Kristin C. Klein

Impact of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Comprehensive Care Bundle on Management of Candidemia

To analyze the impact of a comprehensive care bundle directed by an antimicrobial stewardship team (AST) on the management of candidemia.

Ethanol locks therapy for resolution of fungal catheter infections.

Ethanol locks have been used to treat catheter infections and to decrease the rate at which they occur. Catheter-related infections caused by Candida spp. are especially difficult to manage medically and usually require catheter removal. We report 3 consecutive patients whose catheter infections caused by Candida were successfully treated with a combination of ethanol lock therapy and systemic antifungals.

Inhaled Amphotericin B for Prophylaxis Against Invasive Aspergillus Infections

Objective: To evaluate the available literature describing the use of inhaled amphotericin B for prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus spp. infections. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search was conducted (1966–July 2006) using the key terms amphotericin B, inhaled amphotericin B, Aspergillus spp., invasive aspergillosis, solid-organ transplant, neutropenia, and inhalation. Review of the reference lists of the identified articles was also performed. Study Selection And Data Extraction: Study selection included published trials, case reports, and case series of humans with hematologic disease and solid-organ transplant who used inhaled amphotericin B in the prevention of invasive Aspergillus infections. Data Synthesis: Inhaled amphotericin B has been evaluated for the prevention of invasive aspergillosis (IA) infections in neutropenic patients and certain solid-organ transplant recipients. Use of inhaled amphotericin B seems to reduce the incidence of IA in these patients; however, some of the clinical evidence was limited by factors such as small sample sizes, lack of statistical analyses, and lack of power to detect a difference between prophylaxis and control groups. Although the clinical evidence supporting the use of inhaled amphotericin B has some limitations, its use still may be beneficial for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus infections, especially in solid-organ transplant recipients where the evidence is strongest. Conclusions: Invasive Aspergillus infections are becoming more prevalent in high-risk populations (eg, patients with malignancies, following bone marrow transplantation, or following solid-organ transplantation). The mortality rates associated with IA are great in these populations, making prophylaxis an important consideration. Inhaled amphotericin B has recently come into vogue as an option for prophylaxis against IA. Some of the data available supports the use of inhaled amphotericin B for the prevention of IA while providing evidence of fewer drug interactions and toxicities associated with other antifungal agents.

Transplacental passage of vancomycin in noninfected term pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the transplacental passage of vancomycin in term, uninfected pregnant women. METHODS: A single vancomycin 1-g dose was administered intravenously at four separate time intervals to 13 uncomplicated nonlaboring women undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery. Samples of maternal blood and fetal cord blood were collected at time of delivery and vancomycin concentrations assayed. RESULTS: Vancomycin concentrations in maternal serum ranged from 2.6 to 19.8 mcg/mL. In cord blood samples, vancomycin concentrations ranged from 2.8 to 9.4 mcg/mL and persisted above the group B streptococci vancomycin breakpoint of 1 mcg/mL. Only 6 of 13 women received the full 1-g vancomycin dose because 53.8% (7 of 13) had some manifestation of red man syndrome during the infusion. No other short term sequelae were identified in any patients or their fetuses. A strong correlation (r2=0.93, P<.001) between cord and maternal serum concentrations versus time was noted. Cord vancomycin concentrations approached maternal serum concentrations 4 hours after the infusion ended. CONCLUSION: Vancomycin crosses the placenta in a predictable manner in concentrations that exceed the usual group B streptococci breakpoint. Adverse events were common, suggesting that longer infusion times and weight adjusted doses should be used. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III

Topical Voriconazole Solution for Cutaneous Aspergillosis in a Pediatric Patient After Bone Marrow Transplant

Invasive aspergillosis seems to be on the rise, especially in immunocompromised children. Historically, only systemic amphotericin B has been effective against Aspergillus. Development of newer antifungal agents, such as voriconazole and caspofungin, has improved the treatment options available for aspergillosis, although no definitive management strategy has been established. Here we describe the use of topical voriconazole combined with systemic antifungal agents for cutaneous aspergillosis in a pediatric patient after bone marrow transplant.

