The clinical significance of changes in red blood cell distribution width in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Objective: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with mortality in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, little is known about the effect of changes in RDW during treatment on mortality. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association between RDW changes and mortality in hospitalized patients with CAP.

Sodium bicarbonate administration during ongoing resuscitation is associated with increased return of spontaneous circulation.

Purpose: Sodium bicarbonate is frequently used for patients unresponsive to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Its use may be associated with longer resuscitation duration as well as more severe metabolic acidosis. We applied a new analytical method based on a matched case-control study design to control for the potential confounders.

Ventricular pneumocephalus with meningitis after lumbar nerve root block.

Lumbar nerve root block is a common modality used in the management of radiculopathy. Its complications are rare and usually minor. Despite its low morbidity, significant acute events can occur.