Search

Background and Aims: Single‐use electrocardiography (ECG) leads have been developed to reduce healthcare‐associated infection. This study compared the validity and reliability of short‐term heart rate variability (HRV) obtained from single‐use disposable ECG leads. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects (33 ± 10 years; 9 females) underwent 5‐min resting HRV assessments using disposable (single use) ECG cable and wire system (Kendall DL™ Cardinal Health) and a standard, reusable ECG leads (CardioExpress, Spacelabs Healthcare). Results: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval (CI) between disposable and reusable ECG leads was for the time domain [R‐R interval (ms); 0.99 (0.91, 1.00)], the root mean square of successive normal R‐R interval differences (RMSSD) (ms); 0.91 (0.76, 0.96), the SD of normal‐to‐normal R‐R intervals (SDNN) (ms); 0.91 (0.68, 0.97) and frequency domain [low‐frequency (LF) normalized units (nu); 0.90 (0.79, 0.95), high frequency (HF) nu; 0.91 (0.80, 0.96), LF power (ms2); 0.89 (0.62, 0.96), HF power (ms2); 0.90 (0.72, 0.96)] variables. The mean difference and upper and lower limits of agreement between disposable and reusable leads for time‐ and frequency‐domain variables were acceptable. Analysis of repeated measures using disposable leads demonstrated excellent reproducibility (ICC 95% CI) for R‐R interval (ms); 0.93 (0.85, 0.97), RMSSD (ms); 0.93 (0.85, 0.97), SDNN (ms); 0.88 (0.75, 0.95), LF power (ms2); 0.87 (0.72, 0.94), and HF power (ms2); 0.88 (0.73, 0.94) with coefficient of variation ranging from 2.2% to 5% (p > 0.37 for all variables). Conclusion: Single‐use Kendall DL™ ECG leads demonstrate a valid and reproducible tool for the assessment of HRV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruxolitinib is an FDA-approved treatment of intermediate- and high-risk myelofibrosis. In the phase 3 COMFORT studies, ruxolitinib reduced spleen volume in patients with myelofibrosis, with a median time to response of 3 months. However, nearly 20% of patients discontinued by month 4 with few treatment options available following discontinuation of ruxolitinib treatment. In this study, 2 independent patient care data sources were queried (Cardinal Health Oncology Provider Extended Network [OPEN] and HealthCore Integrated Research Environment [HIRE®]), and a retrospective review of medical charts was conducted. Patients aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of myelofibrosis (primary or secondary), use of ruxolitinib for myelofibrosis, and documented physician-directed ruxolitinib interruption were included. Among 26 included patients, pre-interruption median (interquartile range [IQR]) ruxolitinib treatment duration was 123 (57–391, OPEN) and 110 (37–148, HIRE) days. Half the patients interrupted treatment within 3 months, commonly for adverse events (42% and 71%, respectively). After restarting ruxolitinib, median (IQR) re-treatment duration was 196 (54–553) and 166 (108–262) days, respectively. Consistent with previous reports, symptoms and spleen size improved in (OPEN/HIRE) 45%/43% and 40%/33% of evaluable patients, respectively. Further studies investigating the management of dose modifications and interruptions are needed to optimize benefit from ruxolitinib therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Commercial large-bore suction catheters and makeshift large-bore suction catheters with an endotracheal tube (ETT) attached to a meconium aspirator have been shown to have superior suction rates compared with a standard Yankauer.Objectives: To compare suction rates between a commercial large-bore suction catheter and a makeshift endotracheal tube-meconium aspirator (ETTMA) combination.Methods: We measured suction rates between a standard bulb-tip Yankauer catheter (Model: K86; Cardinal Health, Waukegan, IL), a commercial large-bore catheter (Part: 43200; The Big Stick®, SSCOR, Inc., Sun Valley, CA), and an 8.0-mm standard ETT connected to a meconium aspirator (NeotechTM Products, Inc., Valencia, CA; Ref: N0101 Clear) with high-, medium-, and low-viscosity fluids. Median suction rates were calculated with interquartile ranges. The relative differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI) between the Yankauer and both the large-bore catheter and the ETTMA combination were calculated using a linear mixed-effects model.Results: Each device was trialed five times with each of the three different viscosity fluids for a total of 45 trials. Overall, suction rates were faster for the large-bore