We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia to determine factors associated with antibiotic resistance and mortality. Risk factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression.…
The significance of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has led to the publication of guidelines from numerous international organisations. Because the macrolide class of antimicrobials is active against most of the key pathogens associated with CAP,…
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and renal artery bypass surgery are the most effective means of treating renal vascular disease and the hypertension it causes. Selection of the most appropriate treatment depends on the nature of the underlying…
Hypomagnesemia may be caused by renal losses (often related to drugs or diabetes), inadequate intake or inadequate intestinal absorption. Manifestations may include arrhythmias, particularly during myocardial ischemia or with digitalis use, and such…
Precipitants of hyperkalemia include diabetes, certain medications (eg, NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors), tissue injury, and hormonal abnormalities. Hyperkalemia alters the extracellular to intracellular potassium gradient, which decreases the resting…
The interpretation of acid-base data can be greatly facilitated by applying five rules: (1) use the blood gas to identify acidemia or alkalemia, (2) determine whether the underlying cause of acidemia or alkalemia is respiratory or metabolic, (3)…
OBJECTIVES: Pain related to the gurney is a frequent complaint of older emergency department (ED) patients. The authors hypothesized that these patients may have less pain and higher satisfaction if allowed to sit in a reclining hospital chair.…
Three recently published Institute of Medicine reports, Hospital-Based Emergency Care: At the Breaking Point, Emergency Medical Services: At the Crossroads, and Emergency Care for Children: Growing Pains, examined the current state of emergency care…
The significance of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has led to the publication of guidelines from numerous international organisations. Because the macrolide class of antimicrobials is active against most of the key pathogens associated with CAP,…
BACKGROUND: Injuries are a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits by older patients. Although injuries in older patients can be serious, 75% of these patients are discharged home after their ED visit. These patients may be at risk for…
BACKGROUND: The ability of health care professionals to provide patient care is potentially compromised when predicated on untested, although longstanding, perspectives. One such example is urinalysis testing, which has been currently simplified to…
Outpatient civil commitment can be effective in slowing the revolving door for selected patients, but it may not be the best mechanism for ensuring treatment over time.