Initial Management of Septic Patients with Hyperglycemia in the Noncritical Care Inpatient Setting.

Am J Med. 2012 May 18;

Authors: Schuetz P, Kennedy M, Lucas JM, Howell MD, Aird WC, Yealy DM, Shapiro NI

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous research on the management of hyperglycemia in patients with sepsis has focused primarily on those with established organ failure in the critical care setting. The impact of hyperglycemia and glycemic control in patients with infection before developing severe sepsis or shock remains undefined. METHODS: This observational, prospective, cohort study investigated the relationship between initial 72-hour time-weighted mean glucose concentrations and in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit transfer, and hospital length of stay in a cohort of patients with an acute infection who were admitted from the emergency department to a non-intensive care unit hospital ward. We used multivariate regression models adjusted for age, diabetes, and disease severity. RESULTS: A total of 1849 patients were included, of whom 29% had diabetes. In the 1310 nondiabetic patients, we observed hyperglycemia using time-weighted glucose concentrations: 121 to 150 mg/dL (n=204, 16%), 151 to 180 mg/dL (n=32, 2.4%), and greater than 180 mg/dL (n=21, 1.6%). Insulin treatment was infrequent in nondiabetic patients, with 9%, 13%, and 29% of nondiabetic patients in these ranges receiving insulin, respectively. As patient glucose values increased, in-hospital mortality increased in nondiabetic patients, with odds ratios (ORs) of 4.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-11), 10.0 (95% CI, 2.5-40), and 9.3 (95% CI, 1.9-44.0). Conversely, hyperglycemia did not confer an increased risk of adverse outcomes in diabetic patients. Likewise, increased risk for unplanned intensive care unit admission from the floor demonstrated ORs of 2.2 (95% CI, 1.1-4.3), 2.0 (95% CI, 0.45-8.9), and 6.3 (95% CI, 1.9-20.6) in nondiabetic patients, whereas no increased risk was found in diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of acutely infected patients without established severe sepsis or shock, higher glucose concentrations within the first 72 hours in the nondiabetic population were associated with worse hospital outcomes and were less likely to be treated with insulin compared with diabetic patients.

PMID: 22608986 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) for Refractory and Difficult-to-treat Infections.

Am J Med. 2012 May 16;

Authors: Ferrara G, Zumla A, Maeurer M

Abstract
Traditionally, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been used as replacement therapy for patients with primary or secondary immunoglobulin deficiencies. Increasingly, IVIg is being used (in doses higher than for replacement therapy) in certain bacterial or viral infectious diseases. A variety of modes of action have been attributed to the beneficial effects of IVIg, including its interaction with T-cell function, antigen-presenting cell maturation/presentation, combined with a general "tune down" effect on inflammatory reactions. More often, IVIg is being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of refractory and difficult-to-treat chronic infections. The evidence, molecular mechanisms, and rationale for the use of adjunct IVIg therapy in infectious diseases are reviewed, and its potential use in the adjunct treatment of difficult-to-treat drug-resistant tuberculosis discussed.

PMID: 22608788 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Quality of care for myocardial infarction at academic and nonacademic hospitals.

Am J Med. 2012 Apr;125(4):365-73

Authors: Belle L, Labarère J, Fourny M, Drouet E, Mulak G, Dujardin JJ, Vilarem D, Bonnet P, Hanssen M, Simon T, Ferrières J, Danchin N,

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Whether academic hospitals provide better quality of care for patients with acute myocardial infarction is widely debated. The aim of this study was to compare processes of care and mortality between academic and nonacademic hospitals in the contemporary era of acute myocardial infarction management.
METHODS: We analyzed the original data from a prospective cohort study of 3059 patients, including 1714 with ST-segment elevation and 1345 with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, enrolled at 39 and 183 academic and nonacademic hospitals, respectively, in France.
RESULTS: Unadjusted 1-year mortality for academic and nonacademic hospitals was 10% versus 15% for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (P=.01) and 13% versus 14% for patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (P=.75). Patients treated in academic or nonacademic hospitals with percutaneous coronary intervention capability were more likely to receive reperfusion and recommended drug therapies than those treated in nonacademic hospitals without percutaneous coronary intervention capability. After adjusting for baseline characteristics, the hazards of death associated with admission to nonacademic hospitals with and without percutaneous coronary intervention capability relative to academic hospitals were 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-1.62) and 1.65 (95% CI, 1.09-2.49) for those with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.66-1.36) and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.72-1.58) for those with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, respectively. Further adjustment for receipt of acute reperfusion and recommended drug therapies eliminated all differences in mortality between the study groups.
CONCLUSION: Admission to academic hospitals was associated with a more frequent use of recommended therapies, conveying a survival advantage for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

PMID: 22444102 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.

