Plasma C-reactive protein levels are associated with improved outcome in ARDS.

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) has been studied as a marker of systemic inflammation and outcome in a number of diseases, but little is known about its characteristics in ARDS. We sought to examine plasma levels of CRP in patients with ARDS and their relationship to outcome and measures of illness severity.

Methods: We measured CRP levels in 177 patients within 48 h of disease onset and tested the association of protein level with 60-day mortality, 28-day daily organ dysfunction scores, and number of ventilator-free days.

Rates of HCV treatment eligibility among HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV-coinfected patients in tertiary care referral centers.

Background: Treatment eligibility rates in patients with HCV monoinfection have not been directly compared with patients with HCV/HIV coinfection. These data are important for planning interventions to optimize HCV management.

Method: We enrolled consecutive HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV-coinfected subjects presenting to hepatology and HIV clinics at three academic medical centers.

Comorbidities and their impact on mortality in HCV and HCV-HIV-coinfected persons on dialysis.

Aim: To determine the rates of non-human immuno deficiency virus (HIV)-related comorbidities and their impact on survival in hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV-HIV coinfected persons on dialysis.

Methods: We identified HCV-infected subjects and diagnoses of medical and psychiatric comorbidities in the United States Renal Data System using ICD-9 codes. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds of comorbidities and predictors of mortality.

Effect of race and HIV co-infection upon treatment prescription for hepatitis C virus.

Background: Treatment rates for hepatitis C virus (HCV) have not been compared directly between HCV mono-infected and HCV-HIV co-infected patients in academic center settings.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive mono-infected and co-infected subjects at three academic centers in the USA. Clinical and laboratory data were gathered through interviews and medical records.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in a single coronary artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva.

The origin of the left coronary artery (LCA) from the right sinus of Valsalva is a rare congenital anomaly that may be associated with myocardial infarction and sudden or exercise-related death. We report a rare case of a single coronary artery originating from the right coronary sinus and bifurcating into LCA and right coronary artery (RCA). The RCA was found to contain a significant flow-limiting lesion that was successfully treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.