ATS 2013: Delayed ICU Transfer Increases Mortality Risk

May 21, 2013

The Particulars: Previous research has indicated that early intervention appears to improve outcomes for many conditions that are indications for inpatient transfer to the ICU. These findings suggest that delaying ICU transfer may increase in-hospital mortality.

Data Breakdown: For a study, researchers used the Cardiac Arrest Risk Triage (CART) early warning score to examine outcomes after delayed transfer from the hospital ward to the ICU.…

ATS 2013: Racial Disparities in NSCLC Surgery

The Particulars: Surgery is typically the indicated initial treatment of loco-regional non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Data are lacking on how surgical management of NSCLC varies by race.

Data Breakdown: For a study, 1.2 million patients were assessed following their first course of treatment after an initial NSCLC diagnosis.…

New Approach to Treatment-Resistant Depression

May 20, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO – A pilot randomized study of 30 patients with treatment-resistant depression suggests that helping them cope with their illness as a chronic disease might be more helpful than focusing exclusively on symptom remission.

Clinicians usually focus on trying to push symptoms of depression into remission using one medication or combination of therapies after another, Dr.…

APA 2013: Follow-Up Schizophrenia Care

The Particulars: The National Committee for Quality Assurance has proposed a quality measure for follow-up after hospitalization for schizophrenia for the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set. Patterns and predictors of follow-up care among publicly and privately insured inpatients with schizophrenia have not been well defined in the literature.…

APA 2013: Treating Delirium in Elderly Pneumonia Patients

The Particulars: Studies indicate that pneumonia is prevalent and potentially life-threatening in elderly patients presenting to the ED. In this population, delirium is common and may be the only manifestation of pneumonia.

Data Breakdown: A study was conducted using record reviews for patients hospitalized for pneumonia and treated for delirium.…

APA 2013: Patient-Perceived Barriers to Alcohol Use Treatment

The Particulars: Previous research has not clearly defined barriers to care for adults with a perceived need for treatment of alcohol problems.

Data Breakdown: For a study, researchers analyzed data from patients aged 18 and older who reported a need for treatment of alcohol problems but did not obtain treatment.…

Pedometers Lead to More Walking, Fewer Exacerbations in COPD

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — A program of walking enhancement is therapeutic for patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a new study has shown.

Advice alone was not sufficient to reverse patients’ sedentary ways. However, the researchers found that a pedometer intervention helped patients by allowing them to monitor their activity levels and providing them with objective feedback of their progress.…

ATS 2013: Improvements in Emphysema With LVRC Bronchoscopic Device

The Particulars: The lung volume reduction coil (LVRC) is a bronchoscopic device that gathers and compresses diseased lung tissue, allowing healthy tissue to function more efficiently. Previous research has not evaluated the LVRC in the treatment of homogenous or heterogeneous emphysema.…

ATS 2013: Exploring the Analgesic-Asthma Link

The Particulars: Studies have suggested that using analgesics during pregnancy or early childhood can increase the risk of asthma-related outcomes. These studies, however, are limited because of potential confounding by indication.

Data Breakdown: Researchers investigated the associations of acetaminophen and ibuprofen intake during pregnancy and the first year of life with asthma-related outcomes before and after controlling for respiratory infections.…

Is the Impending Physician Shortage Real? | Guest Blog

With expanding roles and outsourcing, maybe the projected shortage is really a mirage. Radiology and anesthesiology are on the chopping block. Is surgery next?