ELIZABETH B. DREESEN, MD

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This study looked at the levels of human serum albumin (HSA), a protein in the blood, in premature and full-term newborns, using information from 848 infants in a neonatal intensive care unit. The researchers found that HSA levels tended to increase as the babies got older, with a median level of 32.3 g/L, and they created a reliable prediction model that can estimate HSA levels based on the baby's age and weight. Understanding these levels is important because it can help doctors better manage medications that rely on HSA, ensuring the right dosages for newborns. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers caring for premature and term infants.

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This study looked at how likely patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are to relapse after switching from an intravenous to a subcutaneous form of infliximab, a medication used to treat their condition. Researchers found that 23% of the 98 patients studied were at high risk for relapse, particularly those with certain levels of medication clearance and a specific marker in the stool called fecal calprotectin. This information is important because it helps doctors identify which patients are more likely to experience a relapse and might need closer monitoring or different treatment strategies during the switch. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors by providing better management strategies for treatment changes.

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This study looked at how well tracking the levels of two medications, infliximab and ustekinumab, in patients with Crohn's disease can predict improvements seen during medical scans of the intestines. Researchers found that patients who achieved good results at the 12-week mark had lower drug clearance levels; for infliximab, this meant a clearance value indicating retention of the drug in the body was linked to better outcomes. This matters because understanding drug clearance can help doctors better manage treatment plans, potentially leading to quicker improvements for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors in managing treatment effectively.

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This study looked at how to improve the dosing of fluconazole, a medication used for serious fungal infections, in critically ill patients. Researchers found that standard doses often didn’t provide enough medication for patients on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) or those who weighed more than 60 kg, achieving the necessary target in only about 60% of cases. They proposed a new dosing plan based on patient weight and CRRT status, which could ensure that at least 90% of patients get the right amount of the drug. Who this helps: This helps critically ill patients with fungal infections.

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This study focused on how to optimize infliximab treatment for patients suffering from a severe form of ulcerative colitis who do not respond to steroids, aiming to reduce the need for surgery (colectomy) within 90 days. Researchers analyzed data from 72 patients and found that 11 experienced colectomy within that period. They developed an easy-to-use tool that helps doctors determine the right infliximab dose based on individual patient factors, which could lead to better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis and their doctors by providing tailored treatment options.

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This study looked at ways to tailor vancomycin dosing for newborns and children using specific models that predict how the drug behaves in their bodies. Researchers reviewed 7,915 articles and found 112 models that help estimate how much vancomycin is effective and safe, with the best model showing great promise for adjusting doses accurately. This is important because it can lead to better treatment outcomes for young patients, minimizing side effects while ensuring the drug works effectively. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating neonates and children with infections.

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This study looked at how different testing methods for measuring the drug ustekinumab in Crohn's disease patients affect treatment decisions. Researchers found that one testing method gave results that were on average 8.1 mg/L higher than the other, leading to different estimates for how quickly the drug clears from the body. This matters because using mismatched test methods can result in inaccurate dosing and potentially harmful treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease who need precise medication dosing.

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This research studied how to better dose medications for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by using advanced modeling techniques. The findings show that using these new methods can lead to personalized treatment plans instead of the standard one-size-fits-all approach, addressing the individual needs of patients more effectively. This is important because it can improve drug effectiveness and reduce side effects for IBD patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease by ensuring they receive the right medication dosage for their specific condition.

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This study looked at how the antifungal drug anidulafungin behaves in the bodies of critically ill patients with serious Candida infections. Researchers found that only 45% of patients had the right amount of the drug in their system on day 2, which improved to 65% by day 5, but still showed that the standard dosing didn’t work well enough for everyone. Understanding these differences is important because it can lead to better dosing strategies, ensuring that all patients get the effective treatment they need. Who this helps: Patients suffering from invasive Candida infections in the ICU.

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This study looked at how food moves through the stomach and intestines and the acidity levels (pH) in older adults compared to younger people. Researchers found that hospitalized older patients had a slower gastric emptying time, taking about 2.98 hours, while young volunteers took only about 0.63 hours. However, older adults living at home did not show this delay, and those taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) had higher acidity levels in their stomachs. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and caregivers by providing insights into how aging affects digestion and medication absorption in older patients.

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This study looked at how two medications, rivastigmine and hydromethylthionine mesylate (HMTM), interact in mice with a specific type of frontotemporal dementia. The researchers found that when both drugs were used together, rivastigmine reduced the effectiveness of HMTM in lowering toxic tau protein levels in the brain, and caused changes in important proteins involved in brain signaling. Specifically, levels of crucial synaptic proteins like SNAP-25 and SYN-1 decreased, which could worsen brain function. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with frontotemporal dementia and their doctors by highlighting potential drug interactions.

