Allison Chung

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of low-fidelity simulation on students' confidence, knowledge, and skills in pediatric physical assessments, and to compare students' interest ratings of topics and effectiveness of learning activities between students' who experienced simulation and those who did not. METHODS Within a pediatric elective, a vital signs and physical assessment activity was re-designed to incorporate a low-fidelity heart and breath sounds simulator. Students rated their confidence in completing 9 different physical assessment skills before and after the activity and assessment. Students' perspectives of the activity were also assessed. Course evaluation surveys were compared with prior course offerings (without simulation) to determine a change in students' interest ratings of the topic and effectiveness of learning activities. The Wilcoxon signed rank test, thematic analysis, and descriptive statistics were used to analy...

Crit Care Med 2016 • Volume 44 • Number 12 (Suppl.) procedure (43% vs 20%; OR 3.1; 95%CI 3.0–3.3) and mechanical ventilation (5.4% vs 2.6%; OR 2.1; 95%CI 1.9–2.4), admitted during weekend (33% vs 21%; OR 1.9; 95%CI 1.8–2.0) and during 2nd and 3rd quarter (70% vs 47%, p<0.0001), from bottom quartile income zip code areas (29% vs 33%, p<0.0001), have private insurance (48% vs 40%) and less likely to have Medicaid (43% vs 53%, p<0.0001). Most common injuries were intracranial (28.3%), upper limb fracture (24.7%), and lower limb fracture (18.9%). Common abdominal injuries were splenic (4.7%) and liver (3.9%) laceration. The median length of stay and charges were 2 days (IQR: 1–3) and $22,201 (IQR: 12,667–39,840), respectively. The mortality rate was 0.5%. Conclusions: Our study presents a national estimate of bicycle-related injuries in children requiring hospitalization. They have a high incidence of intracranial injuries and extremity fractures. Improved education about the i...

OBJECTIVE We assessed the impact of acid suppression therapy (i.e., ranitidine or proton pump inhibitors) on iron supplementation and its ability to maintain or alter laboratory values that are commonly associated with anemia. METHODS This was a prospective, observational trial. The primary outcome was changes in serum iron levels from baseline. Secondary outcomes were changes in hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct), transfusions, and maintenance of an alkalotic gastric pH. RESULTS Thirty-four patients (mean 24 ± 43 months) met inclusion criteria. The serum iron levels increased to 50.9 ± 24.6 mcg/dL by day 3. The mean difference from baseline was 1.5 mcg/dL (95% CI, 1.14–1.98, p = 0.0056). Gastric pH increased to 4.68 ± 1.49 on day 5. The mean Hgb and Hct increased on day 5 to 10 ± 1.06 g/dL and 29.6% ± 3.27%, respectively. The mean difference of Hgb was 1.15 g/dL (95% CI, 0.51–1.78, p = 0.0009). The mean difference of Hct was 3.04% (95% CI, 1.11–4.97, p = 0.0032). CONCLUSIONS The...

Depression is common among HIV-infected women, predicts treatment non-adherence, and may impact mother to daughter (vertical) transmission of HIV. A majority of women who develop HIV are of child-bearing age, and are at risk for postpartum depression (PPD). A literature review was performed to analyze the literature regarding PPD in HIV-positive women. This review specifically looked at literature regarding the incidence, risk factors, outcomes, and treatment of PPD in HIV-positive women compared to the general population. While existing literature is limited, it seems to imply that there is no difference between HIV-positive women and unaffected women when it comes to PPD incidence or risk factors. A majority of studies did conclude that routine screenings are needed for depressive symptoms in HIV-positive women.

Medications used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often have drug-drug interactions which complicate treatment of psychiatric illnesses in HIV-infected patients. Protease inhibitors (PIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are the two classes of HIV medications most likely to be involved with interactions, with the majority occurring via the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system. These interactions can result in either increased or decreased exposure to psychotropic and antiretroviral medications, often requiring dosage adjustments and increased monitoring. This article reviews some of the major drug interactions with antiretroviral agents.

This prospective study evaluated the efficacy and economic benefit of Cathflo Activase and a volume-dependent protocol versus a previously utilized fixed-dose 2 mg/mL alteplase aliquot protocol for central venous catheter clearance in pediatric patients. All pediatric patients with a medically diagnosed catheter occlusion were eligible for inclusion into this study. Retrospective data was analyzed from an approved data collection form, which had been implemented during the utilization of the alteplase protocol. Data collection indicators included catheter type, dose, dwell time, outcome of attempt (successful or unsuccessful), additional measures taken, and comments. A new protocol utilizing Cathflo Activase and manufacturer recommended volume-based dosing was prospectively implemented and data was collected and evaluated and compared to data from the alteplase protocol. Alteplase and Cathflo protocol data was evaluated for a total of 96 courses in 48 patients (0.09 - 22.8 years, 2....

Continuous breast-feeding, an integral component of the postpartum period, is often threatened upon maternal initiation of antibiotics. The real risk of antibiotic use while breast-feeding must be carefully analysed with regard to all the variables that influence the extent of antibiotic distribution into breast milk, including breast milk composition, physicochemical properties of the antibiotic (molecular weight, lipid solubility, pH, protein binding), length of feeding, and maternal disposition. In addition, infant disposition, including ability to absorb, metabolize, eliminate, and tolerate any amounts of antibiotic, must also be considered prior to maternal administration of antibiotic. The milk to plasma (M/P) ratio is a frequently quoted parameter used to predict drug distribution into breast milk. However, its utility is questionable and often fraught with misinterpretation. An alternative approach when the amount of antibiotic concentration in breast milk is known (through ...

