• News

    Characteristics and Impact of Hospitalist-Staffed, Post-Discharge Clinic

    October 28, 2014

    Clinical question: What effect does a hospitalist-staffed, post-discharge clinic have on time to first post-hospitalization visit? Background: Hospital discharge is a well-recognized care transition that can leave patients vulnerable to morbidity and re-hospitalization.

  • News

    Prednisolone, Pentoxifylline, and Survival of Patients with Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis

    October 28, 2014

    Clinical question: Does the addition of pentoxifylline to prednisolone improve six-month mortality compared to prednisolone alone in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis? Background: Prednisolone improves liver function and reduces inflammation in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.

  • News

    Turning for Ulcer Reduction: A Multi-Site Randomized Clinical Trial in Nursing Homes

    October 28, 2014

    Clinical question: Is there a difference between repositioning intervals of two, three, or four hours in pressure ulcer formation in nursing home residents on high-density foam mattresses? Background: Pressure ulcer formation in nursing home residents is a common problem.

  • News

    Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2013

    October 28, 2014

    Clinical question: What antibiotic-resistant bacteria are the greatest threats for the next 10 years? Background: Two million people suffer antibiotic-resistant infections yearly, and 23,000 die each year as a result.

  • News

    Holding Chambers (Spacers) vs. Nebulizers for Acute Asthma

    October 27, 2014

    Clinical question: Are beta-2 agonists as effective when administered through a holding chamber (spacer) as they are when administered by a nebulizer? Background: During an acute asthma attack, beta-2 agonists must be delivered to the peripheral airways.

  • News

    Long-Term Cognitive Impairment after Critical Illness

    October 27, 2014

    Clinical question: Are a longer duration of delirium and higher doses of sedatives associated with cognitive impairment in the hospital? Background: Survivors of critical illness are at risk for prolonged cognitive dysfunction.

  • News

    Endoscopic vs. Surgical Cystogastrostomy for Pancreatic Pseudocyst Drainage

    October 27, 2014

    Clinical question: How does endoscopic cystogastrostomy for pancreatic pseudocyst drainage compare to the standard surgical approach? Background: Pancreatic pseudocysts are a common complication of pancreatitis and necessitate decompression when they are accompanied by pain, infection, or obstruc

  • News

    Single vs. Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Stroke

    October 27, 2014

    Clinical question: Is dual antiplatelet therapy more beneficial or harmful than monotherapy after ischemic stroke? Background: It is recommended that patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) receive lifelong antiplatelet therapy; however, there have been insufficient studi

  • News

    New Oral Anticoagulants Increase GI Bleed Risk

    October 27, 2014

    Clinical question: Do thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding when compared to vitamin K antagonists and heparins? Background: New oral anticoagulants (thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors) are available and being used with increased frequency due to equ

  • News

    De-Escalating Antibiotics in Sepsis

    October 27, 2014

    Clinical question: Does tailoring antibiotics based on known pathogens impact mortality for patients with severe sepsis or shock? Background: In patients with sepsis, the use of early empiric antibiotics reduces morbidity and mortality.