Implementation of a Cardiac Transitions of Care Pilot Program: A Prospective Study of Inpatient and Outpatient Clinical Pharmacy Services for Patients With Heart Failure Exacerbation or Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background:: Pharmacists may assist with reducing 30-day readmission rates for patients with heart failure (HF) exacerbation or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by promoting medication adherence.

Objective:: To determine the change in 30-day readmission rates for patients with HF exacerbation or AMI after implementation of a "high-touch" standard of care.

Methods:: Patients admitted with HF exacerbation, non-ST-segment elevation AMI, or ST-segment elevation AMI from August 1, 2013, to June 30, 2015, were included in this prospective study.

Retrospective analysis of azithromycin versus fluoroquinolones for the treatment of legionella pneumonia.

Background: Legionella is often associated with life-threatening pneumonia that is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Fluoroquinolones (FQ) have demonstrated improved clinical outcomes or decreased complications compared with clarithromycin and erythromycin. However, there is limited data comparing outcomes of FQ to azithromycin (AZM), which exhibits better Legionella activity than erythromycin and clarithromycin.