Critical Care Alert – March 1, 2010
March 1, 2010
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Does Heliox Help in COPD Exacerbations?
Previous studies have shown that addition of a helium-oxygen mixture (HeO2) to non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with COPD exacerbation improves dyspnea, work of breathing, and carbon dioxide elimination, but have yet to establish whether this approach is associated with improvements in other important clinical outcomes. -
Prevention and Treatment Bundle Reduced Incidence of Clostridium difficile Infection
The incidence, severity, and costs of clostridium difficile infection (CDI) are increasing, creating a substantial burden for patients and institutions. Guidelines for prevention of CDI are complex and not consistently followed. -
Do Antipsychotics Help with ICU Delirium?
Although delirium is a common complication of critical illness associated with considerable morbidity and mortality and haloperidol is widely used for treatment of the problem, there are no controlled studies examining whether this or other medications are effective therapeutic modalities in ICU patients. -
Special Feature: Brain Attack
Each year, about 795,000 strokes occur in the United States; 85% of these are acute ischemic strokes. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement
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Pharmacology Watch: Oral Treatments for Relapsing-remitting MS
In this issue: Two oral medications for relapsing-remitting MS in phase III development; antihypertensives find new uses; Ginkgo biloba does not prevent cognitive decline in elderly; and FDA Actions.