The effects of pentoxifylline on the prevention of cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in cardiac transplant patients.

The objective of this trial was to determine if oral pentoxifylline (PTX) reduced cyclosporine (CSA)-induced renal dysfunction in cardiac transplant patients in the 8 months following transplantation. The study was a prospective, open-label, crossover trial evaluating the renal effects of PTX in nine postcardiac transplant patients. Patients received PTX 2 weeks posttransplant and continued therapy for 4 months.

Use of survey information to develop a hospital-based medication teaching program.

As the volume of prescribed medications and complexity of regimen continue to rise, medication instruction is imperative, particularly for patients with chronic illness who must care for themselves without direct supervision of health care professionals. However, as hospital acuity levels increase and lengths of stay decrease, limited opportunity exists to adequately prepare hospitalized patients who are to be discharged with new prescriptions. Hospital-based medication teaching programs must be designed so that they encourage patient-professional interaction, yet also conserve nursing staff time.