Journal of general internal medicine
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To determine the rates of immediate survival and survival to discharge for adult patients undergoing in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and to identify demographic and clinical variables associated with these outcomes. ⋯ When talking with patients, physicians can describe the overall likelihood of surviving discharge as 1 in 8 for patients who undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation and 1 in 3 for patients who survive cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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To determine the effect, if any, of histamine type 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) on serum alcohol levels under various conditions including type of H2RA receptor antagonist, alcohol dose, and fed status of the subject. ⋯ Cimetidine and ranitidine, but not the other H2RAs, can cause small elevations of serum alcohol level when alcohol and drug are administered concurrently. Studies with larger numbers of participants were less likely to demonstrate this effect. Relative to accepted, legal definitions of intoxication, the effect of any H2RA on blood alcohol level is unlikely to be clinically relevant.
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Delirium is frequent in elderly hospitalized patients. Many studies have examined its risk factors, but results have been quite variable. Thus, the goal of this study is to identify through systematic literature review the risk factors associated with the development of delirium in hospitalized geriatric patients. ⋯ Despite methodologic limitations, certain risk factors for delirium seem to be consistent and could help identify high-risk patients. These risk factors include dementia, advanced age, and medical illness. Other risk factors appear to play a contributory role in the development of delirium in elderly hospitalized patients.
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Meta Analysis
The efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for the management of chronic pain.
To assess the effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the management of chronic pain. ⋯ SSRIs appear to be beneficial for mixed-chronic pain. It is unclear, from the available evidence, whether SSRIs are beneficial for migraine headaches, tension headaches, diabetic neuropathy, or fibromyalgia. For those patients it may be reasonable to reserve SSRIs for those who fall to respond to other medications or who are intolerant of their side effects.
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Meta Analysis
Meta-analysis of randomized control trials addressing brief interventions in heavy alcohol drinkers.
To assess the effectiveness of brief interventions in heavy drinkers by analyzing the outcome data and methodologic quality. ⋯ Heavy drinkers who received a brief intervention were twice as likely to moderate their drinking 6 to 12 months after an intervention when compared with heavy drinkers who received no intervention. Brief intervention is a low-cost, effective preventive measure for heavy drinkers in outpatient settings.