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This study looked at how a drug called hydromethylthionine (HMT) affects inflammation in the brains of mice with conditions similar to Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Researchers found that HMT significantly reduced levels of damaging tau proteins and inflammation markers in the brain, showing this effect lasted for at least 12 weeks after stopping the drug. This discovery matters because it suggests that HMT could support brain health by lowering harmful inflammation without being negatively impacted by another drug called memantine. Who this helps: This benefits patients with tau-related neurodegenerative disorders.

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This study looked at how well the drug ustekinumab (UST) works for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) by examining how quickly the drug clears from the body compared to its levels just before the next dose. Among 83 patients, it was found that a faster clearance of UST was linked to lower chances of achieving remission. Specifically, those with higher drug clearance had a significantly lower likelihood of remission, with some results showing a strong correlation (p < 0.01). Who this helps: This research benefits doctors treating patients with inflammatory bowel diseases by providing insights for better treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how to give the antibiotic amikacin effectively in adult patients with severe infections like sepsis in the emergency room. Researchers found that the usual dose of 15 mg/kg wasn't sufficient for treating bacteria at higher resistance levels, as it achieved a treatment target less than 90% of the time. In contrast, a flat dose of 1500 mg worked well for most patients, but a higher dose of 3500 mg was only effective for patients with certain kidney function levels, raising concerns about potential side effects. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors making treatment decisions for patients with serious infections.

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This study looked at how to better manage missing data in pharmacometric modeling, particularly when estimating how body weight affects the drug warfarin in healthy people. The researchers found that using a method called multiple imputation, which generates several possible values for missing data, provided more accurate and reliable estimates compared to a simpler method called single imputation, especially when up to 75% of data was missing. This improvement is crucial because it ensures better dosing decisions in drug development and safe clinical practices. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving drug dosing accuracy.

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This study looked at how the blood levels of edoxaban, a medication used to prevent strokes in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, vary among frail geriatric patients. Researchers found that nearly half of the patients had higher than recommended levels of the drug, with a significant risk of overexposure increasing with higher doses: 6.75% for 15 mg, 42.4% for 30 mg, and 84.25% for 60 mg. These findings suggest that elderly patients may need different dosing guidelines due to their unique responses to the drug, which is important for managing their bleeding risk effectively. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients and their doctors in managing safe and effective treatment plans.

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This study looked at whether patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can safely switch from a higher dose of intravenous infliximab to a standard dose of subcutaneous infliximab without losing treatment effectiveness. The researchers found that switching to the standard subcutaneous dose (120 mg every two weeks) did not lead to increased levels of fecal calprotectin, a marker of inflammation, suggesting that the treatment remains effective. Specifically, switching may increase the likelihood of improvement in ulcerative colitis from 54% to 63% after about six weeks. Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis who are receiving infliximab treatment.

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This study looked at how doctors and nurses are using a new secure messaging system called Epic Secure Chat in a medical center. They found that while many staff members appreciated the system for improving communication (34% used it for coordinating care effectively), nearly half of the feedback (46%) raised safety concerns, such as using it for urgent matters when it might not be suitable. This is important because it highlights the need for clearer guidelines to ensure that communication tools help rather than create problems in patient care. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers and ultimately improves patient care.

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This study looked at how certain mice with Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia show signs of apathy, meaning they lack motivation and interest in activities, similar to what happens in humans with these conditions. Researchers tested different mouse strains and found that one strain (L66) showed less nesting behavior, which suggests they were less motivated, especially in the first two days of the study. This matters because understanding these behaviors in mice can help researchers develop better ways to study and potentially treat motivation-related symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases. Who this helps: Patients with Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia.

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The study focused on how laboratories in Europe monitor levels of monoclonal antibodies used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. It found that out of 63 labs surveyed, 45 were actively measuring these drug levels using various methods. This is important because standardizing these testing methods can lead to better treatment outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases.

