A retrospective, population-based cohort study showed that blacks have both nearly twice the rate of severe sepsis and higher mortality compared with whites. Medscape Medical News
Among patients on long-term hemodialysis, deaths occur in the morning hours more frequently than expected by chance, according to a study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases. Reuters Health Information
A Cochrane review shows that arthroscopic debridement is ineffective for reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Medscape Medical News
Compared with standard sedation, use of light sedation after surgery decreased the length of patient stay in the intensive care unit. Medscape Medical News
Dexmedetomidine has been shown to decrease adverse effects in intensive care unit patients compared with midazolam when given for more than 24 hours. Medscape Medical News
Intravenous, patient-controlled analgesia after a craniotomy has been shown to be both safe and effective compared with conventional as-needed therapy. Medscape Medical News
Adult patients with severe but potentially reversible respiratory failure had an increased survival rate without severe disability after using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Medscape Medical News
Astute assessment and early detection of sleep disturbances are important to minimize risk for hospitalized patients. Topics in Advanced Practice Nursing eJournal
The investigators in this prospective cohort study suggest strategies to prevent iatrogenic events in neonates, especially in infants of low birthweight, such as continuous monitoring. Medscape Medical News
Based on 2 large, randomized controlled trials, intensive insulin therapy with tight blood glucose control was protective of renal function in patients who were critically ill. Medscape Medical News
