Critical Care Alert – February 1, 2005
February 1, 2005
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The DHHS Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has placed a draft influenza preparedness and response plan on its web site. This detailed document provides useful advice about health care system guidance on staffing, infection control, and strategies to limit transmission of infection within health care institutions. -
Should DNI Equal DN-NPPV?
This prospective multicenter observational study demonstrates that patients with do-not-intubate (DNI) status who receive non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) for respiratory failure have high hospital mortality. Presence of cough, being awake, or having a primary diagnosis of COPD or CHF, is associated with improved outcome. -
Narcotics, Benzodiazepines, and Hastening Death after Withdrawal of Life Support
This study found no evidence that the use of narcotics or benzodiazepines to treat discomfort after the withdrawal of life support hastens death in critically ill patients at our center. Clinicians should strive to control patient symptoms in this setting and should document the rationale for escalating drug doses. -
Cytotoxic Effects of Stress Induced Hyperglycemia
Based on emerging evidence, there are increased efforts around the world to maintain strict glycemic control in non-diabetic critically ill patients. Management of hyperglycemia through the use of insulin protocols is a new standard in critical care. Several protocols have been evaluated and reported in the literature. -
Pharmacology Watch: Statins and the Incidence of Rhabdomyolysis
A Crackdown on Importation of Drugs; FDA Actions. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement
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CE/CME Question