The Role of Adult Vaccines as Part of Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Scoping Review.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health concern, causing an estimated 700,000 deaths annually. Although immunisation has been shown to significantly reduce AMR, the role of vaccines as part of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) practices is often overlooked.

Objective: To identify and examine the available literature on the role of vaccines as part of AMS practices.

Characteristics and outcomes of hospital-acquired and community-acquired peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Peritonitis remains a significant complication of peritoneal dialysis. However, there is limited information on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospital-acquired peritonitis compared to community-acquired peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Furthermore, the microbiology and outcomes of community-acquired peritonitis may vary from hospital-acquired peritonitis.

Treatment and outcomes of peritonitis due to species in patients on peritoneal dialysis: A systematic review and multicentre registry analysis.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis remains a severe complication of PD. Although peritonitis due to . is rare, the treatment recommendations and outcomes are uncertain.

Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Punjab, Pakistan.

Vaccine hesitancy is widespread in many parts of the globe, particularly in low-middle-income countries. Therefore, we surveyed a sample of hospitalized COVID-19 patients to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and vaccine hesitancy in a low-middle-income country. A cross-sectional sample of 385 confirmed reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction COVID-19 patients treated at secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan, were analyzed to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake and vaccine hesitancy.

Practice variations in antibiotic administration for the management of peritonitis in patients on automated peritoneal dialysis in Australia and New Zealand.

In the absence of guidelines on the management of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis in patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), variations in clinical practice potentially exist between PD units that could affect clinical outcomes. This study aimed to document the current practices of treating PD-associated peritonitis in patients on APD across Australia and New Zealand and the reasons for practice variations using a cross-sectional online survey. Of the 62 PD units, 34 medical leads (55%) responded to the survey.

Prevalence, characteristics, and reporting of adverse drug reactions in an Australian hospital: a retrospective review of hospital admissions due to adverse drug reactions.

: Adverse drug reaction (ADR) related hospitalizations is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. This study investigated the prevalence, characteristics, and reporting of ADR related hospitalizations at a tertiary hospital in Australia.: A retrospective review of all ADR related hospitalizations from October to December 2019 was conducted using eMedical Records.

Prescribing trends of oral anticoagulants in England over the last decade: a focus on new and old drugs and adverse events reporting.

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are replacing conventional VKA (vitamin K antagonist, i.e., warfarin) for various indications where a therapeutic anticoagulant effect is desired.

Pharmacokinetics of culture-directed antibiotics for the treatment of peritonitis in automated peritoneal dialysis: A systematic narrative review.

The objectives of this study were to provide a summary of the pharmacokinetic data of some intraperitoneal (IP) antibiotics that could be used for both empirical and culture-directed therapy, as per the ISPD recommendations, and examine factors to consider when using IP antibiotics for the management of automated peritoneal dialysis (APD)-associated peritonitis. A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, MEDLINE and Google Scholar for articles published between 1998 and 2020 was conducted. To be eligible, articles had to describe the use of antibiotics via the IP route in adult patients ≥18 years old on APD in the context of pharmacokinetic studies or case reports/series.

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients undergoing knee replacements: comparison of real-world outcomes.

Background Increasing evidence for the use of the aspirin in patients undergoing an orthopaedic surgery for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis has led to a change in the national guidelines substituting anticoagulants with aspirin. Little is known about the impact of such substitution on real-world outcomes from clinical practice. Objective The study was designed to examine clinical outcomes associated with the use of aspirin and apixaban.

Mortality and Disease Severity Among COVID-19 Patients Receiving Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction: The use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), was alleged to cause a more severe course of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods: We systematically reviewed the published studies to assess the association of RAS inhibitors with mortality as well as disease severity in COVID-19 patients. A systematic literature search was performed to retrieve relevant original studies investigating mortality and severity (severe/critical disease) in COVID-19 patients with and without exposure to RAS inhibitors.

Use of corticosteroids in asthma and COPD patients with or without COVID-19.

The potential detrimental effects of steroids on the immune system to fight viral infections had always been a concern for patients on long term steroids in chronic conditions. A recent warning from WHO on systemic corticosteroid use amid COVID-19 raised suspicion among public and healthcare professionals regarding the safety of steroid use during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The corticosteroids (inhaled and oral) are commonly prescribed in the management of asthma and COPD patients and any unsolicited changes in medications use may lead to potentially severe exacerbations and may risk patient lives.

Venous thromboembolism in critically ill COVID-19 patients receiving prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Many aspects of care such as management of hypercoagulable state in COVID-19 patients, especially those admitted to intensive care units is challenging in the rapidly evolving pandemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We seek to systematically review the available evidence regarding the anticoagulation approach to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) among COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units. Electronic databases were searched for studies reporting venous thromboembolic events in patients admitted to the intensive care unit receiving any type of anticoagulation (prophylactic or therapeutic).

Consistency of recommendations from clinical practice guidelines for the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Background: A significant knowledge gap exists for the management of critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to systematically investigate the consistency of recommendations from the available clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to those of the WHO on the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Methods: We examined CPGs and UpToDate point-of-care resources on the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients that had been published as of 30 April 2020 and compared them against the CPG by the WHO.

