Implementation and evaluation of a standardized herpes simplex virus prophylaxis protocol on a leukemia/bone marrow transplant unit.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of a standardized acyclovir prophylaxis protocol for the prevention of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and disease in bone marrow transplant and leukemic patients.


METHODS
Two-phase, open sequential study involving prospective patient monitoring and retrospective health record review.


METHODS
Tertiary care teaching hospital.


METHODS
Fifty-seven patients (35 preprotocol, 22 postprotocol) who received acyclovir for HSV prophylaxis during an 18-month study period.


METHODS
An acyclovir HSV prophylaxis protocol was developed and implemented. Under this protocol, all HSV immunoglobulin G-seropositive hematology patients received an acyclovir regimen of 125 mg/m2 i.v. q6h or 600 mg p.o. q6h (if tolerated) from day -5 to day 30. Regimens not matching protocol were modified by pharmacists in conjunction with the prescriber. All treatment courses were followed daily by pharmacists to modify dosage according to renal function and assess appropriateness of the i.v. route. Tablets, capsules, or suspensions were promoted if the patient was considered tolerant of the oral route.


METHODS
Outcome parameters included (1) incidence of parenteral, oral, or combined therapy; (2) total prophylactic acyclovir dose per patient; (3) mean prophylactic acyclovir daily dose; (4) mean duration of acyclovir prophylaxis; and (5) HSV reactivation rate.


RESULTS
Following implementation of the protocol, the mean total i.v. acyclovir dose per patient decreased from 20.1 g (range 3.6-109.5) to 11.7 g (range 1.0-43.0; p = 0.1162). The mean cumulative oral dose increased from 12.1 g (range 0.4-70.0) to 33.1 g (range 2.4-93.6; p = 0.0007). Mean duration of therapy increased from 27.6 to 33.5 days (p = 0.23). The mean duration of oral therapy increased from 10.5 days (+/- SD 10.9) to 17.2 days (+/- SD 12.1) (p = 0.034). The appropriateness of use of the i.v. dosage form increased from 53 to 88 percent of treatment days (p = 0.013). No difference in HSV reactivation rate was observed when comparing patients prior to and following protocol implementation. A drug acquisition savings of $1112.00 (CDN) per patient was realized.


CONCLUSIONS
The implementation of a standardized HSV acyclovir prophylaxis protocol has resulted in significant drug acquisition cost savings without an apparent negative impact on patient outcome.
Rayani
S A
SA
Department of Pharmacy, Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia, Canada.
Nimmo
C J
CJ
Frighetto
L
L
Martinusen
S M
SM
Nickoloff
D M
DM
Reece
D E
DE
Jewesson
P J
PJ
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D001955:British Columbia; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D016527:Drug Costs; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000212:Acyclovir