Safety and Outcomes of Valproic Acid in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients: A Retrospective Study.

Background And Purpose: Animal studies have suggested that valproic acid (VPA) is neuroprotective in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Potential mechanisms include an effect on cortical spreading depolarizations (CSD), apoptosis, blood-brain barrier integrity, and inflammatory pathways. However, the effect of VPA on SAH outcomes in humans has not been investigated.

Pharmacist-Initiated De-Prescribing Efforts Reduce Inappropriate Continuation of Acid-Suppression Therapy Initiated in the ICU.

Objectives: Stress ulcer prophylaxis initiated for intensive care unit (ICU)-specific indications is often continued upon transfer or discharge despite lack of indication. This quality improvement initiative aimed to achieve a 25% reduction from baseline in ICU-initiated acid suppression therapy prescriptions by May 2021.

Methods: This initiative was conducted in adult ICU patients at Boston Medical Center from July 2020 through May 2021.

23.4% Sodium Chloride Versus Mannitol for the Reduction of Intracranial Pressure in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Intermittent doses of mannitol or hypertonic saline are recommended to treat elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). However, it is unclear if one agent is more effective than the other. Previous studies have compared mannitol and hypertonic saline in reduction of ICP, with conflicting results.

Identification of Risk Factors for Refractory Status Epilepticus.

The objective of this study is to identify risk factors for the development of refractory status epilepticus (RSE). This was an IRB-approved, retrospective case control study that included patients admitted with status epilepticus between August 1, 2014, and July 31, 2017. Cases were defined as those with RSE, and controls were those who did not develop RSE.