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Farmacia Hospitalaria : Organo Oficial... May 2024To review and analyze the available literature on peripheral administration of noradrenaline (NA) with the aim of providing recommendations to ensure correct use and... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To review and analyze the available literature on peripheral administration of noradrenaline (NA) with the aim of providing recommendations to ensure correct use and patient safety.
METHODS
Systematic review on the databases PubMed, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS and Science Direct, using the following search terms: ("Noradrenaline" [Mesh]) AND ("Norepinephrine" [Mesh]) AND ("Vasopressors" [Mesh]) AND ("Peripheral infusions" [Mesh]) OR ("Extravasations" [Mesh]). A total of 1,040 articles were identified. Animal studies and studies written in languages other than English were excluded. Finally, 83 articles were included.
RESULTS
NA can be administered peripherally. The risk of extravasation should be taken into account, with phentolamine being the first pharmacological line of treatment. It has also been related to the appearance of thrombophlebitis, cellulitis, tissue necrosis, limb ischemia and gangrene, although its incidence seems to be low. The use of peripheral NA in children seems to be carried out without obvious complications. The use of standard concentrations is suggested to reduce the risk of errors. It is recommended to use 0.9% saline as the default diluent for peripheral NA.
CONCLUSIONS
Peripheral infusions of NA could be a safe and beneficial option in early resuscitation provided that a number of guidelines are followed that reduce the likelihood of complications associated with this route.
PubMed: 38724402
DOI: 10.1016/j.farma.2024.04.003 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023Cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome (CACS) is characterized by anorexia and loss of body weight. Evidence is insufficient to strongly endorse any pharmacologic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome (CACS) is characterized by anorexia and loss of body weight. Evidence is insufficient to strongly endorse any pharmacologic agent for the treatment of CACS. In this systematic review, we assessed the efficacy of oral anamorelin treatment for patients with CACS. On July 6, 2022, we systematically searched the following databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adults with CACS comparing oral anamorelin versus placebo: CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, and ICHUSHI. The primary outcomes were total body weight (TBW), patient-reported quality of life (QOL), and adverse events (AEs). Secondary outcomes included lean body mass (LBM), overall survival (OS), non-dominant hand grip strength (HGS), and appetite. We included seven RCTs with a total of 1944 CACS patients. Anamorelin significantly increased TBW (mean difference (MD) 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-2.13, p < 0.00001), LBM (MD 1.06, 95% CI 0.30-1.81, p = 0.006), and QOL (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.27, p = 0.006) compared with placebo without a significant difference in all AEs, severe AEs, OS, HGS or appetite. Anamorelin may be an effective treatment for CACS patients; however, further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this drug.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Anorexia; Cachexia; Neoplasms; Administration, Oral
PubMed: 37709824
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42446-x -
European Respiratory Review : An... Jan 2017Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease affecting around 235 million people worldwide. Conventional medications in asthma are not curative and patients have... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease affecting around 235 million people worldwide. Conventional medications in asthma are not curative and patients have significant concerns regarding their side-effects. Consequently, many asthma patients turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for a more holistic approach to care. We systematically reviewed the available evidence on the effectiveness of CAM in the management of asthma in adults.We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and Cochrane databases for randomised controlled trials published in English between 1990 and 2016 investigating the effectiveness of oral or topical CAM in asthmatic adults. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool.In all, 23 eligible trials were identified covering 19 different CAMs. Overall, there was limited evidence on the effectiveness of CAM in adult asthma as most CAMs were only assessed in a single trial. CAMs with multiple trials provided null or inconsistent results. Many of the trials were rated as having high risk of bias.The existing evidence is insufficient to recommend any of the oral and topical CAMs in the management of asthma in adults.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Chi-Square Distribution; Complementary Therapies; Female; Holistic Health; Humans; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 28143878
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0092-2016 -
Critical Care (London, England) Oct 2017This systematic review aimed to assess inhaled drug delivery in mechanically ventilated patients or in animal models. Whole lung and regional deposition and the impact... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This systematic review aimed to assess inhaled drug delivery in mechanically ventilated patients or in animal models. Whole lung and regional deposition and the impact of the ventilator circuit, the artificial airways and the administration technique for aerosol delivery were analyzed.
METHODS
In vivo studies assessing lung deposition during invasive mechanical ventilation were selected based on a systematic search among four databases. Two investigators independently assessed the eligibility and the risk of bias.