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This study looked at how the drug infliximab (IFX) affects children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically focusing on skin problems and other side effects. Researchers tracked 109 children over about three years, finding that while most patients experienced side effects, the risk of developing skin lesions increased with higher doses of IFX, especially in girls and those with Crohn's disease. It’s important to know that raising IFX doses to specific levels does not seem to raise the overall risk of side effects, but attention should be paid to the increased risk of skin lesions in certain patients. Who this helps: This helps pediatricians and caregivers managing young patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

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This study looked at how well a simpler test called the ACETA assay compares to the more complex UPLC-MS/MS test for measuring paracetamol levels in elderly patients. Researchers found that the results from both tests were very similar, with ACETA giving a median reading of 9.8 mg/L and UPLC-MS/MS showing 9.5 mg/L, and they confirmed that the ACETA test could reliably classify paracetamol levels about 85% of the time. This is important because it means doctors can use the easier ACETA test to better manage pain in older patients who may need careful dosing of paracetamol. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating elderly patients with pain.

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This study looked at how people feel and respond to sensations coming from inside their bodies (like stomach pain) compared to sensations from outside their bodies (like touching their skin). Researchers found that sensations from inside the body, known as visceral sensations, were judged as more intense, unpleasant, and threatening than those from outside the body (somatic sensations), even though people reacted faster to the outside sensations. This matters because understanding these differences can help develop better treatments for conditions that involve internal discomfort and pain. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing internal pain or discomfort, as well as doctors treating those conditions.

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This study focused on optimizing dosages of the antifungal medication posaconazole to ensure patients receive the right amount for effective treatment. Researchers evaluated seven different dosage models using data from 764 blood samples of 143 patients, finding that many models accurately predicted how well patients absorbed the drug, with errors staying within ±10% for accuracy. This is important because getting the right dosage can lead to better treatment outcomes for patients with serious fungal infections. Who this helps: Patients with invasive fungal diseases.

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This study looked at how to best monitor the levels of a drug called infliximab, which helps treat certain inflammatory diseases. The researchers found that personalized monitoring can significantly improve treatment outcomes, especially for patients at risk of processing the drug too quickly. They recommend tailored approaches to dosing, which can help manage costs while enhancing effectiveness. Who this helps: This benefits patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined how well patients with psoriasis respond to the medication guselkumab (GUS) and whether certain protein levels in their blood could predict their response to treatment. Researchers found that patients who responded best to GUS had significantly higher levels of the drug in their blood, with an optimal target level of 1.6 micrograms per milliliter. However, for patients weighing 90 kg or more, even though their drug levels were lower, their treatment outcomes remained good, indicating that higher doses are not necessary for these patients. Who this helps: This research benefits psoriasis patients and doctors by improving how GUS treatment is managed.

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This study looked at how the levels of the drug infliximab (IFX) in the blood affect the chances of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) achieving and maintaining remission. Researchers found that IFX levels above 15 micrograms per milliliter before the third infusion were linked to a 2.5 times greater chance of staying in remission, while levels above 10 micrograms before the fourth infusion significantly increased the likelihood of remission by nearly 4 times. This is important because it shows that monitoring and optimizing IFX levels can lead to better outcomes for patients with IBD. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease seeking effective long-term disease control.

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This study looked at how to better dose the antifungal medication posaconazole for critically ill patients suffering from a serious lung infection caused by fungus. Researchers found that adjusting the initial doses to 300 mg every 12 hours for patients under 100 kg and 300 mg every 8 hours for those 100 kg and over helped achieve the desired drug levels in just three days. After that, a daily dose of 400 mg kept those levels stable, which is important for effective treatment. Who this helps: This benefits critically ill patients in the ICU with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

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This study looked at how a specific mutation in the PPP2R1A gene affects the effectiveness of a cancer drug called clofarabine in treating uterine serous carcinoma (USC). Researchers found that the p.R183W mutation made USC cells more resistant to clofarabine, resulting in less cell death from the drug. They also discovered that combining clofarabine with an inhibitor that targets PP2A can enhance treatment effectiveness, offering a promising new way to improve outcomes for patients with this type of cancer. Who this helps: Patients with uterine serous carcinoma.

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This study looked at two types of mouse models that mimic Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, specifically focusing on how they release a brain chemical called glutamate, which is important for learning and memory. The researchers found that one type of mouse (L1) had a reduced release of glutamate, while the other type (L66) had an increased release, and both issues could be fixed with a treatment called hydromethylthionine. This is important because it shows that different tau-related diseases have unique effects on brain function, and potential treatments can address these specific problems. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia and the doctors treating them.

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This study examined how kidney function affects levels of vancomycin, a common antibiotic, in older adults compared to younger patients. Researchers found that 30.7% of older adults had higher than safe levels of vancomycin, compared to 21% of younger patients. These results highlight the importance of closely monitoring vancomycin doses in older adults to avoid toxicity, especially since impaired kidney function increases the risk. Who this helps: This helps older patients who need vancomycin treatment.