Mortality in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and corticosteroids use: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to viral pneumonitis is one of the main causes of high mortality in patients with COVID-19 (novel coronavirus disease 2019). We systematically reviewed mortality in COVID-19 patients with ARDS and the potential role of systemic corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients.

Methods: Electronic databases and country-specific healthcare databases were searched to identify relevant studies/reports.

Management of Outpatient Warfarin Therapy amid COVID-19 Pandemic: A Practical Guide.

Many healthcare resources have been and continue to be allocated to the management of patients with COVID-19. Therefore, the ongoing care of patients receiving oral anticoagulation with warfarin is likely to be compromised amid this unprecedented crisis. This article discusses a stepwise algorithm for the management of outpatient warfarin therapy.

Social distancing and the use of PPE by community pharmacy personnel: Does evidence support these measures?

Community pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals and are often served as the first point of contact when it comes to minor ailments and health advice. As such, community pharmacists can play a vital role in a country's response to various preventative and public health measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the essential nature of community pharmacy as a health service, community pharmacies are unlikely to shut down in any foreseeable lockdown scenario.

Cardiovascular Disease and Use of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors in COVID-19.

There is ongoing debate on the safety of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors in COVID-19. Recently published studies highlight a potential relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and COVID-19. This article aims to summarize the evidence on the use of RAS inhibitors in CVD patients with COVID-19, focusing on safety issues of the RAS inhibitors and their relationship with COVID-19.

Effect of the black triangle scheme and its online educational campaign on the quantity and quality of adverse drug event reporting in Australia: a time series analysis.

Objectives: The black triangle scheme was introduced to Australia in January 2018 to improve the significant under-reporting of adverse drug events (ADEs). The authors investigated the impact of the black triangle scheme on the quantity and quality of ADE reports submitted to the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Methods: An interrupted time series analysis with segmented regression was conducted to compare the quantity of ADE reports pre and post the black triangle intervention for the period between January 2017 and December 2018.

Effectiveness of interventions to improve adverse drug reaction reporting by healthcare professionals over the last decade: A systematic review.

Background: Various strategies have been studied in the literature to address the significant underreporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in healthcare systems worldwide.

Objectives: We conducted a systematic review of the literature that assessed the impact of various strategies to improve ADR reporting published in the last decade and compared this with the strategies identified in a previous systematic review.

Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were used to retrieve papers published from 01 July 2010 to 17 June 2019.

Health information overload among health consumers: A scoping review.

Objective: To examine and identify the scope of research addressing health information overload in consumers.

Methods: In accordance with a published protocol, six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO, Embase, and Scopus), reference lists of included articles, and grey literature (Google Advanced Search and WorldCat) were searched. Articles in English were included, without any limit on the date of publication.

Use of Central Nervous System (CNS) Medicines in Aged Care Homes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Both old age and institutionalization in aged care homes come with a significant risk of developing several long-term mental and neurological disorders, but there has been no definitive meta-analysis of data from studies to determine the pooled estimate of central nervous system (CNS) medicines use in aged care homes. We conducted this systematic review to summarize the use of CNS drugs among aged care homes residents.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA) databases were searched (between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2018) to identify population-based studies that reported the use of CNS medicines in aged care homes.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of low versus high dose colistin in the treatment of multi-drug resistant pneumonia in Saudi Arabia.

Background Gram negative pathogens are increasingly resistant to commonly used first line antibiotics and colistin is in most cases the only medicine available. There is very limited information available comparing the effectiveness and costs of low versus high dose colistin with studies showing efficacy with both doses and with variable levels of adverse effects. The absence of a definite dosing strategy makes a model to compare low dose and high dose colistin invaluable in making decisions regarding the appropriate use of colistin.

Community pharmacists' knowledge and perspectives of reporting adverse drug reactions in Australia: a cross-sectional survey.

Unlabelled: Background Under-reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by healthcare professionals is prevalent worldwide. Community pharmacists are the most frequently visited healthcare professional and are well placed to document ADRs as a part of their routine practice. Objective To measure community pharmacists' knowledge and perspectives towards ADR reporting and their reporting practices.

Perceptions and current practices of community pharmacists regarding antimicrobial stewardship in Tasmania.

Background Despite increasing interest in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), little is known about the related practices and perceptions of community pharmacists. Objective To develop and validate a questionnaire to measure the current practices of, and barriers to community pharmacists' participation in AMS. Setting Community pharmacists in Tasmania, Australia.

Peri-operative Medication Dosing in Adult Obese Elective Surgical Patients: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies.

Background: Despite the increasing numbers of obese patients undergoing elective surgery, there is a lack of evidence-based dosing guidelines for peri-operative medications in obesity.

Objective: The objective was to systematically review the dosing and outcomes of peri-operative medications used in obese elective surgical patients.

Methods: Medical subject headings and general keywords were used to systematically search multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and CINAHL).