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CP2 PHARMACOTHERAPY REVIEW PRESENTATION
Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah (HSB) - Ward 31
SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
| |
|---|
| Name | Md Rodzi bin Ismail |
| Age / Gender | 55 years / Male |
| Race | Malay |
| DOA | 30/05/2026 |
| Chief Complaint | Sudden onset left-sided body weakness, slurring of speech, and loss of consciousness at home at 1405H |
| Allergy | Not documented (NKDA assumed - to clarify) |
Vitals on Admission (KMC):
- BP: 144/181 mmHg | HR: 87 bpm | DXT: 154 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L) | SpO2: dropped to 80% RA on arrival at HSB ED
Past Medical History:
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) - non-compliant to Jardiance (empagliflozin) and Diamicron (gliclazide)
- Dyslipidaemia
- Ischaemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Social History: Not documented
SECTION B: DIAGNOSIS
Primary Diagnosis:
Acute right Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) Infarct with left hemiparesis and aphasia - NIHSS 12
Secondary Diagnoses:
- Aspiration Pneumonia
- Decompensated Heart Failure with underlying Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Right frontal encephalomalacia and gliosis (old lesion, noted on CT)
- Haemorrhagic transformation of MCA infarct (noted 02/06/2026)
- AKI/ARI (query, noted 04/06/2026)
EXPLAINING KEY TERMS (For Your Preceptor Questions)
MCA Infarct: The middle cerebral artery is the largest branch of the internal carotid artery. It supplies the lateral cerebral cortex including the motor and sensory cortex for the face, arm, and leg (contralateral side), as well as Broca's and Wernicke's speech areas. A right MCA infarct causes LEFT-sided motor deficits (hemiparesis) and can cause aphasia if dominant hemisphere is involved.
NIHSS 12: The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores severity from 0-42. A score of 12 = moderate-severe stroke. This patient cannot receive IV thrombolysis (alteplase) as presentation was beyond the 4.5-hour window.
Encephalomalacia: Softening/necrosis of brain tissue from a previous infarct - this indicates a prior stroke event. Gliosis = reactive scarring around the old infarct. Pansinusitis = inflammation of all paranasal sinuses (incidental finding).
Haemorrhagic Transformation: A known complication of ischaemic stroke where blood leaks into the infarcted area due to reperfusion injury. Makes antiplatelet use potentially dangerous.
Decompensated Heart Failure with Dilated Cardiomyopathy: The heart muscle is weakened and dilated (from ischaemia), unable to pump adequately. "Decompensated" means the body can no longer compensate - presenting as pulmonary oedema (bibasal crepitations, low SpO2).
SECTION C: WARD MEDICATIONS - DAY BY DAY ANALYSIS
DAY 0 - 30/05/2026 (KMC + HSB ED)
1. T. Co-Plavix (Clopidogrel 75 mg + Aspirin 100 mg) - 1 tab STAT
Indication: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for acute non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke (right MCA infarct).
Mechanism:
- Aspirin: Irreversibly inhibits COX-1 enzyme, preventing thromboxane A2 synthesis, which inhibits platelet aggregation.
- Clopidogrel: A P2Y12 receptor antagonist that irreversibly blocks ADP-mediated platelet activation.
- Together, they block two separate pathways of platelet aggregation, giving stronger anti-thrombotic protection.
Is it Appropriate?
Yes - DAPT is the standard of care for acute non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke. The CHANCE and POINT trials showed that aspirin + clopidogrel started within 24 hours of a minor-to-moderate ischaemic stroke significantly reduces recurrent stroke risk for 21 days compared to aspirin alone.
Concerns/PCI to note for later:
- This patient has an NIHSS of 12 - technically considered moderate-severe stroke. DAPT is strongly indicated for minor stroke (NIHSS <3). For moderate-severe strokes, aspirin alone is sometimes preferred to avoid haemorrhagic risk. This is worth flagging as a potential PCI.
- IMPORTANT: On 02/06/2026, CT Brain revealed haemorrhagic transformation. At this point, aspirin was withheld correctly by the doctor. This is appropriate because antiplatelet agents increase bleeding risk in the setting of intracerebral haemorrhage.
2. T. Lipitor (Atorvastatin) 40 mg STAT
Indication: High-intensity statin therapy for acute ischaemic stroke and background dyslipidaemia.
Mechanism: Atorvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis. This reduces LDL cholesterol. In acute stroke, statins also exert pleiotropic (non-lipid-lowering) effects: stabilising atherosclerotic plaques, reducing inflammation, and improving endothelial function (neuroprotection).
Is it Appropriate?
