Mayo Clinic proceedings
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Feb 2005
Comparative Study Clinical TrialImportance of device evaluation for point-of-care prothrombin time international normalized ratio testing programs.
To determine the accuracy of 2 commercially available point-of-care devices relative to plasma international normalized ratio (INR) values. ⋯ Optimal warfarin treatment requires accurate measurement of the INR. The choice of a point-of-care device for INR management depends on the reliability of INR data generated by the device.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Feb 2005
Evaluating the performance of an institution using an intensive care unit benchmark.
To describe the performances of selected intensive care units (ICUs) in a single institution using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) III benchmark and to propose interventions that may improve performance. ⋯ A national benchmarking database can highlight the strengths and weaknesses of ICUs. The performances of ICUs in a single institution may differ; therefore, the performance of each unit should be evaluated individually.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Feb 2005
Resource utilization and outcome in gravely ill intensive care unit patients with predicted in-hospital mortality rates of 95% or higher by APACHE III scores: the relationship with physician and family expectations.
To assess resource utilization and outcome in gravely ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and the potential association with health care workers' and family members' expectations. ⋯ Despite better-than-predicted survival outcomes, patient functionality and 1-year survival were poor. Unrealistic family expectations were associated with increased resource utilization without significant survival benefit, whereas absence of physician documentation of likely impending death (which correlated with improved survival) may denote the prognostication skills of experienced clinicians.
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Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP), a hyperthyroidism-related hypokalemia and muscle-weakening condition resulting from a sudden shift of potassium into cells, has been seen increasingly in Western countries. Failure to recognize TPP may lead to improper management. Many patients with TPP have no obvious symptoms related to hyperthyroidism. ⋯ Nonselective beta-blockers may provide an alternative choice. Long-term therapy with definite control of hyperthyroidism completely abolishes attacks. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of TPP prevent life-threatening complications of this treatable and curable disorder.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Jan 2005
EditorialAn overview of transforming changes at Mayo Clinic Proceedings during 2005.
For the past 6 years, the Editorial Board and staff of Mayo Clinic Proceedings have dedicated ourselves to the progressive evolution of this journal. During this period, and for the foreseeable future, we have embraced change and improvement as themes for our daily efforts. As such, the changes identified in this communication are not a leap forward for the journal, they merely represent the next logical step in the growth of the journal. ⋯ In the final analysis, we are driven by a rededication of the journal to the primary value of Mayo Clinic: "The needs of the patient come first." While the journal's leadership has long looked to this statement for guidance, our approach to addressing this value in 2005 will require a considerable number of innovations. We look forward to sharing with you, our readers, these next steps in the journal's history. We trust that we will be able to learn and grow together so that, in the final analysis, the journal will build on its reputation as an authoritative and respected source of information.