Biomedical subjects

Jerry Siegel

Publications and source records attributed to Jerry Siegel.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Impact of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act on the management of colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: The potential impact of changes in reimbursement for drugs and biologicals associated with the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act (MMA) on the management of colorectal cancer is described from the perspectives of health care providers and patients. SUMMARY: The introduction of new chemotherapeutic agents and supportive therapies over the past several decades has increased survival in patients with colorectal cancer. The changes in reimbursement for these therapies associated with MMA may affect the financial viability of private physician office practices and hospital-based outpatient clinics where such therapies are administered. The MMA-related changes also have the potential to decrease patient access to treatment and adversely affect treatment choices, scheduling, and outcomes. CONCLUSION: The reimbursement changes brought about by implementation of MMA could affect health care delivery and patient care.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2005

Safety considerations in IGIV utilization.

One of the primary patient concerns about IGIV infusions is safety. Patients and physicians are both concerned about transmission of infectious agents and product tolerability. Since the documented transmission of hepatitis C virus in 1994, the manufacturers of IGIV products have added additional steps to remove and/or deactivate viruses. There are numerous different methods employed to accomplish this goal. It is desirable to utilize methods that are separate and additive to decrease the likelihood of viral or prion transmission with the infusion of IGIV products. This article describes the different methods and the impact on enveloped and non-enveloped viruses and prions. IGIV tolerability is impacted by the pharmaceutical differences in these products. Different stabilizers such as sugars, amino acids and sodium chloride affect the osmolality of the products and their potential for adverse events. Patients with co-morbid conditions including age and impaired renal status could require a change in product, concentration and rate of administration.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The product: All intravenous immunoglobulins are not equivalent.

The first intravenous formulation of intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) was introduced in the United States in the early 1980s. At that time, the only indication was for treatment of primary immunodeficiency. By the mid-1990s, IGIV was mainly used for indications approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, but as new indications are found, use of IGIVs is increasing. In fact, today, IGIV is mostly used for off-label indications. The specific characteristics of individual IGIV products must be directly addressed in the manufacturing process, as clinical efficacy may be affected. In addition, the safety profile of the ideal IGIV should be maximized by ensuring inactivation of the widest spectrum of viruses and prions. Some IGIV products are more suitable than others for certain patients; the challenge is to understand the different characteristics among products and select the most appropriate IGIV product for each patient. Convenience factors must be considered, for both the health care provider and the patient, without jeopardizing the more important features of the IGIV, such as tolerability and safety.

Carbohydrates↗

PubMed2002

Perceptions of quality and value in state and local pharmacy professional organizations.

Officer and member perceptions of the quality and value of the services provided by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) state affiliates and local chapters were studied. A survey was mailed in December 2000 to all 249 state society and local-chapter officers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Minnesota, and Illinois and a random sample of 1191 members. The survey solicited ratings of the quality and value of programs and services related to continuing education, communications, community service, and membership benefits. Of 1440 surveys mailed, 26 were returned as undeliverable; 308 were returned in usable form, for a total response rate of 22%. The most frequent job categories were hospital staff pharmacist (n = 74), hospital pharmacy manager (n = 66), and hospital clinical pharmacist (n = 49). Overall, members perceived lower quality than officers in clinical and administrative continuing-education programs offered by their local chapters. Members also perceived less value in administrative continuing-education programs than did officers. Member and officer perceptions were similar in the areas of communication and community services. Neither members nor officers appeared to value social functions highly as a membership benefit. A survey of state and local affiliates of ASHP in five states identified several areas where officers and members had different perceptions of the quality and value of services provided by these organizations.

Data Collection↗