Relationship Between MMR Vaccine and Autism

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the proposed link between the administration of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the development of autism. DATA SOURCES: A literature search utilizing MEDLINE (1966–November 2003), with the key terms measles, mumps, rubella, and autism, was conducted. Review of the references listed in the articles identified was also performed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Ten articles that specifically evaluated the possible relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism were identified. Review articles, commentaries, and evaluations of a link between gastrointestinal symptoms in autistic children and MMR immunization were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon the current literature, it appears that there is no relationship between MMR vaccination and the development of autism.

A Randomized Crossover Comparison of Team-based Learning and Lecture Format on Learning Outcomes

Objective. To compare learning outcomes and student confidence between team-based learning (TBL) and lecture. Methods. A crossover study was conducted with 30 students divided into two sections. Each section was taught six therapeutic topics (three TBL and three lecture). There were two assessments of 24 questions each. A survey (Likert scale) assessing student confidence and attitudes was administered at the end. Results. A significantly higher overall examination score was observed for TBL as compared to lecture. Students were more confident in providing therapeutic recommendations following TBL. Higher survey scores favoring TBL were also seen related to critical-thinking skills and therapeutic knowledge. Conclusion. Learning outcomes and student confidence in performing higher-order tasks were significantly higher with TBL. The findings of this novel crossover type design showed that TBL is an effective pedagogy.

The Pharmacokinetics of Oseltamivir and Oseltamivir Carboxylate in a Critically Ill Pediatric Patient Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis

This report details the pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate following administration of high-dose oseltamivir in a critically ill child receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD). A 6-year-old critically ill male patient suffering from a presumed viral illness was transferred to our institutions pediatric intensive care unit from an outside hospital after developing respiratory failure and cardiomegaly. ECMO and oseltamivir therapy were initiated upon admission, and CVVHD was started on hospital day 3. Pharmacokinetic sampling occurred at an oseltamivir dose of approximately 4 mg/kg on hospital day 6. The patients oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate area under the plasma concentration time curves for the 12-hour dosing interval (AUC(0-12)) were 30.5 and 905 ng/mLhr, respectively. Drug clearance by CVVHD was 31.6 mL/min for oseltamivir and 26.9 mL/min for oseltamivir carboxylate. Pre- and postoxygenator oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate plasma concentrations did not differ substantially. The patients oseltamivir carboxylate plasma concentrations remained well above the reported mean 50% inhibitory concentration for 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus. However, despite receiving twice the standard dose of oseltamivir, the oseltamivir carboxylate AUC(0-12) in our patient was less than that reported in noncritically ill pediatric subjects. The reduced oseltamivir carboxylate AUC(0-12) found in our patient was most likely due to decreased drug absorption.

Ethanol Lock Therapy for the Treatment of Intravenous Catheter Infections That Have Failed Standard Treatment

This study used ethanol lock therapy (ELT) to treat intravenous catheter infections that had failed standard intravenous antimicrobial treatment. Of 15 patients enrolled, 13 were successfully treated with ELT. Twenty-one organisms were identified: 12 bacteria, 9 fungi. Eight of the 9 fungi were eradicated, and no patient became hemodynamically unstable on treatment.

Qualitative analysis of student perceptions comparing team-based learning and traditional lecture in a pharmacotherapeutics course

Objective. To qualitatively compare students’ attitudes and perceptions regarding team-based learning (TBL) and lecture. Design. Students were exposed to TBL and lecture in an elective pharmacotherapeutics course in a randomized, prospective, cross-over design. After completing the course, students provided their attitudes and perceptions through a written self-reflection and narrative questions on the end-of-course evaluation. Student responses were reviewed using a grounded theory coding method. Assessment. Students’ responses yielded five major themes: impact of TBL on learning, perceptions about TBL learning methods, changes in approaches to learning, building skills for professional practice, and enduring challenges. Overall, students report TBL enhances their learning of course content (knowledge and application), teamwork skills, and lifelong learning skills. Conclusion. Students’ attitudes and perceptions support TBL as a viable pedagogy for teaching pharmacotherapeutics.