TY  - BOOK
TI  - Journal of Pharmacy Technology
SN  - 8755-1225
PY  - 2022///
CY  - Thousand Oaks, California
PB  - Sage Publishing
N1  - Includes bibliographical references; Analysis of SGLT2 Inhibitor Therapy and Other Potential Risk Factors for the Development of Bacteremia in Patients With Urosepsis -- Examination of Medication Use Patterns by Age Group, Comorbidity, and Month in COVID-19 Positive Patients in a Large Statewide Health System During the Pandemic in 2020 -- Impact of Dispense Tracking Software on Inpatient Pharmacy Operations -- A Survey of Canadian Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Comfort in the Management of Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Drugs -- Pharmacists’ Perspectives on the Use of Telepharmacy in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam -- Considerations When Transitioning From Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Resident to Pharmacy Leader -- Seizures Associated With Bone Density Conservation Agents -- Topical Miconazole Cream and Warfarin Interaction: A Case Report
N2  - [Article Title: Analysis of SGLT2 Inhibitor Therapy and Other Potential Risk Factors for the Development of Bacteremia in Patients With Urosepsis/ Elizabeth W. Covington, Kelly Slaten and Adam Harnden, p. 67-74]

Abstract: 

Background: Risk factors for the development of bacteremia in patients with urosepsis are not well-defined in the current literature. 

Objective: To assess potential risk factors, including receipt of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy (SGLT2-I), for the development of bacteremia in patients with urosepsis. 

Methods: A retrospective case control study was performed on patients admitted to a community hospital. Patients were included if they had a positive urine culture and met criteria for urosepsis. Exclusion criteria included proven source of infection outside of the urogenital tract, age less than or equal to 18 years old, and pregnancy. Included patients were placed into 1 of 2 groups: bacteremia or non-bacteremia. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients taking an SGLT2-I in the bacteremia versus the non-bacteremia group. Secondary endpoints included an assessment of potential risk factors for the development of bacteremia in patients with urosepsis via univariate and multivariate regression analysis and comparison of clinical outcomes in patients receiving SGLT2-I prior to admission versus those not receiving SGLT2-I. 

Results: There was no difference in the proportion of patients within the bacteremia and non-bacteremia groups who were receiving an SGLT2-I (12% vs. 19%, P = 0.277). Binary multivariate regression analysis identified 2 variables associated with increased risk of bacteremia: male gender and cirrhosis. 

Conclusion: Within this study, there was no difference in the proportion of patients receiving an SGLT2-I in bacteremia and non-bacteremia groups. Potential risk factors for the development of bacteremia identified included male gender and cirrhosis. However, results from our study should be confirmed in larger scale studies; [Article Title: Examination of Medication Use Patterns by Age Group, Comorbidity, and Month in COVID-19 Positive Patients in a Large Statewide Health System During the Pandemic in 2020/ Jonathan H. Watanabe, Jimmy Kwon, Bin Nan, Shira R. Abeles and Sanjay R. Mehta, p. 75-87]

Abstract: 

Background: Understanding medication use patterns for patients with COVID-19 will provide needed insight into the evolution of COVID-19 treatment over the course of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and aid clinical management considerations. 

Objectives: To systematically determine most frequently used medications among COVID-19 patients overall and by hospitalization status. Secondary objective was use measurement of medications considered potential therapeutic options. 

Methods: Retrospective cohort study was performed using data from the University of California COVID Research Data Set (UC CORDS) patients between March 10, 2020, and December 31, 2020. Main outcomes were percentages of patients prescribed medications, overall, by age group, and by comorbidity based on hospitalization status for COVID-19 patients. Use percentage by month of COVID-19 diagnosis was measured. Cumulative count of potential therapeutic options was measured over time. 

