The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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Administration of scheduled antipsychotic therapy to mechanically ventilated patients to prevent or treat delirium is common, despite the lack of evidence to support its use. Among long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV), the frequency of scheduled antipsychotic therapy use, and the factors and outcomes associated with it, have not been described. ⋯ Among LTACH patients requiring PMV, scheduled antipsychotic therapy is used frequently and is associated with a greater incidence of psychiatric evaluation, delirium, as-needed psychotic use, and sitter use. Although scheduled antipsychotic therapy-related adverse effects are uncommon, these effects are infrequently monitored.
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To review the characteristics and clinical trial data of crizotinib in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ⋯ Crizotinib is a novel targeted anticancer agent that appears to be a favorable treatment option for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC that is ALK-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test.
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To systematically review clinical trials evaluating anti-disialoganglioside (GD2) antibodies in treating high-risk neuroblastoma in children. ⋯ Multiple GD2-specific monoclonal antibodies have been researched over the last decade in patients diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma. One anti-GD2 antibody, ch14.18, was found to significantly improve event-free and overall survival of high-risk neuroblastoma. Therefore, the standard approach to treating high-risk neuroblastoma is likely to undergo a major shift once an anti-GD2 antibody becomes commercially available.
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To evaluate the efficacy and safety of administering vancomycin as a continuous infusion. ⋯ Overall, currently available evidence is insufficient to conclude whether an improvement in vancomycin efficacy exists when it is administered as a continuous infusion. The risk of nephrotoxicity associated with continuous-infusion vancomycin requires further investigation in prospective randomized trials. Specific patient populations that would benefit from continuous-infusion vancomycin have yet to be determined.
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To summarize and review current medical literature regarding the efficacy and safety of antithrombotic therapy for primary venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in various ambulatory cancer populations. ⋯ Use of antithrombotic agents has reduced the rate of primary VTE, with minimal increases in bleeding risk in specific ambulatory cancer populations. Further investigation is needed to guide and narrow recommendations for primary VTE prophylaxis in ambulatory cancer patients.