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Ischemic Hepatitis Associated with High Inpatient Mortality
April 4, 2016
Clinical question: What is the incidence and outcome of patients with ischemic hepatitis? Background: Ischemic hepatitis, or shock liver, is often diagnosed in patients with massive increase in aminotransferase levels most often exceeding 1000 IU/L in the setting of hepatic hypoperfusion.
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AIMS65 Score Helps Predict Inpatient Mortality in Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed
April 1, 2016
Clinical question: Does AIMS65 risk stratification score predict inpatient mortality in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB)? Background: Acute UGIB is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which makes it crucial to identify high-risk patients early.
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No Mortality Benefit to Cardiac Catheterization in Patients with Stable Ischemic Heart Disease
March 28, 2016
Clinical question: Can cardiac catheterization prolong survival in patients with stable ischemic heart disease? Background: Previous results from the COURAGE trial found no benefit of percutaneous intervention (PCI) as compared to medical therapy on a composite endpoint of death or nonfatal myoca
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Increase in Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics Disproportionate to Rate of Resistant Organisms
March 28, 2016
Clinical question: Have healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) guidelines improved treatment accuracy? Background: Guidelines released in 2005 call for the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for patients presenting with pneumonia who have had recent healthcare exposure.
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Discontinuing Inhaled Corticosteroids in COPD Reduces Risk of Pneumonia
March 25, 2016
Clinical question: Is discontinuation of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) in patients with COPD associated with a decreased risk of pneumonia? Background: ICSs are used in up to 85% of patients treated for COPD but may be associated with adverse systemic side effects including pneumonia.
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MEDS Score for Sepsis Might Best Predict ED Mortality
March 25, 2016
Clinical question: Which illness severity score best predicts outcomes in emergency department (ED) patients presenting with infection? Background: Several scoring models have been developed to predict illness severity and mortality in patients with infection.
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Continuous Chest Compressions Do Not Improve Outcome Compared to Chest Compressions Interrupted for Ventilation
March 18, 2016
Clinical question: In cardiopulmonary resuscitation, do continuous chest compressions improve survival or neurologic outcome compared to chest compressions interrupted for ventilation? Background: Animal models have demonstrated that interruptions in chest compressions are associated with decreas
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ATRIA Better at Predicting Stroke Risk in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Than CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VAS
March 18, 2016
Clinical question: Does the Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) risk score more accurately identify patients with atrial fibrillation (Afib) who are at low risk for ischemic stroke than the CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc score? Background: More accurate and reliable stroke ris
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Continued Statin Therapy Has No Survival Benefit in Advanced Life-Limiting Illness
June 16, 2015
Clinical question: What is the impact of statin discontinuation in palliative care setting? Background: There is compelling evidence for prescribing statins for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease for patients with long life expectancy, but there is no evidence to guide deci
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D-Dimer Not Reliable Marker to Stop Anticoagulation Therapy
May 5, 2015
Clinical question: In patients with a first unprovoked VTE, is it safe to use a normalized D-dimer test to stop anticoagulation therapy? Background: The risk of VTE recurrence after stopping anticoagulation is higher in patients who have elevated D-dimer levels after treatment.