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BackgroundThe primary objective of this meta-analysis is aimed at determining whether β-lactams prolonged infusion in patients with nosocomial pneumonia (NP) results in higher cure rate and improved mortality compared to intermittent infusion.Materials and MethodsRelevant studies were identified from searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from inception to September 1st, 2015. All published articles which evaluated the outcome of extended/continuous infusion of antimicrobial therapy versus intermittent infusion therapy in the treatment of NP were reviewed.ResultsA total of ten studies were included in the analysis involving 1,051 cases of NP. Prolonged infusion of β-lactams was associated with higher clinical cure rate (OR 2.45, 95% CI, 1.12, 5.37) compared to intermittent infusion. However, there was no significant difference in mortality (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.63–1.15) between the two groups. Subgroup analysis for β-lactam subclasses and for severity of illness showed comparable outcomes.ConclusionThe limited data available suggest that reduced clinical failure rates when using prolonged infusions of β-lactam antibiotics in critically ill patients with NP. More detailed studies are needed to determine the impact of such strategy on mortality in this patient population.

This study provides useful information to guide providers, administrators, researchers, and policy experts in planning for optimal provision of palliative care services to those in need.

Patients with cardiac disease experienced greater improvement in the dyspnea score compared with patients with no cardiac disease, whereas patients with orthopedic problems had a smaller but also clinically significant improvement in dyspnea after pulmonary rehabilitation.

Study Objectives: Sleep fragmentation has been linked to poor pain tolerance and lowered pain threshold. Little evidence exists on whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence in veterans with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are taking opioids for non-malignant pain would ameliorate pain and reduce consumption of opioids. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was performed at a VA sleep center. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Categorical Scale prior to CPAP treatment and 12-mo follow-up. Opioids intake was assessed using the morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD). Adherence to CPAP was evaluated with the built-in meter. Results: We reviewed 113 patients with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 35.9 ± 29.5) using a MEDD of 61.6 mg (range 5-980 mg) and a control group of 113 veterans with OSA (AHI 33.4 ± 27.3) on no opioids treatment. CPAP adherence was significantly lower at 12 mo in opioid-treated patients compared to controls (37% versus 55%; p = 0.01). Greater pain intensity was the only independent variable associated with CPAP non-adherence at 12-mo follow-up (p = 0.03). Compared to baseline, no significant difference was observed in pain intensity or consumption of opioids in CPAP adherent patients. I NTRO DUCTI O NChronic pain is a serious and highly prevalent condition among service members. Although the prevalence of chronic pain and opioid use associated with deployment is not well known, a recent report indicated that nearly half of a group of infantry soldiers who had seen combat in Afghanistan have reported experiencing chronic pain.1 The better body armor combined with advanced medical care on the battlefield had led to improved survival rates following serious residual injuries (such as limb amputations and severe nerve and musculoskeletal damage) caused by blasts or projectiles. The multiplicity of these wounds in soldiers, coupled with cognitive impairments associated with traumatic brain injury and mental health morbidity has caused an increase in dependency on opioids to suppress these ailments.The use of opioids has been associated with development of sleep-disordered breathing, including central apneas, ataxic breathing, and nocturnal hypoxemia.2-4 However, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is considered the predominant form of sleep-disordered breathing among veterans receiving chronic opioid therapy.5 However, this reduced pain sensitivity has been reported in healthy volunteers with induced rather than preexisting pain. It is speculated that the sleep disruption resulting from repeated arousals alters the nociceptive system, rendering it more susceptible to maladaptive plasticity. Preliminary investigations in healthy volunteers have suggested that although pain sensitivity is increased following sleep restriction, restoring sleep architecture ameliorates pain thresholds. 6,7 Further, treatment of underlying sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been associated with reduced hyperalgesia in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. ...

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Objectives: To explore pharmacists' perspectives on practice, availability, and barriers related to opioids. Methods: This crosssectional study evaluated pharmacists' perspectives on practice, availability, and barriers related to opioids. Electronic surveys were distributed to pharmacists practicing in Georgia via Survey Monkey. The w 2 or Fisher Exact test was used to test differences in practice, availability, and barriers with respect to type of pharmacy and location of pharmacy. Results: Most participating pharmacists practiced in an independent (47%) or community chain pharmacies (37%). The majority checked the Prescription Drug-Monitoring Program (PDMP) on a regular basis (73%), and about a third reported contacting the prescriber prior to dispensing. The most common barrier included concerns about diversion (82%) and illicit use (90%). About two-thirds reported experiencing a shortage of opioids. Significant differences (P < .05) were found between types of pharmacy in dispensing practices, availability, and barriers. No significant differences were found with respect to pharmacy location. Conclusion: Findings suggest that pharmacists are facing challenges in availability of opioids and are employing stewardship approaches to optimize dispensing practices. This research provides insight regarding broken links in the "pain relief chain" and identifies opportunities to improve the accessibility of opioids when medically indicated. Pharmacists can play an important role in addressing the opioid crisis as well as providing quality care to patients with cancer seeking pain relief.

BackgroundPatients with advanced cancer are increasingly experiencing financial hardship (FH) and associated negative health outcomes.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to describe FH and explore its relationship to quality of life (QOL) in patients with advanced cancer receiving outpatient palliative care (PC).MethodsValidated questionnaires assessed FH, QOL dimensions, symptom burden, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample and described FH. Pearson correlation and linear regression assessed relationships between FH and QOL.ResultsThe average participant (n = 78) age was 56.6 (SD, 12.2) years. Most were female (56.4%), White (50%) or Black (46.2%), and had a range of education, partner statuses, and cancer diagnoses. Median time since cancer diagnosis was 35.5 months (interquartile range, 9-57.3 months). Highest mean symptom burden scores were for pain (2.5 [SD, 1.0]) and fatigue (2.0 [SD, 1.1]), on a 0- to 3-point scale (higher score representing worse symptom burden). The median COST (COmphrehensive Score for financial Toxicity) score was 15.0 (interquartile range, 9.0-23.0). Most (70%) had some (n = 43) or extreme (n = 9) difficulty paying for basic needs. Greater than 28% (n = 21) incurred cancer-related debt. Multivariate models indicated that FH negatively affected role limitations due to physical health (P = .008), pain (P = .003), and emotional well-being (P = .017) QOL dimensions.ConclusionsFinancial hardship, QOL, and symptom burden scores demonstrate need for continued support for and research among patients with advanced cancer. Data support links between FH and important QOL dimensions. Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to understand how FH affects QOL in patients with advanced cancer.Implications for PracticeProactive financial assessment and interventions are needed to support patients with advanced cancer experiencing the cumulative effects of cancer and its treatment.