Hypoglycemic effects of tramadol analgesia in hospitalized patients: a case-control study.

Background: In outpatient populations, hypoglycemia has been associated with tramadol. We sought to determine the magnitude of risk for hypoglycemia associated with tramadol use in hospitalized patients.

Methods: During a 2-year period of observation, adult inpatients who received ≥1 dose of tramadol were identified and their medical records were reviewed.

Electronic inventory systems and barcode technology: impact on pharmacy technical accuracy and error liability.

Purpose: To measure the effects associated with sequential implementation of electronic medication storage and inventory systems and product verification devices on pharmacy technical accuracy and rates of potential medication dispensing errors in an academic medical center.

Methods: During four 28-day periods of observation, pharmacists recorded all technical errors identified at the final visual check of pharmaceuticals prior to dispensing. Technical filling errors involving deviations from order-specific selection of product, dosage form, strength, or quantity were documented when dispensing medications using (a) a conventional unit dose (UD) drug distribution system, (b) an electronic storage and inventory system utilizing automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) within the pharmacy, (c) ADCs combined with barcode (BC) verification, and (d) ADCs and BC verification utilized with changes in product labeling and individualized personnel training in systems application.

Use of recalibrated serum creatinine concentrations for adjustment of drug dosages: determination of values compatible with conventional dosing recommendations.

Background: Measurement of serum creatinine concentration is central to evaluation of kidney function. Recent efforts to increase the accuracy of this evaluation have led to recalibration of laboratory instruments. Recalibrated creatinine concentrations often are lower than previously reported.

Management of diabetes mellitus in hospitalized patients: efficiency and effectiveness of sliding-scale insulin therapy.

Study Objective: To determine the efficiency and effectiveness of current prescribing practices relative to short- and intermediate-acting insulins in the prevention or treatment of acute hyperglycemic episodes in hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia, and to identify clinical findings that influence the effectiveness of insulin therapy in these patients.

Design: Retrospective observational study.

Setting: University-affiliated hospital.