suction catheter compared with the Yankauer (relative difference 22 mL/s; 95% CI 17-28) and ETTMA (8 mL/s; 95% CI 5-10). The large-bore catheter had consistently faster suction rates compared with the Yankauer and ETTMA combination across all fluid viscosities.Conclusions: The commercial large-bore suction catheter had faster suction rates than the makeshift ETTMA combination when compared with the standard Yankauer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm with a prevalence of 4 to 6 per 100,000 people in the USA. Treatment recommendations are risk-adapted. This study was conducted to evaluate how physicians risk-stratify patients at the time of MF diagnosis, the accuracy of the risk stratification, and its effect on treatment selection. Medical charts were reviewed at US community hematology/oncology practices in the Cardinal Health Oncology Provider Extended Network; patient clinical characteristics, risk stratification, and treatment data were collected. Physician-assigned risk categorizations were compared with data-derived risk categorizations based on the International Prognostic Scoring System, the system recommended at diagnosis. A total of 491 patients diagnosed with MF between 2012 and 2016 (mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 65.4 [11.8] years; 54.8% male, 69.2% with primary MF) were included. Risk categorization was not assigned for 30.1% of patients. Of the patients with a physician-assigned risk categorization (n = 343), a scoring system was used in 49.9%. Compared with data-derived risk categorizations, 42.9% of physician-assigned risk categorizations were incorrect; 85.0% of incorrect physician-assigned risk categorizations were underestimations. Notably, 38.5% of patients with data-derived intermediate- or high-risk categorizations did not initiate treatment within 120 days of diagnosis. Among patients with data-derived intermediate risk, those with an underestimated physician-assigned risk categorization were significantly less likely to receive treatment within 120 days of diagnosis (51.6% with correct physician-assigned categorization vs 18.5% with underestimated risk categorization; P = 0.0023). These results highlight the gap in risk assessment and the importance of accurate risk stratification at diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Afatinib has demonstrated activity in patients with NRG1 fusion-positive tumors. • Real-world outcomes with/without afatinib were investigated in this patient population. • Most patients received afatinib in second-line, and when ECOG PS was 2–4. • Outcomes were favorable in both the afatinib and non-afatinib treatment groups. • Prospective clinical trials are needed in patients with NRG1 fusion-driven tumors. Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) fusions may drive oncogenesis via constitutive activation of ErbB signaling. Hence, NRG1 fusion-driven tumors may be susceptible to ErbB-targeted therapy. Afatinib (irreversible pan-ErbB inhibitor) has demonstrated activity in individual patients with NRG1 fusion-positive solid tumors. This study collected real-world data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and clinical outcomes in this patient population. In this retrospective, multicenter, non-comparative cohort study, physicians in the US-based Cardinal Health Oncology Provider Extended Network collected data from medical records of patients with NRG1 fusion-positive solid tumors who received afatinib (afatinib cohort) or other systemic therapies (non-afatinib cohort) in any therapy line. Objectives included demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes (overall response rate [ORR], progression-free survival [PFS], and overall survival [OS]). Patients (N = 110) with a variety of solid tumor types were included; 72 received afatinib, 38 other therapies. In the afatinib cohort, 70.8 % of patients received afatinib as second-line treatment and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) was 2–4 in 69.4 % at baseline. In the non-afatinib cohort, 94.7 % of patients received systemic therapy as first-line treatment and ECOG PS was 2–4 in 31.6 % at baseline. In the afatinib cohort, ORR was 37.5 % overall (43.8 % when received as first-line therapy); median PFS and OS were 5.5 and 7.2 months, respectively. In the non-afatinib cohort, ORR was 76.3 %; median PFS and OS were 12.9 and 22.6 months, respectively. This study provides real-world data on the characteristics of patients with NRG1 fusion-positive solid tumors treated with afatinib or other