Hospital Medicine Alert – May 1, 2013
May 1, 2013
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Noninvasive Ventilation Is More Effective Than Invasive Mechanical Ventilation for Acute Exacerbations of COPD but Remains Under-Utilized
Noninvasive ventilation has previously been shown to improve outcomes in studies of patients with acute respiratory failure secondary to an acute exacerbation of COPD. This study confirms the effectiveness of noninvasive ventilation in a large population-based registry and also demonstrates the wide variability of implementation and significant under-utilization of this therapy. -
Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae an Increasing Threat in the United States
The frequency of isolation of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae is increasing in the U.S., with the highest prevalence in the northeastern region. -
Lowering Blood Pressure but Raising the Risk of Hip Fracture
The risk of hip fracture goes up for about 6 weeks immediately after older people start taking antihypertensives. -
Stroke Alert: A Review of Current Clinical Stroke Literature
Mediterranean diet can reduce risk for stroke -
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion vs Warfarin for Nonvalvular AF
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major source of morbidity in patients and cost to the health care community. In the presence of risk factors for thromboembolism, AF is associated with an increased risk of stroke, and this risk is reduced with warfarin. However, warfarin has limitations, including the risk of bleeding and the need for regular blood tests. The -
Tight vs Loose Rate Control in Permanent Atrial Fibrillation
The Rate Control Efficacy in Permanent Atrial Fibrillation (RACE II) trial compared strict rate control vs lenient rate control in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. -
Pharmacology Watch: New Study on Chelation Therapy Proves Controversial
Chelation therapy for cardiovascular disease; statins and kidney injuries; chlorthalidone for hypertension; and FDA actions. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement