Browse Primary Care/Hospitalist Articles by Topic

Probiotic Supplementation Reduces Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

This 150-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial (RCT) with 465 healthy adult volunteers (mean age 37 years old) was designed to examine the effects of probiotics on the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).

Aspirin for the Prevention of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism

Patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) are at high risk of recurrence after discontinuation of vitamin K antagonist (such as warfarin) therapy, with an approximately 10% risk of recurrence within the first year and 5% risk per year thereafter.

Subglottic Secretion Suctioning Reduces Vent-Associated Pneumonia, Antibiotic Use

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious complication for intubated patients. It causes significant morbidity and mortality, increases healthcare costs and is the main reason for antibiotic use in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Infectious Disease (ALERT) Updates

Asymptomatic carriage of C. difficile in adult hospitalized patients varies regionally, but estimates suggest that 4% to 23% of patients being admitted to hospital in the U.S. may be colonized with toxogenic strains of C. difficile (TCD).

Statins May Preserve Renal Function in Patients Receiving HAART

147 patients on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) were randomized to receiving rosuvustatin 10 mg daily or placebo. After 24 weeks rosovustatin both reduced cystatin C and slowed kidney function decline as assessed by a serum creatinine-based equation.

ID Ground Rounds — Stanford University: Male, 46, HIV Patient with Fever and Dyspnea

A 46-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to progressive dyspnea, non-productive cough and fever. Two months prior to admission, he started to develop sustained weight loss and dyspnea associated with exertion. Ten-days prior to his presentation, dyspnea progressed to minimal exertion significantly limiting his functional status.

Emergency Medicine Reports - Full November 30, 2014 Issue in PDF

The Photosensitive Patient

A 65-year-old female presents to the emergency department with a chief complaint of a severe rash. The rash has been present for two weeks on her arms, neck, and scalp. It began while she was sitting on her porch one afternoon. She denies any associated fevers, chills, headache, or muscle ache. She denies any exposure to pets, new soaps, detergents, or lotions, and she denies recent travel.

Pediatric Myocarditis

Myocarditis can at times be asymptomatic and has a varied presentation; consequentially, it often goes undiagnosed and its true incidence is unknown

Internal Medicine Alert - Full October 29, 2014 Issue in PDF