In an interim analysis of the first prospective randomized multicenter study to examine this issue, rates of pneumonia infection and subsequent mortality were decreased when antibiotic treatment was provided to these patients. Medscape Medical News
A 61-year-old man presents to the emergency department (ED) with a 5-day history of pain with associated redness and swelling in his right eye. The patient’s pain and swelling have worsened since he began taking acyclovir a few days ago for a presumptive diagnosis of herpes zoster infection of the eye. The affected eye demonstrates ptosis of the upper eyelid, generalized proptosis, and mild periorbital erythema with associated edema. What is the diagnosis?
Patients with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome may benefit from more conservative fluid management, leading to lower mortality rates. Medscape Medical News
Endobronchial and transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration are more sensitive than traditional transbronchial needle aspiration, a new study suggests. Medscape Medical News
Mortality with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is increased when vancomycin is used to treat the infection and strains have a high vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration. Reuters Health Information
In a randomized controlled trial, the "open-lung" strategy did not reduce mortality or barotraumas but improved oxygenation and reduced hypoxemia-related deaths and use of rescue therapies. Medscape Medical News
Positive end-expiratory pressure designed to increase alveolar recruitment did not significantly lower mortality but did improve lung function and reduce the duration of organ failure. Medscape Medical News
Findings from this study challenges the notion that tight glycemic control is an important strategy for improving outcomes in critically ill patients. Medscape Critical Care
