Critical Care Alert – June 1, 2004
June 1, 2004
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Hospital Mortality with Different Days and Times of ICU Admission: Up and Running 24/7
Among 56,250 British ICU patients, hospital mortality rates were higher among those admitted on the weekend or at night, but the differences disappeared when confounding by illness severity and other aspects of case mix were eliminated. -
Decision Analysis of Treatment Strategies for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
In late-onset VAP, survival improved and costs decreased using initial coverage with 3 antibiotics. Mini-BAL did not improve survival, but decreased costs and antibiotic usage. -
The Forgotten Art and Science of Hand Hygiene
This concise review makes a compelling case for a change in the healthcare workers behavior. Helpful hints including increasing the use of alcohol-based formulations to reduce the time constrains are provided throughout the article. -
Special Feature: Hospital Mortality and ICU-Acquired Infection
Several factors are considered to be associated with the development of nosocomial infections in the ICU. Among them, indwelling devices that directly contact the blood and mucosal membrane such as the central venous catheter, urinary tract catheter and endotracheal tube are considered to be the most responsible risk factors in the development of nosocomial infections. -
Pharmacology Watch: Missing Link Between Vaccines and Diabetes
Breast Cancer and the Use of Statins; Warnings Issued for IBS Drugs; FDA Actions -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement