October 2019

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) is sensitive for detecting the presence of PE in those with a HR > 100bpm or systolic blood pressure <90 and highly sensitive for detection of PE in patients with a HR  > 110bpm.

Adrenal crisis is increasing in frequency and can masquerade as something as seemingly benign as gastroenteritis. Read this summary to update your knowledge on the diagnosis and management of acute adrenal insufficiency.

Rapid streptococcal testing among children under age 3 was reduced by 52% following a quality improvement initiative.

Obtaining blood cultures after administration of antibiotics in severe sepsis decreases sensitivity of blood cultures.

TXA appears to have a slight 28-day mortality benefit in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with a GCS ≥9, especially when given early.

This study found no difference in effectiveness between an N95 respiratory and common medical mask in preventing transmission of influenza or other viral respiratory illnesses in a healthcare workplace.

The use of balanced crystalloids for ICU patients with sepsis was associated with a lower 30-day in-hospital mortality (26.3% vs 31.2%, P=0.01) and a lower incidence of major adverse kidney events within 30 days (35.4% vs 40.1%, aOR 0.78) compared to normal saline.

Neither haloperidol nor second generation antipsychotics were effective in improving patient-centered outcomes in hospitalized adults with delirium.

Opening urgent care locations may have a small impact on reducing low-acuity ED volume for patients living near the UC.

Statistical methods were developed and applied to clinical trials to quantify uncertainty, not as a decision tool to be used in the face of uncertainty.  We should become comfortable with uncertainty, as it is present irrespective of the arbitrary thresholds used for interpretation of data.