The Annals of pharmacotherapy
-
To review current guidelines on the treatment of functional constipation in pediatric patients, with an emphasis on the role of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350). ⋯ PEG 3350 is an effective and well-tolerated treatment choice for pediatric constipation, especially as an adjunct to education and behavioral training. PEG 3350 is an option for children with constipation who have failed or are intolerant of other pharmacotherapies.
-
To describe the development of guidelines for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in the emergency department/observation unit (ED-OU) setting for hospitals that are part of a group purchasing organization (GPO). ⋯ Hospitalization for ADHF is common and costly. Consensus guidelines for the treatment of ADHF did not previously exist, resulting in inconsistent and inefficient treatment. Consequently, hospitals struggling with the treatment of ADHF may find these guidelines and the process by which they were developed useful.
-
To discuss the controversies regarding the use of epoetin alfa (EPO) for reducing red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in critically ill patients with anemia. ⋯ Given the controversies surrounding EPO administration in critically ill patients, institutions are encouraged to develop EPO guidelines to help ensure the most appropriate use of this expensive product. Additional studies regarding patients most likely to benefit from EPO therapy, the most effective dosing regimen, and use of adjunctive therapies are needed.
-
The pharmaceutical industry has become a major source of funding for biomedical research. Our general observation is that pharmaceutical industry employees are appearing with increasing frequency as coauthors of clinical trial publications. ⋯ Pharmaceutical industry-sponsored and mixed-funding clinical trials are common, and the relative incidence of published trials with these declared funding sources in the 5 journals reviewed has increased. Industry employees are appearing as coauthors of clinical trial publications with increasing frequency.
-
To evaluate the use of low-dose granisetron in postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis. ⋯ Based on the scarcity of supporting data, this regimen is not recommended for prophylaxis in patients at risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting.