Alternative Diagnoses for VAP if BAL is Negative

Mechanical Ventilation for Intubated Patient
Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
More Articles – Emergency Procedures, medical procedures, Respiratory diseases
More Tags – endotracheal intubation, HPC updates, intubation, pneumonia, VAP
Among the 53% of patients with negative bronchoalveolar lavage results, alternative explanations for fever and for pulmonary infiltrates were established in 61% and 46%, respectively. Chest x-ray abnormalities, leukocytosis, purulent tracheal aspirate, or fever in a mechanically ventilated patient raise…
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Organisms That Cause Sepsis Are Changing, and Sepsis Management and Recognition Has Improved

Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
More Articles – Hospital Procedures, Infections, Medical General, medical procedures
More Tags – HPC updates, ICU, quality care, sepsis, sepsis management, sepsis treatment
Preface: Nice summary of the changing pathogenic organisms causing severe sepsis.  This summary also displays how improved sepsis recognition and management has decreased mortality from 40% to 28% over the last decade. Mortality decreased from 40% to 28% overall. Although…
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New Study Suggests Continued Statin Use After ICH Improves Outcomes

Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
More Articles – Hospital Procedures, Medical General, medical procedures, Neurological diseases
More Tags – HPC updates, ICU Quality Care, Intracerebral Hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, Statins
Preface: The SPARCL trial made clinicians wary that high-dose statins may increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). This new observational study suggests that continued statin use after ICH appears to improve outcomes. The SPARCL trial (Stroke Prevention through Aggressive Reduction…
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New Study Identifies 7 Interventions to Decrease 30-day Readmission Rates

Joseph Esherick, M.D., FAAFP, FHM
More Articles – Hospital Procedures, Medical General, medical procedures
More Tags – HPC updates, ICU, quality care, readmission rates, self-care, study
Preface: New study identifies 7 interventions to decrease the 30-day readmission rates.  The most effective interventions involved case workers and Improving patients ability to provide self-care at home. Study design: Meta-analysis. Setting: Forty-seven studies in multiple locations. Synopsis: This study evaluated…
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