Prescriptions for hydrocodone fixed-dose combination products have plummeted since the opioid was rescheduled from Schedule III to the much more restrictive Schedule II, according to new study results. The total number of hydrocodone combination tablets prescribed fell by more than 1 billion during the first year after the rescheduling. The rescheduling likely resulted in a […]
Read MoreThe CDC reported the first death from carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) that was resistant to all antibiotics available in the United States (MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017;66[1]:3). The Nevada woman, who was in her 70s, died from septic shock last September, but the CDC just reported the case, emphasizing that continued surveillance showed that it […]
Read MoreAuthors: Fabienne M. A. van Hout, M.D. et al Anesthesiology 3 2017, Vol.126, 441-449. Background: Conflicting results have been reported concerning the effect of platelet transfusion on several outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the independent effect of a single early intraoperative platelet transfusion on bleeding and adverse outcomes in cardiac surgery patients. […]
Read MoreAuthors: Ryu Komatsu, M.D. et al Anesthesiology February 23, 2017. Background: Statins may reduce the risk of pulmonary and neurologic complications after cardiac surgery. Methods: The authors acquired data for adults who had coronary artery bypass graft, valve surgery, or combined procedures. The authors matched patients who took statins preoperatively to patients who did not. […]
Read MoreAuthors: Michael R. Mathis, M.D. et al Anesthesiology 3 2017, Vol.126, 450-460. Background: Patients with left ventricular assist devices presenting for noncardiac surgery are increasingly commonplace; however, little is known about their outcomes. Accordingly, the authors sought to determine the frequency of complications, risk factors, and staffing patterns. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective study at their academic tertiary […]
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