GM-CSF Reverses Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In a small cohort, 8 days of GM-CSF led to a significant increase in monocyte HLA-DR expression and some improvement in clinical parameters.
Reviewing:
Meisel C et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009 Oct 1; 180:640
Amiodarone or Dronedarone for Atrial Fibrillation?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Dronedarone is safer but less effective.
Reviewing:
Piccini JP et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2009 Sep 15; 54:1089
"Hospital at Home" for Elders with Acute Heart Failure
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Compared with hospitalization, home care was associated with similar mortality and lower costs.
Reviewing:
Tibaldi V et al., Arch Intern Med 2009 Sep 28; 169:1569
Kao H and Walter LC., Arch Intern Med 2009 Sep 28; 169:1576
Patent Foramen Ovale and Risk for Stroke Recurrence
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
October 13, 2009
Julien Bogousslavsky, MD
Neurology
A meta-analysis finds a low risk but does not provide a definitive answer on whether PFO closure can reduce the risk in selected patients.
Reviewing:
Almekhlafi MA et al., Neurology 2009 Jul 14; 73:89
Adenosine for Regular Wide-Complex Tachycardia
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Adenosine is safe and effective for differentiating wide-complex supraventricular tachycardia from ventricular tachycardia.
Reviewing:
Marill KA et al., Crit Care Med 2009 Sep; 37:2512
Are OTC Analgesics Safe for Patients with Cirrhosis?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Occasional low doses of acetaminophen seemed to be safe; the case for NSAIDs was less clear.
Reviewing:
Khalid SK et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009 Sep; 7:994
N -Acetylcysteine for Nonacetaminophen Acute Liver Failure?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
NAC improved transplant-free survival in patients at coma grades I–II.
Reviewing:
Lee WM et al., Gastroenterology 2009 Sep; 137:856
Consensus on Care Transitions: Time for All of Us to Step Up to the Plate
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Major professional organizations put forth recommendations on managing patient transitions between inpatient and outpatient settings.
Reviewing:
Snow V et al., J Hosp Med 2009 Jul/Aug; 4:364
Why Wait for the "Echo" When You Can Do It Yourself?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Hospitalists accurately performed ultrasound echocardiography with hand-carried units after a brief training program.
Reviewing:
Lucas BP et al., J Hosp Med 2009 Jul/Aug; 4:340
PPIs and Antiplatelet Drugs: Is the Interaction Clinically Relevant?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
PPIs attenuated antiplatelet effects somewhat, but outcomes were similar with or without PPIs.
Reviewing:
O'Donoghue ML et al., Lancet 2009 Sep 19; 374:989
