High-dose dexmedetomidine for sedation in the intensive care unit: an evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety.

Background: Dexmedetomidine is an α(2)-receptor agonist used for sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although dexmedetomidine is labeled for sedation in critically ill patients at doses up to 0.7 μg/kg/h, recent studies have used more liberal dosing regimens.

Case report: fulminant hepatic failure involving duloxetine hydrochloride.

Background And Aims: Duloxetine hydrochloride was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in August 2004 for the treatment of major depressive disorder and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Initial product labeling contained a precaution regarding the risk for increases in liver function test results. Recently, postmarketing research has revealed episodes of cholestatic jaundice and increases in transaminase levels to greater than 20 times normal in patients with chronic liver disease.

Epoetin alfa protocol and multidisciplinary blood-conservation program for critically ill patients.

Purpose: An evidence-based epoetin alfa protocol and a multidisciplinary blood-conservation program were implemented in a medical intensive care unit (MICU) and surgical intensive care unit (SICU).

Summary: Baseline data were collected to evaluate the use of epoetin alfa and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in our MICU and SICU. An evidence-based protocol for epoetin alfa use and a multidisciplinary blood-conservation program were designed, approved, and implemented.