American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Jun 2015
Multicenter Study Observational StudyIndications and Effects of Plasma Transfusions in Critically Ill Children.
Plasma transfusions are frequently prescribed for critically ill children, although their indications lack a strong evidence base. Plasma transfusions are largely driven by physician conceptions of need, and these are poorly documented in pediatric intensive care patients. ⋯ One-third of transfused patients were not bleeding and had no planned procedure. In addition, in most patients, coagulation tests are not sensitive to increases in coagulation factors resulting from plasma transfusion. Studies assessing appropriate plasma transfusion strategies are urgently needed.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Jun 2015
Performance of a Novel Algorithm Using Automated Digital Microscopy for Diagnosing Tuberculosis.
TBDx automated microscopy is a novel technology that processes digital microscopic images to identify acid-fast bacilli (AFB). Use of TBDx as part of a diagnostic algorithm could improve the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), but its performance characteristics have not yet been formally tested. ⋯ TBDx used in diagnostic algorithms with GXP provided reasonable sensitivity and high specificity for active TB while dramatically reducing the number GXP tests performed. As a stand-alone microscopy system, its performance was equivalent to that of a highly experienced TB microscopist.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Jun 2015
Practice GuidelineAn Official American Thoracic Society Statement: The Importance of Healthy Sleep. Recommendations and Future Priorities.
Despite substantial public interest, few recommendations on the promotion of good sleep health exist to educate health care providers and the general public on the importance of sleep for overall health. ⋯ Good quality and quantity of sleep are essential for good health and overall quality of life; therefore a strong recommendation was made for the implementation of public education programs on the importance of sleep health.