Cognitive-behavioural stimulation protocol for severely brain-damaged patients in the post-acute stage in developmental age.

Purpose: To present a cognitive-behavioural stimulation (CBS) protocol designed to help severely damaged patients in the early post-acute stage by describing the underlying methodology and assessing its efficacy compared to traditional rehabilitation methods. This protocol combines multisensory stimulation and cognitive-behavioural techniques to elicit and intensify the occurrence of adaptive responses and reduce maladaptive behavioural patterns.

Methods: A control group and an experimental group--both evaluated with the Levels of Cognitive Functioning Assessment Scale (LOCFAS)--were compared at the beginning of the rehabilitation programme and at the end of it.

Undertreatment of women with heart failure: a reversible outcome on hospital readmission.

Heart Failure (HF) is now an epidemiologic nightmare, with a higher prevalence in older women. Overall, within the population, more women have HF even with age-adjusted rates for both sexes. There is evidence that men and women with HF differ with respect to epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Pharmacologic prophylaxis and treatment of stress ulcers in critically ill patients.

Most clinicians agree that critically ill patients are at significant risk of developing stress-related ulcers and may have already developed mucosal lesions even if they are asymptomatic. Many options, including new pharmacologic advances, are available for the treatment and prophylaxis of stress-related ulcers; therefore, all critically ill patients should receive prophylaxis, even if they do not require treatment. Nutrition may play a significant role in the future in preventing stress-related ulcers.