This single center prospective observational study finds that the utility of a routine daily chest x-ray (CXR) for an ICU patient is quite limited. A change in practice to ordering CXR only when clinically indicated did not adversely impact patient outcome but reduced CXR volume and overall costs.
The greatest challenge for any potentially mortal disorder is to prove that therapeutic interventions reduce not only disease-specific mortality, but also all-cause mortality.
McKay DL. Diet and Breast Cancer Recurrence. 2008;11:25-28.
O’Mathuna DP. Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Body Fat Reduction. 2008;11:28-31.
Greenfield RH. The Needle Points Down: Acupuncture and BP. 2008;11:32-34.
Greenfield RH. Mangia! Mediterranean Diet and Mortality. 2008;11:34-35.
Greenfield RH. Walk the Walk: Pedometers and Health. 2008;11:35-36.
Most cases of thrombocytopenia seen are expected. Patients are known to have hematological disease or are receiving chemotherapy. At times, however, the physician is confronted with an unexpected laboratory finding in an asymptomatic patient, or with a patient who is bleeding. The challenge, as usual, is to determine the need for acute treatment and the appropriate disposition.
