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Differentiating Clostridioides difficile Infection from Chronic Carriage in Patients with Diarrhea Through Host Inflammatory Markers

Investigators compared levels of inflammatory markers in patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) to those who were colonized with it. Several markers appeared to be able to distinguish true CDI, although a gold standard definition of CDI is needed.

Malaria Prophylaxis During Pregnancy

In a retrospective study of American military women involving 50 treated with atovaquone-proguanil and 156 exposed to mefloquine, no increase in risk of fetal loss or adverse infant outcomes was identified. Atovaquone-proguanil seems safe for use in pregnancy, but data are limited.

COVID-19 and Children

In China, children of all ages have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and seem to follow a relatively mild clinical course.

COVID-19: What Providers Should Know

The disease associated with COVID-19 is now a significant event in world history, with uncertain but likely major consequences for individuals, families, healthcare workers, health systems, and the global economy. There remains a great deal to learn.

Implications of COVID-19 for Primary Care

Primary care physicians often are the first to communicate with potential COVID-19 patients. Without definitive testing, it is challenging to reliably provide an accurate differential diagnosis, but there is a developing list of signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Antibiotic Therapy to Reduce the Incidence of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia After Cardiac Arrest

In this prospective, randomized trial, intravenous amoxicillin-clavulanate (dosed three times daily and given for two days) administered to patients admitted with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to a shockable rhythm reduced the incidence of early ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Maximal Lung Recruitment Strategy Does Not Reduce Ventilator-Free Days in the Setting of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

In this randomized trial, daily maximal recruitment trials failed to reduce ventilator-free days in the setting of acute respiratory distress syndrome, but increased the risk of cardiovascular adverse effects.

Impact of Intensive Care Unit Personnel Decisions and Staffing on Patient Outcomes

Nurses with relatively high autonomy, alongside a dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) clinical pharmacist and 24/7 intensivist coverage, were associated with the lowest hospital mortality, shortest ICU lengths of stay, and shortest mechanical ventilator durations compared to other staffing models.

Vitamin C, Thiamine, and Hydrocortisone for Septic Shock

The combination of vitamin C, thiamine, and hydrocortisone did not improve outcomes compared with hydrocortisone alone in patients with septic shock.

Many Serious Cardiac Complications of Pregnancy Are Preventable

Investigators determined about half of serious cardiac complications of pregnancy are preventable.