Evaluation of the transverse venous sinus with transcranial color-coded duplex.

Background And Purpose: Ultrasound-derived diagnosis of transverse venous sinus stenosis (TVSS) may have a promise given recent exploration of its role in pathophysiology of intracranial hypertension and availability of interventions like venous stenting. We investigated transverse venous sinus (TVS) insonation using transcranial color-coded duplex (TCCD) to establish normative values, inform on inherent physiological variability, and other measures to allow future studies on testing the construct validity of TCCD venous in diagnosing TVSS.

Methods: An institutional review board-approved prospective observational study evaluated 20 healthy volunteers to define TCCD-based measures for the TVS.

Impact of a Medication Reconciliation Pharmacist Program on Appropriateness of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Treatment Durations at Hospital Discharge.

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship programs have made large efforts to minimize the inappropriate use of antibiotics. Implementation of these programs can be challenging, since many institutions have limited resources. Utilizing resources that already exist may be beneficial, including medication reconciliation pharmacist (MRP) programs.

Effectiveness and Safety of High-Dose Thromboprophylaxis in Morbidly Obese Major Trauma Patients.

Background: Trauma increases risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and obesity is a known independent risk factor for VTE development. Currently, no consensus on an optimal prophylactic dosing strategy for morbidly obese trauma patients exists. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a BMI-stratified dosing strategy for VTE prophylaxis in morbidly obese trauma patients.

Safety and Efficacy of Intermittent Bolus and Continuous Infusion Neostigmine for Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction.

Purpose: To compare clinical response of intermittent bolus versus continuous infusion neostigmine for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO). Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction occurs due to reduced colonic parasympathetic activity. Neostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that increases frequency of smooth muscle contraction by increasing acetylcholine at autonomic nervous system synapses.

Can a combination of ultrasonographic parameters accurately evaluate concussion and guide return-to-play decisions?

Mild traumatic brain injury, often referred to as concussion, is a common, potentially debilitating, and costly condition. One of the main challenges in diagnosing and managing concussion is that there is not currently an objective test to determine the presence of a concussion and to guide return-to-play decisions for athletes. Traditional neuroimaging tests, such as brain magnetic resonance imaging, are normal in concussion, and therefore diagnosis and management are guided by reported symptoms.

Please break the silence: Parents' views on communication between pediatric primary care and mental health providers.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of parents' preferences regarding the sharing of information between their children's primary care and mental health providers.

Method: Fifty-five parents with a child who was actively engaged in mental health treatment completed an anonymous survey while accompanying their child to either a primary care or mental health clinic appointment. This brief measure elicited parents' experiences with and preferences for treatment coordination across their children's primary care and mental health providers, with a focus on communication practices.