The Medical clinics of North America
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Med. Clin. North Am. · Jul 2020
ReviewSepsis and Septic Shock - Basics of diagnosis, pathophysiology and clinical decision making.
Sepsis and septic shock are major causes of mortality among hospitalized patients. The sepsis state is due to dysregulated host response to infection, leading to inflammatory damage to nearly every organ system. Early recognition of sepsis and appropriate treatment with antibiotics, fluids, and vasopressors is essential to reducing organ system injury and mortality. This review summarizes the current understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of sepsis and septic shock.
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Hospitalists often care for patients with liver disease, including those with acute liver injury and failure and patients with complications of decompensated cirrhosis. Acute liver failure is a true emergency, requiring intensive care and oftentimes transfer of the patient to a liver transplant center. ⋯ These complications increase the risk of mortality among patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Comanagement by the hospitalist with gastroenterology/hepatology can optimize care, especially for patients being considered for liver transplant evaluation.
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Med. Clin. North Am. · Jul 2020
ReviewRecent Advances in the Management of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic, irreversible obstructive lung disease that results from exposure to noxious stimuli. Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) usually result from viral or bacterial respiratory infections, but may also result from exposure to environmental pollution. ⋯ Despite the poor prognosis of AECOPD, patients are empowered through self-management programs in their battle against this lethal disease. Morbidity and mortality of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease hospitalizations are reduced by implementing standardized treatment modalities outlined in this article throughout the hospitalization and beyond.
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Decisions surrounding periprocedural anticoagulation management must balance thromboembolic and procedural bleed risk. The interruption of both warfarin and DOACs requires consideration of anticoagulant pharmacokinetics, procedural bleed risk and patient characteristics. ⋯ A clinical approach to perioperative DOAC management based on operative bleeding risk and renal function is safe and effective, and at present, is preferred over preprocedural DOAC levels testing. Clear communication of the anticoagulation interruption plan to both the patient and the patient's care team is essential.