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Persistent Inflammation and Post-COVID Syndrome

Ongoing inflammation may contribute to long COVID.

Immunosuppressants and the Risk for Clostridioides difficile Infection

A retrospective cohort study found that for patients taking immunosuppressing medications, the greatest risk for C. difficile infection occurred for those receiving calcineurin inhibitors and those taking drugs from multiple immunosuppressant classes.

Aminoglycoside-Induced Ototoxicity: Test Before You Treat?

Mitochondrially inherited, aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity can cause irreversible hearing loss. Approximately 0.2% of the population is at risk, and new point-of-care genetic testing could prompt avoidance of aminoglycoside use without undue delay in antibiotic administration.

Midlines vs. Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters

Midline catheters are, at a minimum, at least as safe or safer than peripherally inserted central catheters for durations of at least 14 days, thus offering an effective alternative for venous access.

COVID-19 Associated with Significant Increase in Hospital-Acquired Bloodstream Infections

The time period of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increases in hospital-onset bloodstream infections, mainly in patients with COVID-19.

Ketamine vs. Etomidate for Emergency Intubation

In a single-center, open label study, ketamine for emergency intubation compared to etomidate was associated with lower seven-day mortality, although 28-day mortality was similar.

Awake Prone Positioning for COVID-19-Related Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

This special feature summarizes the literature associated with awake prone positioning (APP), describes known factors related to successful APP, and highlights current recommendations regarding APP in the setting of COVID-19.

Regarding Exercise Capacity Past Age 75 Years, What Is Normal?

A group of researchers delivered results that could help inform clinicians about the expected exercise test performance of older patients.

Detecting Cancer Treatment-Related Cardiac Dysfunction

When searching for breast cancer-related cardiac dysfunction, a sequential algorithm using echo ejection fraction and strain parameters produced an area under the receiver operating curve of 89%. Adding biomarkers did not improve the ability to diagnose cardiac dysfunction.

Comparing CT Angiography to Invasive Angiography for Stable Chest Pain Patients

A trial of initial coronary CT angiography vs. invasive angiography revealed outcomes over a median 3.5-year follow-up were similar, but procedure-related complications were more common in the invasive group.