Browsing by Author "Taira, Deborah"

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    Cost-Effectiveness of Phenytoin and Levetiracetam for Seizure Prophylaxis in Traumatic Brain Injury
    (2018-04-06) Young, Nicole; Tokumaru, Sheri; Taira, Deborah; Izumi, Kara; Stern, Tracy; Dittrich, Denise; Asai, Susan; Nakagawa, Kazuma; Tokumaru, Sheri; Taira, Deborah
    Seizures are a potential complication associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can lead to secondary brain injury and increased risk for developing post-traumatic epilepsy. Current guidelines recommend the use of antiepileptic drug (AED) for early seizure prophylaxis in patients with TBI. Both phenytoin (PHE) and levetiracetam (LEV) have become standard of practice for seizure prophylaxis in TBI, yet the cost effectiveness is not well studied.
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    Medicare Part D prescribing changes of tricyclic antidepressants between 2013 and 2014
    (2017-04-11) So, Nadine W.; Taira, Deborah
    Tricyclic antidepressants were the primary pharmacologic treatment for depression in the United States from the 1960s to the late 1980s. Since then, other classes of antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, have replaced its use as first-line agents due to their more favorable side-effect profile and proven equal efficacy. Tricyclic antidepressants are included in the Beers Criteria because of their potentially harmful side effects in the elderly (e.g. cognitive impairment, delirium, sedation, and orthostatic hypotension). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes in prescribing of tricyclic antidepressants from 2013 to 2014 in Medicare beneficiaries.