Trial of the Week: DESIRE & In-Flight Medical Emergencies
May 14, 2024
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In this discussion, Jim Miller, a PharmD specializing in critical care, dives into the DESIRE trial, revealing dexmedetomidine's pharmacokinetic advantages and its role in sedation for sepsis patients. He tackles the complexities of changing primary outcomes mid-study and shares insights from his novel research. Meanwhile, Michael Liu, a PharmD with dual board certifications, recounts a gripping in-flight medical emergency he handled, highlighting the unique challenges faced outside a hospital and offering invaluable advice for healthcare professionals in crisis situations.
The DESIRE trial revealed that dexmedetomidine did not significantly improve mortality or ventilator-free days in mechanically ventilated sepsis patients compared to standard sedation protocols.
The pharmacist's experience during an in-flight medical emergency highlighted the importance of healthcare professionals being prepared to act decisively and effectively in unexpected situations.
Deep dives
Exploring the DESIRE Trial
The DESIRE trial examines the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine in patients with sepsis requiring mechanical ventilation. It focused on two primary outcomes: 28-day mortality and the number of ventilator-free days. Published in JAMA, the trial involved a multi-center design across eight ICUs in Japan, enrolling adult patients diagnosed with sepsis who were expected to require ventilation for at least 24 hours. Despite previous studies indicating potential benefits of dexmedetomidine, the trial revealed no significant differences in mortality or ventilator-free days when compared to standard sedation protocols.
Impacts of Sedation Protocols
The podcast highlights the evolution of sedation protocols in ICUs, emphasizing the shift towards light sedation over deep sedation for mechanically ventilated patients. Previous landmark trials indicated that dexmedetomidine could offer more delirium-free days and fewer length-of-stay complications compared to traditional sedatives. However, with the new focus on optimizing sedation protocols across all patient care settings, questions arise on the efficacy of individual agents like dexmedetomidine when traditional sedatives are already effectively minimized. This suggests that while dexmedetomidine has merits, it may no longer provide the same advantages in an evolved therapeutic landscape.
Pharmacists' Roles During Medical Emergencies
The episode covers a real-world medical emergency that occurred on a flight, where a pharmacist played a crucial role in patient care. Faced with an elderly passenger who was drifting in and out of consciousness, the pharmacist, alongside a former EMT, took charge by quickly assessing the situation and coordinating available resources. They employed a calm yet assertive approach, utilizing equipment such as an oxygen tank and monitoring the patient's vitals, effectively stabilizing her condition until the flight's landing. This incident underlines the importance of readiness among healthcare professionals to step into emergency situations, regardless of their usual practice environment.
Awareness and Leadership in Healthcare
The discussion emphasizes the vital need for healthcare professionals to lead and act decisively during emergencies, even outside familiar settings. It's crucial for pharmacists and other providers to remember that their training equips them with necessary skills to address unexpected health crises. The pharmacist in the episode advocated for taking initiative, stressing that performing even basic actions can significantly impact patient outcomes. This call to action aims to inspire healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and prepared, recognizing that they may be the only available medical assistance in critical moments.
Trial of the Week: DESIRE & In-Flight Medical Emergencies References
Special Guests: Jim Miller, PharmD, BCCCP @millerjtm
Michael Liu, PharmD, MBA, BCCCP, BCNSP, BCPS
04:05 – DESIRE trial
31:15 – In-flight medical emergencies
The episode starts off with special guest, Jim Miller, helping review the DESIRE study as a Trial of the Week.
We set the scene reviewing dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetic advantages and landmark dexmedetomidine research. Then we highlight the DESIRE trial itself discussing the study methodology and results. What was considered usual care with regards to sedation? What is the external validity in this trial? What was the effect of changing the primary outcome measure mid-study? Are there anti-inflammatory properties with dexmedetomidine? What did Jim’s novel research show? What would Jim and I want for sedation if mechanically ventilated? And much more.
Then the episode closes with Michael Liu highlighting his experience assisting with an in-flight medical emergency.
We review his AJHP article describing his experience. Was this his first time in this situation? Biggest difference between in-hospital and out-of-hospital emergency response? What advice would he give others? And so much more.