics, details of the reaction, and reaction severity. Research ethics approval was obtained through McMaster University.Results: 28 of 380 patients experienced a systemic reaction requiring epinephrine administration, with an incidence rate of 1 per 1,047 injection visits (0.095%). 26 of the 28 reactions occurred within the mandatory 30-minute observation period post allergen immunotherapy. Of the 28 patients that experienced a systemic reaction to SCIT, 11 patients had asthma and 5 patients had a history of possible food allergy. All of the systemic reactions occurred during injections from vial number 4, and five patients reacted to their first shot of a re-ordered serum. 10 of the 28 patients required more than one intramuscular injection of epinephrine, and 20 of 28 patients were transferred to the hospital by ambulance.Conclusions: This is the first Canadian study to review patients with systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy. Several best practice methods were employed throughout the study to optimize subcutaneous delivery of immunotherapy serum, and our recorded per injection incidence rate for systemic reactions was comparable or below the rate published in similar studies. The recommendations in the CSACI Immunotherapy Manual provide an approach to standardizing prescriptions for SCIT to maximize immunotherapy efficacy and reduce the risk of systemic reactions, though similar studies in larger multicenter settings are needed to confirm these observations. These observations provide important objective information to clinicians about the potential risks for systemic reactions in patients considering SCIT.

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