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This study looked at a new approach called model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) that personalizes medication dosing based on individual patient traits rather than using the same dose for everyone. It emphasizes the integration of advanced mathematical models and real-time monitoring to better tailor drug doses to meet patients' unique needs. The findings highlight that MIPD could lead to more effective and safer treatments, especially in areas like cancer care and infection management, although further clinical trials are needed to fully validate its benefits. Who this helps: This helps patients who need personalized medication plans and doctors who want to improve treatment outcomes.

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This study focused on tacrolimus, a medication used after organ transplants that requires careful dosing due to its narrow effective range. Researchers reviewed 80 different models that predict how individuals absorb the drug, finding that genetic differences (specifically related to a gene called CYP3A5) and body weight significantly affect how tacrolimus is processed in the body. By creating a user-friendly online tool for doctors to better tailor dosages, this research aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications following organ transplants. Who this helps: This benefits patients who have received organ transplants and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to better dose the medication infliximab for children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) to help them achieve long-term health without needing corticosteroids. Researchers found that children targeting a specific infliximab level of 7.5 mg/L by 12 weeks had a 64% chance of being in deep remission at 6 months, but under standard dosing less than 80% of the children reached this target. Using a new model-based tool to guide dosing helped improve the accuracy of infliximab levels and increase the likelihood of achieving deep remission. Who this helps: This benefits children with inflammatory bowel diseases and their doctors.

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This study looked into how the body processes and responds to blood-thinning medications called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in older adults with heart rhythm issues (atrial fibrillation). Researchers reviewed 44 studies and found that while some medications had higher levels in older people (like apixaban, which was 40% higher), others didn't change with age. Importantly, differences in how these drugs affect patients can increase the risk of severe problems like strokes or bleeding. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better understand how to prescribe anticoagulants for older patients.

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This study looked at how the drug isavuconazole behaves in critically ill patients who are receiving support from a machine called ECMO, which helps with breathing and blood circulation. Researchers found that the blood levels of isavuconazole were lower in two patients on ECMO than what has been seen in other patients without ECMO. This is important because it suggests that patients on ECMO may not get the full benefit of this treatment for severe fungal infections related to COVID-19 or influenza, indicating a need for careful monitoring of the drug's levels in these patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating critically ill patients with fungal infections.

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This research looked at how some existing medications might be used to improve treatment for ovarian cancer, which is often difficult to treat effectively due to the presence of certain immune cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) that hinder the body's ability to fight the cancer. The study identified 17 different drugs that could potentially target these immune cells, narrowing it down to four promising options: lurbinectedin, metformin, celecoxib, and 5-azacytidine, which already have approval for other medical uses. This matters because repurposing these drugs could provide new hope for patients facing this aggressive cancer, potentially improving their treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with ovarian cancer.

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This study looked at a new drug called LY3526318, which blocks a pain-related channel in the body known as TRPA1. Researchers found that in both rats and humans, LY3526318 reduced increased blood flow caused by exposure to cinnamon oil (cinnamaldehyde), with doses showing a clear effect—up to 100 mg in humans and 10 mg/kg in rats. This is significant because it supports using LY3526318 as a potential treatment for pain by targeting TRPA1, which could lead to new pain relief options. Who this helps: This benefits patients looking for effective pain management solutions.

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This study looked at how to best dose the antibiotic ceftriaxone for critically ill patients with pneumonia whose kidneys process drugs more efficiently (a condition called augmented renal clearance or ARC). Researchers found that adjusting the ceftriaxone dose to twice daily for patients with a high predicted risk of ARC increased the likelihood of achieving the right drug levels in their bloodstream from 47% to 81%. This is important because proper dosing can improve treatment outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: This helps critically ill patients with pneumonia receiving ceftriaxone.

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This study looked at how well different methods for adjusting vancomycin doses worked compared to the standard approach in adult patients. Researchers found that only 48.1% of the vancomycin levels were in the safe range using standard dosing, while the model-based approaches showed more precise predictions with a mean dose difference of 113 mg for low levels and 40 mg for safe levels. These findings indicate that the model-based methods could significantly improve vancomycin dosing and make treatments safer. Who this helps: Patients receiving vancomycin treatment.

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This study looked at how the antifungal drug liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) behaves in critically ill patients. The researchers observed that the amount of L-AmB in the bloodstream varied widely among patients, even when they received the same dosage, with peak concentrations ranging from about 17 to 34 mg/l. This variability matters because it means that some patients might not be getting the level of medication they need to fight infections effectively. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand dosing for critically ill patients, ensuring better treatment for those with serious fungal infections.