Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice最新文献

{"title":"Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in the Prevention of Paclitaxel-induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized, Double-blind, and Placebo-controlled Trial.","authors":"Sima Ramezaninejad, Ehsan Zaboli, Mohammad Eslamijouybari, Leila Mirzakhani, Fatemeh Shaki, Mahmood Moosazadeh, Hamid Reza Namvar, Amir Mohammad Shabani, Ebrahim Salehifar","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_999_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_999_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is a disabling condition that leads to discontinuation or dose reduction of chemotherapy and reduces the patient's quality of life (QOL). We investigated the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in preventing PIPN.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted at a chemotherapy center of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Breast cancer patients receiving the Adriamycin/Cyclophosphamide-Taxol regimen were enrolled. All patients received 1200 mg NAC or placebo in two doses before each cycle of paclitaxel. Response to treatment was assessed based on improvements in the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS), NCI-CTCAE, NPS, FACT/GOG-Ntx, and EORTC-QLQ. Two blood samples were taken at baseline and last cycle to determine the oxidative factors.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Sixty patients were enrolled. At the last cycle, changes in NRS were decreasing in the NAC group but increasing in the placebo group. Thirteen patients (44.8%) in the NAC group and only one patient (3.4%) in the placebo group still reported no neuropathy in the end. A significant difference was observed between the two groups in the Ntx subscale and the Fact-G total score at the last cycle (<i>P</i> < 0.001). The QOL increased in the NAC and decreased in the placebo group. Glutathione levels, MDA, and TAC differed significantly between the two groups (<i>P</i> < 0.001, <0.001, and 0.04, respectively), but no significant difference in NO levels (<i>P</i> = 0.5).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Oral NAC at a dose of 1200 mg daily for two doses can reduce the incidence and severity of PIPN and improve patients' QOL.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"14 1","pages":"18-26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12258537/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144637409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Role of Systemic Antibiotics in Preventing Ventilator-associated Pneumonia in Intensive Care Unit Patients: Insights from a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"Niloofar Etemad, Koorosh Etemad, Shadi Farsaei, Azadeh Moghaddas","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_21_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_21_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The effectiveness of prophylactic systemic antibiotics in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in intensive care units (ICUs) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing the incidence of VAP among the IMV population. We conducted an extensive search of databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, from their inception to December 2023. We aimed to identify studies evaluating the effects of prophylactic systemic antibiotics on VAP, early- and late-onset VAP, mortality rates, median ventilation days, and lengths of ICU and hospital stays, facilitating a comprehensive meta-analysis. Seven studies involving 939 patients indicated that the use of preventive antibiotics reduced VAP compared to control groups (risk ratio [RR] of 0.61). The early-onset VAP rate was also lower in the treatment group compared to the control groups (RR of 0.40). Prophylactic systemic antibiotics may effectively reduce VAP incidence in ICU patients on IMV but do not significantly impact other clinical outcomes. These findings may stem from the fact that VAP accounts for a small fraction of ICU deaths, and most studies focused on early-onset VAP, which has lower mortality. However, definitive recommendations cannot be established without the necessity of well-designed randomized controlled trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"14 1","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12237149/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144600782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating Anti-factor X_a Levels in Patients with Augmented Renal Clearance Receiving Enoxaparin Prophylaxis: An Exploratory Pilot Study.","authors":"Zahra Sahraei, Azadeh Eshraghi, Saghar Barati","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_11_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_11_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Anticoagulation therapy, including enoxaparin, is crucial for preventing blood clots in patients at risk for thromboembolic events. However, due to enoxaparin's enhanced renal elimination, proper prophylactic dosing may be challenging. This exploratory study evaluates antifactor X_a levels in patients with augmented renal clearance (ARC) receiving enoxaparin prophylaxis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty patients aged 18 years or older receiving 40 mg of enoxaparin for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis with a high ARC score were observed. ARC was confirmed by creatinine clearance exceeding 130 mL/min. Exclusion criteria included various conditions impacting hemostasis. The objective was to assess antifactor X_a levels 4 h after the fourth dose of enoxaparin administration using a chromogenic assay.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The mean ± standard deviation of the antifactor X_a levels was 0.28 ± 0.21. A significant number of participants (65%) had suboptimal antifactor X_a levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prophylactic use of enoxaparin in patients with ARC may result in insufficient antifactor X_a levels. Although the mean levels were within the target range, many individuals did not reach the target level. Healthcare providers should consider renal function and ARC when prescribing enoxaparin to prevent thromboembolic events.