Am J Med. 2012 May 3;

Authors: Piazza G, Goldhaber SZ, Kroll A, Goldberg RJ, Emery C, Spencer FA

Abstract
PURPOSE: The majority of epidemiological studies demonstrate an increased risk of venous thromboembolism among diabetic patients. Our aim was to compare clinical characteristics, prophylaxis, treatment, and outcomes of venous thromboembolism in patients with and without previously diagnosed diabetes. METHODS: We studied diabetic patients in the population-based Worcester Venous Thromboembolism Study of 2488 consecutive patients with validated venous thromboembolism. RESULTS: Of 2488 venous thromboembolism patients, 476 (19.1%) had a clinical history of diabetes. Thromboprophylaxis was omitted in more than one third of diabetic patients who had been hospitalized for non-venous-thromboembolism-related illness or had undergone major surgery within 3 months before diagnosis. Patients with diabetes were more likely than nondiabetic patients to have a complicated course after venous thromboembolism. Patients with diabetes were more likely than patients without diabetes to suffer recurrent deep vein thrombosis (14.9% vs 10.7%) and long-term major bleeding complications (16.4% vs 11.7%) (all P=.01). Diabetes was associated with a significant increase in the risk of recurrent deep vein thrombosis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.51). Aspirin therapy at discharge (AOR 1.59; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3) and chronic kidney disease (AOR 2.19; 95% CI, 1.44-3.35) were independent predictors of long-term major bleeding. CONCLUSION: Patients with diabetes who developed venous thromboembolism were more likely to suffer a complicated clinical course. Diabetes was an independent predictor of recurrent deep vein thrombosis. We observed a low rate of thromboprophylaxis in diabetic patients. Further studies should focus on venous thromboembolism prevention in this vulnerable population.

PMID: 22560173 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Increased Risk of Mortality and Readmission among Patients Discharged Against Medical Advice.

Am J Med. 2012 Apr 17;

Authors: Southern WN, Nahvi S, Arnsten JH

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Approximately 500,000 patients are discharged from US hospitals against medical advice annually, but the associated risks are unknown. METHODS: We examined 148,810 discharges from an urban, academic health system between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2008. Of these, 3544 (2.4%) were discharged against medical advice, and 80,536 (54.1%) were discharged home. We excluded inpatient deaths, transfers to other hospitals or nursing facilities or discharges with home care. Using adjusted and propensity score-matched analyses, we compared 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission, and length of stay between discharges against medical advice and planned discharges. RESULTS: Discharge against medical advice was associated with higher mortality than planned discharge, after adjustment (odds ratio [OR](adj) 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48-2.86), and in propensity-matched analysis (OR(matched) 2.46; 95% CI, 1.29-4.68). Discharge against medical advice also was associated with higher 30-day readmission after adjustment (OR(adj) 1.84; 95% CI, 1.69-2.01), and in propensity-matched analysis (OR(matched) 1.65; 95% CI, 1.46-1.87). Finally, discharges against medical advice had shorter lengths of stay than matched planned discharges (3.37 vs 4.16 days, P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Discharge against medical advice is associated with increased risk for mortality and readmission. In addition, discharges against medical advice have shorter lengths of stay than matched planned discharges, suggesting that the increased risks associated with discharge against medical advice are attributable to premature discharge.

PMID: 22513194 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Transesophageal Echocardiograms in Patients with Catheter-derived Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia.

Am J Med. 2012 Apr 11;

Authors: Dinubile MJ

PMID: 22502954 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Impact of the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc Score on Anticoagulation Recommendations for Atrial Fibrillation.

Am J Med. 2012 Apr 11;

Authors: Mason PK, Lake DE, Dimarco JP, Ferguson JD, Mangrum JM, Bilchick K, Moorman LP, Moorman JR

