Hospital Medicine Alert – May 1, 2016
May 1, 2016
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The Best Rate Control Agent for Sepsis and Atrial Fibrillation
Sepsis and atrial fibrillation are common in the ICU, and the presence of both together is not a rare occurrence. Here's how to handle them.
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The Current Outlook for Cardiac Tamponade
SYNOPSIS: In the modern era, cardiac tamponade is most commonly caused by malignancies with poor prognosis. As compared to older literature, iatrogenic causes have increased, most resulting from complications of percutaneous coronary intervention.
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Prognostic Value of Coronary Calcium on Standard Chest CT Scans
SYNOPSIS: Coronary calcium scan on standard CT scans performed for other indications is of equivalent prognostic value to that seen on ECG-gated coronary studies and should be included in radiology test reports.
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Use of CNMs and Hospitalists
SYNOPSIS: A study assessing the effects of instituting a model of certified nurse midwife with MD laborist backup on a private patient population showed a decrease in cesarean section rate and an increase in vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rate without any change in combined neonatal outcome.
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Optimal Antiplatelet Therapy for Secondary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke
Patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke are often taking aspirin on a regular basis for prevention of cardiovascular disease. The optimal antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention has been uncertain in this setting.
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Intracerebral Hemorrhages Associated with Non-vitamin K Oral Anticoagulants Appear to Be Smaller than Those Associated with Warfarin
Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most dangerous complication of treatment with oral anticoagulants, and this complication carries a high mortality. Because of the increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the elderly population, and the increasing use of oral anticoagulants, the overall prevalence of intracerebral hemorrhage is increasing.