News
Updated Guidelines for Management of Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
March 3, 2015
Clinical question: What is the recommended approach for management of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS)? Background: This is the first comprehensive update from the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) on NSTE-ACS since 2007 and follows a focused u
News
New Guidelines for Platelet Transfusions in Adults
March 3, 2015
Clinical question: What is the recommended approach to platelet transfusion in several common clinical scenarios? Background: The AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks) developed these guidelines from a recent systematic review on platelet transfusion. Synopsis: One strong recomme
News
Shorter Treatment for Vertebral Osteomyelitis May Be as Effective as Longer Treatment
March 3, 2015
Clinical question: Is a six-week regimen of antibiotics as effective as a 12-week regimen in the treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis? Background: The optimal duration of antibiotic treatment for vertebral osteomyelitis is unknown.
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Impact of Peri-Operative Beta Blockers on Cardiovascular Morbidity, Mortality
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: What is the impact of peri-operative beta blockers on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia? Background: Studies evaluating the effects of peri-operative beta blockers on cardiovascular outcomes have yielded conflicting r
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Resident Handoff Program Associated with Improved Inpatient Outcomes
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: Does the implementation of a handoff program lead to improved patient safety? Background: Communication failure at the time of handoff of patient care from one resident to another is a significant cause of medical errors.
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Automated Early Warning, Response System Could Improve Sepsis Outcomes
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: Does implementation of an electronic sepsis detection and response system improve patient outcomes? Background: It is known that interventions such as goal-directed resuscitation and antibiotics can reduce sepsis mortality, but their effectiveness depends on early administratio
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Intermittent, Continuous Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapies Are Comparable
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: Is intermittent proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy comparable to the current standard of continuous PPI infusion for high risk bleeding ulcers? Background: Current guidelines recommend an intravenous bolus dose of a PPI followed by continuous PPI infusion for three days after
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VTE Treatment Strategies Don’t Differ in Efficacy, Safety
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: Are there differences in efficacy and safety between the treatment strategies for acute venous thromboembolism (VTE)? Background: There are a number of treatment strategies available for acute VTE.
News
Antimicrobial Prescribing Common in Inpatient Setting
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: What is the daily prevalence of antimicrobial use in acute-care hospitals? Background: Inappropriate antimicrobial use is associated with adverse events and contributes to the emergence of resistant pathogens. Strategies need to be implemented to reduce inappropriate use.
News
Hemoglobin Transfusion Threshold Not Associated with Differences in Morbidity, Mortality Among Patients with Septic Shock
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: Is there a difference in 90-day mortality and other outcomes when a lower versus higher hemoglobin threshold is used for blood transfusions in ICU patients with septic shock? Background: Patients with septic shock frequently receive blood transfusions.