therapies; durable responses were observed in both groups. However, there were imbalances between the cohorts, and the study was not designed to compare outcomes. Further prospective/retrospective trials are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital transformation in business-to-business (B2B) organisations tends to move very slowly. The expectations of B2B buyers have quickly changed over the last few years. They now demand the same user experience, ease of navigation, intuitive search, robust product content and basic self-service experienced as consumers. This paradigm shift is driven mostly by the retail e-commerce experience that has evolved greatly over the last couple of decades. The challenge for the B2B marketer or e-commerce leader is that the target audience is not willing to wait a decade or two. The gap in current state compared with expected state must be closed with greater speed and urgency. It is these customer demands that prompted Cardinal Health's medical business to initiate a journey -- four years ago -- to create an expected e-commerce experience. This case study highlights the Cardinal Health journey to date with an emphasis on making the case for change, developing a roadmap and executing the initial site launch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone healing in patients undergoing bilateral sinus lifting and simultaneous dental implant application. Methods: Twelve patients with total/partial posterior maxillary edentulism who needed bilateral sinus bone augmentation were included in the study. Dental implants were inserted in the same session. LLLT (λ = 630–660 nm, 25 mW/cm2, 6 min) was used for one operation side on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days, whereas contralateral side served as control side. Preoperative and postoperative 1st, 3rd, and 6th month orthopantomograms were obtained using the aluminum step-wedge technique. Optic density analyses were performed using a Cardinal Health Digital Densitometer (Fluke Biomedical 07-443) with 1 mm diameter. Digital densitometry results were obtained as the equivalent aluminum thickness for each radiograph. These data were used to evaluate the changes in optical bone density and to compare the treatment side with the control side for each patient. Results: The LLLT side showed better results than the control side according to the densitometry results. Increase in the bone density at all the postoperative intervals was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: LLLT enhances bone regeneration in sinus augmentation with simultaneous dental implant placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evaluate the safety of MynxGrip® for common femoral vein closure.Methods and Materials: This is a multicenter, randomized, prospective study of 208 patients who were slated to undergo diagnostic/interventional procedures via femoral venous access. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive venous hemostasis via MynxGrip® (n = 104) or manual compression (n = 104) utilizing 5, 6, and 7 Fr sheaths. Bilateral calf and thigh circumferences were measured serially. Patients were followed up through hospital discharge. There were no differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups.Results: There was no difference between the groups for venous thrombosis, (0%, p = 1). Overall, there was no significant change in access site calf (-0.18 ± 1.38 cm, p = 0.18) or thigh diameter (0.33 ± 2.86, p = 0.81). In both groups, none of the patients had major or minor vascular complications, access site infection, nerve injury, or access site bleeding requiring transfusion. The pre- to post-procedure hemoglobin drop was -0.51 ± 1.1 vs. -0.64 ± 1.3 g/dL, p = 0.59 in the manual compression group and MynxGrip® group, respectively. Time to hemostasis, was significantly lower in the MynxGrip® group compared to the manual compression group with 0.12 ± 0.89 vs. 7.6 ± 5.7 min, respectively (p < 0.001).Conclusions: The MynxGrip® extravascular sealant is safe and effective for femoral venous access site closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the adoption of the South Central Pennsylvania-based academic health system Penn State Health (PSH) of the lean Six Sigma (LSS) method to achieve better patient care. It states that the PSH enlisted the international supplier of healthcare supplies Cardinal Health Inc. to coach them through the adoption. It mentions that they conducted total of 16 rapid improvement event (RIE) method over a six-month period.

