Chest
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The last national estimates of US ICU physician staffing are 25 years old and lack information about interprofessional teams. ⋯ We found that intensivist presence in adult US ICUs has greatly increased over 25 years. Intensivists, respiratory therapists, and clinical pharmacists are commonly available, and each nurse usually provides care for two patients on mechanical ventilation. However, team composition and workload vary.
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Tranexamic acid is a commonly used hemostatic agent with broad clinical uses across multiple specialties. Systemic toxicity is due to gamma-aminobutyric acid type A and glycine receptor competitive antagonism and has been reported by multiple routes, but toxicity after pulmonary administration via nebulization and BAL has not yet been described. A 44-year-old man with a history of congenital pulmonary arteriovenous malformations underwent routine bronchoscopy for hemoptysis. ⋯ One hour after the procedure, he developed altered mental status, myoclonus, and hyperthermia, which was ultimately controlled with propofol and vecuronium. As the use of pulmonary tranexamic acid increases, toxicity from this agent should be considered. Dose reductions and alternate treatment modalities should be considered in patients with advanced age, arteriovenous malformations, and renal insufficiency.
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The maternal mortality rate in the United States is unacceptably high. However, the relative contribution of pregnancy to these outcomes is unknown. Studies comparing outcomes among pregnant vs nonpregnant critically ill patients show mixed results and are limited by small sample sizes. ⋯ In this large US cohort, critically ill pregnant women receiving MV or with sepsis showed better survival than propensity score-matched nonpregnant women. These findings must be interpreted in the context of likely residual confounding.
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Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common cancer complication. Clinical and economic implications of different recurrent MPE treatment pathways have not been evaluated fully. ⋯ Early definitive treatment was associated with fewer subsequent procedures and lower costs in patients with rapidly recurrent MPE.