Dosimetric distribution to tooth-bearing areas in intensity-modulated radiation therapy for head and neck cancer: a pilot study.

Objectives: Dosimetric distribution of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to tooth-bearing areas for common head and neck (H&N) cancer sites were analyzed to facilitate minimization of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) risk through preradiation dental treatment planning.

Study Design: Fifty-four patients received IMRT with prescribed doses ranging from 6000 centigrays (cGy) (adjuvant) to 6930 cGy (primary) to treat base of tongue (BOT), tonsil, larynx, nasopharynx, and hypopharynx cancers. The average maximal radiation dose delivered was recorded in tooth-bearing areas (anteriors, premolars, and first, second, and third molars) of the maxilla and mandible.

Whole Versus Partial Bladder Radiation: Use of an Image-guided Hypofractionated IMRT Bladder-preservation Protocol.

Objectives: To report our institutional experience using definitive chemoradiation via whole bladder (WB) and partial bladder (PB) treatment in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Combining intensity-modulated radiation therapy with image-guidance can improve the therapeutic ratio.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective analysis of 26 patients with clinical stage T2-4 N0-2 M0 urothelial cancer treated in 2009 to 2012; 16 received WB radiation and 10 received PB radiation.

Tomotherapy improves local control and changes failure patterns in locally advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine whether intensity modulated radiation therapy delivered via helical tomotherapy improves local control (LC) after pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) for malignant pleural mesothelioma compared with 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT).

Methods And Materials: Forty-five consecutive patients were treated with adjuvant radiation to 45 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions after P/D between 2006 and 2014; 23 received 3D-CRT, and 22 received tomotherapy.

An observational retrospective subgroup analysis of verteporfin photodynamic therapy-naive and previously treated patients in the focus trial.

Purpose: To perform a retrospective post hoc subgroup analysis of the FOCUS trial to assess the visual acuity outcomes and treatment benefits for patients receiving combination therapy who, at the time of enrollment, were naive to verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) or had previously received PDT.

Methods: In this retrospective post hoc analysis of 24-month data from the FOCUS trial, PDT-naive and previously PDT-treated patients (n = 162) were included. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive 0.

Annual rates of arterial thromboembolic events in medicare neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients.

Purpose: Smoking, age, and nutrition have been associated with the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and can increase the risk of arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs). This study assesses annual rates of ATEs in new-onset neovascular AMD patients compared with matched controls.

Design: Retrospective study.

Racial variation in the incidence, care, and outcomes of severe sepsis: analysis of population, patient, and hospital characteristics.

Rationale: Higher rates of sepsis have been reported in minorities.

Objectives: To explore racial differences in the incidence and associated case fatality of severe sepsis, accounting for clinical, social, health care service delivery, and geographic characteristics.

Methods: Retrospective population-based cohort study using hospital discharge and U.

Use of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in older patients with severe sepsis.

Drotrecogin alfa (activated) has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for treatment of patients at high risk of death from severe sepsis. Severe sepsis is common, and its occurrence increases dramatically with age. Clinical use data, however, suggest that drotrecogin alfa (activated) may be underused in older patients, possibly due to concern over the drug's anticoagulant effects and perceived high cost.

A new weapon against severe sepsis related to necrotizing fasciitis.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening infection. The purpose of this article is to review necrotizing fasciitis and nursing care as this disease may progress to sepsis.

Overview of inpatient coding.

The main classification-based and nomenclature-based coding systems used in the United States, as well as the process and importance of documenting in the patient record, are discussed. Hospital pharmacists usually have limited knowledge of and exposure to coding and reimbursement in the inpatient system. Coding allows for reporting of mortality data to the World Health Organization (WHO), reporting morbidity data in the U.