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age?75 years, Diabetes mellitus, Stroke (CHADS(2)) score is used to predict the need for oral anticoagulation for stroke prophylaxis in patients with atrial fibrillation. The Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age?75 years, Diabetes mellitus, Stroke, Vascular disease, Age 65-74 years, Sex category (CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc) schema has been proposed as an improvement. Our objective is to determine how adoption of the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score alters anticoagulation recommendations. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2008, 1664 patients were seen at the University of Virginia Atrial Fibrillation Center. We calculated the CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores for each patient. The 2006 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Rhythm Society guidelines for atrial fibrillation management were used to determine anticoagulation recommendations based on the CHADS(2) score, and the 2010 European Society of Cardiology guidelines were used to determine anticoagulation recommendations based on the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score. RESULTS: The average age was 62±13 years, and 34% were women. Average CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores were 1.1±1.1 and 1.8±1.5, respectively (P<.0001). The CHADS(2) score classified 33% as requiring oral anticoagulation. The CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score classified 53% as requiring oral anticoagulation. For women, 31% had a CHADS(2) score?2, but 81% had a CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score?2 (P.0001). Also, 32% of women with a CHADS(2) score of zero had a CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score?2. For men, 25% had a CHADS(2) score?2, but 39% had a CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score?2 (P<.0001). CONCLUSION: Compared with the CHADS(2) score, the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score more clearly defines anticoagulation recommendations. Many patients, particularly older women, are redistributed from the low- to high-risk categories.

PMID: 22502952 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Case fatality rate with pulmonary embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism.

Am J Med. 2012 May;125(5):471-7

Authors: Stein PD, Matta F

Abstract
BACKGROUND: There are insufficient data to assess the potential role of pulmonary embolectomy in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.
METHODS: In-hospital all-cause case fatality rate with pulmonary embolectomy was assessed from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1999 through 2008.
RESULTS: Among unstable patients (in shock or ventilator-dependent), case fatality rate with embolectomy was 380 of 950 (40%). Among stable patients, case fatality rate was lower: 690 of 2820 (24%) (P <.0001). Case fatality rate in unstable patients was 39% in 1999-2003 and 40% in 2004-2008 (not significant), and in stable patients it was 27% in 1999-2003 and 23% in 2004-2008 (P=.01). Case fatality rates were lower in patients with a primary diagnosis of pulmonary embolism and even lower in patients with a primary diagnosis who had none of the comorbid conditions listed in the Charlson Index. Within each stratified group, patients with vena cava filters had a lower case fatality rate.
CONCLUSIONS: Case fatality rate in unstable patients who underwent pulmonary embolectomy remained at 39%-40% from 1999-2003 to 2004-2008, and in stable patients it decreased only from 27% to 23%. Case fatality rates were lower in those with fewer comorbid conditions and in those who received a vena cava filter. Our data reflect average outcome in the US. It may be that experienced surgeons and an aggressive multidisciplinary team could obtain a lower case fatality rate.

PMID: 22482845 [PubMed - in process]

Determinants of high-sensitivity troponin T among patients with a noncardiac cause of chest pain.

Am J Med. 2012 May;125(5):491-498.e1

Authors: Irfan A, Twerenbold R, Reiter M, Reichlin T, Stelzig C, Freese M, Haaf P, Hochholzer W, Steuer S, Bassetti S, Zellweger C, Freidank H, Peter F, Campodarve I, Meune C, Mueller C

Abstract
BACKGROUND: It is unknown to what extent noncardiac causes, including renal dysfunction, may contribute to high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels.
METHODS: In an observational international multicenter study, we enrolled consecutive patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department. Of 1181 patients enrolled, 572 were adjudicated by 2 independent cardiologists to have a noncardiac cause of chest pain. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine the important predictors of log-transformed high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to assess the prognostic significance of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T>0.014 ?g/L (99th percentile).
RESULTS: A total of 88 patients (15%) had high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T>0.014 ?g/L. Less than 50% of cardiac troponins could be explained by known cardiac or noncardiac diseases. In decreasing order of importance, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, and chronic kidney disease (adjusted r(2) 0.44) emerged as significant factors in linear regression analysis to predict high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T was best explained by a linear curve with age as?0.014 ?g/L. Patients with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels>0.014 ?g/L were at increased risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-10.6; P=.02) during follow-up.
CONCLUSION: Among the known covariates, age and not renal dysfunction is the most important determinant of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T. Because known cardiac and noncardiac factors, including renal dysfunction, explain less than 50% of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels among patients with a noncardiac cause of chest pain, unknown or underestimated cardiac involvement during the acute presenting condition seems to be the major cause of elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T.

PMID: 22482847 [PubMed - in process]

Chlorhexidine Bathing to Reduce Central Venous Catheter-associated Bloodstream Infection: Impact and Sustainability.

