Length of Hospital Stay and Mortality in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism
Hospital Medicine Summary and Comment
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Early discharge of patients with PE was associated with higher 30-day postdischarge mortality.
Heart Failure and Perioperative Mortality
General Medicine Summary and Comment
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In two studies, heart failure conferred a higher mortality risk after noncardiac surgery.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
April 24, 2008
Covering:
Hammill BG et al., Anesthesiology 2008 Apr; 108:559
Xu-Cai YO et al., Mayo Clin Proc 2008 Mar; 83:280
Do Statins Prevent Ischemic Stroke?
Neurology Summary and Comment
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A meta-analysis supports a role.
By Harold P. Adams, Jr., MD
March 4, 2008
Covering:
O’Regan C et al., Am J Med 2008 Jan; 121:24
Bilirubin Protects Against Peripheral Arterial Disease
Oncology and Hematology Summary and Comment
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Higher levels of serum bilirubin are associated with lower risk for PAD.
By David Green, MD, PhD
March 11, 2008
Covering:
Perlstein TS et al., Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2008 Jan; 28:166
Statins in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
General Medicine Summary and Comment
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Risks for nonfatal cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death were lower with statins.
Is ECG Useful for Evaluating Young Patients with Syncope?
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
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The short answer is "no!"
V/Q Scans — Not Obsolete Just Yet
General Medicine Summary and Comment
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In this study, V/Q scanning had excellent specificity and reasonable sensitivity, making it an appropriate imaging procedure for evaluation of pulmonary embolism in patients for whom CT angiography is contraindicated.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
March 13, 2008
Covering:
Sostman HD et al., Radiology 2008 Mar; 246:941
High BP in the Emergency Department: Stress or Hypertension?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
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Patients who are hypertensive in the ED should be advised to get follow-up blood pressure measurements.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
March 13, 2008
Covering:
Tanabe P et al., Ann Emerg Med 2008 Mar; 51:221
Declining MI and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
General Medicine Summary and Comment
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The age-adjusted hazard for MI declined by 62% among British men who were followed for 25 years.
Choice of Antihypertensive Agents for Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: ALLHAT Results
General Medicine Summary and Comment
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Diuretics should continue to be first-line agents for treating patients with hypertension.
