No abstract

Receiving a PCC in the ICUs was significantly associated with more frequent DNR code status and hospice referrals, but not 30-day readmissions or hospital utilization. Early PCC was associated with significant LOS and direct cost reductions. Providing PCC early in the ICU should be considered.

Bereavement related depression and PTSD symptoms are commonly seen in family members of cardiac arrest victims, however, the magnitude of the effect is not impacted by witnessing or not-witnessing CPR in the ED.

Cocaine hydrochloride (30, 15, or 0 mg/kg) was administered daily subcutaneously to male rats for a minimum of 72 days. Animals receiving the 15-mg/kg and 0-mg/kg doses were pair-fed with animals receiving the higher dose. A fourth group served as a nontreated ad libitum-fed control to assess the role of cocaine-associated decreases in food and water intake. Administration of cocaine resulted in dose-related decreases in body weights, increases in locomotor activity, and decreases in estradiol levels. The high dose of cocaine was also associated with an increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with heads separated from tails. Cocaine did not affect sexual behavior, relative weights of the testis or accessory organs, histology of the testis, number of implantations, resorptions, fetal or newborn weight of offspring, or offspring weight at 21 days of age but did result in hyperactivity and increased perseverance in a T maze.

Decisions on the appropriateness for palliative care consultation in the MICU can be aided using a trigger screen. We recommend the use of this screen be considered in the MICU with the suggested revisions. Additional studies are needed to determine if the use of the trigger screen is associated with improved clinical outcomes.