American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2014
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyMulticenter Development and Validation of a Risk Stratification Tool for Ward Patients.
Most ward risk scores were created using subjective opinion in individual hospitals and only use vital signs. ⋯ We developed an accurate ward risk stratification tool using commonly collected electronic health record variables in a large multicenter dataset. Further study is needed to determine whether implementation in real-time would improve patient outcomes.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2014
Comparative StudyThe Relationship between Hospital Volume and Mortality in Severe Sepsis.
Severe sepsis is increasing in incidence and has a high rate of inpatient mortality. Hospitals that treat a larger number of patients with severe sepsis may offer a survival advantage. ⋯ Patients with severe sepsis treated in hospitals with higher case volumes had improved adjusted outcomes.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2014
Comment Letter Case ReportsIn-Flight Pneumothorax: Diagnosis May Be Missed because of Symptom Delay.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2014
Practice GuidelineElectronic Cigarettes: A Position Statement of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies.
Awareness and usage of electronic cigarettes has exponentially increased during the last few years, especially among young people and women in some countries. The rapid acceptance of electronic cigarettes may be attributed in part to the perception created by marketing and the popular press that they are safer than combustible cigarettes. ⋯ The health and safety claims regarding electronic nicotine delivery devices should be subject to evidentiary review. The potential benefits of electronic cigarettes to an individual smoker should be weighed against potential harm to the population of increased social acceptability of smoking and use of nicotine, the latter of which has addictive power and untoward effects. As a precaution, electronic nicotine delivery devices should be restricted or banned until more information about their safety is available. If they are allowed, they should be closely regulated as medicines or tobacco products.