Fosaprepitant for the Treatment of Refractory Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a debilitating condition that occurs in approximately 30% of patients undergoing general anesthesia. Premedication with 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and glucocorticoids is effective in clinical practice; however, 10% to 20% of patients still develop PONV. Currently, little is known about the treatment of refractory PONV.

Impact of catheter antimicrobial coating on species-specific risk of catheter colonization: a meta-analysis.

Background: Antimicrobial catheters have been utilized to reduce risk of catheter colonization and infection. We aimed to determine if there is a greater than expected risk of microorganism-specific colonization associated with the use of antimicrobial central venous catheters (CVCs).

Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of 21 randomized, controlled trials comparing the incidence of specific bacterial and fungal species colonizing antimicrobial CVCs and standard CVCs in hospitalized patients.

Evaluation of possible inflammatory bowel disease: a survey of Rhode Island physicians.

Background: Patients with undiagnosed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are often evaluated initially by primary care physicians (PCPs). Despite the frequency with which PCPs evaluate chronic abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea, little is known about how they approach these symptoms.

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic practices and referral patterns of PCPs when confronting a patient with potential IBD.

Validation of interactive voice response system administration of the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire.

Background: The Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) is a written, self-administered instrument measuring quality of life in IBD. We assessed the validity of an interactive voice response system (IVRS) as a new mode of administering the SIBDQ.

Methods: An IVRS was designed using prerecorded questions to collect data via touchtone telephone.