RESULTS
Twenty-six clinical and ten experimental studies were included. Between 30% and 43% of nominal drug dose was lost to the circuit in ventilated patients. Whole lung deposition of up to 16% and 38% of nominal dose (proportion of drug charged in the device) were reported with nebulizers and metered-dose inhalers, respectively. A penetration index inferior to 1 observed in scintigraphic studies indicated major proximal deposition. However, substantial concentrations of antibiotics were measured in the epithelial lining fluid (887 (406-12,819) μg/mL of amikacin) of infected patients and in sub-pleural specimens (e.g., 197 μg/g of amikacin) dissected from infected piglets, suggesting a significant distal deposition. The administration technique varied among studies and may explain a degree of the variability of deposition that was observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Lung deposition was lower than 20% of nominal dose delivered with nebulizers and mostly occurred in proximal airways. Further studies are needed to link substantial concentrations of antibiotics in infected pulmonary fluids to pulmonary deposition. The administration technique with nebulizers should be improved in ventilated patients in order to ensure an efficient but safe, feasible and reproducible technique.
Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Aerosols; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Lung; Respiration, Artificial
PubMed: 29058607
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-017-1844-5 -
PeerJ 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the potential impact of the route of administration on the efficacy of therapies and occurrence of adverse... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The impact of the route of administration on the efficacy and safety of the drug therapy for patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the potential impact of the route of administration on the efficacy of therapies and occurrence of adverse events when administering medications to premature infants with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
METHOD
The protocol for this review has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD 42022324598). We searched relevant studies in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and the Web of Science databases from March 26, 1996, to January 31, 2022.
RESULTS
A total of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and five observational studies were included for analysis, involving 630 premature neonates in total. Among these infants, 480 were in the ibuprofen group (oral intravenous routes), 78 in the paracetamol group (oral intravenous routes), and 72 in the ibuprofen group (rectal oral routes). Our meta-analysis revealed a significant difference in the rate of PDA closure between the the initial course of oral ibuprofen and intravenous ibuprofen groups (relative risk (RR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.13-1.44]; < 0.0001, = 0%). In contrast, the meta-analysis of paracetamol administration via oral versus intravenous routes showed no significant difference in PDA closure rates (RR = 0.86, 95% CI [0.38-1.91]; = 0.71, = 76%). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of adverse events or the need for surgical intervention among various drug administration methods after the complete course of drug therapy.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis evaluated the safety and effectiveness of different medication routes for treating PDA in premature infants. Our analysis results revealed that compared with intravenous administration, oral ibuprofen may offer certain advantages in closing PDA without increasing the risk of adverse events. Conversely, the use of paracetamol demonstrated no significant difference in PDA closure and the risk of adverse events between oral and intravenous administration.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Ibuprofen; Indomethacin; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Acetaminophen; Infant, Premature
PubMed: 38304184
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16591 -
Respiratory Medicine 2023Many inhaler devices are currently used in clinical practice to deliver medication, with each inhaler device offering different benefits to overcome technique issues.... (Review)
Review
Many inhaler devices are currently used in clinical practice to deliver medication, with each inhaler device offering different benefits to overcome technique issues. Inhaler technique remains poor, contributing to reduced airway drug deposition and consequently poor disease control. Scoring inhaler technique has been used within research as an outcome measure of inhaler technique assessment, and this systematic review collates and evaluates these scoring methods. The review protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020218869). A total of 172 articles were screened with 77 included, and the results presented using narrative synthesis due to the heterogeneity of the study design and data. The most frequently used scoring method awarded one point per step in the inhaler technique checklist and was included in 59/77 (77%) of articles; however limited and varied guidance was provided for score interpretation. Other inhaler technique scoring methods included grading the final inhaler technique score, expressing the total score as a percentage/ratio, deducting points from the final score when errors were made, and weighting steps within the checklist depending on how crucial the step was. Vast heterogeneity in the number of steps and content in the inhaler technique checklists was observed across all device types (range 5-19 steps). Only 4/77 (5%) of the inhaler technique measures had undertaken fundamental steps required in the scale development process for use in real world practice. This review demonstrates the demand for a tool that measures inhaler technique and highlights the current unmet need for one that has undergone validation.
Topics: Humans; Research Design; Administration, Inhalation; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Checklist; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
PubMed: 37890639
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107430 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2016Acute pain frequently occurs after surgical procedures. Nicotine has been explored as an adjunctive medication for management of postoperative pain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Acute pain frequently occurs after surgical procedures. Nicotine has been explored as an adjunctive medication for management of postoperative pain.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effect of transdermal or intranasal nicotine administration on postoperative pain, opioid analgesic use, and opioid-related adverse events.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched MEDLINE (1966 to 20 March 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2014, Issue 3), EMBASE (1980 to 20 March 2014), and also databases of ongoing trials (www.controlled-trials.com/ and http://clinicaltrials.gov/). We re-ran the search on 28 April 2015. We will assess the one study of interest when we update the review.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials that evaluated the effects of perioperative (pre-, intra-, or postoperative) administration of nicotine on postoperative pain, opioid use, and opioid-related adverse events. We excluded all other studies.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently screened all titles and abstracts for eligibility and documented reasons for exclusion. In case of disagreement, a third author decided on the inclusion or exclusion of a trial report. When additional information was needed in order to decide if a trial should be included, one of the authors contacted the corresponding author of the trial in question.
