Arch Intern Med
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A prospective, cross-over trial was performed comparing two different rates of precordial compression using end-tidal carbon dioxide as an indicator of the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 23 adult patients. A second purpose of this study was to determine the effect of audio-prompted, rate-directed chest compressions on the end-tidal carbon dioxide concentrations during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Patients with cardiac arrest received external chest compressions, initially in the usual fashion without rate direction and then with rhythmic audiotones for rate direction at either 80 compressions per minute or 120 compressions per minute. ⋯ However, end-tidal carbon dioxide levels increased rather dramatically when audiotones were used to guide the rate of chest compressions. Mean end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration was 8.7 +/- 1.2 mm Hg during standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately before audio-prompted, rate-directed chest compression and increased to 14.0 +/- 1.3 mm Hg after the first 60 seconds of audible tones directing compressions. Using end-tidal carbon dioxide as an indicator of cardiopulmonary resuscitation efficacy, we conclude that audible rate guidance during chest compressions may improve cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance.
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To develop a method for predicting hospital admissions for patients with decompensated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated in an emergency department. ⋯ A multivariate model can be used to identify patients with decompensated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who are unlikely to need hospitalization. This model could be used to select episodes of decompensated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for treatment at home.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Thrush can be prevented in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related complex. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 100-mg oral fluconazole daily.
Recurrent oropharyngeal candidiasis is common in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related complex. It causes local pain and discomfort, loss of taste, and aversion to food and may lead to secondary complications. We examined, in a double-blind study, whether recurrent thrush could be prevented by prophylaxis. ⋯ Individual patients observed with and without fluconazole treatment also showed its efficacy. In conclusion, thrush can be prevented in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related complex with negligible toxic effects. Larger trials to confirm prevention of all mycoses with prophylaxis should be considered.
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Comparative Study
Hypomagnesemia is a frequent finding in the emergency department in patients with chest pain.
To evaluate the frequency of low blood levels of total and ultrafilterable magnesium (total and ultrafilterable hypomagnesemia) in patients with chest pain in the emergency department, and to determine if hypomagnesemia is associated with other clinically important diagnostic and outcome variables in cardiac care. ⋯ Total and ultrafilterable hypomagnesemia are frequent occurrences in patients with and without chest pain in the emergency department. Diuretic use is associated with hypomagnesemia in patients presenting with chest pain in the emergency department. These results support the concept that hypomagnesemia is common in patients with chest pain in the emergency department and is associated with hypokalemia but is not predictive of whether the patient with chest pain has had an acute myocardial infarction.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy with topical capsaicin. A multicenter, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. The Capsaicin Study Group.
A multicenter study was conducted to establish the efficacy of topical 0.075% capsaicin cream in relieving the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. Capsaicin or vehicle cream was applied to painful areas four times per day for 8 weeks in patients randomly assigned to one of two groups. ⋯ With the exception of transient burning, sneezing, and coughing, capsaicin was well tolerated. Study results suggest that topical capsaicin cream is safe and effective in treating painful diabetic neuropathy.