Yes. AHA/ASA guidelines recommend high-intensity statin therapy (atorvastatin 40-80 mg or rosuvastatin 20-40 mg) for all patients with ischaemic stroke due to atherosclerosis. This patient also has background dyslipidaemia. Atorvastatin 40 mg is appropriate. 80 mg could also have been used - this is a minor consideration.
DAY 1 - 31/05/2026 (Ward Admission)
New problems identified: GCS drop (E3V1M6), aspiration pneumonia, decompensated heart failure, hyperglycaemia, no gag reflex (aspiration risk), NIHSS 12.
3. IV Augmentin (Co-Amoxiclav - Amoxicillin 1.2g + Clavulanic Acid) IV, BD
Indication: Community-acquired aspiration pneumonia in a patient with impaired swallowing (absent gag reflex, post-stroke dysphagia).
Mechanism: Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects amoxicillin from degradation by resistant organisms. Together, they cover gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic organisms - which are the usual organisms in aspiration pneumonia (oral flora: Streptococcus, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium).
Is it Appropriate?
Yes. Ampicillin-sulbactam (IV Augmentin = co-amoxiclav) is one of the first-line recommended agents for community-acquired aspiration pneumonia per Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine guidelines. It covers the key oral anaerobes. IV route is appropriate as the patient is NBM (nil by mouth) with no gag reflex.
Duration planned: 1 week (1/52) - appropriate for aspiration pneumonia.
4. T. Aspirin 150 mg OD (continued from Co-Plavix, now as monotherapy)
Indication: Secondary stroke prevention - antiplatelet therapy for acute ischaemic stroke.
Mechanism: Same as above. As monotherapy on Day 1, this continues antiplatelet coverage.
Note: Co-Plavix (DAPT) was given as a STAT dose at KMC. The continuation here with aspirin alone - without clopidogrel continued - may be a documentation gap or intentional clinical decision. Ideally, clopidogrel 75 mg OD should have been continued alongside aspirin for 21 days. This is a PCI - incomplete DAPT continuation.
5. T. Atorvastatin 40 mg ON (continued)
Indication: Same as above - secondary stroke prevention and dyslipidaemia management. ON = night-time dosing, which is appropriate as cholesterol synthesis peaks at night.
6. IV Pantoprazole 40 mg OD (started 31/5 at 0800H)
Indication: Stress ulcer prophylaxis in a critically ill stroke patient.
Mechanism: Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It irreversibly binds to the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in gastric parietal cells, blocking acid secretion. This protects the gastric mucosa from stress-induced ulceration, which is common in ICU/critically ill patients.
Why relevant here?
- Critically ill patients (GCS-impaired, ventilator support, NBM) are at high risk of stress-related mucosal disease
- Patient is also on antiplatelet therapy (aspirin), which irritates the gastric mucosa
- Patient is nil by mouth (NPO) - unable to take oral feeds
Is it Appropriate?
Yes. PPI use for stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill neurological patients is well-established. However, on Day 1, IV pantoprazole was prescribed AND syrup lansoprazole 30 mg BD was also added. This is a PCI - duplicate PPI therapy (pantoprazole + lansoprazole prescribed simultaneously).
7. Syrup Lansoprazole 30 mg BD
Indication: Same - stress ulcer prophylaxis / gastroprotection with aspirin use.
PCI: Duplicate PPI therapy - Pantoprazole IV OD + Lansoprazole 30 mg BD were both prescribed on the same day for the same indication. This is therapeutically duplicative. Recommendation: Continue only ONE PPI. Given patient will be on RT feeding, Syrup Lansoprazole via RT is appropriate and the IV pantoprazole could be stopped once enteral access is established.
8. S/C Actrapid (Regular Insulin) 10U STAT (given 0225H)
Indication: Acute management of hyperglycaemia (DXT >12 mmol/L in a stroke patient).
Mechanism: Regular insulin (Actrapid) is short-acting insulin that directly stimulates glucose uptake into cells via GLUT4 receptors, lowering blood glucose rapidly.
Why important in stroke?
Hyperglycaemia worsens ischaemic stroke outcomes. High glucose promotes cerebral oedema, increases infarct volume, and worsens penumbra damage. Target glucose in acute stroke is generally 6-10 mmol/L.
Is it Appropriate?
Yes - STAT correction of hyperglycaemia in acute stroke is appropriate.
9. S/C Actrapid 6U PRN if DXT >12 mmol/L
Indication: Sliding scale insulin for glycaemic control post-stroke.
Is it Appropriate? Acceptable short-term sliding scale. However, a basal insulin (like insulatard) would be more physiological for sustained control rather than reactive PRN dosing alone. The team later added basal insulin (Insulatard) on Day 3 - which is appropriate.
