Approximately half a million emergency department visits for traumatic brain injury (TBI) by children and adolescents occur each year. One of the complications of TBI is early-onset seizure. Current guidelines recommend the use of phenytoin for prevention of seizures following a TBI; however, several drug interactions and adverse reactions are associated with its use. Despite studies demonstrating efficacy of levetiracetam in adult patients, the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in children with TBI is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam for the prevention of early-onset seizures in pediatric patients following TBI. A retrospective evaluation was conducted, which included children, ages 0 to 17 years, admitted secondary to a nonpenetrating TBI and who received levetiracetam for seizure prophylaxis for up to 7 days. The primary outcome was the number of children who had a seizure within the first 7 days following a TBI, and secondary outcomes included the number of adverse drug reactions. A total of 89 pediatrics patients with nonpenetrating TBI were identified and included in the study. Forty-seven patients received a mean dose of 10 mg/kg (SD ± 4.22) of levetiracetam twice a day, and 42 patients received 500 mg 2 times per day (based on adult dosing). Seizure activity was observed in only two patients (2.2%) within the first 7 days following TBI. A total of 13 patients (14.6%) experienced anemia, agitation, and elevation of liver enzymes during levetiracetam therapy. The study suggests that levetiracetam appears to be an effective and safe agent for early-onset seizure prophylaxis in pediatric patients with TBI as indicated by the low number of patients with seizures. The reported adverse reactions may have resulted from the trauma rather than the use of levetiracetam.Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Patients with schizophrenia often relapse as a result of medication nonadherence. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics have been developed to improve medication adherence rates in this patient population. Aripiprazole long-acting injection (LAI), branded Abilify Maintena®, received Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of schizophrenia in February of 2013. Aripiprazole LAI is the fourth intramuscular second-generation antipsychotic indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia. This manuscript reviews important clinical information regarding its use as well as efficacy and tolerability data.ABSTRACT
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Stigma is an important challenge facing patients with mental illness. Stigmatizing attitudes may impact the quantity and quality of care patients receive. Interaction with these patients may reduce stigmatizing attitudes in pharmacy learners. Patient medication education groups (PMEGs) provide learners with an opportunity for this interaction. The objectives of the study were to evaluate pharmacy learner's attitudes toward patients with mental illness and their comfort and ability to provide pharmaceutical services to this population before and after leading a PMEG on an adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit and to evaluate the feasibility of a larger, future trial. Third- or fourth-year student pharmacists or first-year pharmacy residents observed a postgraduate year-2 (PGY2) pharmacy specialty resident in psychiatry leading PMEGs on the adolescent unit of an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Then, they discussed their own ideas for design and delivery of a group (with feedback from the PGY2 resident) and, under observation of the PGY2, led their own group. The study used a mixed-methods approach consisting of a presurvey and postsurvey learning experience survey as well as reflective statements. The presurvey consisted of 2 previously validated measures that evaluate stigma toward people with mental illness—the Social Distance Scale (SDS) and the Opening Minds Scale for Health Care Providers (OMS-HC). The postsurvey also consisted of the SDS and OMS-HC and included program evaluation questions that examined the learners' impression of patients with mental illness, their ability and comfort with providing pharmaceutical services to patients with mental illness, and their reflections on the experience. Seven pharmacy learners participated, and 5 completed both the prelearning and postlearning experience survey for a 71% response rate. There was a median decrease in stigmatizing beliefs of 1 point on the SDS, and a median 5-point drop in the OMS-HC scale. The postintervention questions yielded results primarily of strongly agree or agree with the statements evaluating the other objectives, and the reflection statements brought up the additional value of the educational intervention. Finally, the feasibility and value of a larger trial were confirmed. The value of pharmacy learners teaching PMEGs on stigmatizing beliefs toward patients with mental illness was confirmed. The effectiveness of a model of observing, designing, and delivering a PMEG was also postulated and will be further examined with a larger trial. Future research will also focus on examining the impact of this model on patient outcomes.Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
