Efficacy of ketorolac is similar at all the most commonly administered doses
A randomized, double-blind trial of IV ketorolac dosing found similar analgesic efficacy in patients aged 18-65 years with moderate to severe pain at the commonly ordered doses of 10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg with no increase in adverse effects.
Citation: Motov S, Yasavolian M, Likourezos A, et al. “Comparison of intravenous ketorolac at three single-dose regimens for treating acute pain in the emergency department: A randomized controlled trial.” Ann Emerg Med. 2016 Dec 16. doi: org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.10.014.
— Paula Marfia, MD, is assistant professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Ill.
Viruses are common cause of nonventilated, hospital-acquired pneumonia
Retrospective analysis demonstrates that viruses are common etiology for nonventilated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP), as common as bacterial organisms. Clinicians should consider testing for viral etiologies in NVHAP in an effort to improve antibiotic stewardship.
Citation: Shorr AF, Zilberberg MD, Micek ST, Kollef MH. “Viruses are prevalent in non-ventilated hospital-acquired pneumonia.” Respir Med. 2017;122:76-80.
— Anar Mashruwala, MD, FACP, is assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill.
FDA issues important safety precautions for use of implantable infusions pumps in MRI
Serious adverse events, including patient injury and death, have been reported with the use of implantable infusion pumps in the MRI environment. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a safety communication for patients, caregivers, health care providers, and MRI technologists, outlining safety precautions and recommendations.
Citation: “Implantable Infusion Pumps in the Magnetic Resonance (MR) Environment: FDA Safety Communication – Important Safety Precautions.” FDA.gov. 2017 Jan 11.
— Anar Mashruwala, MD, FACP, is assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill.