Background: Alcohol withdrawal is a common issue in hospitalized patients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Alcohol withdrawal occurs when the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) stimulating effect of alcohol is removed, resulting in an excess of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Treatment typically consists of as needed benzodiazepines, which activate GABA. However, this reactive […]

Background: Panel-based Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are laboratory tools that are used to detect small quantities of RNA or DNA to rapidly identify a multitude of infectious organisms. A systematic review and meta-analysis looking at the diagnostic accuracy of the BioFire® FilmArray® meningitis-encephalitis (ME) panel which is used at our institution showed that it […]