JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
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Use of novel (or target-specific) oral anticoagulants continues to increase. This article reviews idarucizumab and andexanet alfa, two antidotes that can be used to reverse anticoagulation in patients needing emergency surgery or with life-threatening bleeding.
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Survivors of critical illness may develop postintensive care syndrome (PICS), a spectrum of conditions that include persistent cognitive dysfunction, acquired weakness, and intrusive memories akin to post-traumatic stress disorder. Relatively few ICU survivors are routinely followed in the outpatient setting by intensivists, but are regularly evaluated by primary care physicians and physician assistants in their practices. Specific and focused education about the key features of PICS, its effect on patients as well as family members, and potential therapeutic interventions may increase recognition of PICS and reduce its effect on survivors of critical illness.
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Patients with refractory intracranial hypertension often require short-term mechanical ventilation because they cannot protect their airway. Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) is less commonly used than other modes because it is thought to increase intracranial pressure. However, this case study describes how APRV improved alveolar recruitment and functional residual capacity in a patient with refractory intracranial hypertension secondary to severe traumatic brain injury.
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A fractured pelvis can be a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality. Injuries to the pelvis that result from high-energy trauma can be devastating, and patients often have other associated injuries. This article reviews the pathophysiology of pelvic fractures and how to classify and manage them in the emergency setting in order to improve patient outcomes.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects 10% to 20% of the western world's population. Current treatment guidelines recommend proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as first-line therapy. Although PPIs cause mild adverse reactions, they pose risks, particularly for older adults with comorbidities.