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Clinical Briefs

In this section: blood pressure readings for high-risk hypertension patients; Omega-3 fatty acids and diabetic retinopathy; and long-term diabetes control.

Betrixaban is indicated for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients hospitalized for an acute medical illness who are at risk for thromboembolic complications because of moderate or severe restricted mobility and other risk factors for VTE.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation and Cognitive Decline

As the first large randomized, placebo-controlled trial studying the efficacy of a lifestyle intervention with a nutraceutical compound (polyunsaturated fatty acid), the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial is a landmark study.

B-type Natriuretic Peptide Is Less Useful in Elderly Patients With Dyspnea

Among patients ≥ 80 years of age presenting with acute dyspnea, B-type natriuretic peptide level was not useful for differentiating cardiac vs. respiratory etiologies when added to a model of clinical predictors.

Advance Care Planning Must Advance Forward

Advance care planning is a continual process of preparing for future medical care in case patients are unable to make his or her own decisions. It includes engaging patients and families to reflect on patients’ personal goals, values, and belief systems, which ultimately translate into informing medical care. This process helps prepare the patient for current and future decisions regarding medical treatment. Data show that Americans have fallen behind on this process.

Failure to Wean From the Ventilator: Is Pleural Effusion the Culprit?

The authors of a multicenter, prospective cohort study did not find an association between the presence of moderate or large pleural effusion and ventilator weaning failure.

Functional Outcomes After Receiving Life-sustaining Therapy in the ICU

Among patients who have spent at least three days in an ICU and required even brief mechanical ventilation and/or vasopressor support, almost half are dead and only one-third return to their baseline at six months. Several factors present on the first day of admission are associated with not returning to baseline status.

Thrombocytopenia in the Critically Ill

Thrombocytopenia is not only a pathologic entity, but the severity of thrombocytopenia and the recovery time of the platelets often predicts outcome, including overall mortality of ICU patients. Critically ill patients with moderate and severe thrombocytopenia demonstrate higher ICU and hospital mortality. If the recovery is delayed beyond day four, several studies have demonstrated higher morbidity and mortality.