Clinical
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Screening for C. difficile Carriers at Hospital Admission Reduces Subsequent CDI
Hospital patients were screened for C. difficile. Contact isolation led to a significant decrease in hospital-acquired C. difficile infections.
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Screening for Coronary Artery Disease Is Underused in Heart Failure
In a large retrospective cohort of patients hospitalized for new-onset heart failure, the majority did not receive testing for ischemic heart disease.
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Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation vs. Escalation of Antiarrhythmic Drugs in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Among patients with an ischemic cardiomyopathy and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), catheter ablation was more effective than escalated antiarrhythmic drug therapy in reducing the rate of death at any time or ventricular tachycardia storm or ICD shocks after a 30-day blanking period.
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The Double-edged Sword of Public Mortality Reporting
Since the exclusion of cardiogenic shock from public mortality reporting in New York in 2006, rates of intervention in these patients have risen dramatically. However, these rates remain below those in non-reporting states, suggesting continued reluctance to treat the highest-risk patients due to public reporting.
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Is There HOPE for Blood Pressure Targets in Primary Prevention?
A large randomized trial of fixed-dose antihypertensive treatment in patients at intermediate risk of cardiovascular events with systolic blood pressure < 160 mmHg showed no difference in outcomes vs. placebo.
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Should We SPRINT to Lower Blood Pressure Targets?
ABSTRACT & COMMENTARY: Here's insight into an intensive treatment that resulted in 33% fewer major adverse cardiovascular events.
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Infectious Disease Alert Updates
Travel Recommendations for Hajj; Dung and Tetracycline
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Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir Tablets (Epclusa)
The FDA has approved the first drug combination for the treatment of all six major genotypes of hepatitis C virus infections.
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Rotavirus Vaccination Prevents Febrile Seizures in Children
In Queensland, Australia, rotavirus vaccine was shown to be 36% effective in preventing emergency department presentation for febrile seizures among children up to two years following vaccination.
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Steroids Increase the Risk for Community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
A case-control study observed an increased risk for developing community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia with the use of systemic glucocorticoids. A distinct dose-response relationship was found.