Background: Increased mobility is a well-established predictor of health and recovery outcomes; however, decreased mobility continues to be a challenge in the hospital setting. Technology driven platforms promoting activity and mobility are increasingly being integrated into patient care models; however, evidence remains limited regarding patient engagement with such platforms and their ability to meaningfully increase [...]

Background: Older adults are particularly vulnerable to traumatic injuries. Gabapentin is frequently utilized as an adjunct analgesic in this population. This study aims to evaluate the impact of gabapentin on the incidence of delirium, pain scores, and opioid use in geriatric trauma patients. Methods: Data from a tertiary level 1 trauma center was obtained from [...]

Background: Patient-directed discharge – defined as leaving the hospital prior to completing recommended medical treatment – is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and occurs in 10-20% of hospitalizations for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Patients with OUD often cite untreated pain and withdrawal as contributing to their decision to leave the hospital by [...]

Background: In the US, over 200,000 patients experience in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) annually, with survival rates remaining low. Despite advances in resuscitation, predicting return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and post-IHCA hospital discharge remains challenging. We evaluated key predictors of ROSC and discharge following IHCA. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed medical records of IHCA patients [...]

Background: Peripherally intravenous (PIV) vascular access is important for the care of hospitalized children and one of the most common, and difficult, procedures performed in the hospital. For many reasons, especially in pediatrics, there is often difficulty obtaining or maintaining reliable vascular access in hospitalized children, leading to patient and parental distress and care delays. [...]

Case Presentation: A 65-year-old Caucasian male presented with progressive blue-gray skin discoloration over six months and new-onset dyspnea with leg edema. He had ingested approximately 2 ounces of colloidal silver daily for 12 years as self-prescribed prophylaxis against Lyme disease.Examination showed diffuse slate-gray discoloration, most prominent on the face, neck, and hands, bibasilar crackles, and [...]

Case Presentation: 21-year-old female presented with three weeks of progressive right-sided chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Her symptoms began shortly after a three-hour car ride. She had a history of a second-trimester miscarriage four months earlier, complicated by acute blood loss anemia requiring transfusion. She briefly used oral contraceptives following the miscarriage. She [...]

Case Presentation: A 35-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on chronic hemodialysis, suspected drug-induced lupus with recurrent pericarditis, and severe bi-valvular disease requiring bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement seven months earlier, presented with progressive exertional dyspnea, early satiety, and worsening left upper quadrant abdominal pain initially thought to be a lupus flare. Laboratory evaluation was [...]

Case Presentation: A 48-year-old female with a history of cyclic vomiting syndrome, gastroparesis, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), opioid dependence, and a right-sided Port-A-Cath presented with two days of generalized weakness, a witnessed seizure-like episode, and a fall. Initial trauma evaluation was unremarkable. Laboratory studies revealed leukocytosis (WBC 20.8), thrombocytosis (platelets 648), mild hyponatremia (Na [...]

Case Presentation: A 79 year old female with a past medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and prior ischemic stroke presented with a three day history of weakness and confusion. She was oriented to self and location at baseline, without a diagnosis of dementia. Initial investigation revealed an urinalysis with [...]