Results: Dataset included 22 896 unique patients with COVID-19 (mean [SD] age, 42.4 [20.4] years; 12 154 [53%] women). Most frequently used medications in patients overall were acetaminophen (21.2%), albuterol (14.9%), ondansetron (13.9%), and enoxaparin (10.8%). Dexamethasone use increased from fewer than 50 total hospitalized patients through April who had received the medication, to more than 500 patients by mid-August. Cumulative count of enoxaparin users was the largest throughout the study period.

Conclusion and Relevance: In this retrospective cohort study, across age and comorbidity groups, predominant utilization was for supportive care therapy. Dexamethasone and remdesivir experienced large increases in use. Conversely, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin use markedly dropped. Medication utilization rapidly shifted toward more evidence-concordant treatment of patients with COVID-19 as rigorous study findings emerged; [Article Title: Impact of Dispense Tracking Software on Inpatient Pharmacy Operations/ Zachariah Gunter, Nikolaus Lawson and Carolyn Bondarenka, p. 88-94]

Abstract: 

Background: When medications dispensed from a hospital inpatient pharmacy aren’t able to be found at their intended destination (ie, a missing dose), this can result in delayed medication administration and rework to redispense the medication. Technology advancements in the medication use process have led to development of dose-tracking software that has the capability to track medication doses throughout the medication use cycle and document a medication’s location to its destination. 

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of dose-tracking software on the number of inpatient pharmacy redispenses and nursing requests for missing medications. Secondary objectives included pharmacy staff satisfaction with dose-tracking software, its impact on workflow and patient safety, and compliance with dose-track scanning. 

Methods: The study design was a prospective, pre-post implementation to compare the requests for missing doses and associated dispenses of injectable medications during the set evaluation period. Dose-track scanning compliance data was collected and evaluated. A survey was also administered to staff to evaluate employee perception and satisfaction with usability and value of the software.

Results: During the preimplementation period, 40 021 injectable doses were dispensed, and 9841 (24.6%) were documented as redispensed doses. After dose-tracking implementation, 42 975 total injectable doses were dispensed with 9839 (22.9%) being redispensed. The count of medication messages was 10 661 in the preperiod and 11 475 in the postperiod. The data were normalized using case mix index (CMI) and patient days to account for variation in severity of illness.

Conclusion: Implementation of dose-tracking software showed a decrease in the percentage of redispensed injectable medications; [Article Title: A Survey of Canadian Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Comfort in the Management of Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Drugs/ Akshita Chandok and Sherif Hanafy Mahmoud, p. 95-105]

Abstract: 

Background: As antiepileptic drugs (AED) remain the mainstay of epilepsy management, pharmacists have the potential to play an integral role in the management. 

Objective: The goal of our study was to characterize Canadian pharmacists’ knowledge and comfort in managing epilepsy and AED and identify areas of need for the development of support tools. 

Methods: An electronic survey was designed and distributed to Canadian pharmacists through professional organizations. The survey consisted of 4 sections, including demographics, knowledge, comfort, and needs assessment around epilepsy management.

Results: A total of 605 complete responses were included. Nearly two-thirds of the participants were females (61.6%) and most reported more than 10 years of practice experience (61.6%). For comfort, a majority of the participants responded agree or strongly agree to the statement inquiring about the comfort in checking prescriptions, answering questions about drug interactions, and counseling on AED. Conversely, more than 50% of the participants selected disagree or strongly disagree when asked about their comfort regarding interpreting therapeutic drug monitoring and assisting patients withdraw from AED. For the knowledge section, the overall average score was 57.6% ± 19.1%. Hospital practice, recent graduation, and neurology experience were independent predictors of high scores. Many participants indicated a need for tools addressing newer AED and monitoring of therapy. 

