Mandatory Review of Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Before Issuance of a Controlled Substance Results in Overall Reduction of Prescriptions Including Opioids and Benzodiazepines.

Background: To date, there is limited research on whether the various types of mandatory usage of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP) have any effects on prescribing patterns, drug usage, patient care, and drug diversion (8-10). Within the United States (US), there is wide variation in individual states' requirements for the usage of PDMPs.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether mandatory prescriber review of a PDMP prior to each issuance of a controlled substance resulted in a reduction in the total number of controlled substance prescriptions dispensed.

RENAL PROTECTION IN THE CARDIAC SURGERY PATIENT: PERI-OPERATIVE SODIUM BICARBONATE INFUSION (POSBI) OR NOT?

Background: Acute renal failure following cardiac surgery is not uncommon and carries a high level of morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to determine whether perioperative sodium bicarbonate infusion (POSBI) would decrease acute kidney injury in cardiac surgery patients and improve post-operative outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 318 cardiac surgery patients from 2008-2011 was performed.

Unusual case of contralateral Horner's syndrome following stellate-ganglion block: a case report and review of the literature.

Stellate-ganglion block (SGB) is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of numerous conditions, including upper-extremity complex regional pain syndromes and arterial insufficiency. The appropriate response to SGB includes ipsilateral Horner's syndrome and temperature elevation of affected extremity. Contralateral and bilateral Horner's syndrome following SGB are rarely seen, with only six prior cases reported.