10. IV Frusemide (Lasix) 20 mg STAT then BD
Indication: Decompensated heart failure - fluid overload management.
Mechanism: Frusemide is a loop diuretic. It blocks the Na+/K+/2Cl- co-transporter in the thick ascending limb of the Loop of Henle, causing rapid diuresis. This reduces preload and pulmonary oedema.
Why needed?
This patient has underlying ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy. The bibasal crepitations, low SpO2, and tachycardia indicate acute decompensated heart failure with pulmonary oedema. Diuresis reduces the fluid overload.
Is it Appropriate?
Yes. IV loop diuretics are the first-line treatment for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). IV route preferred over oral in the acute setting for faster onset. 20 mg BD is a reasonable starting dose.
DAY 2 - 01/06/2026
Status: GCS E3V1M6, bibasal creps persisting, SpO2 97% on HFM, PR 115, DXT 12. Stable but not improving significantly.
Changes: RT feeding commenced (100 cc/3H), cultures traced, I/O chart, continue antibiotics, continue IV Lasix, wean oxygen.
No new medications added this day. Plan continues from Day 1. Cultures pending.
DAY 3 MORNING - 02/06/2026 (0910H)
Status: GCS improved slightly to E4V1M6. Left power 0/5. Lungs clearing. CXR shows pneumonia patches. ECG sinus rhythm, no AF.
11. S/C Insulatard (Isophane/NPH Insulin) 10U STAT then BD
Indication: Basal insulin therapy for sustained glycaemic control in T2DM patient with acute stroke and hyperglycaemia. Replaces the ad hoc sliding scale as more consistent coverage.
Mechanism: Insulatard is intermediate-acting insulin (NPH - Neutral Protamine Hagedorn). It provides a steady baseline of insulin over 12-18 hours, preventing glucose excursions between meals/RT feeds.
Is it Appropriate?
Yes - transitioning to a basal insulin is appropriate once the patient is more stable and receiving RT feeds. 10U BD is a reasonable starting dose.
12. T. Metformin 500 mg BD STAT and BD
Indication: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - blood glucose control.
Mechanism: Metformin is a biguanide. It works primarily by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis (reduces glucose production by the liver) and improving peripheral insulin sensitivity. It does not stimulate insulin secretion, so hypoglycaemia risk is low.
Is this Appropriate? --- MAJOR PCI
NO. Metformin is CONTRAINDICATED here for multiple reasons:
-
Decompensated Heart Failure: This patient has ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy with acute decompensated heart failure. Metformin is contraindicated in acute/unstable heart failure because reduced cardiac output causes tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia, which impairs lactate clearance. Metformin inhibits mitochondrial Complex I, reducing lactate clearance further, and risks lactic acidosis (a life-threatening complication).
-
Acute Stroke / Acute Illness: In any acute illness with haemodynamic instability, metformin should be withheld. This patient had a massive MCA infarct with fluctuating GCS and cardiovascular compromise.
-
Query AKI (noted Day 5 - 04/06): Metformin is renally excreted. Even suspected AKI is a contraindication as drug accumulation leads to lactic acidosis.
-
NPO / RT feeding only: The patient is not eating, making glucose regulation unpredictable with metformin.
Recommendation: Metformin should NOT have been started on Day 3. Glycaemic control should rely on Insulatard BD + Actrapid sliding scale. The doctor did subsequently withhold metformin on 02/06/2026 evening (2045H) - which was the correct action - but it should not have been initiated in the first place.
Note: Metformin was indeed stopped the same evening when the patient deteriorated. This confirms it was clinically inappropriate.
DAY 3 AFTERNOON - 02/06/2026 (1635H)
New finding: Repeat CT Brain shows haemorrhagic transformation with mass effect.
13. IV Mannitol 200 mg STAT, then 100 mg TDS
Indication: Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) due to cerebral oedema and haemorrhagic transformation with mass effect.
Mechanism: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic. It creates an osmotic gradient that draws fluid from the brain parenchyma into the bloodstream, thereby reducing cerebral oedema and lowering ICP. It also reduces CSF production and improves microcirculation.
Is it Appropriate?
Yes. IV Mannitol is a standard medical therapy for raised ICP and cerebral oedema in massive ischaemic stroke with haemorrhagic transformation. The dose given (200 mg STAT then 100 mg TDS) appears to be in mg rather than the more conventional g (e.g., 20% mannitol 200 mL STAT = approximately 40g). This may be a documentation shorthand - clarify with your preceptor whether this refers to the dose in grams or mL volume of 20% mannitol solution.