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"14 1","pages":"35-38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12237168/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144600780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Analysis of Dietary Supplements Among Pharmacists: A Promising Outlook from Yazd, Iran.","authors":"Mostafa Zare Bidoki, Mohammad Ali Morowatisharifabad, Golnaz Afzal, Mahdi Aghabagheri, Mohsen Nabi Meybodi","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_59_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_59_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of pharmacists in Yazd, Iran, regarding dietary supplements (DSs).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey assessed KAP regarding DS among pharmacists and pharmacy students in Yazd community pharmacies. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire covering demographics, DS knowledge, attitudes toward DS and counseling, and practices. Expert panel review confirmed face and content validity; reliability was established (Cronbach's alpha). SPSS 16.0 was used for statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, and percentages) for KAP scores, Pearson correlations for KAP relationships, and <i>t</i>-tests/ANOVA for associations with demographics/professional factors. Significance was set at <i>P</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Significant correlations were observed among all KAP parameters. Pharmacists' knowledge and practice scores were significantly associated with age, educational level, years of experience, and professional title. Attitudes toward counseling on DS were also considerably linked to professional titles. Notably, a substantial majority (91.8%) of pharmacists expressed a positive attitude toward their role in DS counseling.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the interrelation of knowledge, practice, and attitudes regarding DS among pharmacists in Yazd and their association with demographic and professional factors. The overwhelmingly positive attitude toward DS counseling suggests a promising foundation for enhancing pharmacists' engagement. To realize this potential fully, targeted interventions to improve knowledge and practice, particularly among younger and less experienced pharmacists, are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"14 1","pages":"27-34"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12237187/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144600781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of the Efficacy of Adding Inhaled Levofloxacin and Colistin to a Basic Regimen of Colistin and Meropenem in the Treatment of Ventilator-associated Pneumonia Caused by Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Bacteria: A Randomized Open-label Clinical Trial.","authors":"Masoumeh Sohrabi, Shahram Ala, Afshin Gholipour-Baradari, Fatemeh Heydari, Alireza Nikzad Jamnani, Mahmoud Mousazadeh, Hamidreza Namvar","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_12_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_12_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) is a major intensive care unit challenge, particularly in Iran, due to limited antibiotic options. This study compared the efficacy of adding levofloxacin and colistin inhalation form to the baseline regimen of colistin and meropenem in treating VAP caused by MDR-GNB.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients with VAP were randomly assigned to the colistin group (<i>n</i> = 24), receiving 2 million international unit (MIU) every 8 h, and the levofloxacin group (<i>n</i> = 22), receiving 250 mg every 12 h, alongside intravenous colistin (4.5 MIU every 12 h) and meropenem (1 g every 8 h). Clinical improvement using the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) on days 1, 5, and 7, the clinical response on day 7, and inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein) on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>CPIS scores significantly decreased in both groups: Colistin (-3.67 ± 2.14, <i>P</i> < 0.001) and levofloxacin (-4.41 ± 1.71, <i>P</i> < 0.001), with no intergroup difference (<i>P</i> = 0.200). The clinical response analysis indicated that levofloxacin was associated with fewer treatment failures and more partial responses, whereas colistin demonstrated higher rates of complete response; however, these differences were not statistically significant (<i>P</i> > 0.05). Acute kidney injury occurred only in the colistin group (<i>n</i> = 8; 33.3%). Bronchospasm and cough occurred in one levofloxacin patient (4.54%), showing a significant difference in adverse effects (<i>P</i> = 0.004). Mortality rates were higher in the colistin group (<i>n</i> = 17; 70.8%) compared to the levofloxacin group (<i>n</i> = 10; 45.5%), though this difference was not statistically significant (<i>P</i> = 0.08).