Am J Med. 2012 May;125(5):505-11

Authors: Montecalvo MA, McKenna D, Yarrish R, Mack L, Maguire G, Haas J, Delorenzo L, Dellarocco N, Savatteri B, Rosenthal A, Watson A, Spicehandler D, Shi Q, Visintainer P, Wormser GP

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine bathing has been associated with reductions in healthcare-associated bloodstream infection. To determine the impact and sustainability of the effect of chlorhexidine bathing on central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection, we performed a prospective, 3-phase, multiple-hospital study.
METHODS: In the medical intensive care unit and the respiratory care unit of a tertiary care hospital and the medical-surgical intensive care units of 4 community hospitals, rates of central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection were collected prospectively for each period. Pre-intervention (phase 1) patients were bathed with soap and water or nonmedicated bathing cloths; active intervention (phase 2) patients were bathed with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate cloths with the number of baths administered and skin tolerability assessed; post-intervention (phase 3) chlorhexidine bathing was continued but without oversight by research personnel. Central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection rates were compared over study periods using Poisson regression.
RESULTS: Compared with pre-intervention, during active intervention there were significantly fewer central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections (6.4/1000 central venous catheter days vs 2.6/1000 central venous catheter days, relative risk, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.68; P<.001), and this reduction was sustained during post-intervention (2.9/1000 central venous catheter days; relative risk, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.70; P<.001). During the active intervention period, compliance with chlorhexidine bathing was 82%. Few adverse events were observed.
CONCLUSION: In this multiple-hospital study, chlorhexidine bathing was associated with significant reductions in central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection, and these reductions were sustained post-intervention when chlorhexidine bathing was unmonitored. Chlorhexidine bathing was well tolerated and is a useful adjunct to reduce central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection.

PMID: 22482848 [PubMed - in process]

Digitalis toxicity: a fading but crucial complication to recognize.

Am J Med. 2012 Apr;125(4):337-43

Authors: Yang EH, Shah S, Criley JM

Abstract
Digoxin usage has decreased in the treatment of congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation as a result of its inferiority to beta-adrenergic inhibitors and agents that interfere with the deleterious effects of the activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. As a result of reduction of usage and dosage, glycoside toxicity has become an uncommon occurrence but may be overlooked when it does occur. Older age, female sex, low lean body mass, and renal insufficiency contribute to higher serum levels and enhanced risk for toxicity. Arrhythmias suggesting digoxin toxicity led to its recognition in the case presented here.

PMID: 22444097 [PubMed - in process]

Sleep Apnea and Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Non-randomized, Pair-matched Cohort Study.

Am J Med. 2012 Apr;125(4):374-80

Authors: Chou KT, Huang CC, Chen YM, Su KC, Shiao GM, Lee YC, Chan WL, Leu HB

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with sleep apnea have been reported to be associated with increased prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in some papers, which were criticized for either a small sample size or lack of a prospective control. Our study strived to explore the relationship of sleep apnea and the subsequent development of DVT using a nationwide, population-based database.
METHODS: From 2000 to 2007, we identified a study cohort consisting of newly diagnosed sleep apnea cases in the National Health Insurance Research Database. A control cohort without sleep apnea, matched for age, sex, comorbidities, major operation, and fractures, was selected for comparison. The 2 cohorts were followed-up, and we observed the occurrence of DVT by registry of DVT diagnosis.
RESULTS: Of the 10,185 sampled patients (5680 sleep apnea patients vs. 4505 control), 40 (0.39%) cases developed DVT during a mean follow-up period of 3.56 years, including 30 (0.53%) from the sleep apnea cohort and 10 (0.22 %) from the control group. Subjects with sleep apnea experienced a 3.113-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.516-6.390; P=.002) increase in incident DVT, which was independent of age, sex, and comorbidities. Kaplan-Meier analysis also revealed the tendency of sleep apnea patients toward DVT development (log-rank test, P=.001). The risk of DVT was even higher in sleep apnea cases who needed continuous positive airway pressure treatment (hazard ratio 9.575; 95% confidence interval, 3.181-28.818; P <.001).
CONCLUSION: Sleep apnea may be an independent risk factor for DVT.

PMID: 22444103 [PubMed - in process]

Safety of arthrocentesis and joint injection in patients receiving anticoagulation at therapeutic levels.