The article describes the user-centered design of the Cardinal Diamond Line a laparoscopic instrument handle which was jointly developed by health care services company Cardinal Health and medical product development firm Farm. According to the author, the laparoscopic handle addresses the ergonomic shortcomings and enables surgeons to perform procedures with greater comfort and efficiency. Enhancements made include a flexible grip to allow palming and a tapered shape to accommodate a wide range of finger lengths and grip styles.

The article discusses the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals in In re Cardinal Health Inc. Securities Litigation in 2008. A district court considered whether Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP waived the work-product privilege by voluntarily disclosing documents to the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO). The Court of Appeals has recognized that a party may selectively waive the work-product privilege as against the government but maintain the privilege as against private litigants.

In Feb 2015, palbociclib plus letrozole (P+L) became the first cyclin-dependent-kinase 4/6 inhibitor approved for mBC/aBC in the US. Until now, long-term outcomes studies have included a limited number of patients receiving P+L. The objective of this study is to describe real-world patient characteristics and clinical effectiveness associated with P+L as initial endocrine-based therapy use 4 years post approval. Adult postmenopausal women diagnosed with metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer who initiated P+L as first-line therapy on or after 2/3/2015 were identified by providers in the Cardinal Health Oncology Provider Extended Network, including 1800 oncologists/hematologists in the US. A subset of providers abstracted data related to patient characteristics and clinical outcomes including disease response and disease progression into an electronic case report from (eCRF). Data were abstracted from the time of initiation of P+L through Feb 2019 (or end of follow up/death). Providers were shown response classification schema corresponding to RECIST v1.1 and asked to indicate the patient's best response if recorded. The objective response rates (ORR – incl. complete response [CR] and partial response [PR]), clinical benefit rates (CBR – incl. CR+PR+stable disease [SD] >24 wks), and progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 12-month were reported. Each eCRF was reviewed by independent clinical staff; source data was verified on 10% of the patients. 31 providers submitted 202 eCRFs, of which, 193 were eligible. Median follow-up from 1L P+L initiation was 15.4 months, 45.6% of patients had discontinued P+L at data cut-off. Table shows key patient characteristics and ORR, CBR, and PFS rate at 12-month, each showing benefit of 1L P+L in the real-world. These real-world data demonstrate the benefit of 1L P+L 4 years post approval in the US and support the clinical benefit of 1L P+L reported in randomized clinical trials. Table 338P Table N = 193 All Mean age at diagnosis, yrs 62.7 Non-Hispanic white, % 74.6 Black/African-American, % 17.1 ECOG-PS 0/1, % 89.6 N0, % 22.8 Visceral mets, % 51.3 Bone only mets, % 25.4 ORR, % 65.8 CR 9.8 PR 56.0 CBR†, % 88.0 CR 12.7 PR 61.3 SD† 14.0 12-month PFS, % 74.5 †Excluding 43 patients with duration of treatment <24 wks Pfizer Inc. Pfizer Inc. J. Kish: Full / Part-time employment: Cardinal Health; Advisory / Consultancy, Paid consultant in connection with the development of this abstract: Pfizer Inc. J. Trocio: Shareholder / Stockholder / Stock options, Full / Part-time employment: Pfizer Inc. T. Miller: Full / Part-time employment: Cardinal Health; Advisory / Consultancy, Paid consultant in connection with the development of this abstract: Pfizer Inc. D. Nero: Full / Part-time employment: Cardinal Health; Advisory / Consultancy, Paid consultant in connection with the development of this abstract: Pfizer Inc. D. Liassou: Full / Part-time employment: Cardinal Health; Advisory / Consultancy, Paid consultant in connection with the development of this abstract: Pfizer Inc. X. Liu: Shareholder / Stockholder / Stock options, Full / Part-time employment: Pfizer Inc. L. McRoy: Shareholder / Stockholder / Stock options, Full / Part-time employment: Pfizer Inc. B. Feinberg: Full / Part-time employment: Cardinal Health; Advisory / Consultancy, Paid consultant in connection with the development of this abstract: Pfizer Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a comparison of medical apparatus including Dash 2500 monitor from GE Healthcare, Alaris CC syringe pump from Cardinal Health Inc., and VMware Infrastructure from VMware Inc.

