Hospital Medicine Alert – November 1, 2008
November 1, 2008
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Incidence and Clinical Effects of Intra-abdominal Hypertension in Critically Ill Patients
This study showed that intra-abdominal hypertension is associated with increased organ dysfunction and higher ICU mortality, and two commonly used methods for measuring intra-abdominal pressure have equivalent predictive capabilities. -
CMV Reactivation/Outcome in Critically Ill Patients
In a prospective study of immunocompetent patients admitted to critical care units, CMV viremia showed a significant association with prolonged ICU stay and death. -
PCI and Quality of Life
Perhaps the most prominent cardiovascular report in 2007 was the publication of the COURAGE trial (N Engl J Med. 2007;356:1503-1516), which demonstrated the equality in major CV outcomes in randomized patients with stable CAD, most with angina, who were assigned PCI with optimal medical therapy (OMT) vs OMT alone, with a mean follow-up of 4.6 years. -
What to Use for Acute Gout — NSAIDs or Steroids?
A randomized, controlled trial in the Netherlands showed that oral prednisolone and naproxen were equivalent in the treatment of acute gout with no difference in side effects. -
Getting Toes to Go Up
The Babinski sign continues to be a valid bed-side test for pyramidal tract lesions. -
Chronic Migraine: Recognition, Prevention, and Treatment
Increased migraine attack frequency and overuse of acute medication, especially barbiturates and opiates, are risk factors for the chronification of migraine, which occurs in up to 2% of individuals.