In this episode, I’ll discuss pharmacy-related COVID-19 updates. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine FDA Emergency Use Authorization The FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to be used in patients with COVID-19.  The FDA has also prepared patient and health care provider fact sheets.  If you are […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the discontinuation order of vasopressors. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher The first two vasopressors generally used to treat septic shock are norepinephrine and vasopressin. The usual strategy is to add vasopressin to norepinephrine. But what happens when the patient recovers and vasopressors need to be weaned? There is little […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss pharmacy-related recommendations from the surviving sepsis COVID-19 critical care guidelines. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher The Surviving Sepsis Campaign has published guidelines on the management of critically ill adults with COVID-19. These guidelines were last updated on March 20th 2020. Information and recommendations are changing rapidly in this area […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss evaluating the unknown QTc/torsades risk of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher In a small case-control study, the combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin appeared to reduce nasopharyngeal carriage of the COVID-19 virus. In vitro studies also suggest that hydroxychloroquine would have efficacy against this virus. While the […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the difference between DKA and HHS. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Definition Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) are the most serious acute complications of diabetes.  These diabetic crises cause thousands of deaths annually in the US. DKA and HHS differ clinically according to the presence of ketoacidosis […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss medications that have in vitro but otherwise unproven activity against COVID-19. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Do you want Monday’s podcast episode to be about meds that have in vitro but otherwise unproven activity against COVID-19 or some other topic that has nothing to do with COVID-19? — Pharmacy […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss whether etomidate can be given as a continuous infusion. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Etomidate is a non-barbituate, general anesthetic agent. By far the most common use for etomidate in ICU patients is as an induction agent during rapid sequence intubation. Etomidate would be effective at providing sedation as […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss a recent discussion hosted by 2 editors of NEJM on treating Covid-19. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher On March 5th Doctors Eric Rubin and Lindsey Baden, two editors for the New England Journal of Medicine, published a discussion on the treatment of patients with the Covid-19 virus. Although the […]

In this episode I’ll discuss a pilot study of protocolized diuresis for deresusciation of septic patients. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Deresuscitation is a term I expect to read much more about in literature in the near future. It refers to the practice of correcting the fluid balance of patients who have just been […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss an article about starting norepinephrine before fluid resuscitation is complete in septic shock. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Article Effects of very early start of norepinephrine in patients with septic shock: a propensity score-based analysis Lead author: Gustavo A. Ospina-Tascón Published in the journal Critical Care February 2020 Background […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss tips for implementing a PGY-1 rotation experience. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher 1. Make your expectations clear at the beginning of the rotation. 2. Provide a thorough orientation including review of the objectives. Plan to spend at least 30-60 minutes of day one on this. 3. When you give […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss an article about the effects of epinephrine infusion on survival in critically ill patients. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Article Effect of Continuous Epinephrine Infusion on Survival in Critically Ill Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials Lead author: Alessandro Belletti Published in Critical Care Medicine February 2020 Background While […]