Effect of Alternatives to Opiates Program on Discharge Opioid Prescribing in Trauma Patients.

Opioid overdose deaths have increased over the last two decades, despite efforts to reduce prescribing. This study aimed to determine if a hospital-wide Alternatives to Opiates (ALTO) program reduced opioid prescribing in hospital and upon discharge after trauma. The primary outcome was incidence of opioid prescribing at hospital discharge Pre- and Post-ALTO.

Evaluation of levetiracetam for early post-traumatic seizure prophylaxis: A level II trauma center experience.

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can induce early or late post-traumatic seizures (PTS). While PTS incidence is low, prophylaxis is used despite a lack of consensus on agent or duration. Levetiracetam (LEV) for early PTS prophylaxis is preferred due to its safety and efficacy.

Evaluating Empiric Therapy for Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis in the Outpatient Setting: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: To evaluate the empiric therapy prescribed for acute uncomplicated cystitis in the outpatient setting (emergency department and ambulatory care clinics) and to characterize uropathogens for discordance between the therapy prescribed and susceptibility.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted at an inner-city emergency department and multiple clinics to evaluate the empiric therapy prescribed and the uropathogens isolated from culture for patients with acute uncomplicated cystitis.

Results: A total of 144 urine cultures were included.

Opioid Prescribing at Discharge in Opioid-Naïve Trauma Patients.

Background: Opioid analgesics remain mainstay of treatment for trauma-related pain despite growing concerns for opioid dependency or misuse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate opioid prescribing at hospital discharge after traumatic injury.

Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients ≥18 years of age admitted for ≥24 hours with a primary diagnosis of traumatic injury.

Valproic Acid-Induced Thrombocytopenia-Related Spontaneous Systemic Bleeding.

BACKGROUND Valproic acid is utilized for the management of various disease states, but coagulation changes, such as thrombocytopenia, can limit use. Valproic acid is a highly protein-bound drug. Serum levels of 50-100 mcg/mL are considered therapeutic, with minimal risk of toxicity when maintained within the recommended therapeutic index.