-
Building on the results of previous pilot studies from their laboratory and a meta-analysis that showed a tendency toward improved mortality in critically-ill patients following selenium administration, Angstwurm and colleagues used a randomized, placebo-controlled multi-center trial to determine whether intravenous administration of selenium could improve outcomes in severe sepsis and septic shock.
-
In the institution in which this study took place, an audit revealed that adherence to 9 ICU protocols ranged from 62% to 77%. The protocols focused on a variety of patient care needs including sedation/analgesia, DVT prophylaxis, enteral nutrition, insulin administration, skin care, stress ulcer prophylaxis, and ventilator weaning.
-
IBS-Drug Treatment Pulled, CV Side Effects; Drug Combo Better for Migraine Treatment; Pergolide Off the Market, Heart Disease Risk; Hormone Treatment, Does Timing Matter?; FDA Actions
-
n this study of physicians working in French adult ICUs, evidence of burnout was present in nearly half. Burnout was more likely in female physicians, in those who were not married, and among those who reported strained relationships with colleagues and staff nurses.
-
A combination of topical and systemic therapies was associated with successful MRSA decolonization.
-
-
Delirium occurred in about one-third of patients in this study of a mixed medical-surgical ICU population. It was more frequent in more seriously ill patients, and also in those with hypertension, alcoholism, and the effects of sedative and analgesic drugs.
-
Vancomycin was inferior to cefazolin in the treatment of MSSA bacteremia in chronic hemodialysis patients in a retrospective study.
-
Aspirin can be life saving in patients with acute coronary events, but its use in patients with cancer, particularly in those with thrombocytopenia, is often avoided, presumably for fear of hemorrhagic complications.
-
Status epilepticus, in the setting of cancer, is treatable and does not appear to increase mortality above the risk of the underlying disease.
