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Risk Stratification Insufficient for Predicting DVT in Hospitalized Patients: JAMA Internal Medicine Study
June 17, 2015
The Wells score is only slightly better than a coin toss for predicting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hospitalized patients, researchers have found. "The Wells score risk stratification is not sufficient to rule out DVT or influence management decisions in the inpatient setting," Dr. Patricia C.
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Startup Pharmacy Takes Mail-Order to Next Level, Could Solve Medication Management Issue for Millions
June 10, 2015
It only takes one idea to help change the face of medicine and, recently, Forbes posted an article outlining a small startup pharmacy that could change the way we get our medication.
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SIRS Criteria Could Identify More Patients with Severe Sepsis
June 8, 2015
Clinical question: Does inclusion of two or more SIRS criteria in the definition of severe sepsis accurately identify patients with higher mortality risk, as compared with patients with infection and organ failure but with fewer than two SIRS criteria? Background: SIRS describes dysregulation of
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Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Use in Older Patients Taking Spironolactone
June 8, 2015
Clinical question: Does trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) increase the risk of sudden death in older patients taking spironolactone? Background: TMP-SMX increases the risk of hyperkalemia when used with spironolactone; however, previous studies have not examined whether the drug interaction
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Medicare Nonpayment for Hospital-Acquired Conditions May Have Reduced Infection Rates
June 8, 2015
Clinical question: What was the effect of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) nonpayment for hospital-acquired conditions? Background: In 2008, CMS implemented the Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HAC) initiative, denying incremental payment to hospitals for complications of hospit
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Peri-Operative Phlebotomy Might Cause Significant Blood Loss in Cardiac Surgery Patients
June 8, 2015
Clinical question: What are the frequency of laboratory testing, the average total blood volume drawn per patient, and the resulting transfusion utilization in patients undergoing cardiac surgery? Background: Healthcare providers seldom recognize the amount of phlebotomy, and, therefore, its cons
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Clostridium Difficile Infection Rates in the U.S. in 2011
June 8, 2015
Clinical question: What are the incidence, recurrence rate, and mortality rate of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in the U.S.
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CT Angiography Effect on Outcome for Patients with Symptomatic Chest Pain
June 8, 2015
Clinical question: Does CT angiography (CTA) improve clinical outcomes in patients with new-onset stable chest pain more than functional testing? Background: Chest pain is a common clinical problem, and multiple noninvasive tests are available to detect coronary artery disease (CAD).
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Early Goal-Directed Therapy for Sepsis Offers No Benefit Over Usual Care
June 8, 2015
Background: Recent trials (ARISE, ProCESS) showed EGDT provided no mortality benefit over usual care. Questions remain about the effectiveness of intensive monitoring protocols, as well as the evolution of what constitutes usual care.
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NSAID Use by Patients on Antithrombotic Therapy Has Bleeding, Cardiovascular Risks
June 8, 2015
Clinical question: Is there increased risk of bleeding or cardiovascular events when using NSAIDs while on antithrombotic therapy for secondary cardiovascular prevention? Background: NSAIDs are among the most commonly used medications, despite the fact that individual NSAIDs have been associated