QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians
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Chronic disabling disease is present in nearly 90% of emergency medical admissions. We have examined its impact on outcomes and costs in one institution, using a database of episodes collected prospectively over 12 years. ⋯ Chronic disabling disease is an independent predictor of hospital LOS and costs in unselected emergency admissions; adjusted for illness severity, it is only a mortality predictor for those with multiple disabling conditions.
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Severe sepsis patients with initial lactate level 2-4 mM are commonly considered to have lower risk for mortality and adverse outcomes. ⋯ Our study suggests that clinicians should be cautious about the potential adverse outcomes in severe sepsis patients with initial lactate level between 2 and 4 mM and a presentation of altered mentation, hypotension, tachypnea and/or elevated blood urea nitrogen.