Chest
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Review Meta Analysis
Short- versus long-duration antibiotic regimens for ventilator-associated pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of short- vs long-duration antibiotic regimens for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). ⋯ Short-course treatment of VAP was associated with more antibiotic-free days. No difference was found regarding mortality and relapses; however, a strong trend for fewer relapses was observed in favor of the long-course treatment, being mostly driven by one study in which the observed relapses were probably more microbiologic than clinical. Additional research is required to elucidate the issue.
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Comparative Study
Attitudes and beliefs toward lung cancer screening among US Veterans.
Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death for veterans cared for by the US Veterans Health Administration. The LC burden among veterans is almost double that of the general population. Before implementation of an LC screening program, we set out to assess the role of beliefs and attitudes toward LC screening among veterans. ⋯ Veterans are overwhelmingly willing to undergo screening for LC, and it seems that participation will not be a barrier to implementation of an LC screening program. The mortality benefit of LC screening, however, may not be generalizable to the veteran population because of a higher number of comorbid conditions.
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While the canonical function of somatostatin (SST) is to inhibit the secretion of growth hormone, it has a number of other physiologic effects that are less widely appreciated. Octreotide, an analog of SST, is not uncommonly used in the critical care setting, particularly for the treatment of variceal hemorrhage. Herein, we discuss the biology and pharmacology of SST, octreotide, and other SST analogs. We also review the evidence behind their use in esophageal variceal bleeds, hepatorenal syndrome, hypoglycemia due to sulfonylurea poisoning, and chylous pleural effusions.