Disparities in Lung-Protective Ventilation in the United States.

Background The objective of our study was to determine whether disparities exist in the use of lung-protective ventilation for critically ill mechanically ventilated patients in the United States based on gender, race/ethnicity, or insurance status. Methods This was a secondary data analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort study conducted from 2010 to 2012. The outcome of interest was the proportion of patients receiving tidal volume > 8 mL/kg predicted body weight (PBW).

A Fatal Case of Influenza B Myocarditis with Cardiac Tamponade.

Background: Influenza B is generally regarded as a less severe counterpart to influenza A, typically causing mild upper respiratory symptoms. Myocardial involvement with influenza B is a rare complication, better described in children than adults. However, when it occurs, it can lead to profound myocarditis with progression to shock requiring aggressive supportive care.