Clinical utility and prognostic significance of measuring troponin I levels in patients presenting to the emergency room with atrial fibrillation.

Background: The clinical significance of mildly elevated troponins in patients presenting to the emergency room (ER) with atrial fibrillation (AF) is not well understood.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that mildly elevated troponin in these patients is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods: In a multi-center, retrospective study, 662 patients with AF were divided into 3 groups based on troponin levels: group 1, mildly elevated; group 2, normal; and group 3, troponin not measured.

Inhaled antibiotic therapy for ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis and ventilator-associated pneumonia: an update.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in mechanically-ventilated patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) was previously believed to be an intermediate stage between colonization of the lower respiratory tract and VAP. More recent data, however, suggest that VAT may be a separate entity that increases morbidity and mortality, independently of the occurrence of VAP.

The prevalence and diagnostic significance of eosinophilic pleural effusions: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Background: Eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) is defined by an eosinophil count of ≥10% in the pleural fluid and often caused by air or blood in the pleural space. The diagnostic significance of EPEs is still a matter of debate.

Objective: The objective of this study was to systematically review the medical literature to evaluate the diagnostic significance of EPEs.