Beta-lactam allergy in patients: an antibiotic stewardship challenge.

Background: Patients are commonly reported as being allergic to beta-lactam (BL) antibiotics. However, many patients with this reported allergy are able to receive BL treatments because they do not have true allergies. In many cases these are simply intolerances due to side effects reported as an allergy.

Six months multicentre pilot open label single-arm study to evaluate patient experience, acceptability and satisfaction of switching certolizumab pegol from a prefilled syringe or autoinjection pen to an AVA® e-Device in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis patients.

What Is Known And Objective: The study aimed to assess acceptability and patient experience of Certolizumab (CZP) self-injection with AVA® and clarify patient device preference after switching CZP from the syringe or auto-injection pen to AVA® in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients.

Method: A multicentre open-label, cross-sectional and prospective study among four Spanish hospitals was performed. Adult RA, PsA, axSpA patients treated for at least 6 months with the CZP syringe or pen were recruited.

Population Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modelling of Daptomycin for Schedule Optimization in Patients with Renal Impairment.

The aims of this study are (i) to develop a population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model of daptomycin in patients with normal and impaired renal function, and (ii) to establish the optimal dose recommendation of daptomycin in clinical practice. Several structural PK models including linear and non-linear binding kinetics were evaluated. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted with a fixed combination of creatinine clearance (30-90 mL/min/1.

Physicochemical and Microbiological Stability of Vancomycin 10-mg/mL Intravitreal Syringes.

Bacterial endophthalmitis constitutes a medical emergency due to the possibility of leading to blindness unless treatment is administered quickly. The usual treatment seeks to cover both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by intravitreal injections of vancomycin and ceftazidime. In the present work, we sought to determine the physicochemical and microbiological stability of intravitreal syringes of vancomycin 10 mg/mL in order to be able to store them as long as possible to have immediate stock.

Developing a telepharmacy programme with home medication dispensing and informed delivery in a tertiary hospital: description of the model and analysis of the results.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the actions taken to implement a telepharmacy programme with home medication dispensing and informed delivery in an outpatient pharmaceutical care unit of a tertiary hospital, where approximately 5000 patients are treated per year. It also aimed to substantiate the applicability and benefits of the programme through analysing the findings and measuring patient satisfaction.

Methods: We identified the operational, logistical, technological and legal needs, as well as the need for training, information and coordination with the care team and patient associations.

Design and validation of a predictive equation to estimate unbound valproic acid concentration.

Objectives: Total plasma levels of valproic acid (VPA) may mask an increased risk of adverse effects in hypoalbuminaemic patients since, in these patients, the free fraction is higher. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between plasma levels of total and free VPA (VPA) in hypoalbuminaemic patients and define an equation that allows the estimation of VPA concentration, as well as to validate the obtained equation.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study conducted between January 2015 and January 2020.

Vancomycin and daptomycin stability in heparin or sodium citrate lock solutions.

Background: We investigated physical and chemical stability of daptomycin and vancomycin in heparin or sodium citrate lock solutions. The aim of this study was to find the optimal combination of antimicrobials and additives for lock solutions, which maximized patient safety.

Methods: Vancomycin and daptomycin were diluted with heparin or sodium citrate to achieve final concentrations of vancomycin-heparin 2.

[Neonatal parenteral nutrition formulation: where are we?].

Introduction: the introduction of parenteral nutrition in preterm infants has meant a major advance in their prognosis, being the last few years very fruitful in terms of publication of guidelines in this area. Objectives: to know the formulation and preparation procedures of neonatal parenteral nutrition (NPN) in Spanish hospitals. Methods: a multi-centre survey was conducted in Pharmacy Services on the aforementioned processes.

[Catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients receiving central parenteral nutrition: prevalence, associated factors, and treatment].

Background: catheter-related infection is one of the complications of central parenteral nutrition treatment with the highest morbidity and mortality. Objectives: the primary endpoint of this study was to analyze the prevalence of bloodstream infection in patients with central parenteral nutrition. Secondary objectives included: a) an assessment of whether type of central catheter, duration of parenteral nutrition treatment, body mass index, or being admitted to the intensive care unit are factors associated with the development of bloodstream infection; b) an analysis of the therapeutic approach.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of levetiracetam in daily clinical practice: high-performance liquid chromatography versus immunoassay.

Objectives: Although levetiracetam presents an easy dosing and tolerability, therapeutic drug monitoring may be recommended in certain situations. Measurement of levetiracetam in serum plasma is commonly done by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). After ARK Diagnostics marketed an enzyme immunoassay (IA) for levetiracetam in serum or plasma, automated determinations are possible.

Vancomycin dose optimisation comparing a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model versus the pharmacokinetic model.

Objectives: To compare vancomycin dosage adjustment by evaluating trough concentrations (Ctrough) of vancomycin and its pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) correlation (AUC/MIC ≥400).

Methods: A retrospective study of 52 adult haematological patients and 29 ICU patients was carried out. Dosage adjustment was performed in routine clinical practice with Ctrough​​ and then compared using a PK/PD model.

Predictive factors of hyperglycemia in hospitalized adults receiving total parenteral nutrition.

Objective: To know those predictive factors of hyperglycemia that could guide  us the design of a parenteral nutrition and it could avoid later complications associated with it. Methods: A prospective observational study was designed; adult hospitalized patients who received total parenteral nutrition at least 48 hours were included. Nutritional and pharmacotherapeutic follow-up were  performed according to usual practice.

[Results of a medication reconciliation project in routine medical treatment after surgical discharge].

Objective: To reduce the number of medication-related problems by ensuring reconciliation between ambulatory treatment and surgical prescription and to increase patients' understanding of drug therapy and treatment adherence.

Material And Method: Information on ambulatory medication was obtained through a personal interview and a review of the patient's personal and pharmacotherapeutic history. A dossier was created that included detailed information on each medication and a chronopictogram with all doses.