Background: The Choosing Wisely campaign discourages CT imaging in low-risk patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) (e.g., low clinical probability and negative d-dimer). Few studies have investigated patient, provider, or operational characteristics associated with overuse of CT imaging. One possible approach to this research question is to examine variability in diagnostic yield (i.e., the percentage [...]

Background: Syncope scores San Francisco Syncope Rule (SFSR) and Evaluation of Guidelines in Syncope Study (EGSYS)(1) are used as screening tools for predicting adverse outcomes among patient with syncope(1, 2). Surprisingly for scoring systems used for risk stratification of same clinical condition, differ significantly based on variables of importance used in calculating individual scores. An [...]

Background: ST elevation MI is an acute event that mandates immediate intervention. Often, resources play a major role to enable prompt intervention. Our study aims to elaborate any differences that may exist between weekend and weekday outcomes at a national level. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database. Patients [...]

Background: For peripherally compatible infusates planned for

Background: Anemia is a risk factor for cognitive impairment as a result of reduced delivery of oxygen to the brain from low hemoglobin (Hb) levels. In ambulatory patients, mild anemia (Hb 10-12g/dL) has been associated with reductions in patients’ cognitive function [1–3]. In hospitalized patients it is standard of care to maintain Hb levels far [...]

Background: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) syndrome is an immune-mediated disorder producing thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, with or without prior exposure to heparin. Although avoidance of heparin products and non-heparin anticoagulants are used, immune-based therapies including intravenous immunoglobulin have been tried when the thrombocytopenia persists or there is breakthrough thrombosis. We sought to systematically review and analyze the [...]

Background: Renal dysfunction is a complication in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Due to the potential morbidity and mortality of these disorders in cirrhotic patients, it is important to ensure accurate clinical measurements of renal function. Standard creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations have proven to be inaccurate in cirrhotic patients, as these patients have [...]

Background: Unstable Angina (UA) is a common subset of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and presents as atypical chest pain without the presence of cardiac biomarkers. It accounts for nearly 550,000 hospital admissions each year in the United States [1]. Management of UA can vary depending on the physician and/or intensity of symptoms. Prior studies have [...]

Background: With the advancement of technology and the provision of critical care, more critically ill patients are surviving the medical intensive care unit (ICU). Upon transfer to the general wards patients continue to face complex and ongoing medical issues that increase their risk of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine patient characteristics as [...]

Background: Pregnant patients labeled with a penicillin allergy (PcnA) and charted as Group B streptococcus (GBS) positive can spread this infection to their baby during a vaginal delivery resulting in serious illness for their newborns. GBS is the most common cause of infectious morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period during the first week of [...]