Point-of-care microvolume cytometer measures platelet counts with high accuracy from capillary blood.

Background: Point-of-care (PoC) testing of platelet count (PLT) provides real-time data for rapid decision making. The goal of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and precision of platelet counting using a new microvolume (8 μL), absolute counting, 1.5 kg cytometry-based blood analyzer, the rHEALTH ONE (rHEALTH) in comparison with the International Society of Laboratory Hematology (ISLH) platelet method, which uses a cytometer and an impedance analyzer.

INEXAS: A Phase 2 Randomized Trial of On-demand Inhaled Interferon Beta-1a in Severe Asthmatics.

Background: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are important triggers for asthma exacerbations. We hypothesized that inhalation of the anti-viral cytokine, interferon (IFN)-β, during URTI, could prevent these exacerbations.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of on-demand inhaled IFN-β1a (AZD9412) to prevent severe asthma exacerbations following symptomatic URTI.

An analytical comparison between point-of-care uric acid testing meters.

Objective: A key goal in gout treatment is achieving sustained serum uric acid (sUA) lowering. Point-of-care test (PoCT) meters provide convenient, rapid measures of sUA levels to monitor/adjust therapy. Four commercially available sUA PoCT meters were compared qualitatively (ease of use) and quantitatively (precision/accuracy).

Post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with coronary artery disease: screening and management implications.

Objectives: To review the literature on anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and to present an approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: MEDLINE and PsychInfo searches of English-language articles were performed. Search terms included 'anxiety', 'post-traumatic stress disorder' and 'depression', with various cardiac-related subject headings.

Relationship of quality of life and perceived control with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms 3 to 6 months after myocardial infarction.

Purpose: This study examined whether psychological variables were associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms 3 to 6 months after myocardial infarction.

Methods: The sample included 52 patients with myocardial infarction. A structured interview was used to obtain information about PTSD symptoms, quality of life, and ratings of perceived control, danger, and predictability, as well as information about stressful events that occurred during hospitalization.

Cervical sonography in preterm labor.

Objective: To improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of preterm labor by comparing transvaginal sonography to digital examination of the cervix.

Methods: We performed transvaginal sonography in women with preterm labor who had completed a course of parenteral tocolysis. Cervical length was measured according to criteria reported previously.

History of CPR and the role of the national conference.

External defibrillation was first reported in 1956, mouth-to-mouth ventilation was first reported in 1958, and closed-chest compression in 1960. While these developments began the modern era of CPR, accounts of resuscitative efforts go back to ancient times. The guidelines for CPR and emergency cardiac care (ECC) have evolved through five national conferences, held in 1966, 1973, 1979, 1985, and most recently in February 1992.

Development and initial experience with a manually controlled spring wire device ("Cordostat") to aid in difficult funipuncture.

Funipuncture has evolved as a useful tool in prenatal diagnosis and treatment. The ease with which it can be performed depends on placental implantation site, amniotic fluid volume, fetal presentation and activity, gestational age, and operator experience. Under select circumstances, such as hydramnios, oligohydramnios/anhydramnios, a back-up fetus/posterior placenta, or gestation of fewer than 20 weeks, funipuncture can be difficult or impossible.

Traumatic intracardiac communication: detection by color flow mapping.

A previously healthy 20-year-old man underwent emergency surgery for repair of a right ventricular free wall laceration that was the result of a knife wound. A systolic murmur was first heard 1 month later, and two-dimensional echocardiography and color flow mapping demonstrated a communication between the left and right ventricle in the region of the membranous septum. The visualized turbulent flow was consistent with a ventriculoseptal defect but also appeared to extend posteriorly into the left atrium in a direct line with the septal communication.

Noninvasive evaluation of cardiac risk before elective vascular surgery.

The prognostic utility for predicting cardiac events was determined for dipyridamole-thallium scintigraphy, exercise stress testing (when possible; n = 69) and multiple clinical variables in 100 consecutive patients admitted for elective surgical repair of peripheral vascular disease. After initial noninvasive evaluation, 11 patients were referred for coronary angiography and the remaining 89 patients had surgery without further cardiac studies. Fifteen patients (17%) had a postoperative myocardial infarction, one of which was fatal.

External compression without adjuncts.

Over the past decade many exciting and promising new approaches of delivering CPR have been studied. Considerable data have accumulated suggesting that forward flow during CPR is generated, at least in part, by the development of elevated intrathoracic pressure with an extrathoracic arteriovenous pressure difference. This mechanism, known as the "thoracic pump," has been documented during "cough-CPR" and has led to numerous attempts at optimizing the outcome by increasing intrathoracic pressure in CPR.

Cardiovascular pharmacology. III: Atropine, calcium, calcium blockers, and beta-blockers.

Atropine, calcium, calcium-channel blockers, beta-adrenergic-receptor blockers, oxygen, morphine, vasodilators, and potent diuretics are frequently used in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Since the last AHA conference on ACLS standards, little controversy has arisen regarding the use of oxygen, morphine, vasodilators, or potent diuretics. In 1979, a full vagolytic dose of atropine was recommended for use early in the course of asystolic or bradycardiac arrest.