Critical Care
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Noninvasive Ventilation in Asthma Exacerbation: Predictors of Use and Outcomes
In this large, retrospective cohort study, the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) as an initial mode of ventilation for patients with asthma exacerbation was common; those successfully treated with NIV experienced lower inpatient mortality and shorter lengths of stay, but were likely a carefully selected population.
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Noninvasive Ventilation Delivered Via Helmet May Decrease Intubation Rates in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
In this single-center, randomized, clinical trial, among patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome, the use of helmet noninvasive ventilation was associated with a reduction in intubation rates, ICU length of stay, and hospital and 90-day mortality.
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Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Failure
A summary of data supporting the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure in the setting of acute hypoxic and hypercapnic respiratory failure.
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Triage to a Certified Stroke Center Reduces Early Mortality
In a national attempt to improve stroke care, there has been widespread certification of primary stroke centers (PSCs) by The Joint Commission. It has been assumed that outcomes will be better in the PSCs, but there have always been questions regarding how much additional time is acceptable to travel to a PSC, compared to a local hospital, in terms of successful treatment and outcomes.
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Chocolate Counteracts the Effects of Sleep Deprivation
SYNOPSIS: An acute administration of a chocolate rich in flavanols (a subclass of flavonoids) was found to mitigate the cardiovascular and cognitive effects of sleep deprivation in a group of young and healthy individuals.
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The Use of Dexmedetomidine for Sedation May Lead to Earlier Extubation and Decreased Ventilator Adverse Events
SYNOPSIS: The choice of dexmedetomidine or propofol over midazolam may improve outcomes in patients mechanically ventilated for three or more days.
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Screening for Coronary Artery Disease Is Underused in Heart Failure
Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of heart failure. Current practice guidelines recommend screening for Coronary artery disease in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure. However, few studies have evaluated how often clinicians perform diagnostic testing for Coronary artery disease on patients hospitalized with newly diagnosed heart failure.
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Steroids Increase the Risk for Community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality. Previous studies produced conflicting results about whether steroids increase the risk of SAB and may have been biased by confounding variables. Therefore, Smit and colleagues sought to more clearly define the risk of SAB associated with the use of steroids.
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Individualized Integrative Medicine Treatment for Preoperative Anxiety
In a randomized, clinical trial investigating the treatment of preoperative anxiety, standard sedating medication with a specified add-on individualized integrative technique is the most effective intervention.
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How Good Is Passive Leg Raise at Predicting Fluid Responsiveness?
SYNOPSIS: In a meta-analysis of 23 clinical trials, passive leg raise was shown to be an excellent predictor of fluid responsiveness.