-
The gold standard in the era of EBM is the randomized controlled trial (RCT). A properly designed and carried out RCT, in patients similar to those the practitioner manages and using end points relevant to both practitioner and patient, is more likely to be free from bias and to produce results that will stand up over time than other types of investigation such as retrospective analyses, case-control studies, and unsystematic clinical observations.
-
-
In this randomized, controlled trial, when patients developed recurrent respiratory failure following extubation, the use of noninvasive ventilation delayed but did not prevent reintubation, and this delay was associated with a higher mortality rate in the ICU.
-
This retrospective study determined that catheter-directed thrombolysis was equally effective and safe whether urokinase, alteplase, or reteplase was used, but that costs were substantially less with the newer recombinant drugs.
-
FDA Rejects Plan B Bid; Recombinant Erythropoietin Products May Stimulate Tumor Growth; Rosuvastatin: Markets Most Potent Statin; FDA Actions.
-
This multicenter prospective observational study reveals that transfusion practice in the critically ill has not changed in the past decade. 44% of ICU patients receive transfusions, and transfusions continue to be associated with worse clinical outcomes.
-
The Infection Risk of Acid-Suppressing Drugs; Is Rosuvastatin As Safe As Other Statins?; Which Estrogen Preparation is the Safest?; FDA Actions.
-
-
Brain natriuretic peptide (bnp), also called b-type natriuretic peptide, is mainly secreted by the cardiac ventricles during increased ventricular wall stress. BNP plasma concentration provides important information on the prognosis in patients with heart failure, myocardial infarction, and acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation.
-
Post hoc analysis of 3 large multicenter trials of patients with acute coronary syndromes demonstrates a strong association between transfusion and mortality.