How to get over with medication errors underestimation? Improving indices of medication errors with focus on intravenous medications in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation setting; a direct observation study.

Background: The administration of intravenous (IV) medications is a technically complicated and error-prone process. Especially, in the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) setting where toxic drugs are frequently used and patients are in critical immunocompromised conditions, medication errors (ME) can have catastrophic reactions and devastating outcomes such as death. Studies on ME are challenging due to poor methodological approaches and complicated interpretations.

Adherence to Immunosuppressants among Adult Patients after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation (Allo-HSCT): A Cross-Sectional Study.

The level of adherence to drug therapy after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) can affect the patient's outcome, and poor adherence is one of the factors in first-year mortality after HSCT. This study assessed adherence to cyclosporine and prednisolone as the immunosuppressant regimen in 110 post-HSCT patients (> 18 years). Demographic characteristics, clinical information, and cyclosporine levels were obtained.

Vincristine-Induced Seizure from Drug Interactions: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Vincristine (VCR) as a key drug for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is associated with neurotoxicity. We present a young man with a history of controlled childhood seizures who was diagnosed with pre-B-cell ALL and developed generalized tonic-clonic seizures following the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 8811 regimen. The patient also received oral itraconazole to prevent fungal infection initiated by chemotherapy.

Optimal regimen of levetiracetam for prevention of busulfan-induced seizure in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A review of available evidence.

Objective: This review aimed to summarize the available data and offer a practical recommendation regarding the optimal regimen of levetiracetam (LEV) for the prevention of busulfan-induced seizure (BIS) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Data Sources: Published articles by searching databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect) were reviewed. All types of original studies performed in pediatric and adult populations have been investigated and required data was extracted.

Adherence to practice guidelines for the management of febrile neutropenia in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: An observational study in a referral center in Iran.

Introduction: Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are suspected to develop febrile neutropenia (FN) and severe infections. Therefore, appropriate prescription of antibiotics in these patients is crucial to reduce the rates of morbidity, mortality, and antimicrobial resistance. The present study aimed to evaluate the physicians' prescription and adherence to the FN clinical guidelines among patients undergoing HSCT.

Imatinib Efficacy, Safety and Resistance in Iranian Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Review of Literature.

Imatinib is the gold standard in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Resistance to imatinib is interfering with patients' responses and their survivals. We designed a systematic search to find relevant studies by applying appropriate keywords in PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, Ovid, ProQuest, Science direct and Google scholar for English studies.

Association of Voriconazole Trough Plasma Concentration with Efficacy and Incidence of Hepatotoxicity in Iranian Patients with Hematological Malignancies.

There are conflicting data regarding the association between plasma concentration of voriconazole (VCZ) and both efficacy and safety. This study investigates the association of VCZ trough plasma level with clinical efficacy and hepatotoxicity in the Iranian population suffering hematological malignancies. This cross-sectional study was performed on adult Iranian patients (age ≥ 18 years) with hematological malignancies undergoing treatment with oral or intravenous VCZ for proven or probable invasive Plasma concentrations of VCZ were measured at two time points on day 4 and 14 during the study period.

Is Inhaler Technique Associated with Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Background: Inhalers are the mainstay of treatment for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, incorrect inhaler technique is a considerable challenge.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate inhaler technique and its association with quality of life in a sample of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Utilization Evaluation of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (GARDASIL®) in Iran; A Cross-Sectional Study.

Vaccination against HPV seems to be a good approach for prevention of cervical cancer and genital warts. But in Iran we are confronted with lack of evidence for its cost-effectiveness whereas its consumption is dramatically increasing. This was a cross- sectional study.

Acute cerebellar toxicity induced by high dose of cytarabine (HiDAC): A case report.

Cytarabine is a pyrimidine analogue that is used for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia at different doses. Standard doses of cytarabine are used for induction therapy, while high doses are used for post-remission (consolidation) and relapsed/refractory treatment. One of the major side effects of its high doses is acute cerebellar toxicity occurring in 10 to 25% of patients.

Oral calcitriol in hematopoietic recovery and survival after autologous stem cell transplantation: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Calcitriol, the active metabolite of vitamin D, is an essential regulator in the hematopoiesis and immunity. However, knowledge revealing its influence on the immune and hematologic reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in clinical trials is very limited.

Objectives: The effects of calcitriol on short-term and long-term hematopoietic recovery, relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma following autologous peripheral blood HSCT were assessed.

Successful switch to oral tacrolimus in a patient with hypersensitivity reaction to parenteral vitamin K, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus: A case report.

Introduction: Calcineurin inhibitors are widely used for the prevention and treatment of graft versus host disease in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and successful treatment with calcineurin inhibitors is very important for the management of these cases.

Case Report: A 19-year-old man with thalassemia major experienced hypersensitivity reaction to parenteral vitamin K, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. All three episodes of reaction appeared a few minutes after administration of offended drugs and cause systemic signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, i.

