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How Long Is Long Enough? Extending OAC After Unprovoked PE

The recommended treatment duration for a first episode of unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) is, at a minimum, 3 months with extended anticoagulation favored for those who are not at high risk for bleeding.  However, the optimal duration of anticoagulation therapy remains unknown. The Prolonged Anticoagulation Treatment for a First Episode of Idiopathic Pulmonary Embolism (PADIS-PE) study examines this question but, most importantly, provides insights about patient outcomes after anticoagulation treatment is discontinued

Managing Direct Oral Anticoagulants – What’s Our Role?

Many clinicians are questioning the role pharmacists play in anticoagulation therapy management as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) increasingly replace warfarin for a variety of indications. A recent study examined medication adherence and therapy management practices at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patient care sites. Although this study does not have all the answers, it does reveal the importance of patient selection and ongoing patient monitoring – potentially key roles for pharmacists.

PCSK9 Inhibitors: Blockbusters or Bust?

Two new mAbs, alirocumab and evolocumab, have been approved to treat elevated cholesterol when added to maximally tolerated statin therapy in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This new class of drugs, the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, is considered to be the biggest breakthrough in cholesterol treatment since statins were approved 3 decades ago. But are they worth it?

Short-Course Dexamethasone for Asthma Exacerbations in Children

To treat acute asthma exacerbations in children, how about a single dose of dexamethasone and your done!  Sounds simple, easy, and convenient.  But is it too good to be true?

CVD Risk Scores - Are They Accurate?

How well do cardiovascular disease risk calculators really perform?  Do they over or underestimate risk?  Should we rely on them to make treatment decisions?

Folic Acid: A Simple Answer to a Very Large Problem?

Stroke is responsible for 1 in 19 deaths in the United States and is the leading cause of long-term disability.  Could something as simple and cheap as folic acid substantially reduce the risk of stroke?  The China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial examined this important question.

Dressed for Success? Professional Attire and Patient Perceptions

Every health professional takes an oath to service patients. To fulfill this covenant, patient trust must be earned. Without trust, patients are unlikely to share sensitive, personal information, hindering the provision of optimal care. Gaining trust is influenced by many factors. What influence does attire have on patients’ perceptions of their healthcare providers?

Insulin Delivery in Type 2 Diabetes: To Pump or Not to Pump?

The American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes (ADA/EASD) guidelines acknowledge that “CSII is a less commonly used and more costly alternative” to basal-bolus therapy in patients with T2DM.  The Opt2mise was a robust study intended to clarify the role of CSII in patients with T2DM.

Intensive Antiplatelet Therapy - Is Extended Therapy Worth It?

Our guests - Dr. Cortney Mospan and Dr. Augustus (Rob) Hough - critically examine the results of the DAPT and PEGASUS-TIMI 54 studies and explain how the results should be applied in practice.

Co-trimoxazole+RAAS Inhibitors: A Deadly Combination?

Could a commonly prescribed antibiotic, when combined with a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor, lead to sudden death?