The article presents guide for preventing medication errors in health care facilities. Cardinal Health has been requested to change the labeling of the look-alike bags of its sterile water and sodium chloride to lessen the risk of life-threatening errors. Prescriptions for Enjuvia and Januvia drugs should include their strength and purpose as well as the brand and generic names to prevent errors. Pharmacy robots can be accurate in dispensing medications if orders entered into the system are correct.

The article provides information related to technology in the U.S. The U.S. District Court of Southern California issued a warrant for seizure of infusion pumps made by Cardinal Health Inc. in Ohio. Researchers from the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies created a miniature to determine the impact of chemical weapons to soldiers. Philips Medical Systems Inc. collaborated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration to test the echocardiography system.

Objectives: To determine the numbers of medication discrepancies and medication-related problems (MRPs) identified and resolved when providing a transitions of care comprehensive medication review (CMR) after hospital discharge within a community pharmacy; and to estimate the cost-avoidance value of this service. Methods: Community pharmacists provided CMRs to covered employees and dependents of a self-insured regional grocery store chain who were discharged from the hospital. Data was collected prospectively over 4 months. Discrepancies were identified among patients' medication regimens by comparing the hospital discharge record, the pharmacy profile, and what the patient reported taking. MRPs were categorized into ten categories, as defined by the OutcomesMTM® Encounter Worksheet. Interventions were categorized using the severity scale developed by OutcomesMTM®, a Cardinal Health company. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations. Results: Nineteen patients were enrolled in the program. Pharmacists identified 34 MRPs and 81 medication discrepancies, 1.8 and 4.3 per patient, respectively. The most common type of MRP was underuse of medication (70.6%). Significant positive correlations were found between the number of scheduled prescription medications and the number of medications with discrepancies (p ≤ 0.01; r = 0.825) and number of scheduled prescription medications and the number of MRPs (p ≤ 0.01; r = 0.697). Most commonly, the severity levels associated with the MRPs involved the prevention of physician office visits or addition of new prescription medications (n = 10 each); however, four emergency room visits and three hospitalizations were also avoided. The total estimated cost avoidance was $92,143, or $4850 per patient. Extrapolated annual cost savings related to this service would be $276,428. Conclusions: This transitions of care service was successful in identifying and addressing MRPs and discrepancies for this patient population. By providing this service, community pharmacists were able to prevent outcomes of various severities and to avoid patient care costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of converters and sterile packs created by Cardinal Health Inc in the U.S. The reason for the recall was the tear and fray of the cardiovascular drape at the reinforced fenestrated trough area during use. According to FDA, the recall which started on September 27, 2006 affects 3780 drapes distributed worldwide.

The article reports on the issuance of a warrant of for seizure by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California for Alaris Signature Edition Gold Infusion Pumps from Cardinal Health Inc. The action was made following an investigation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into a problem with these pumps.

Provides information on several products designed for medical radiography. Surgical imaging system from Siemens Medical Solutions and IMRIS Inc.; Positron emission tomography/computed tomography system from Philips Medical Systems; Vertebral augmentation system from Cardinal Health.

Reports on the recall of Custom Sterile Cardiac Cath Pack by Cardinal Health, due to absence of sterility in the Namic Angiography Kit attached to the outside top of the pack.

The article reports on the product recall made by Madison, Wisconsin-based Cardinal Health Inc. NeuroCare Division for NicoletOne 5.30.2 Software. The recall, numbered Z-2459-2008, has affected a total of 247 units and several lot numbers which are now available at the firm. Further, customers have been informed through a letter dated June 23, 2008.

The article announces that Madison, Wisconsin-based Cardinal Health NeuroCare Division has decided to recall its NicoletPne Photic Adapter Cable 085-463700. In a letter dated June 5, 2008, the company explains that product recall has been resorted after it finds out that the product has wiring error that may inhibit appropriate treatment. Code 085-463700 is allegedly comprising 92 units.