SupplAzithromycin for Prevention of Graft-Versus-Host Disease: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been used widely to treat various types of malignant and non-malignant disorders. Graft-versus-host disease is one of the main complications of this procedure which is associated with considerable mortality and affects quality of life. Despite careful selection of HLA-matched donors and implementing immunosuppressive therapy, the incidence rate of graft-versus-host disease remains high.

Significant drug interaction between voriconazole and dexamethasone: A case report.

Background: Voriconazole is extensively metabolized by the CYP450 isoenzymes 2C19 and 3A4 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C9; therefore, any medication that affects this pathway can alter its plasma concentration. Treatment failure can probably occur if subtherapeutic levels are achieved.

Case Description: A 32-year-old woman who suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia was admitted and received treatment with vincristine and dexamethasone.

Prescribing Pattern and Prescription-writing Quality of Antineoplastic Agents in the Capital City of a Middle-income Developing Country.

Objective: Cancer is a global health concern with growing incidence worldwide. Chemotherapy is the main treatment modality in many malignancies. This study aimed at evaluation of antineoplastic prescribing pattern and prescription-writing quality in the capital city of Iran.

The Role of Hydroxychloroquine as a Steroid-sparing Agent in the Treatment of Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Review of the Literature.

Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease in which platelet destruction causes thrombocytopenia. Due to the known steroid toxicities, alternative agents have been evaluated for the treatment of these patients. We aimed to review the literature and find evidences regarding the potential benefits of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as a steroid-sparing agent in the treatment of ITP.

Treatment of vincristine-induced ileus with metoclopramide: A case report.

Introduction: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is an invasive malignancy which ought to be treated with several cytotoxic medications. Vincristine-based regimen is among the most commonly used regimens for the treatment of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Peripheral neuropathy caused by vincristine provides a limitation in dose administration and can influence the treatment outcome and patient's quality of life.

Impact of Polymorphisms on Serum Concentration of Voriconazole in Iranian Hematological Patients.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the portion of Iranian patients who attain therapeutic serum concentrations of voriconazole (VRCZ) following administration of fixed doses. In addition, the effect of polymorphism on serum levels of VRCZ was also investigated.

Methods: Forty-eight adult patients of Iranian origin with hematologic malignancies, who received VRCZ for treatment of invasive aspergillosis, were recruited into the study.

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients and Its Adverse Outcome.

Although several studies have supported a preventive and therapeutic role of vitamin D (Vit D) for different types of cancers, we face insufficient documentation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). So, we examined whether the serum calcidiol (25(OH)D) levels at the time of induction therapy have any impact on response and relapse in AML patients. Blood samples were collected from 65 patients on days 0 and 28 of treatment to evaluate serum concentration of 25(OH)D and its effects on complete remission (CR) achievement, relapse rate and hospitalization length.

Incidence of Medication Discrepancies and Its Predicting Factors in Emergency Department.

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of medication discrepancies and its related factors using medication reconciliation method in patients admitted to the emergency department of Tehran University of Medical Sciences hospitals.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 adult patients with at least one chronic disease that used two regular prescription medications were included in 2015. After 24 h of admission, demographic data and patient's home medications were collected.

A community pharmacy-based cardiovascular risk screening service implemented in Iran.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a major health concern around the world.

Objective: To assess the outcomes and feasibility of a pharmacy-based cardiovascular screening in an urban referral community pharmacy in Iran.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a referral community pharmacy.

Evaluation of the Interaction of Intravenous and Oral Voriconazole with Oral Cyclosporine in Iranian HSCT Patients.

Objective: Voriconazole as a triazole antifungal agent is widely used for prophylaxis or treatment of fungal infections in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It can increase blood concentrations of other medications including cyclosporine A (CsA) which are substrates for cytochrome P450 3A4. The aim of this study was to evaluate comparatively the interaction between oral/intravenous (IV) voriconazole and oral CsA.

Exacerbation of allopurinol-induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms by teicoplanin: A case report.

What Is Known And Objective: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare and potentially life-threatening drug reaction. Allopurinol is one of the most frequently reported drugs accounting for DRESS syndrome development. In contrast to allopurinol, DRESS syndrome induced by teicoplanin has not been reported frequently.

Conjugated Estrogen in Late-Onset Hemorrhagic Cystitis Associated with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is one of the most challenging complications in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Estrogen is one of the suggested treatments for controlling this problem. We performed a randomized case-control study to evaluate the efficacy of oral conjugated estrogen on HC management in 56 HSCT patients.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Health Utility Values in Beta Thalassemia Major Patients Receiving Different Types of Iron Chelators in Iran.

Thalassemia is a chronic, inherited blood disorder, which in its most severe form, causes life-threatening anemia. Thalassemia patients not only engage with difficulties of blood transfusion and iron chelating therapy but also have some social challenges and health threatening factors. There are some reports on quality of life in thalassemia patients around the world from southeast of Asia to Italy in Europe and United States.