-
Even in a nonoutbreak settings, Clostridium difficileassociated disease (CDAD) had a statistically significant negative impact on patient illness and death, and the impact of CDAD persisted beyond hospital discharge, researchers found.
-
Systemic corticosteroids are immunosuppressive and associated with serious long-term side effects. Primarily for these reasons, clinicians have long avoided their use in patients with known infections.
-
The Institute of Medicine has called for a patient centered model of care in which patients and families are kept informed about their care. Many ICU patients are unable to communicate and, therefore, family members are called upon for decision-making.
-
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a neurohormone secreted by the heart whose levels are elevated in acute heart failure and also in left- and right-ventricular dysfunction.
-
In This Issue: Baxter Bioscience has developed a whole-virus, two dose
vaccine against avian flu; warning label now on antipsychotics regarding an increased risk of mortality in elderly patients treated for dementia-related psychosis; vitamin D for men with heart disease on
horizon? A new oral anticoagulant may soon be available for prevention of thrombotic complications of hip or knee surgery; FDA Actions
-
-
-
This study from the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham reviewed administrative data from all patients admitted with the primary diagnosis of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or because of acute respiratory failure with a secondary diagnosis of COPD exacerbation.
-
Surrogate decision makers rated communication as good but could not answer questions about resuscitation status or the care their family member was receiving.
-
As of early 2008, a minority (about 17%) of physicians have a basic or extensive electronic health record (EHR) system. Those who use electronic health records believe they improve the quality of care, and tend to be primary physicians, those practicing in large groups, hospitals, or medical centers, and those located in the western region of the United States.
