Complement factor B activation in patients with preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Bb, the active fragment of complement factor B (fB), has been reported to be a predictor of preeclampsia. However, conflicting results have been found by some investigators.

Investigation of critical care unit utilization and mortality in patients infected with Clostridium difficile.

Background: A nationwide increase in the rate and severity of Clostridium difficile-associated disease may reflect infection with a virulent strain characterized by polymerase chain reaction as ribotype 027 (NAP1/B1).

Hypothesis: The high prevalence of ribotype 027 at our institution would allow investigation of the risk of mortality and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) associated with C difficile infection.

Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we identified 108 patients with positive enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay tests for C difficile toxins over a 6-month period and compared them to 108 patients who were suspected to have C difficile but with negative toxin assays.