“Ischemic Stroke Diagnosis and Management”: All patients who suffer a transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke should get the following, summarized Galen Henderson, MD, Brigham and Women’s Hospital:
- Brain and neurovascular imaging;
- Blood glucose and serum electrolytes;
- Complete blood count with platelets;
- Prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin/international normalized ratio;
- A 12-lead EKG and Holter monitoring;
- Transthoracic echocardiogram/ transesophageal echcardiogram; and
- Supplemental oxygen fever reduction and lipids.
“Common Endocrine Problems for the Hospitalist”: “Regardless of a prior history of diabetes, keep glucose at 80-110 mg/dl for better outcomes,” advised Jordan Geller, MD, of the Endocrinology Department at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
“New Practices in ACLS”: Jason Persoff, MD, of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., reviewed new studies showing that the best course for basic life support is to begin chest compressions immediately, pushing hard and pumping fast. Focus on this, not bag-valve-mask or intubation, to save more lives.