Class of 2005 Abstract / Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate if rosiglitazone was being used in full compliance with the SAVA consensus criteria for appropriate use of thiazolinediones. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 50 SAVA patients selected at random from a list of patients that were on rosiglitazone treatment as of March 15, 2005. Results: The percent of patients who met all of the criteria set forth by the SAVA when initiating therapy was 44%. Rosiglitazone treatment should not have been started in 28 out of the 50 patients. Once initiated on rosiglitazone, patients’ follow-up ALT was only obtained in 16% of patients. Once rosiglitazone has been prescribed for 3 months, HbA1c should decrease. Twenty percent of the patients showed an increase in HbA1c from baseline and were continued on the medication despite the criteria. Implications: Once therapy was initiated, the majority of patients studied failed to meet the SAVA guidelines for the appropriate use of rosiglitazone. In addition, a majority failed to follow the aspects of the guideline regarding initiation of rosiglitazone therapy.

The Polytrauma/TBI Rehabilitation Center (PRC) of the Veterans Affairs Hospital (VAH) treats patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). These patients have major motor and cognitive disabilities. Most of the patients stay in the hospital for many months without major improvements. This suggests that patients, family and the VAH could benefit if healthcare provider had a way to better assess or "predict" patients' progression. The individual progress of patients over time is assessed using a pre-defined multi-component performance measure Functional Independence Measures (FIM) at admission and discharge, and a semi-quantitative documentation parameter Clinical Pathway (CP) at weekly intervals. This work uses already de-identified and transformed data to explore developing a clinical outcome predictive model for patients with TBI, as early as possible. The clinical outcome is measured as percentage of recovery using CP scores. The results of this research will allow healthcare providers to improve the current resource management (e.g. staff, equipment, space) through setting goals for each patient, as well as to provide the family more accurate and timely information about the status and needs of the patient.