Arch Intern Med
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Prophylaxis of upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients. A randomized study comparing the efficacy of sucralfate, cimetidine, and antacids.
Sixty-two mechanically ventilated patients were randomized into three study groups to compare the efficacy of sucralfate vs cimetidine and antacid regimens for the prevention of upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding. Only five study patients (8%) developed bright-red blood per nasogastric tube; four patients received the antacid regimen and one received cimetidine. None of the patients receiving sucralfate developed acute upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding. ⋯ There were no significant differences in the three groups when several major risk factors for gastrointestinal tract bleeding were analyzed, including sepsis, hypotension, steroid use, adult respiratory distress syndrome, gastric pH of 4 or less, previous peptic ulcer disease, peritonitis, and jaundice. A significantly higher incidence of acute renal failure was noted in the antacid-treated group when compared with the cimetidine and sucralfate groups. We find preliminary evidence that sucralfate is as efficacious as and more cost-effective than either cimetidine or antacids for prophylaxis of stress-related gastrointestinal tract bleeding in the critically ill ventilator-dependent patient.
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Case Reports
Acute left main coronary artery occlusion. Survival following emergent coronary bypass.
Emergent aortocoronary bypass surgery for acute myocardial infarction is controversial. We describe a patient with total occlusion of the left main coronary artery associated with acute anterior wall infarction and refractory cardiogenic shock. ⋯ He has subsequently experienced a prolonged survival (60 months postsurgery). This report suggests that emergent aortocoronary bypass surgery should be considered in patients with acute myocardial infarction with refractory cardiogenic shock in whom other forms of reperfusion are unsuccessful.
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Ibuprofen-associated, acute, reversible renal failure with hyperkalemia, tubular necrosis, and proteinuria developed in a patient who had no predisposing underlying disease. A renal biopsy specimen revealed mesangial hypercellularity without glomerular crescent formation. A profound interstitial nephritis with focal inflammatory cell infiltrates of predominantly mononuclear cells and neutrophils as well as focal tubular destruction was seen. ⋯ Direct immunofluorescence examination showed diffuse mesangial IgM and C3 deposition as well as vascular C3 deposition. Renal failure rapidly resolved after discontinuation of ibuprofen therapy and initiation of steroid therapy, with return to normal levels of serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, potassium, and sodium. Proteinuria also resolved.
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The clinical manifestations of sepsis may be flagrant or subtle. Awareness of the signs and symptoms of sepsis allows early recognition and prompt, appropriate management. ⋯ While therapy for the underlying infection (such as antibiotics and drainage of abscesses) is often sufficient, therapy for the specific manifestations of sepsis may also be necessary. Guidelines for therapy for these manifestations of sepsis are given.