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Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is partly dependent on the adequacy of manual chest compressions, but they are limited by interruptions and less than ideal conditions such as during transport. Mechanical chest compression devices have been developed that improve organ perfusion vs manual compressions in experimental studies, but there is little evidence of their clinical effectiveness and safety compared to manual compressions.
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A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the healthcare-associated pneumonia concept was based on low-quality evidence confounded by publication bias and does not accurately identify antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
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Implementation of an evidence-based extubation-readiness bundle was associated with a decrease in mechanical ventilation days and pneumonia in brain-injured patients.
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At this time, ventricular fibrillation (VF) early after acute myocardial infarction (MI) is not an indication alone for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy. However, there is concern that despite the efficacy of mechanical and pharmacological therapy for acute MI, the risk of subsequent sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with VF complicating acute MI may be higher and the guidelines should be revisited.
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Comparison of the efficacy and safety of new oral anticoagulants with warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.
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The number of hospitalists in the United States has grown rapidly and it has been estimated that more than 80% of hospitals now employ hospitalists.
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Resolution of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in patients with cancer treated with fidaxomicin or vancomycin.
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In a prospective, open-label, intervention study conducted over four influenza seasons, higher dose oseltamivir compared to standard dose produced no additional benefits in patients with influenza A infection. It did lead to improved virologic response in those with influenza B, but this did not reach statistical significance.
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Administrative databases may not give an accurate representation of hospital-acquired pressure ulcer rates and may be inappropriate for use to compare hospitals and determine financial penalties.
