Improving Bed Utilization in a Cohort of Bariatric Surgical Patients Using a Perioperative Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment and Bed Triage Protocol.

Background: Postoperative bariatric management often includes high-intensity monitoring for respiratory complications since > 70% of patients have obstructive sleep apnea. Given the increasing number of bariatric surgeries, there is a need to determine safe and cost-effective processes for postoperative care.The objective of this study was to determine if a novel triage and perioperative management guideline reduces postoperative monitoring and costs following bariatric surgery.

Online versus Live Delivery of Education to Pharmacists in a Large Multicentre Health Region: A Non-inferiority Assessment of Learning Outcomes.

Background: The prevalence of online modules for continuing education in the health professions has been increasing in recent years. However, the effectiveness of online modules for pharmacist learning has not been thoroughly studied.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to determine if providing education to pharmacists through a self-paced enhanced online module was non-inferior to a face-to-face learning module with respect to knowledge application on the topic of postoperative insulin dosing.

Behavioral group treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescence: a pilot study.

This pilot study is a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral outpatient group treatment (CBT) protocol for adolescents with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Seven adolescents were treated in a 10-session group CBT program with weekly 2-hour sessions. The treatment protocol was an adaptation of approaches with established effectiveness and emphasized three main components: externalizing the OCD by cultivating mindful detachment; exposure and response prevention (ERP); and refocusing on alternative, constructive behaviors following exposure.

Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy using conventional instruments: an initial experience using a novel technique.

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy has gained wide acceptance. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and cosmetic results of a novel technique: single incision laparoscopic (SIL) appendectomy.

Methods: The study enrolled consecutive patients undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis.

Moxifloxacin-warfarin interaction: a series of five case reports.

Objective: To report 5 cases of a moxifloxacin-warfarin drug interaction, all resulting in elevated international normalized ratios (INRs) and clinically significant hemorrhage in one case.

Case Summaries: Between January 2002 and January 2004, 4 men and 1 woman (age range 63-92 y) were retrospectively identified as having significantly elevated INR results shortly after being prescribed moxifloxacin with concomitant warfarin therapy.

Discussion: This is the second series of case reports describing an interaction between warfarin and moxifloxacin.

Bupropion-induced serum sickness-like reaction.

Objective: To report three cases of serum sickness-like reaction (SSLR) associated with bupropion ingestion.

Case Summary: A 27-year-old woman, a 46-year-old man, and a 43-year-old woman presented to our emergency department within a three-week period with symptoms consistent with SSLR. Symptoms consisted of pruritic skin rash, tongue swelling, and arthralgias.