The article offers information on Cardinal Health Portable Diagnostics, one of the exhibitors at the British Thoracic Society's winter meeting in London, England in December 2008. Cardinal Health will exhibit its MicroLoop and MicroLab Spirometers with its Ultrasonic Flow Sensor, including its PulmoLife screening aid for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The article reports on the recall of Presource Standard Sterile Operating Room (OR) Scissors that were made Pakistan by Cardinal Health Inc. in the U.S. in 2008. It mentions that the recall applies to devices with a manufacturing date of October 15, 2007, order number 247610. It states that they were recalled because they may be nonsterile.

The article reports on the recall of AirLife Infant Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) System Driver made by Cardinal Health Inc. located in McGaw Park, Illinois on January 4, 2008. It notes that Cardinal health recalled the device because of oxygen fluctuations with the system that occurred when used with low O2 flow rates. Also included are the catalog number of the equipment and contact information of Cardinal Health.

The article presents information on the product recall of the AirLife nCPAP System Driver nasal continuous positive airway pressure device by McGaw Park, Illinois-based Cardinal Health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) talks about the possibility of problems with oxygen calibration. Contact information for Cardinal Health is presented.

The article highlights issues related to latex allergy. It criticizes the planning and implementation of an effective latex allergy risk management strategy claiming that it is not enough. It emphasizes the elimination of the risk of possible latex sensitization and potential latex allergic reactions. It mentions the synthetic Polyisoprene surgical gloves from Cardinal Health.

Presents information on several publications related to the health care industry in Great Britain. "Know Your Needles," produced by B. Braun Medical Inc.; Leaflet on the European Standard for Surgical Drapes and Gowns, produced by Cardinal Health Inc.

The article reports that Cardinal Health Inc. has announced the recall of its Cardinal Health Custom Sterile Latex-Free Convenience Kits, the sterile disposable medical devices packaged in plastic pouches in the U.S. The move was initiated due to the presence of dry, natural rubber latex in the devices labeled as latex-free.

The article presents the endorsements and accreditations granted by the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP). The AfPP endorses and accredits the articles, posters, and instructional material with a clinical content of companies and educational institutions. Among the companies recently endorsed and accredited for their works are the following: Regent Medical, B Braun, and Cardinal Health.

The article provides information about Cardinal Health Clinical Supply Services, a pharmaceutical company. The company provides services in outsourced pharmaceutical development services, drug delivery technologies, manufacturing, packaging, and product commercialization services. It generally caters to global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. It also presents package engineering and design, including child resistant solutions Some of the major services provided by the company are: comparator procurement, placebo manufacture, stability packaging and the like.

This article reports on the announcement made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the recall of Model 8100 Series Medley Medication Safety System Pump Module which had been started by Alaris Medical Systems Inc. Alaris Medical Systems Inc., a division of Cardinal Health Inc., begun the recall by letter on November 15, 2004. The FDA said that the device modification is being implemented in response to information received from the field regarding a specific method of misloading the medication administration tubing set into the infusion system pump module. The recall, reportedly, involves 55,200 units distributed throughout the U.S. and in Canada.

Reports on the appointment of Judy L. Gardner to a term on the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy and promotion of Dwight Winstead to group president of Automation and Information Services business of Cardinal Health Inc. in the U.S.

Reports on the company-initiated class II recall of the TemnoChiba Fine Needle Aspiration, Soft Tissue Biopsy Needles,manufactured by McGaw Park, Illinois-based Cardinal Health Inc. Reason for the product recall; Model and serial numbers of theproduct being recalled; Contact information.

Reports on the company-initiated class II product recall of the Custom Sterile Surgical Procedure Packs manufactured by Cardinal Health Inc. in the U.S. Reason for the product recall; Model number and serial number of the product being recalled; Contact information.