June 19, 2024
Getting worse at heart failure
Despite advances in drugs and guidelines, heart failure mortality is on the rise. An expert researcher offers some solutions.
RSV vaccine news, Entresto generic approval
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine by Moderna was newly approved for patients ages 60 years and older, while approval of the GlaxoSmithKline vaccine was expanded to ages 50 to 59 years, among other recent actions by the FDA.
Continuous infusion may provide benefit over intermittent in antibiotics for sepsis
A new randomized trial found a nonsignificant decrease in mortality with continuous infusion of beta-lactams for ICU patients with sepsis, but a new review that included the study showed a significant effect on mortality and cure rates with prolonged versus intermittent infusion.
Beta-lactam de-escalation associated with lower risk of new drug resistance in sepsis
Hospitalized patients with sepsis were less likely to develop new drug-resistant, gram-negative bacteria within 60 days if their antibiotics were de-escalated (according to a beta-lactam spectrum score) rather than continued at the same level, a retrospective study found.
IV amino acids may decrease AKI risk after cardiac surgery
Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in 26.9% of patients randomized to IV amino acids, 2 g/kg of ideal body weight per day, for up to 72 hours after surgery versus 31.7% of those who received Ringer's solution in a recent trial.
Fungal, bacterial pathogens in lungs differ in severe influenza versus COVID-19
Potential bacterial pathogens and aspergillosis were detected in 20% and 38% of patients with influenza and 37% and 31% of those with COVID-19, respectively, in a recent Belgian study.
Take a quiz about the June 12 issue!
Every week, ACP Hospitalist posts a question about the previous week's issue. See how well you remember what you've read compared to other readers.