August 30, 2011 |  0
In this trial of 120 patients with their first recurrence of pericarditis, they were randomized to colchicine (0.5-1.0 mg a day) or placebo; the risk of recurrence was reduced by 56% (from 55% in the placebo group to 24% in the colchicine group at 6 months) with a number needed to treat of 3. Side effects […]
August 30, 2011 |  0
In this randomized trial of >18,000 patients with atrial fibrillation, apixaban was superior to warfarin for the primary outcome of stoke or embolism (1.3% vs 1.6%, 32% relative risk reduction), as well as for major bleeding (2.1% vs 3.1%), death (3.5% vs 3.9%) or hemorrhagic stroke (.24% vs .47%). As soon as FDA approved, apixaban […]
August 26, 2011 |  0
This single center prospective cohort found that a 7-point patient acuity rating completed at the time of sign out was a good predictor of clinical deterioration (eg cardiac arrest or ICU transfer) within 24 hours. The predictive capacity was better for attendings than housestaff. This simple rating scale can aid cross-cover prioritization and decision making, […]
August 26, 2011 |  0
In this small single center diagnostic study in intubated ICU patients, the use of portable was more sensitive in diagnosing consolidation, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and interstitial syndromes than was chest xray. Portable USG may be more useful than chest xrays in diagnosing lung pathology in intubated patients. (abstract)
August 26, 2011 |  0
In this industry-sponsored trial, patients with STEMI were randomized before PCI to get standard dosing unfractionated heparin or 0.5mg/kg of IV lovenox. There were no significant differences between the groups in the primary outcome (death, complication, procedure failure, or bleeding), but enoxaparin preformed better than heparin in the secondary outcome (death, recurrent ACS, urgent revasularization). […]
August 26, 2011 |  0
In this trial of COPD patients with recent exacerbation, and on oxygen or steroids in the last year, they were randomized to daily azithromycin (250mg) or placebo. Those on azithromycin had significantly fewer exacerbations (1.5 vs 1.8 per patient year) and longer time to first exacerbation (266 vs 174 days). Mortality was the same, but […]