Journal of clinical medicine
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Some 20% of patients with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) might have heart failure (HF). HF contribution to acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) presenting to the emergency department (ED) is not well established. ⋯ HF is highly prevalent and difficult to diagnose in patients in all GOLD stages presenting to the ED with severe AECOPD, and along with lack of inclusion in a COPD care program, confers a high risk for mortality.
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The objective of this study was to describe inpatient prevalence, characteristics, outcomes, and resource use for acute salicylate intoxication hospitalizations in the United States. ⋯ hospitalization for salicylate intoxication occurred in 148 per 1,000,000 admissions in the United States. Several factors were associated with in-hospital mortality.
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Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for hemodynamic support for in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI), there are limited data on the outcomes stratified by the timing of initiation of this strategy. ⋯ Same-day ECMO support for IHCA was associated with higher in-hospital mortality compared to those receiving non-simultaneous ECMO support. Though ECMO-assisted CPR is being increasingly used, careful candidate selection is key to improving outcomes in this population.
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Review
Second Update for Anaesthetists on Clinical Features of COVID-19 Patients and Relevant Management.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses great challenges for healthcare workers around the world, including perioperative specialists. Previously, we provided a first overview of available literature on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, relevant for anaesthetists and intensivists. ⋯ Furthermore, cardiovascular and nervous system involvement in COVID-19 are discussed, as well as considerations in diabetic patients. Lastly, the latest evidence on pharmacological treatment is summarised.
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Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging human pathogens, causing a wide range of clinical diseases affecting individuals who are immunocompromised and who have underlying health conditions. NTM are ubiquitous in the environment, with certain species causing opportunistic infection in humans, including Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium abscessus. The incidence and prevalence of NTM infections are rising globally, especially in developed countries with declining incidence rates of M. tuberculosis infection. ⋯ M. abscessus infections are considered one of the most antibiotic-resistant mycobacteria and are associated with pulmonary disease, especially cystic fibrosis, as well as contaminated traumatic skin wounds, postsurgical soft tissue infections, and healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Clinical manifestations of diseases depend on the interaction of the host's immune response and the specific mycobacterial species. This review will give a general overview of the general characteristics, vulnerable populations most at risk, pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention for infections caused by Mycobacterium avium, in the context of MAC, and M. abscessus.