Adherence to antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines in cardiac implantable electronic device procedures in two Australian teaching hospitals.

Objective This study investigated antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) guideline adherence and the cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection rate in two major Australian public teaching hospitals. Methods In a retrospective observational study, the medical records of patients who underwent CIED procedures between January and December 2017 were reviewed (Hospital A, n = 400 procedures; Hospital B, n = 198 procedures). Adherence to AP guidelines was assessed regarding drug, dose, timing, route and frequency.

An investigation of the stability of meropenem in elastomeric infusion devices.

Purpose: To evaluate the stability of meropenem trihydrate in elastomeric infusion devices at a range of selected concentrations (6, 12, 20 and 25 mg/mL) at ambient, refrigeration and freezing temperatures.

Methods: Meropenem Ranbaxy (meropenem trihydrate equivalent to anhydrous meropenem 1 g) vials for injection were reconstituted with 0.9% sodium chloride and adjusted to pH 6.

Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use and infection prevalence in non-cosmetic breast surgery procedures at a tertiary hospital in Western Australia-a retrospective study.

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common complication following breast surgery procedures, despite being considered a clean surgery. The prevalence of SSIs can be minimised with the appropriate use of antibiotic prophylaxis as outlined in the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG). The aims of this study were to evaluate adherence to the eTG for antibiotic prophylaxis in breast surgery procedures at a Western Australian teaching hospital following an update of the guidelines in 2014 and examine the impact of prophylactic antibiotics on SSI incidence and length of hospital stay.

Anabolic Steroid Use for Weight and Strength Gain in Critically Ill Patients: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Background: An important long-term complication of critical illness is significant weakness and its resulting functional impairment. Recent advances have aimed to prevent critical illness weakness via early mobilisation of patients, minimising sedation, and optimising nutrition. One other potential treatment may be to provide anabolic support in the recovery phase, especially as patients have decreased levels of anabolic hormones.

Cobicistat Versus Ritonavir: Similar Pharmacokinetic Enhancers But Some Important Differences.

Objective: To describe properties of cobicistat and ritonavir; compare boosting data with atazanavir, darunavir, and elvitegravir; and summarize antiretroviral and comedication interaction studies, with a focus on similarities and differences between ritonavir and cobicistat. Considerations when switching from one booster to another are discussed.

Data Sources: A literature search of MEDLINE was performed (1985 to April 2017) using the following search terms: cobicistat, ritonavir, pharmacokinetic, drug interactions, booster, pharmacokinetic enhancer, HIV, antiretrovirals.

Appropriateness of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis for breast surgery procedures.

Background Guidelines for the appropriate use of antibiotic prophylaxis are provided in the Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotics (eTG) in Australia. Inappropriate use of antibiotics is problematic. Objective To examine adherence with therapeutic guidelines (eTG) in breast surgery and trends in non-adherence dependent on the type of breast surgery performed.

The evolution of three decades of antiretroviral therapy: challenges, triumphs and the promise of the future.

The evolution of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment has improved our understanding and management of complex pharmacological issues that have driven improved outcomes and quality of life of the HIV-infected patient. These issues include adherence, long- and short-term toxicities, pharmacoenhancement, pharmacogenomics, therapeutic drug monitoring, differential penetration of drugs into sanctuary sites, such as the central nervous system, genital tract and small bowel, and drug-drug and drug-food interactions related to cytochrome P450 drug-metabolizing enzymes, uridine diphosphate glucuronyltransferases and drug transporters, to name a few. There is future promise, as an increased understanding of the immunopathogenesis of HIV and global public health initiatives are driving novel treatment approaches with goals to prevent, control and, ultimately, eradicate HIV.