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Levofloxacin inhalation may be considered an effective alternative to colistin inhalation for treating VAP caused by MDR-GNB. It offers similar efficacy and lower nephrotoxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"14 1","pages":"9-17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12237181/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144600779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of Immune Modulating Agents to Regulate Hyperinflammation in Severe COVID 19: Assessment of Tocilizumab Use in Combination with Steroids.","authors":"Somayeh Sadeghi, Zohre Naderi, Nima Arezoomandi, Mozhdeh Saghaei, Fereshteh Tavakoli, Mahsa Hajizadeh","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_2_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_2_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>In severe cases, COVID-19 can lead to a hyperinflammatory state, resulting in devastating outcomes. Immune modulation using steroids or other immune modulators can regulate the intensity of the inflammatory response; however, this theory has not been adequately assessed in practice. The current study aims to investigate the use of corticosteroids alone or in combination with tocilizumab to treat patients with severe COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted on 166 Iranian patients with severe COVID-19 infection at Al-Zahra Hospital, who were treated with the standard treatment for severe COVID-19 infection, as per the 11^th version of the Iranian guideline for COVID-19 treatment. Patients were categorized into three treatment groups based on the dose of corticosteroid treatment and tocilizumab therapy: (a) high-dose methylprednisolone (>1 mg/kg) alone, (b) low-dose methylprednisolone (<1 mg/kg) followed by one dose of tocilizumab (8 mg/kg); and (c) high-dose methylprednisolone (>1 mg/kg) followed by one dose of tocilizumab (8 mg/kg). Mortality of patients as our primary outcome, laboratory parameters, length of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission requirement, and drug-related adverse events were compared between groups.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The second group showed significantly better outcomes, including shorter ICU stays, lower C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase levels, and higher oxygen saturation and platelet counts than the other groups. Logistic regression revealed increased risks of mortality, nosocomial infection, and adverse effects, including hepatic and renal dysfunction and gastrointestinal bleeding, in Groups B and C compared with Group A.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In all evaluated parameters, a low-dose steroid followed by tocilizumab was superior to a high-dose steroid alone or combined with tocilizumab. Although this combination treatment has been assessed worldwide, few studies have focused on its application in Iranian patients with severe COVID-19.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"13 4","pages":"111-118"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12105767/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144159846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Community Pharmacy Vaccination Services on Respiratory Vaccine Coverage of Patients Taking Immunosuppressive Medications in Quebec, Canada.","authors":"Mandana Moradi, Daniel J G Thirion","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_7_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_7_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk of bacterial and viral respiratory infections and related complications. Available vaccines against these infections are the most effective tools in preventing complications. Community pharmacist vaccination service is evolving in many countries, and they could present an opportunity to improve vaccination coverage in this population. This study aims to describe how community pharmacists are involved in vaccinating high-risk (immunocompromised) populations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study included vaccination information of patients who received chronic immunosuppressive therapy among those who were taking selected chronic medications from community pharmacies in Montreal, Canada, from January 2020 to September 2023. Immunosuppressive therapy was categorized as either corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs or the combination of corticosteroids with one or two immunosuppressive drugs. Data were available from all private pharmacies through the Quebec Association of Pharmacists Owners database. Descriptive statistics are used for data analysis.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Of the total number of 4,114,528 patients who were taking selected chronic medications from community pharmacies, 611,789 (14.8%) were taking immunosuppressives. Prednisone/prednisolone was the most commonly administered drug in this population (345,744 [8.4%]). Most of these patients are aged over 50 years (484,827 [79.2%]). A total of 409,171 (66.8%) co-administered at least one other drug. The vaccination rate was highest for influenza (142,877 [23.3%]) and lowest (23,532 [3.8%]) with the pneumococcus vaccine. Patients younger than 25 had the lowest vaccination rate with three respiratory vaccines. Vaccination rate decreased after the pandemic with all three vaccines in our study population.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Vaccination rates of patients taking chronic immunosuppressive drugs in community pharmacies are low. These rates are worse than rates for other high-risk groups from the same database. This represents a missed opportunity for pharmacists to encourage this high-risk population to vaccinate proactively.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"13 4","pages":"119-126"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12105769/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144159841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patient-centeredness Approach in Community Pharmacies: A Cross-sectional Survey.","authors":"Mahna Ekhlasi, Nima Shahdadi, Farzad Peiravian, Nazila Yousefi","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_5_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_5_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The traditional approach to pharmacy practice offers standard medications based solely on physicians' decisions or existing treatment guidelines, not accompanying patients in their health status. On the other hand, patient-centered pharmacies provide tailored care to each individual's particular needs and concerns. As the patient-centered approach has gained significant importance in modern healthcare systems, including pharmacies, this study investigates how community pharmacies in Tehran are implementing such an approach.