Clinical studies with computer-assisted initial lidocaine therapy

Authors: 
Rodman JH, Jelliffe RW, Kolb E, Tuey DB, de Guzman MF, Wagers PW, Haywood LJ
Journal: 
Arch Intern Med
Publication Date: 
1984 Apr
Volume: 
144
Issue: 
4
Pages: 
703-9
  • HIT Description: Decision support and computerized medication dosing. More info...
  • Purpose of Study: Evaluate computer-assisted initial lidocaine therapy to achieve and maintain therapeutic plasma concentrations.
  • Years of study: 1974-1976
  • Study Design: RCT
  • Outcomes: Impact on patient safety, Impact on health care effectivness/quality
Summary:
  • Settings: Twenty patients admitted to the intensive care or cardiac care units of a county medical center in Los Angeles, California participated in the trial.
  • Intervention: Patients receiving computer-assisted (CA) initial lidocaine hydrochloride therapy were compared to patients receiving conventional lidocaine therapy (CT).
  • Evaluation Method: Measures of lidocaine plasma concentration, and ventricular fibrillation.
  • Quality of Care and Patient Safety Outcome: The CA regimens provided more effective concentrations in the first hour than did CT, 2.65 vs. 1.5 micrograms/mL average. Ventricular fibrillation occurred in two of 78 CA vs. eight of 78 CT patients. Dosage adjustments were required in two CA patients vs. 33 CT patients.