A 45-year-old man with paranoid schizophrenia with delusions was transferred from a group home for treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Six months before this episode, he had been hospitalized in an inpatient psychiatric institution and treated with valproic acid and quetiapine 400 mg with normal blood sugars recorded. The patient was treated for diabetic ketoacidosis, and all outpatient medications were discontinued. Insulin resistance is commonly cited as the mechanism for hyperglycemia, a theory supported by the efficacy of insulin- sensitizing medications in reported cases. Although antipsychotic- associated DKA is uncommon, hyperglycemia associated with these medications is commonplace. Analysis of case series have not identified risk factors for hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis within this population. Considering the incidence and unpredictability of hyperglycemia associated with quetiapine and atypical antipsychotics, clinicians should initiate intensive monitoring in patients, including weight, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia.

ABSTRACT Continuous breast-feeding, an integral component of the postpartum period, is often threatened upon maternal initiation of antibiotics. The real risk of antibiotic use while breast-feeding must be carefully analysed with regard to all the variables that influence the extent of antibiotic distribution into breast milk, including breast milk composition, physicochemical properties of the antibiotic (molecular weight, lipid solubility, pH, protein binding), length of feeding, and maternal disposition. In addition, infant disposition, including ability to absorb, metabolize, eliminate, and tolerate any amounts of antibiotic, must also be considered prior to maternal administration of antibiotic. The milk to plasma (M/P) ratio is a frequently quoted parameter used to predict drug distribution into breast milk. However, its utility is questionable and often fraught with misinterpretation. An alternative approach when the amount of antibiotic concentration in breast milk is known (through clinical trials) is to calculate an estimated or expected infant drug exposure factoring in known/expected milk consumption, drug concentration and bioavailability. In this review, the following antibiotic classes and current literature regarding their distribution into breast milk are critically reviewed: β-lactam antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, macrolides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, nitrofurantoin, metronidazole, vancomycin, clindamycin and chloramphenicol. In the majority of instances, these antibiotics do not distribute into breast milk in sufficient concentrations to be of any clinical consequence in the breast-feeding infant.

Epilepsy is common in the pediatric population. Nine second-generation antiepileptic drugs have been approved in the US for use in epilepsy over the past 15 years: felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, topiramate, tiagabine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, zonisamide, and pregabalin. Their use in pediatric patients is fairly widespread, despite most of these agents not having US FDA indications for use. Felbamate and gabapentin were the first two second-generation antiepileptic drugs to be approved in the US. Felbamate use has been limited because of the occurrence of hepatotoxicity and aplastic anemia. Although gabapentin is a fairly well tolerated antiepileptic drug, its use has also been limited as a result of inconsistent efficacy and concern about seizure exacerbation. Lamotrigine and topiramate are broad-spectrum antiepileptic drugs with efficacy in a wide variety of seizure types. Both agents have some tolerability concerns: rash with lamotrigine and neuropsychiatric events with topiramate. There are very little data on tiagabine use in children, but this agent appears to be effective and to have a good tolerability profile. Levetiracetam is a second-generation antiepileptic agent that is available intravenously. Considering its good efficacy, fast onset of action, and low incidence of serious adverse effects, its use in the acute setting could potentially increase. Oxcarbazepine and zonisamide have been relatively well studied in pediatric seizure patients, including use as monotherapy. Both agents have demonstrated good efficacy and tolerability for patients as young as 1 month old. Vigabatrin and rufinamide are currently not available in the US, but have been shown to have some success in other countries. Pregabalin is the newest antiepileptic agent, but lacks pediatric data currently.

ABSTRACT Levetiracetam is a second-generation antiepileptic drug which first came to the United States market in 1999. It has a mechanism of action that is not well elucidated. However, it is a very favorable antiepileptic drug due to its reliable pharmacokinetics, minimal drug interactions, seizure efficacy and good tolerability. It is an agent that has established efficacy as an adjunct therapy agent for partial and refractory seizures. As a monotherapy agent, levetiracetam also appears to be an attractive agent with observed efficacy and tolerability. Since levetiracetam has recently become available intravenously, it is also being reviewed as an agent for acute status epilepticus. In pediatrics, levetiracetam is widely used with efficacy seen in small clinical trials for a variety of seizure types. Levetiracetam is well tolerated: the most common adverse effect being somnolence and behavioral effects. Overall, levetiracetam is a notable antiepileptic drug that has added significantly to the current antiepileptic armamentarium.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a mainstay of treatment for patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Since second line HAART therapies can be costlier and less effective, it is essential to understand the duration of initial HAART therapies. The overall aim of this study was to estimate the effects of daily pill burden on the time to discontinuation of the initial HAART regimen. Patients were initially identified through the clinic's CAREWARE database. A chart review was conducted for data collection, where only adult, female, HIV-positive patients initiating therapy at the study clinic between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2011 were included. All study subjects were followed up from the initiation of HAART to treatment discontinuation. A Kaplan-Meier curve was generated to describe time to discontinuation by regimens, and a Cox proportional hazards model was developed to assess the impact of different regimen and patient demographic characteristics on the hazard of discontinuation of the initial regimen. A total of 498 charts were initially reviewed. After assessment of these patients for inclusion criteria, a cohort of 115 adult female patients who initiated HAART at the study clinic was included. Patients treated with 1 pill/day regimen had a significantly longer time to discontinuation than regimens of >1 pills/day (mean duration of initial therapy was 1062.56 days vs. 631.70 days, respectively, p = 0.003). Compared to 1 pill/day regimens, >1 pills/day regimens were associated with a higher hazard of discontinuation (hazard ratio (HR) =3.44 with 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25, 9.48). A higher viral load and patients without insurance were also found to be significantly associated with increased hazards of discontinuation. Overall, female HIV patients initiating therapy with the 1 pill/day HAART regimen were less likely to discontinue their treatment compared to patients initiating with >1 pills/day HAART regimen.