Methylene blue for vasodilatory shock in the intensive care unit: a retrospective, observational study.

Background: Refractory vasodilatory shock is a state of uncontrolled vasodilation associated with underlying inflammation and endothelial dysregulation. Rescue therapy for vasoplegia refractory to catecholamines includes methylene blue (MB) which restores vascular tone. We hypothesized that (1) at least 40% of critically ill patients would respond positively to MB administration and (2) that those who responded to MB would have a survival benefit.

Efficacy and Safety of Immediate-Release Nifedipine in Critically Ill Patients.

Immediate-release nifedipine (IRN) is a calcium channel blocker with potent vasodilatory and antihypertensive properties. Safety concerns led to a black box warning for increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IRN for acute blood pressure lowering in critically ill patients.

Methylene Blue for Vasoplegia During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support.

Objective: The treatment of refractory vasodilatory shock in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an area in which there is minimal literature. Based on previous literature, the authors hypothesized that at least 40% of ECMO patients with vasoplegia would respond positively to methylene blue (MB) administration and that those who responded to MB would have increased survival.

Design: Retrospective observational study.

Emergency department discharge prescription errors in an academic medical center.

This study described discharge prescription medication errors written for emergency department patients. This study used content analysis in a cross-sectional design to systematically categorize prescription errors found in a report of 1000 discharge prescriptions submitted in the electronic medical record in February 2015. Two pharmacy team members reviewed the discharge prescription list for errors.