Am J Med. 2012 Mar;125(3):265-9

Authors: Ahmed I, Gertner E

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Arthrocentesis and joint injections are commonly performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic indications. Because of safety concerns, there is often reluctance to perform these procedures in patients who are receiving anticoagulation at therapeutic levels. This study was undertaken to determine the safety of arthrocentesis and joint injection performed by physicians from different disciplines in patients who are anticoagulated.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 640 arthrocentesis and joint injection procedures performed in 514 anticoagulated patients between 2001 and 2009. We assessed the incidence of early and late clinically significant bleeding in or around a joint, infection, and procedure-related pain. We further compared the incidence of these complications in 456 procedures performed in patients with an international normalized ratio 2.0 or greater and 184 procedures performed in patients with an international normalized ratio less than 2.0.
RESULTS: Only 1 procedure (0.2%) resulted in early, significant, clinical bleeding in the fully anticoagulated group. There was no statistically significant difference in early and late complications between patients who had procedures performed with an international normalized ratio 2.0 or greater and those whose anticoagulation was adjusted to an international normalized ratio less than 2.0.
CONCLUSION: Arthrocentesis and joint injections in patients receiving chronic warfarin therapy with therapeutic international normalized ratio are safe procedures. There does not seem to be a need for reducing the level of anticoagulation before procedures in these patients.

PMID: 22340924 [PubMed - in process]

Red cell distribution width and mortality in newly hospitalized patients.

Am J Med. 2012 Mar;125(3):283-91

Authors: Hunziker S, Stevens J, Howell MD

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Previous studies suggest that red cell distribution width, a measure of erythrocyte size variability, may predict long-term mortality, particularly in cardiovascular disease. Less research has focused on the prognostic utility of red cell distribution width in an acutely hospitalized population.
METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data on 74,784 consecutive hospitalized adults with red cell distribution width measured on admission. The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality; a secondary outcome was unplanned transfer to the intensive care unit. We calculated multivariable logistic models adjusted for age, gender, race, and comorbid conditions.
RESULTS: The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 1.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-1.4). As red cell distribution width increased, so did mortality, from 0.2% (lowest red cell distribution width decile) to 4.4% (highest red cell distribution width decile). Unadjusted red cell distribution width significantly discriminated between hospital survivors and nonsurvivors (area under the curve 0.74). In multivariate analyses, for every 1% increment in red cell distribution width at the time of admission, the odds for in-hospital mortality increased by 24% (odds ratio 1.24; 95% CI, 1.20-1.27); findings were robust across comorbidity subgroups. The rate of unplanned intensive care unit transfer was 7.0% (95% CI, 6.8-7.2) and in unadjusted analyses increased more than 2-fold from 4.5% in the lowest to 11.6% in the highest red cell distribution width decile. This relationship was significantly confounded but remained significant in multivariate analysis (odds ratio 1.04 per 1% red cell distribution width increment; 95% CI, 1.03-1.06).
CONCLUSION: Red cell distribution width strongly and independently predicted in-hospital mortality in this large cohort of hospitalized patients. It also was associated with acute decompensation among patients on the general ward, but to a lesser degree. The mechanisms underlying these findings are unknown.

PMID: 22340927 [PubMed - in process]

Patient education program for venous thromboembolism prevention in hospitalized patients.

Am J Med. 2012 Mar;125(3):258-64

Authors: Piazza G, Nguyen TN, Morrison R, Cios D, Hohlfelder B, Fanikos J, Paterno MD, Goldhaber SZ

Abstract
PURPOSE: Up to 15% of clinician-ordered doses of injectable pharmacological prophylaxis to prevent venous thromboembolism are not administered. Patient refusal accounts for nearly 50% of these omitted doses. We conducted a prospective cohort study to determine whether a patient education program would improve medication adherence to clinician-ordered injectable prophylactic anticoagulation.
METHODS: We identified 528 hospitalized patients ordered to receive injectable pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. We evaluated the impact of pharmacist-led patient education sessions on medication adherence (defined as the ratio of doses administered to doses scheduled) compared with our historical cohort.
RESULTS: Individualized patient education sessions were conducted within 24 hours of the initial order for prophylactic anticoagulation in 99% of patients. Adherence to clinician-ordered pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was higher after the patient education program than in our historical cohort (94.4% vs 89.9%, P <.0001). The proportion of patients receiving 100% of scheduled doses of injectable pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was higher after our novel patient education program than in our historical cohort (73.7% vs 62.4%, P=.001). Patient refusal as a reason for omitted doses was less frequent after the patient education program (29.3% vs 43.7%, P=.001).
CONCLUSION: Pharmacist-led individualized patient education sessions were associated with higher medication adherence to clinician-ordered injectable pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and a reduction in patient refusal as a reason for omitted doses. A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a patient education program on medication adherence to pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is warranted.

PMID: 22340923 [PubMed - in process]