JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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To identify factors associated with the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and to examine the incidence of VAP in different intensive care unit (ICU) populations. ⋯ These data suggest potential interventions that might affect the incidence of VAP or outcome associated with VAP. Additionally, they indicate that different ICU populations may have different incidences of VAP.
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To determine the effect of admission for trauma with concurrent acute alcohol intoxication or chronic alcohol abuse on the risk of subsequent recurrence of trauma. ⋯ Alcohol abuse is associated with an increased risk of readmission for new trauma. Trauma patients should be screened for alcohol problems; referral of problem drinkers for appropriate care may decrease their risk of admission for subsequent trauma.
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To determine if the diagnosis of major depression in patients hospitalized following myocardial infarction (MI) would have an independent impact on cardiac mortality over the first 6 months after discharge. ⋯ Major depression in patients hospitalized following an MI is an independent risk factor for mortality at 6 months. Its impact is at least equivalent to that of left ventricular dysfunction (Killip class) and history of previous MI. Additional study is needed to determine whether treatment of depression can influence post-MI survival and to assess possible underlying mechanisms.