Reflections on a Dobutamine Shortage in an Academic Health System: A Roadmap for Risk Reduction.

In a landscape of increasingly frequent and severe drug shortages, this article describes an interdisciplinary strategy for managing a nationwide shortage of dobutamine in an academic health system. The authors outline an approach that centers on leveraging information technology resources, minimizing waste, conserving supply, and centralizing supply. These efforts, which enabled the organization to consistently supply dobutamine to those patients who needed it most, could form a model for health systems to follow during future drug shortages.

Liposuction for Superficialization of Deep Hemodialysis Vascular Access: A Novel Application.

Background: More than 65% of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) use arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for hemodialysis. The increasing incidence of comorbid ESRD and obesity (body mass index, >35 kg/m) precludes patients from kidney transplantation, resulting in a need for long-term, durable AVF access. Compared with traditional superficialization techniques for overlying adiposity, liposuction is minimally invasive and well-tolerated, allowing for earlier fistula use with lower complications.

A Clinical Trial Shows Improvement in Skin Collagen, Hydration, Elasticity, Wrinkles, Scalp, and Hair Condition following 12-Week Oral Intake of a Supplement Containing Hydrolysed Collagen.

Background: Hydrolysed collagen supplements are reported to fight the signs of aging and improve skin appearance, but more authoritative clinical evidence is needed to support efficacy.

Aim: This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy of a supplement containing hydrolysed collagen and vitamin C (Absolute Collagen, AC) on biophysical parameters and visible signs of aging for skin, scalp, and hair, when taken daily or every 48 hours.

Methods: We measured dermal collagen using confocal microscopy and high-resolution ultrasound.