Important note: Mannitol is a temporary bridging measure. Definitive treatment for mass effect is decompressive craniectomy - which was offered but refused by family.
14. Withholding (W/H) Aspirin
Reason: Haemorrhagic transformation on CT Brain. Antiplatelet therapy significantly increases bleeding risk in intracerebral haemorrhage. This is appropriate and consistent with guidelines.
DAY 3 EVENING - 02/06/2026 (2045H)
Patient desaturated. PR 146. Ketones 1.6. Worsening condition.
15. Insulin Sliding Scale 6 (S/C)
Indication: Hyperglycaemia management (DXT 17 mmol/L, ketones 1.6) in the context of acute illness and withheld metformin/basal insulin.
Is it Appropriate?
Yes - appropriate to revert to a reactive sliding scale temporarily during acute deterioration while adjusting other medications.
16. IV 30% NS / 24H + IV 10% NS / 4H
Indication: Maintenance IV fluids - NBM patient, held RT feeding during acute deterioration.
Note: The use of hypertonic or higher-percentage saline (30% NS) in the context of cerebral oedema is actually beneficial - hypertonic saline reduces cerebral oedema similarly to mannitol. However, careful monitoring of serum sodium is required to avoid hypernatraemia. This is also used as a volume expander in the setting of haemodynamic compromise.
DAY 4 - 03/06/2026 (0920H)
Family decision: Conservative management only. DNAR documented.
New finding: Pupils equal but non-reactive, 2mm - indicates severe brainstem compromise.
17. KIV Morphine SC (prescribed as PRN - comfort care)
Indication: Palliative/comfort care for agitation, air hunger, or tachypnoea in a dying patient where family has declined resuscitation, intubation, and aggressive management.
Mechanism: Morphine is a mu-opioid receptor agonist. It reduces the subjective sensation of dyspnoea (breathlessness), provides analgesia, and has a sedative effect, improving comfort in end-of-life care.
Is it Appropriate?
Yes. When aggressive treatment is withdrawn and comfort-focused care initiated, low-dose morphine is ethically and medically appropriate to relieve distress. This is standard palliative care practice.
18. Resume Aspirin (03/06/2026)
Indication: Secondary stroke prevention restarted after transient hold for haemorrhagic transformation.
Is it Appropriate? --- PCI for discussion
This is debatable. The patient was found to have haemorrhagic transformation on 02/06. Standard practice is to wait at least 24-72 hours (some guidelines say 1-4 weeks depending on haemorrhage size) before restarting antiplatelets after haemorrhagic transformation. Restarting within 24 hours may be premature, especially with documented mass effect and non-reactive pupils suggesting severe ICP. This could be raised as a potential PCI - however, in the context of best medical therapy and comfort care focus, the clinical team may have weighed the risk-benefit differently.
DAY 5 - 04/06/2026 (0920H)
19. Increase Insulatard to 14U BD
Indication: Persistent hyperglycaemia (DXT 11.8 mmol/L) on 10U BD. Dose uptitration for better glycaemic control.
Is it Appropriate?
Yes - rational dose escalation based on DXT monitoring. Target DXT in stroke patients: 6-10 mmol/L.
20. Increase RT Feeding to 250 cc/3H
Indication: Nutritional support in an NBM patient with prolonged hospitalisation. Gradual advancement of enteral feeds is appropriate.
Note: RT (Ryle's Tube) feeding is the safest route for this patient as he has no gag reflex and is at very high risk for aspiration. PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tube would be considered if the patient requires long-term enteral feeding (>4 weeks).
21. Trial VMO2 60% (Venturi Mask 60%)
Indication: Step-down oxygen therapy trial - attempting to wean from HFMO2 (High Flow Mask Oxygen) to lower-flow Venturi mask.