A previous study at Veterans Affairs (VA) Eastern Colorado Health Care System revealed low rates of compliance with VA Pharmacy Benefits Management Services recommendations for antipsychotic selection in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. As a result, formulary restrictions of second-line antipsychotics were implemented. Since April 2013, new starts of second-line antipsychotic agents require a prior authorization drug review. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of the prior authorization process on compliance with the VA criteria for prescribing aripiprazole, olanzapine, and ziprasidone. The primary objective was to compare compliance rates with VA antipsychotic selection criteria preimplementation and postimplementation of the prior authorization drug review policy. Single center, retrospective chart review of patients receiving aripiprazole, olanzapine, and ziprasidone. A report of all patients receiving a prescription for the above 3 agents between April 8, 2013, and December 6, 2013, was generated from the electronic medical record system. Charts were reviewed manually to determine compliance. One hundred forty-two unique patients were started on aripiprazole, olanzapine, and/or ziprasidone. Ninety percent of patients met VA criteria for use of these second-line antipsychotic agents, compared to 26% of patients prior to implementation of the prior authorization drug review. Overall prescribing of these agents decreased by 60%, resulting in an estimated cost avoidance of $617 389. Implementation of a prior authorization drug request for aripiprazole, olanzapine, and ziprasidone was associated with increased compliance with VA criteria for use of antipsychotic agents and with marked cost avoidance due to the reduced use of more expensive second-line antipsychotic agents.Abstract
Introduction:
Methods
Results
Discussion
To describe the effects of a look-alike, sound-alike medication error on the glycemic control and psychiatric well-being of a 23-year-old man. A 23-year-old man presented to the university-based Integrated Multidisciplinary Program of Assertive Community Treatment (IMPACT) team with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, most recent episode manic, and hypertension. The patient was prescribed chlorpromazine 100 mg daily to treat symptoms of psychosis and anxiety. The anxiety, however, persisted and escalated over the following 2 weeks. Upon physical examination of the patient's medications, it was discovered that the patient was inadvertently given chlorpropamide in place of the chlorpromazine. Evaluations, clinical presentation, the medication list, and criteria for an adverse drug event indicated a probable relationship (7 of 12) between the use of chlorpropamide and a hypoglycemic episode. The medication error was noted and corrective actions were taken. Within 1 week of the corrective actions, the patient's anxiety improved. When working with psychiatric patients, it is important to physically review all medications when expected responses are not achieved or when new psychiatric or physiological symptoms present. Approximately one-fourth of medication errors in the United States are drug name confusion errors. These errors must be universally addressed by all parties involved in the medication process. Effective safeguards are available and must be implemented by manufacturers, physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and all health care professionals to prevent look-alike, sound-alike medication errors.Abstract
Objective
Case Summary
Discussion
To report the first descriptive case of a mouth lesion following one dose of sublingually administered asenapine. Asenapine is a second-generation antipsychotic, approved in the United States in August 2009, for the treatment of schizophrenia and acute mania associated with bipolar disorder. It is administered as a sublingual tablet to be taken twice daily. Although the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, it is thought to be mediated through a combination of antagonist activity at the dopamine and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. Sublingual bioavailability is estimated at 35% and is highly plasma protein bound (95%). Oral administration results in low bioavailability (< 2%) due to extensive first-pass metabolism. Adverse tissue reactions identified by the manufacturer include mouth ulcers, blisters, and peeling/sloughing of the contact area. In one manufacturer-sponsored trial, oral paresthesia events were reported for the following administration routes: sublingual (75.8%), supralingual (55.9%), and buccal (45.7%). A 35-year-old patient diagnosed with schizophrenia and swallowing problems was on a regimen that included liquid haloperidol via oral syringe. Adherence was problematic and psychotic symptoms were poorly controlled. The patient was prescribed asenapine 5-mg sublingual tablets to be dissolved under the tongue twice daily. Following the first dose, the patient developed an extremely painful ulcerated lip lesion and refused additional doses. The Naranjo Probability Scale was applied and indicated a probable reaction (7 of 12). In our patient, the adverse event occurred following one dose. Rechallenge was not attempted. Primary care providers may not be fully aware of the potential severity for this medication-related effect. Based on findings from the manufacturer, clinicians are encouraged to counsel patients and conduct follow-up to determine whether any adverse oral effects were experienced that might have an impact on medication adherence.Abstract
Purpose
Summary
Case Report
Conclusions
During the past decade, pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) has become the topic of numerous debates, sparking research on its presentation, existence, and treatment. As the awareness of PANDAS has increased among the general community, health care providers have been forced to increase their knowledge of this controversial disease state. This article will review the background information, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and contentious issues related to PANDAS.Abstract