Buprenorphine for the Treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

To summarize the available data for using buprenorphine in neonatal abstinence syndrome and discuss these data in context of the current standard of care therapies, oral morphine and oral methadone. A literature search was conducted using PubMed (1949-May 2018) and EMBASE (1980-May 2018). Combinations of the search terms "buprenorphine," "neonatal," and "neonatal abstinence syndrome" were used.

National survey of pharmacy residents nearing completion of the 2014-15 residency year.

Purpose: The results of a national survey targeting postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) and postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) resident's perceptions of their residency programs and postresidency job prospects are presented.

Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to PGY1 and PGY2 residents identified through the ASHP membership database. The survey asked basic demographic questions, questions related to the residency experience (satisfaction, hours spent on various general activities such as patient care, research, and staffing), and various questions related to residents' job search and future career plans (search methods, outcomes, and satisfaction with the process).

Role of the Funny Current Inhibitor Ivabradine in Cardiac Pharmacotherapy: A Systematic Review.

The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of ivabradine are reviewed. Ivabradine is an oral medication that directly and selectively inhibits the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide gated funny (If) current in the sinoatrial node resulting in heart rate reduction. It has a plasma elimination half-life of 6 hours and is administered twice daily.

Endovascular Interventions for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Review of Recent Trials.

Objective: To review recent endovascular intervention trials for acute ischemic stroke.

Data Sources: Recent, randomized controlled trials of endovascular interventions for acute ischemic stroke were identified. The search terms "endovascular" AND "stroke" were used and filter for "randomized controlled trial" was applied; the period searched was January 1, 2013, to October 31, 2015.

Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Emergency Department: Challenges, Opportunities, and a Call to Action for Pharmacists.

Antimicrobial resistance is a national public health concern. Misuse of antimicrobials for conditions such as upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infections, and cellulitis has led to increased resistance to antimicrobials commonly utilized to treat those infections, such as sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and flouroquinolones. The emergency department (ED) is a site where these infections are commonly encountered both in ambulatory patients and in patients requiring admission to a hospital.

Potential and emerging treatment options for Ebola virus disease.

Objective: To describe the current Ebola virus epidemic and the potential options for treatment and prevention of Ebola virus disease.

Data Sources: A PubMed literature search (1976 through October 20, 2014) was conducted using the search term Ebola.

Study Selection And Data Extraction: Animal and human studies published in English were selected.

Riociguat for pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Purpose: The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, and role in therapy for riociguat are reviewed.

Summary: Riociguat is the first member of a new class of medications, soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators. Riociguat is indicated for patients with resistant or recurrent chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) after pulmonary endarterectomy who have World Health Organization (WHO) functional class IV pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and in patients with inoperable CTEPH, regardless of WHO functional class, to improve exercise capacity and WHO functional class.

Effect of introducing procalcitonin on antimicrobial therapy duration in patients with sepsis and/or pneumonia in the intensive care unit.

Background: Utilizing procalcitonin (PCT) levels to limit antimicrobial overuse would be beneficial from a humanistic and economic perspective.

Objective: To assess whether introducing PCT at a teaching hospital reduced antimicrobial exposure in critically ill patients.

Methods: Patients wereadmitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for >72 hours with sepsis and/or pneumonia.

Systematic review of CETP inhibitors for increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: where do these agents stand in the approval process?

The role that low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) plays in coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease is well established. As such, therapies targeting low HDL-C levels have been of great therapeutic interest. These therapies include nonpharmacological methods such as exercise, tobacco cessation, weight reduction, moderate alcohol intake, and increasing dietary monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Practical considerations for the pharmacotherapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a devastating disease. Before the 1990s, when pharmacologic treatment was finally approved, only supportive therapy was available, consisting of anticoagulation, digoxin, diuretics, and supplemental oxygen. Calcium channel blocker therapy was also an option, but only a small percentage of patients respond to it.