Evaluation of Inhaled Alprostadil in Hospitalized Adult Patients.

Background: Intermittent inhaled alprostadil (iPGE) may be a viable alternative to inhaled nitric oxide or epoprostenol for management of right ventricular failure, pulmonary hypertension (pHTN) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, limited evidence exists regarding iPGE use in adults, ideal dosing strategies, or optimal use cases.

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients receiving iPGE and identify specific sub-populations warranting further research.

Direct oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in people living with human immunodeficiency virus.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with increased rates of cardiovascular disease and vascular events, and people living with HIV (PLWH) may often have indications for therapeutic anticoagulation. However, the ideal anticoagulant in PLWH remains unknown. This retrospective cohort evaluated the tolerability and effectiveness of oral anticoagulants in PLWH.

The Safety of Midline Catheters for Intravenous Therapy at a Large Academic Medical Center.

Midline catheters (MCs) have arisen as alternatives to peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) for both general intravenous therapy and extended outpatient parenteral therapy. However, there is a lack of data concerning the safety of medication therapy through midline for extended durations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of MCs for extended intravenous use.

Clinical outcomes with unfractionated heparin monitored by anti-factor Xa vs. activated partial Thromboplastin time.

Anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) monitoring of unfractionated heparin (UFH) is associated with less time to achieve therapeutic anticoagulation compared to the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). However, it is unknown whether clinical outcomes differ between these methods of monitoring. The aim of this research was to compare the rate of venous thrombosis and bleeding events in patients that received UFH monitored by anti-Xa compared to the aPTT.

Botulinum toxin injection for dysphagia: a blinded retrospective videofluoroscopic swallowing study analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of botulinum toxin type A injections on dysphagia accompanied by upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction.

Design: A preinjection and postinjection blinded retrospective review was performed using the videofluoroscopic swallowing study video clips of eight patients administered botulinum toxin type A because of dysphagia with accompanying upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction at a dysphagia clinic in a department of rehabilitation medicine at a university hospital. The outcome variables applied were a functional dysphagia scale that included assessments of food residues in vallecula and piriform sinuses, and bolus transit time, and physician's judgment regarding which videos (preinjection or postinjection) were functionally superior in terms of aspiration frequency and bolus transit time.