MAIN RESULTS
Nine trials (666 participants) evaluated nicotine for postoperative pain. Nicotine may reduce postoperative pain scores at 24 hours by a small amount compared with placebo (eight trials, mean difference -0.88 on a 0 to 10 scale, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.58 to -0.18; low quality evidence). The effect on pain at one hour and 12 hours postoperatively was less certain (very low quality evidence). Statistical heterogeneity was substantial and not adequately explained by stratification of trials according to type of surgical procedure, smoking status, mode of nicotine administration, timing of administration, or assessed risk of bias. Excluding one trial at high risk of bias resulted in similar findings. The effect of nicotine on postoperative opioid use was uncertain due to small number of participants in the studies. Nicotine probably increases the risk of postoperative nausea (seven trials, RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.50; moderate quality evidence). Three trials assessed sedation but the effect is very uncertain due to the very low quality of evidence. We found no evidence that nicotine increased the risk of vomiting (seven studies, risk difference (RD) 0.03, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.09; low quality evidence). The results from one single small trial were insufficient to establish whether nicotine led to an earlier hospital discharge (very low quality evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Based on evidence of generally low quality, nicotine may reduce postoperative pain at 24 hours compared with placebo, but the effects were relatively small (less than 1 point on a 10 point pain scale) and there was substantial heterogeneity in the results of our analyses. Nicotine does not appear to reduce postoperative use of opioids or opioid-related adverse events but probably increases the risk of nausea. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of nicotine for postoperative pain and to understand the optimal timing, dose, and method of delivery of nicotine.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Administration, Intranasal; Analgesics, Opioid; Female; Humans; Male; Nicotine; Pain, Postoperative; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 26756459
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009634.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2017This review is the first update of a previously published review in The Cochrane Library (Issue 7, 2015). Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is the main cytokine involved in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
This review is the first update of a previously published review in The Cochrane Library (Issue 7, 2015). Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is the main cytokine involved in the activation of eosinophils, which cause airway inflammation and are a classic feature of asthma. Monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-5 or its receptor (IL-5R) have been developed, with recent studies suggesting that they reduce asthma exacerbations, improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and lung function. These are being incorporated into asthma guidelines.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the effects of therapies targeting IL-5 signalling (anti-IL-5 or anti-IL-5Rα) with placebo on exacerbations, health-related qualify of life (HRQoL) measures, and lung function in adults and children with chronic asthma, and specifically in those with eosinophilic asthma refractory to existing treatments.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Airways Trials Register, clinical trials registries, manufacturers' websites, and reference lists of included studies. The most recent search was March 2017.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials comparing mepolizumab, reslizumab and benralizumab versus placebo in adults and children with asthma.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently extracted data and analysed outcomes using a random-effects model. We used standard methods expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
Thirteen studies on 6000 participants met the inclusion criteria. Four used mepolizumab, four used reslizumab, and five used benralizumab. One study in benralizumab was terminated early due to sponsor decision and contributed no data. The studies were predominantly on people with severe eosinophilic asthma, which was similarly but variably defined. Eight included children over 12 years but these results were not reported separately. We deemed the risk of bias to be low, with all studies contributing data being of robust methodology. We considered the quality of the evidence for all comparisons to be high overall using the GRADE scheme, with the exception of intravenous mepolizumab because this is not currently a licensed delivery route.All of the anti-IL-5 treatments assessed reduced rates of 'clinically significant' asthma exacerbation (defined by treatment with systemic corticosteroids for three days or more) by approximately half in participants with severe eosinophilic asthma on standard of care (at least medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)) with poorly controlled disease (either two or more exacerbations in the preceding year or Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) 1.5 or more). Non-eosinophilic participants treated with benralizumab also showed a significant reduction in exacerbation rates, but no data were available for non-eosinophilic participants, and mepolizumab or reslizumab.We saw modest improvements in validated HRQoL scores with all anti-IL-5 agents in severe eosinophilic asthma. However these did not exceed the minimum clinically important difference for ACQ and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), with St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) only assessed in two studies. The improvement in HRQoL scores in non-eosinophilic participants treated with benralizumab, the only intervention for which data were available in this