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This retrospective cohort study reaffirms the link between hyperglycemia and mortality in the ICU, but demonstrates that the risk does not apply equally to all patient groups and, instead, varies based on admission diagnosis.
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Recombinant Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) toxins showed lytic activity against human (but not murine) neutrophils. The lytic activity of culture supernatants of USA400 and USA300 strains of MRSA were completely neutralized by anti-PVL monoclonal antibodies. In contrast, phenol-soluble modulin alpha3 (PSM) failed to lyse human neutrophils but did enhance PVL-mediated neutrophil lysis.
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Dabigatran etexilate is an oral compound that is converted after absorption by a serum esterase to dabigatran, a direct competitive inhibitor of thrombin.
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Current indications for cardiac-resynchronization therapy (CRT) require that patients have New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or Class IV heart-failure symptoms.
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Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment and prevention of influenza. With the anticipated emergence of seasonal influenza virus cases in October, and the recent discoveries of novel H5N1 (avian) and 2009 H1N1 (swine) influenza viruses, it is imperative to understand how to appropriately dose oseltamivir.
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This randomized, single-center study demonstrated that light-sedation strategies in a mixed surgical and medical ICU population are associated with decreased ICU length-of-stay and duration of mechanical ventilation without adverse effects on patient safety or mental well-being.
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Current recommendations for stroke prophylaxis with warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation do not take into account the risks of hemorrhage. Thus, Singer et al from Kaiser Permanente studied more than 13,000 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation to estimate the net clinical benefit of warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation (reduction in thromboembolism minus the increase in intracranial hemorrhage).
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Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel has become the standard of care for patients suffering an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, there remains a significant incidence of recurrent ACS and mortality even in patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy. Furthermore, clopidogrel is an irreversible platelet inhibitor, and patients requiring urgent surgery are at higher risk of bleeding if operated on within 5-7 days of clopidogrel use.
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In order to reduce the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in intensive care units, Northwestern Memorial Hospital implemented patient-care bundles in all ICUs in August 2005.
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This study showed that cleaning a stethoscope with an ethanol-based foam hand cleaner is as effective as wiping it with an isopropyl alcohol pad.
