In the News
High ICU utilization for 4 common conditions may drive up costs without improving mortality, study finds
The retrospective cohort study ranked 94 hospitals in Washington State and Maryland by their predicted ICU utilization rates for adult patients hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis, pulmonary embolism, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and congestive heart failure.
EMR-based intervention increased early statins, linked to improved outcomes in ischemic stroke
Under the intervention, the electronic medical record required physicians treating patients with ischemic stroke to either order a statin or document why no statin was ordered.
Vasopressin may not improve septic shock treatment compared to norepinephrine
Patients randomized to vasopressin had slightly less use of renal replacement therapy than those receiving norepinephrine, but there were no significant differences in rates of kidney failure or mortality.
Acupuncture may be superior to morphine in relieving acute pain in ED patients, trial shows
Researchers noted that the trial, which was conducted in Tunisia, was limited by its lack of blinding and a fairly homogeneous study population which culturally accepts the practice of acupuncture.
Put words in our mouth
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