SECTION D: PHARMACEUTICAL CARE ISSUES (PCI) SUMMARY
| # | Date | PCI | Recommendation |
|---|
| 1 | 30/05 | Co-Plavix STAT - DAPT not continued as clopidogrel 75 mg OD on subsequent days | Recommend adding Clopidogrel 75 mg OD for 21 days alongside aspirin per CHANCE/POINT trial evidence for minor-moderate stroke |
| 2 | 31/05 | Duplicate PPI therapy - IV Pantoprazole OD + Syrup Lansoprazole 30 mg BD prescribed simultaneously | Stop one PPI. Keep Syrup Lansoprazole via RT. Discontinue IV Pantoprazole once enteral access established |
| 3 | 02/06 | Metformin 500 mg BD started inappropriately in a patient with decompensated heart failure, acute stroke, and suspected AKI | Withhold Metformin. Use Insulatard BD + sliding scale insulin for glycaemic control. Metformin was correctly withheld that same evening |
| 4 | 03/06 | Aspirin restarted <24H after documented haemorrhagic transformation and mass effect | Delay aspirin restart by at least 72 hours or until haemorrhage is confirmed stable on repeat imaging |
| 5 | Overall | No thrombolysis (IV Alteplase) - was this considered? | Patient arrived at HSB ED at 1900H. Symptom onset 1405H = ~5.5 hours. Beyond 4.5-hour window for IV thrombolysis. Therefore, thrombolysis is NOT indicated here. Correct. |
| 6 | Overall | No mechanical thrombectomy (EVT) - was this considered? | Large vessel occlusion (MCA infarct) with NIHSS 12. EVT could have been considered if within 6-24 hour window and accessible vessel. However, not available at HSB (require tertiary neurosurgical centre). Family also declined invasive procedures. No PCI - appropriate in context. |
| 7 | Overall | Non-compliance to Jardiance (Empagliflozin) and Diamicron (Gliclazide) | Patient's pre-existing DM medications were not restarted during admission due to NPO status and acute illness - this is appropriate. Post-discharge, reassess and potentially restart with education on compliance. |
SECTION: OVERALL NO PCI / PCI FOUND
PCIs Found in This Case:
- Incomplete DAPT - Co-Plavix given as STAT, clopidogrel not explicitly continued as a separate daily dose
- Duplicate PPI therapy - pantoprazole IV + lansoprazole syrup started simultaneously
- Inappropriate metformin initiation - contraindicated in decompensated heart failure, acute stroke, and suspected AKI (subsequently withheld correctly)
- Early aspirin restart - restarted within 24 hours of confirmed haemorrhagic transformation
No PCI (appropriate decisions):
- No IV thrombolysis (beyond 4.5H window)
- No mechanical thrombectomy (facility limitation and patient/family refusal of invasive procedures)
- Withholding aspirin on haemorrhagic transformation - correct
- IV Augmentin for aspiration pneumonia - correct
- IV Lasix for decompensated heart failure - correct
- IV Mannitol for raised ICP - correct
- DNAR/comfort care plan documented with family - ethically appropriate
GLOSSARY OF TERMS (For Your Preceptor Questions)
| Term | Explanation |
|---|
| NIHSS | National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale - scores stroke severity 0-42. This patient scored 12 (moderate-severe) |
| GCS | Glasgow Coma Scale - assesses consciousness (Eye, Verbal, Motor). E3V1M6 = eyes open to voice, no verbal response, obeys commands |
| DAPT | Dual Antiplatelet Therapy - aspirin + clopidogrel together |
| HFM / HFMO2 | High Flow Mask / High Flow oxygen delivery system |
| NPO2 | Nasal Prong Oxygen - lower-flow oxygen delivery |
| FMO2 | Face Mask Oxygen |
| RT / RTF | Ryle's Tube / Ryle's Tube Feeding - nasogastric tube for enteral nutrition |
| DXT | Dextrostix - bedside blood glucose monitoring |
| QID | Four times daily |
| OD | Once daily |
| BD | Twice daily |
| PRN | As needed |
| STAT | Immediately |
| KIV | Keep in view - ordered but only used if condition warrants |
| W/H | Withhold |
| DNAR | Do Not Attempt Resuscitation |
| PCI | Pharmaceutical Care Issue - a drug-related problem identified by the pharmacist |
| Bibasal creps | Crackles heard at the base of both lungs - sign of pulmonary oedema or pneumonia |
| Haemorrhagic transformation | Bleeding into an ischaemic infarct area - complication of stroke |
| Mass effect | Brain tissue being pushed/compressed by a growing lesion - indicates raised ICP |
| Decompressive craniectomy | Surgical removal of part of skull to relieve brain pressure - offered but refused by family |
| LV thrombus | Blood clot forming in the left ventricle - a risk in dilated cardiomyopathy that can embolise and cause stroke (ECHO ordered to exclude this) |
| ECHO | Echocardiogram - cardiac ultrasound |
| TRO | To rule out |
| Penumbra | Reversibly ischaemic brain tissue surrounding the infarct core - target of stroke treatment |
| Lactic acidosis | Life-threatening complication of metformin in hypoxic/hypoperfused states |
This presentation follows the CP2 form flow completely. You should be able to walk through it day by day, explain every drug's indication, mechanism, appropriateness, and flag each PCI with a recommendation. Let me know if you want me to expand on any specific drug, simplify any section, or format this as a printable Word/PDF document.