Tieneke Bauters

Detection of Single Cells of Cryptococcus neoformans in Clinical Samples by Solid-Phase Cytometry

ABSTRACT A method based on solid-phase cytometry for the detection and enumeration of single cells of Cryptococcus neoformans in serum and cerebrospinal fluid is described. Both viable and nonviable cells are detected by using fluorescence viability labeling and immunofluorescence. This 30-min procedure has a detection limit of 3 to 6 cells per ml.

Evaluation of human albumin use in a university hospital in Belgium

In 1996 — 1997, a drug use evaluation )DUE) of human albumin was conducted in the Ghent University Hospital )Belgium) to determine the pattern and appropriateness of the albumin use. The DUE was followed by permanent review of the albumin consumption. This paper describes how the DUE was carried out and how the albumin use in our hospital changed over time.Method: The study was based on criteria for indications and end of treatment, accepted by consensus of the physicians prescribing albumin. Albumin treatment episodes were classified as appropriate or inappropriate according to these criteria.Results: For 115 treatment episodes in 90 patients, the researchers found 21 )18.3%) deviations from the developed criteria. After analysis, half out of them were considered as minor. Most deviations involved starting treatment too early )n = 17). Follow-up results indicated that the overall consumption of albumin dropped by 50.1% from 1994 to 1999, while the consumption of colloid solutions during the same period remained stable.Conclusion: A good compliance with internally developed criteria for indications and end of treatment with human albumin was observed. Discussion with the clinicians involved led to the development of stricter criteria and a continuous decrease in albumin consumption.

Comparison of Chromogenic and Fluorogenic Membrane Filtration Methods for Detection of Four Candida Species

ABSTRACT CHROMagar Candida medium was inoculated with a variety of clinical samples (n = 282) by using membrane filtration instead of swabbing or streaking. This modified CHROMagar procedure increased the ability to detect yeast by 16.7%. Compared to an enzymatic two-step membrane filtration method with fluorogenic substrates, it yielded similar recovery but was slower.

Prevention of wrong route errors in a pediatric hemato-oncology ward

Three consecutive wrong route administration errors are described in detail and the ease by which enteral preparations can be given by the wrong route is discussed. By introducing the use of purple oral liquid dispensers in our pediatric department, we hope to prevent and reduce the risk of similar medications errors in the future and to improve patients safety.

Vancomycin-induced red man syndrome in pediatric oncology: still an issue?

Red man syndrome is a rare but possibly serious adverse reaction during treatment with intravenous vancomycin. It is extremely important that pediatricians, especially in oncology, recognize this reaction and treat it appropriately. Following two case-reports from a pediatric oncology setting, a series of practical recommendations to prevent or handle red man syndrome are described.

What’s in a drop? Optimizing strategies for administration of drugs in pediatrics

Accurate administration of drugs is an essential part of pharmacotherapy in children. Small differences in the amount of drugs administered, might evoke different clinical effects. This is especially of concern in drugs with a narrow therapeutic index. Guided by a case that was observed in pediatrics, some practical recommendations for the administration of oral drops in children are described.

Gastric ulcer in a child treated with deferasirox

We present a patient with thalassemia major who developed a gastric ulcer, probably related to the use of deferasirox. Although gastric ulcer is mentioned as infrequent adverse event in the scientific product information of deferasirox, in our current knowledge, this is the first case-report on this adverse drug reaction. The severity of this event justifies the reporting of this case.

Development of a flowchart for risk assessment and allocation of preparation of monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies have expanded as a novel class of therapeutic agents. In contrast to appropriate guidelines for safe handling of cytotoxics, there are no real standards for the safe handling of monoclonal antibodies. Many questions have arisen whether monoclonal antibodies have to be prepared under controlled circumstances or can be prepared on the ward. We developed a flowchart which provides recommendations for the classification of monoclonal antibodies according to their toxicity profile and takes practical and financial issues into account. It allows oncology pharmacists worldwide to define which monoclonal antibodies can/must be prepared in pharmacy aseptic facilities and which monoclonal antibodies can be prepared on the ward.

Safety in the use of vaseline during oxygen therapy: the pharmacist's perspective.

AbstractThe justification of the combination of vaseline and oxygen has been subject for discussion in many hospitals. Due to the lack of evidence based data in literature, we have provided recommendations from a pharmacist’s perspective. The use of petroleum-based products should be avoided when handling patients under oxygen therapy. Whenever a skin moisturizer is needed for lubrication or rehydration of dry nasal passages, the lips or nose when breathing oxygen, consider the use of oil-in water creams or water-based products.

CLINICAL PHARMACY IN A MULTIDISCIPLINAR TEAM FOR CHRONIC PAIN IN ADULTS

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and the impact of a clinical pharmacist as a member of a multidisciplinary pain team. Although physicians have a good knowledge of pharmacotherapy in the field of pain medication, pharmacy interventions were necessary to enhance the quality of prescribing. On a population of 93 patients, a total of 120 interventions were recorded. The different types of interventions included: provision of information (10.0%), clinical intervention (89.2%) and the provision of a specific product (0.8%). Out of the 107 clinical interventions, a total of 95.3 % interventions were accepted by the physicians. The results highlight the clinical importance of the pharmacy in optimizing drug therapy for adult patients with chronic pain.