Postgraduate medicine
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Use of odds ratio (OR) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has been criticized because it overestimates the effect size, if incorrectly interpreted as risk ratio (RR). To what extent does this make a difference in the context of clinical research is unclear. We, therefore, aimed to address this issue considering its importance in evidence-based practice of medicine. ⋯ Use of OR instead of RR in RCTs does not change the qualitative inference of results. However, the use of OR can markedly exaggerate the effect size in RCTs if misinterpreted as RR and, hence, has the potential to mislead clinicians.
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Postgraduate medicine · May 2015
ReviewCorrection of hypovolemia with crystalloid fluids: Individualizing infusion therapy.
Many situations in clinical practice involving patients with hypovolemia or acutely ill patients usually require the administration of intravenous fluids. Current evidence shows that the use of crystalloids should be considered, since most colloids and human albumin are usually associated with increased adverse effects and high cost, respectively. Among crystalloids, the use of normal saline is implicated with the development of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and renal vasoconstriction. ⋯ Lactated Ringer's infusate should not be given in patients with severe metabolic alkalosis, lactic acidosis with decreased lactate clearance, or severe hyperkalemia, and in patients with traumatic brain injury or at risk of increased intracranial pressure. The optimal choice of infusate should be guided by the cause of hypovolemia, the cardiovascular state of the patient, the renal function, as well as the serum osmolality and the coexisting acid-base and electrolyte disorders. Clinicians should be aware of any coexisting disorders in patients with hypovolemia and guide their choice of infusate treatment based on the overall picture of their patients.
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Postgraduate medicine · May 2015
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation: A single-center perspective on hospital readmissions.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third most common cause in the United States of hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge. Readmissions, which are attributed to poor quality of care, are costly. We examined the factors associated with 30-day readmission in patients hospitalized with acute exacerbation of COPD. Our hypothesis was that early readmissions among patients with COPD are related to patient factors rather than system or provider factors. ⋯ In our study population, 19.4% of acute exacerbation COPD patients were readmitted within 30 days. Patient factors (such as alcohol abuse and advanced disease) were associated with 30-day readmission.