Comparison of Two Weight-Based Desmopressin Dosing Strategies for Spontaneous Bleeding.

Background: The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of desmopressin are appropriate for adjusted body weight-based dosing, particularly in obese patients.

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe desmopressin dosing strategies, with emphasis on hemostatic outcomes among patients without preexisting bleeding disorders.

Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients who received intravenous weight-based desmopressin for a hemostatic indication.

A Case of Benign Phyllodes Tumor in a Transgender Woman Receiving Cross-Sex Hormones.

Phyllodes tumor is a relatively uncommon fibroepithelial neoplasm of the breast characterized by proliferation of both stromal and epithelial elements. Benign phyllodes tumors are distinguished from fibroadenomas by their prominent leaf-like architecture and exaggerated intracanalicular stromal growth pattern. Typically, these lesions affect older natal females; however, we present what we believe is the first reported case of benign phyllodes tumor in a hormonally treated transgender woman.

Histopathologic tumor response after induction chemotherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Background: While clinical outcomes following induction chemotherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) have been reported for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) patients, pathologic response has not previously been described.

Methods: This single-institution retrospective review evaluated BRPC patients who completed induction gemcitabine-based chemotherapy followed by SBRT and surgical resection. Each surgical specimen was assigned two tumor regression grades (TRG), one using the College of American Pathologists (CAP) criteria and one using the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) criteria.

Validation of a Dosing Strategy for Cefazolin for Surgery Requiring Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Background: A prospective, single center, open-label study was conducted to determine if the standard practice for surgical prophylaxis, which includes standardized dosing of cefazolin, at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) is adequate for patients placed on bypass during cardiac surgery.

Methods: All patients were given the same standard dosing regimen regardless of weight: two grams of cefazolin administered within 1 h of incision, an additional one gram injected into the bypass circuit at the onset of bypass, and two grams every 3 h after the initial dose. Cefazolin serum concentrations were collected immediately after incision, after the start of bypass, each hour of bypass, at the end of bypass and at sternal closure.

Patients' Perceptions of a Game About Warfarin and Vitamin K: A Pilot Study.

Background: Digital games to promote healthy behaviors are rapidly expanding in the healthcare industry. One area where health game can be useful is in educating patients about oral anticoagulants such as warfarin. The goal of this pilot study was to develop a game about warfarin and vitamin K interactions and evaluate its usability among adult patients receiving warfarin therapy.