subset, was not statistically significant, but the test for subgroup difference was negative.All anti-IL-5 treatments produced a small but statistically significant improvement in mean pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory flow in one second (FEV) of between 0.08 L and 0.11 L.There were no excess serious adverse events with any anti-IL-5 treatment, and indeed a reduction in favour of mepolizumab that could be due to a beneficial effect on asthma-related serious adverse events. There was no difference compared to placebo in adverse events leading to discontinuation with mepolizumab or reslizumab, but significantly more discontinued benralizumab than placebo, although the absolute numbers were small (36/1599 benralizumab versus 9/998 placebo).Mepolizumab, reslizumab and benralizumab all markedly reduced blood eosinophils, but benralizumab resulted in almost complete depletion, whereas a small number remained with mepolizumab and reslizumab. The implications for efficacy and/or adverse events are unclear.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Overall our study supports the use of anti-IL-5 treatments as an adjunct to standard of care in people with severe eosinophilic asthma and poor control. These treatments roughly halve the rate of asthma exacerbations in this population. There is limited evidence for improved HRQoL scores and lung function, which may not meet clinically detectable levels. There were no safety concerns regarding mepolizumab or reslizumab, and no excess serious adverse events with benralizumab, although there remains a question over adverse events significant enough to prompt discontinuation.Further research is needed on biomarkers for assessing treatment response, optimal duration and long-term effects of treatment, risk of relapse on withdrawal, non-eosinophilic patients, children (particularly under 12 years), and comparing anti-IL-5 treatments to each other and, in people eligible for both, to anti-immunoglobulin E. For benralizumab, future studies should closely monitor rates of adverse events prompting discontinuation.
Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Asthma; Child; Disease Progression; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Injections, Subcutaneous; Interleukin-5; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Receptors, Interleukin-5
PubMed: 28933516
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010834.pub3 -
European Journal of Cardio-thoracic... Oct 2023Literature is scarce on the management of patients using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) undergoing elective, urgent and emergency surgery. Therefore, we summarize... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Literature is scarce on the management of patients using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) undergoing elective, urgent and emergency surgery. Therefore, we summarize the current evidence and provide literature-based recommendations for the management of patients on DOACs in the perioperative phase.
METHODS
A general literature review was conducted on the pharmacology of DOACs and for recommendations on the management of cardiac surgical patients on DOACs. Additionally, we performed a systematic review for studies on the use of direct DOAC reversal agents in the emergency cardiac surgical setting.
RESULTS
When surgery is elective, the DOAC cessation strategy is relatively straightforward and should be adapted to the renal function. The same approach applies to urgent cases, but additional DOAC activity drug level monitoring tests may be useful. In emergency cases, idarucizumab can be safely administered to patients on dabigatran in any of the perioperative phases. However, andexanet alfa, which is not registered for perioperative use, should not be administered in the preoperative phase to reverse the effect of factor Xa inhibitors, as it may induce temporary heparin resistance. Finally, the administration of (activated) prothrombin complex concentrate may be considered in all patients on DOACs, and such concentrates are generally readily available.
CONCLUSIONS
DOACs offer several advantages over vitamin K antagonists, but care must be taken in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Although elective and urgent cases can be managed relatively straightforwardly, the management of emergency cases requires particular attention.
Topics: Humans; Administration, Oral; Anticoagulants; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Dabigatran; Hemorrhage; Heparin
PubMed: 37812245
DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezad340 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Nov 2022The last couple of decades have witnessed a rapid accumulation of studies implicating oxytocin (OT) in several neurobiological underpinnings of human behaviour and their... (Review)
Review
The last couple of decades have witnessed a rapid accumulation of studies implicating oxytocin (OT) in several neurobiological underpinnings of human behaviour and their impairment in psychiatric illness. Specifically, a neuroimaging genetics approach is helping elucidate the impact of variations in OT pathway genes on the human brain. In this review, we provide the first systematic account and discussion of all previous findings arising from human neuroimaging (epi)genetic studies of OT-related genes. To improve our mechanistic interpretation of such findings, we used data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression project to explore the functional impact the genetic variations may have on the human transcriptome. As a result, we provide an up-to-date summary of brain circuits found to be impacted by OT-relevant (epi)genetic variability, map brain pathways linking OT genes to disease, and highlight several (epi)genetic factors that modulate brain responses to intranasal OT. Finally, we provide some suggestions we believe might improve future research in the field.
Topics: Humans; Administration, Intranasal; Brain; Neuroimaging; Oxytocin; Transcriptome
PubMed: 36228928
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104912