The American journal of medicine
-
The objective of this review was to determine the incidence of adverse events associated with acupuncture. ⋯ Although the incidence of minor adverse events associated with acupuncture may be considerable, serious adverse events are rare. Those responsible for establishing competence in acupuncture should consider how to reduce these risks.
-
We developed a pneumonia guideline at Intermountain Health Care that included admission decision support and recommendations for antibiotic timing and selection, based on the 1993 American Thoracic Society guideline. We hypothesized that guideline implementation would decrease mortality. ⋯ Implementation of a pneumonia practice guideline in the Intermountain Health Care system was associated with a reduction in 30-day mortality among elderly patients with pneumonia.
-
Beta blockers have repeatedly demonstrated their therapeutic value in the treatment of a variety of diseases; as a result, multiple treatment guidelines advocate the use of beta blockers. Despite these guidelines, the use of beta blockers is remarkably low. ⋯ Recent primary evidence from randomized clinical trials has demonstrated a significant benefit to patients with heart failure when beta-blocker therapy is added to standard therapy. To ensure proper treatment, continuing efforts must be made to provide patients with appropriate therapy that is proven to reduce the risks of mortality and morbidity.
-
The timing of federal disbursements of welfare, disability, and military benefits may be associated with monthly patterns of substance abuse. We assessed whether this association was reflected in the pattern of psychiatric presentations to an emergency room. ⋯ Our results confirm that substance-related morbidity is highest at the beginning of the month and declines thereafter, corresponding to the availability of disposable income from monthly checks.