{"title":"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Series Part 4: Identifying, Managing, and Preventing Exacerbations.","authors":"Ariane Guthrie","doi":"10.4140/TCP.n.2023.361","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4140/TCP.n.2023.361","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with exacerbations significantly contributing to overall morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. The purpose of this review is to discuss the recognition, treatment, and prevention of COPD exacerbations, with an emphasis on the role that pharmacists can have of ensuring appropriate treatment of acute exacerbations and preventing future exacerbations.</p>","PeriodicalId":41635,"journal":{"name":"Senior Care Pharmacist","volume":"38 9","pages":"361-369"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10076359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Megan R Undeberg, Dana R Bowers, Kimberly C McKeirnan
{"title":"A Case of <i>Clostridioides difficile</i>: Update on Practice Guidelines.","authors":"Megan R Undeberg, Dana R Bowers, Kimberly C McKeirnan","doi":"10.4140/TCP.n.2023.370","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4140/TCP.n.2023.370","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This report describes a case of recurrent <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infection (CDI) and illustrates that pharmacist's role in selecting appropriate treatment. The report discusses CDI risk factors and reviews the guidelines for the pharmacological management of CDI.</p>","PeriodicalId":41635,"journal":{"name":"Senior Care Pharmacist","volume":"38 9","pages":"370-377"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10076361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"2023 AGS Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older People: A Summary of the Updates.","authors":"Creaque V Charles","doi":"10.4140/TCP.n.2023.352","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4140/TCP.n.2023.352","url":null,"abstract":"While the 2019 and 2023 updated versions of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria® share a common objective of improving medication safety for older people, the latter is expected to incorporate newer evidence, reflect evolving guidelines, and address emerging medication-related concerns. The advancements in the 2023 update aim to enhance the precision, applicability, and effectiveness of the AGS Beers Criteria®, ultimately supporting the optimal use of medications in the older adult population. Health care professionals and providers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the latest version of the AGS Beers Criteria® to ensure the delivery of optimal care to older people.","PeriodicalId":41635,"journal":{"name":"Senior Care Pharmacist","volume":"38 9","pages":"352-354"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10076363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hyperuricemia and Gout: The Role of Losartan.","authors":"Maha Saad","doi":"10.4140/TCP.n.2023.359","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4140/TCP.n.2023.359","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Losartan is the only angiotensin II receptor blocker that has shown to significantly lower uric acid levels. The addition of or switch to losartan as an antihypertensive agent for patients with gout is recommended by clinical guidelines because of its benefit as a uricosuric agent.</p>","PeriodicalId":41635,"journal":{"name":"Senior Care Pharmacist","volume":"38 9","pages":"359-360"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10076360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Continuing Crisis: Drug Shortages.","authors":"Paul Baldwin","doi":"10.4140/TCP.n.2023.391","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4140/TCP.n.2023.391","url":null,"abstract":"It seems as though each day brings a new announcement of a shortage of another drug. Indeed, we are closing in on a record number of drugs declared to be in short supply. The situation is more than inconvenient. Increasing numbers of patients are unable to obtain lifesaving medications. It seems odd that an advanced economy should struggle with ensuring an adequate supply of a relatively common product like normal saline for irrigation, but normal saline continues to hold its place among the US Food and Drug Administration's drug shortage list. Can we get to the bottom of this?","PeriodicalId":41635,"journal":{"name":"Senior Care Pharmacist","volume":"38 9","pages":"391-392"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10076362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Of Butterflies and Viruses.","authors":"Chris Alderman","doi":"10.4140/TCP.n.2023.348","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4140/TCP.n.2023.348","url":null,"abstract":"At the time of writing this piece, the ASCP Foundation recently struck an important partnership with USA Boxing, #CoachingYouUp. This initiative involves promotion of healthy living, and providing education about and access to vaccines for people who need them most. Using a boxing metaphor, the objective is to “KO” flu and COVID-19. The idea is that pharmacists meet with fans of amateur boxing, as well as their family and friends, at various grassroots events that are sanctioned by USA Boxing. In some ways, there are parallel themes in common with boxing and the endeavor to fight against the impact of infectious diseases that are widespread and potentially impactful for older people.","PeriodicalId":41635,"journal":{"name":"Senior Care Pharmacist","volume":"38 9","pages":"348-349"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10076357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Improving Care for Opioid Use Disorder in Nursing Facilities.","authors":"Jonathan H Watanabe","doi":"10.4140/TCP.n.2023.309","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4140/TCP.n.2023.309","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":41635,"journal":{"name":"Senior Care Pharmacist","volume":"38 8","pages":"309-310"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10057773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Literature Review of Ascorbic Acid, Cranberry, and D-mannose for Urinary Tract Infection Prophylaxis in Older People.","authors":"Grace Song, Mira Koro, Vivian Leung, Gabriel Loh","doi":"10.4140/TCP.n.2023.315","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4140/TCP.n.2023.315","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b> Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most prevalent infections in older patients with the potential for morbidity and mortality. Antibiotics are not generally recommended for UTI prophylaxis in this population. There is interest among the public and health providers to try over-the-counter products, such as cranberry, D-mannose, and vitamin C. The objective of this analysis was to review the literature for the efficacy and tolerability of these supplements in older individuals. <b>Methods</b> A literature review was conducted on PubMed using the search terms urinary tract infection or UTI, prevention/prophylaxis, cranberry, D-mannose, vitamin C/ascorbic acid. Few studies were conducted among older people; therefore, the authors included studies of all adults who had recurrent UTIs or were at increased risk of UTIs. Level (quality) of evidence were determined using the ACC/AHA Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendation Classification System. <b>Results</b> A total of 24 studies were included. This review captured all studies in previous reviews as well as recent publications. The authors determined that there were limited data for D-mannose and vitamin C, and randomized data for cranberry as defined by the classification system. <b>Conclusions</b> The three supplements reviewed appear not to be strongly supported by clinical data. For those who are interested in trying these products despite the lack of robust evidence for clinical efficacy, it may be helpful to know that the studies included in this review did not identify any clinically important signs of harm, to the extent that safety data were documented and reported.</p>","PeriodicalId":41635,"journal":{"name":"Senior Care Pharmacist","volume":"38 8","pages":"315-328"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9882528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Part 3: Inhaler Technique and Counseling Pearls.","authors":"Kacey West","doi":"10.4140/TCP.n.2023.311","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4140/TCP.n.2023.311","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapy management can be complex given the various types of inhaler devices available, even within a therapeutic class. Appropriateness of an inhaler relies on many patient-specific factors. Senior care pharmacists can positively impact patient care by providing appropriate inhaler assessment as well as education on inhaler technique to ensure maximal benefit from therapeutic treatment choices.</p>","PeriodicalId":41635,"journal":{"name":"Senior Care Pharmacist","volume":"38 8","pages":"311-314"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9884564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Elder Abuse-If You See Something, Say Something.","authors":"Chris Alderman","doi":"10.4140/TCP.n.2023.307","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4140/TCP.n.2023.307","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":41635,"journal":{"name":"Senior Care Pharmacist","volume":"38 8","pages":"307-308"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10057768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}