Successful hemostasis and reversal of highly elevated PT/INR after dabigatran etexilate use in a patient with acute kidney injury.

Dabigatran etexilate is a novel oral anticoagulant indicated for anticoagulation in the management of atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Before its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration, warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, was one of few oral anticoagulant options. The burden of therapeutic drug monitoring, dietary restrictions, and various drug interactions associated with warfarin have countered its extensive history of efficacy.

Clinical practice guidelines for support of the family in the patient-centered intensive care unit: American College of Critical Care Medicine Task Force 2004-2005.

Objective: To develop clinical practice guidelines for the support of the patient and family in the adult, pediatric, or neonatal patient-centered ICU.

Participants: A multidisciplinary task force of experts in critical care practice was convened from the membership of the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) to include representation from adult, pediatric, and neonatal intensive care units.

Evidence: The task force members reviewed the published literature.