Cervical spine evaluation in the community hospital.

The purpose of this study is to review the patterns of cervical spine evaluation in blunt trauma patients to identify redundant, inefficient, or risky practices at our community hospital.

Relative adrenal insufficiency among trauma patients in a community hospital.

Background: The integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a major determinant of the host response to stress. Recent studies have proven that low doses of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone can significantly reduce mortality in patients with relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) without increasing adverse events.

Study Design: This study was a retrospective chart review of patients in a community hospital who carried the diagnosis of both adrenal insufficiency and trauma.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pregnancy.

Purpose: Since the start of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a debate about its use in the gravid patient has remained controversial. Concerns about the morbidity and mortality in the mother and fetus through all trimesters have been expressed. The objective of this retrospective review was to further evaluate the safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the pregnant patient.

Evaluation of pulmonary arterial catheter parameters utilizing intermittent pneumatic compression boots in congestive heart failure.

The use of intermittent pneumatic compression boots to reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis is contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to a theoretical increase in venous return to the heart and exacerbation of heart failure. This study evaluates intermittent pneumatic compression effects on pulmonary artery catheter parameters in CHF patients. We conducted a prospective within-patient study of CHF patients monitored by pulmonary artery catheterization.