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire in the general population visiting pharmacies. The data were analyzed using SPSS 30.0.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The results show that 45% of the pharmacies were patient centered. The average rating of their patient-centeredness was 4.03 (out of 5). Regarding the patient-centeredness aspects of pharmacies, the most decisive points were the confidentiality of personal information and respect for the rights and dignity of the patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study shows that most pharmacies are patient centered. There was also a significant positive correlation between patient-centeredness and disease-centeredness. This means that improving the level of patient-centeredness in pharmacies also enhances the status of disease-centeredness in pharmacies, increasing patient satisfaction and loyalty.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"13 4","pages":"137-140"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12105766/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144159843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Mirtazapine in the Treatment of Uremic Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.","authors":"Hamidreza Namvar, Fatemeh Espahbodi, Mahmood Moosazadeh, Seyyed Mobin Rahimnia, Narjes Hendouei","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_16_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_16_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Uremic pruritus (UP) is a prevalent and debilitating condition experienced by patients undergoing hemodialysis, influenced by multiple underlying mechanisms. Despite the availability of various treatment options, many patients still endure significant pruritus. This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to assess and compare the safety and efficacy of mirtazapine and hydroxyzine in treating UP and improving sleep quality in hemodialysis patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-seven patients in the mirtazapine group received 15 mg/night (7.5 mg for the first two nights) with a hydroxyzine placebo, while 28 patients in the hydroxyzine group received 25 mg/night (12.5 mg for the first two nights) with a mirtazapine placebo for 2 weeks. UP was assessed using the 5D-itch scale, and sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline, weeks 2, 3, and 4. Adverse effects were recorded using the Antidepressant Side Effect Checklist at each visit from baseline to week 2.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>UP ratings based on the 5D-itch scale decreased for both groups, with a more significant reduction in the mirtazapine group (<i>P</i> = 0.04). The mirtazapine group also showed a significant improvement in the PSQI compared to hydroxyzine (<i>P</i> = 0.01). Dry mouth was the only notable adverse effect, occurring more frequently in the mirtazapine group (<i>P</i> = 0.02).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study suggests that short-term treatment with mirtazapine is more effective than hydroxyzine in reducing the severity of UP and improving sleep quality for patients undergoing hemodialysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"13 4","pages":"127-136"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12105765/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144159838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Efficacy of Atorvastatin and Placebo in Intensive Care Unit Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Fatemeh Taghavi, Saeed Abbasi, Malihe Nejati, Shadi Farsaei","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_10_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_10_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Statins, recognized for their lipid-lowering properties, are being studied in clinical studies for potential benefits in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of a moderate dose of atorvastatin in influencing the clinical response among critically ill COVID-19 patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This investigation involved adult individuals diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and experiencing critical illness. Patients meeting the eligibility criteria and receiving atorvastatin were allocated to continue treatment at a daily dosage of 20 mg (PHA). In contrast, the remaining eligible patients were randomly assigned to the atorvastatin intervention (AIN: administration of 20 mg atorvastatin daily) and control groups. Patients followed up for 14 days for the primary endpoints of the COVID-19 severity and APACHE II scores. The secondary endpoints and different biochemical parameters were also assessed.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Finally, 116 people completed the study. The studied groups had no significant differences regarding the demographic and basic clinical data. C-reactive protein on the 7^th and 14^th days in the AIN and PHA groups was significantly lower than in the control group (<i>P</i> = 0.008 and <i>P</i> = 0.018). IL6 on the 7^th day (<i>P</i> = 0.04) showed a significant decrease in AIN compared to PHA and control groups. However, no significant differences in APACHE-II score and disease severity were detected between the groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Atorvastatin could effectively reduce inflammation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients admitted for COVID-19 management, but it could not influence the clinical outcomes. We suggested investigating its effect on COVID-19 in larger sample sizes, nonICU patients, and from the beginning of the diagnosis for a longer duration.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"13 4","pages":"101-110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12105768/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144159836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}