Clinical pharmacy
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The pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical features, sequelae, and treatment of bronchiolitis are reviewed. Acute bronchiolitis is the most common severe lower-respiratory-tract infection of infancy. During epidemics, more than 80% of cases may be caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). ⋯ Intravenous immune globulin may have a role in the treatment of lower-respiratory-tract infections involving RSV; however, since few studies have been performed in humans, it is not possible to determine its place in the treatment of bronchiolitis. A trial of aerosolized beta 2 agonists is warranted in patients with bronchiolitis. Ribavirin may be considered in patients with severe disease or those at high risk for severe disease.
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Review Practice Guideline Guideline
Acute pain management: operative or medical procedures and trauma, Part 2. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.
Summary recommendations 1-5 and 7 should be implemented in every hospital where operations are performed on inpatients. The Acute Pain Management Guideline Panel recommends that any hospital in which abdominal or thoracic operations are routinely performed offer patients postoperative regional anesthetic, epidural or intrathecal opioids, PCA infusions, and other interventions requiring a similar level of expertise, under the supervision of an acute pain service as described in summary recommendation 6. For pain management to be effective, each hospital must designate who or which department will be responsible for all of the required activities. ⋯ Define pain and relief levels to trigger a review. Each institution should identify pain intensity and pain relief levels that will elicit a review of the current pain therapy, documentation of the proposed modifications in treatment, and subsequent review of its efficacy. This process of treatment review and follow-up should include participation by physicians and nurses involved in the patient's care.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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Review Practice Guideline Comparative Study Guideline
Acute pain management: operative or medical procedures and trauma, Part 1. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.
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The characteristics and treatment of preeclampsia and eclampsia are reviewed. Risk factors for preeclampsia include (1) nulliparity, (2) a mother or sister(s) with a history of the disorder, (3) essential hypertension or renal disease, or (4) a twin or molar pregnancy. Preeclampsia is diagnosed when the systolic blood pressure (BP) increases by 30 mm Hg or the diastolic BP increases by 15 mm Hg after the 20th week of gestation and the BP rise is accompanied by edema, proteinuria, or both. ⋯ Among antihypertensive agents, i.v. hydralazine is preferred in this country to control blood pressure in the severely preeclamptic or eclamptic patient. Several studies provide promising evidence that low-dose aspirin (60-150 mg daily beginning at 28-30 weeks of gestation) prevents preeclampsia in women who are at risk for its development. Until additional comparative studies are completed, magnesium sulfate and hydralazine will remain the standard of care for the treatment of preeclampsia in the United States.
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Review Practice Guideline Guideline
ASHP therapeutic guidelines for intravenous immune globulin. ASHP Commission on Therapeutics.