Conclusion: Although Canadian pharmacists displayed knowledge and comfort in certain aspects of epilepsy management, some clear knowledge and comfort gaps are prevalent. These findings indicate a need for the development of epilepsy educational support tools; [Article Title: Pharmacists’ Perspectives on the Use of Telepharmacy in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam/ Truong Van Dat, Trung Dinh Tran, Nguyen Thao My, Tran Thi Hong Nguyen, Nguyen Nhat Anh Quang, Mi Tra Vo Nguyen, Phuc Hong Ngoc Vo, Thanh-Tam Ho, Cuong Manh Nguyen, Tram Thi Ngoc Nguyen, Nguyen-Huu Lac-Thuy, Nga TQ. Nguyen,Dieu-Thuong Thi Trinh, Hai-Yen Nguyen-Thi and Nguyen Tien Huy, p. 106-114]

Abstract:

Introduction: Telepharmacy, the application of information and communication technologies in healthcare services, has been adopted in many countries to provide patients with pharmaceutical care. However, it has yet to be widely used in Vietnam. This study was conducted to assess the current status of use and the factors associated with the willingness to use telepharmacy of pharmacists in Vietnam. 

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2021; 414 pharmacists were recruited to fill in an online survey. 

Results: Overall, 86.7% of participants have used telepharmacy application and 87.2% of them were willing to apply telepharmacy in pharmacy practice. According to our multivariate analysis, the level of readiness was associated with positive attitude (odds ratio [OR] = 4.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.26-9.66), and a good behavior (OR = 11.34; 95% CI: 3.84-33.45). 

Discussion: Developing a telepharmacy system with appropriate features is essential to meet the requirements of pharmacy practice amid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic; [Article Title: Considerations When Transitioning From Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Resident to Pharmacy Leader/ Tyler A. Vest and Lindsey B. Amerine, p. 115-118]

Abstract: A key part to assimilating into an organization in a leadership role is managing transitions. Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) Residency Programs focus on laying the foundation for continued growth in management and leadership skills. This article focuses on keys for transitioning from HSPAL Pharmacy Resident to Pharmacy Leader. Managing transitions is and will continue to be an important topic for all leaders. As HSPAL Residents transition to new pharmacy leaders, understanding pharmacy practice building relationships, maintaining them, and having a thoughtful strategy through this transition will allow for a more complete understanding of the organization to navigate complexities, develop people, and complete projects and initiatives. While this article is specific to HSPAL residents, these concepts can apply to the transition to pharmacy leaders; [Article Title: Seizures Associated With Bone Density Conservation Agents/ Kuan Sturgill and Justin P. Reinertp. 119-126]

Abstract: 

Objective
The purpose of this review is to discuss the existing literature regarding patients who have experienced seizures after administration of a bone density conservation agent (BDCA).

Data Sources
A comprehensive literature review was performed between September and October 2021 using the following keywords: osteoporosis/drug therapy, seizures/chemically induced, hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, osteoporosis, seizure risk, osteoclast medication, seizures, bisphosphonates, risedronate, zoledronic acid, pamidronate, denosumab, Prolia, Xgeva, calcitonin, BDCAs.

Study Selection and Data Extraction
A total of 90 articles were identified, but only 6 articles met prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. These articles included 4 case reports, 1 case series, and 1 retrospective cohort study.

Data Synthesis
Two case reports and 1 case series described the occurrence of seizures with the use of zoledronic acid. One case report described the occurrence of seizures with the use of alendronate, 1 retrospective cohort study with the use of denosumab, and 1 case report with the use of calcitonin. The articles displayed a variety of contributing factors that could have caused seizures including those with a prior history of seizures, calcium or vitamin D deficiency prior to starting therapy, a history of gastrectomy impairing glucose homeostasis, or concurrent infection.

Conclusion
While there is not a direct link to BDCA causing seizures, the hypocalcemic effect may be severe enough in some patients to precipitate a seizure. The correction of underlying conditions and electrolyte disturbances should be addressed before initiating a BDCA. Further studies are needed to better explore the relationship between BDCA and seizures; [Article Title: Topical Miconazole Cream and Warfarin Interaction: A Case Report/ Taylor Naberhaus, Maura J. Jones, Andrea Burns and Erin C. Raney, p. 127-129]


ER  -