Critical Care News and Research

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Link between heart disease and periodontal bacteria

Researchers report this week that older adults who have higher proportions of four periodontal-disease-causing bacteria inhabiting their mouths also tend to have thicker carotid arteries, a strong predictor of stroke and heart attack.

7 Feb 2005

People with gum disease are more likely to suffer from atherosclerosis

A new study by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center provides the most direct evidence to date that preventing gum disease could significantly improve your chances of avoiding vascular problems.

7 Feb 2005

Just fifteen minutes of training could make it possible for anyone to use a defibrillator to stop sudden cardiac arrest

A study published today in the journal Critical Care shows that a brief training session is all that is needed for safe and efficient use of an automated external defibrillator.

30 Jan 2005

Mobile surgical teams sped treatment of injured U.S. Marines and Iraqi patients

The use of new mobile surgical teams resulted in the faster treatment of injured U.S. Marines and Iraqi patients, according to an article in the January issue of Archives of Surgery.

17 Jan 2005

Gene transfer used to deliver antibodies to fight Anthrax

Using gene transfer technology, investigators were able to immunize mice against anthrax in just 12 hours, according to new research featured in the February 2005 issue of Molecular Therapy, the peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGT).

12 Jan 2005

Race may play an important role in determining a person's obesity and fitness levels

Race may play an important role in determining a person's obesity and fitness levels, shows a new study in the December issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP).

13 Dec 2004

New advances in sickle cell disease

Excruciating pain episodes, recurrent pneumonias, strokes, severe infections, chronic hemolytic anemia, and secondary pulmonary hypertension are common complications of sickle cell disease, a life-threatening inherited defect in blood that causes normally disc-shaped red blood cells to take on a sickle shape.

6 Dec 2004

Simple and inexpensive interventions can cut the number of catheter-related bloodstream infections

As many as 28,000 patients die each year in the U.S. because of catheter-related bloodstream infections, but doctors and nurses who implement simple and inexpensive interventions can cut the number of deaths to nearly zero, according to a study by Johns Hopkins researchers.

30 Nov 2004

Discovery of new compounds that may treat mucus build-up associated with cystic fibrosis

Preliminary studies show these compounds improve the flow of mucus through the respiratory tract, allowing airways to clear more quickly and efficiently.

14 Nov 2004

Researchers help neonatal specialists administer a replacement substance that helps babies breathe easier

When babies are born prematurely, their lungs are not able to produce a protein that helps them breathe.

13 Oct 2004

Research in children has shown that blood loss after heart surgery can be minimized if fresh whole blood is used for transfusions

A standard medical practice at some of the nation's largest children's hospitals – using whole, recently donated blood for certain infant open heart surgeries – may do more harm than good.

13 Oct 2004

New statement published on nonmalignant diseases related to asbestos exposure

In its first official statement since 1986 on the topic, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) has published a document entitled “Diagnosis and Initial Management of Nonmalignant Diseases Related to Asbestos.”

4 Oct 2004

Reducing eosinophilic airway inflammation in severe asthma

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that constitute from 1 to 3 percent of the total white cell count. When foreign substances or infectious cells enter the body, lymphocytes and neutrophils attract eosinophils which release toxic substances that can destroy abnormal cells. Eosinophils function in allergic responses and in helping resist some infections.

4 Oct 2004

Secure web sites can improve communications about critically ill patients for hometown physicians and loved ones

Password-protected Web sites can improve communications about critically ill patients for hometown physicians and loved ones, according to a study by researchers at Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

29 Sep 2004

Study compares cheap take-home sleep test to expensive polysomnography test

Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea usually involves polysomnograpy, an overnight sleep test in a sleep clinic or lab. Results of a new study indicate that a take-home sleep test is just as effective as a polysomnography and is less expensive while providing timely results.

17 Sep 2004

Inhaled nitrite spray may help babies diagnosed with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center and the Loma Linda University School of Medicine have found that use of an inhaled nitrite spray may help babies diagnosed with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

13 Sep 2004

Critical Care News and Research

Link between heart disease and periodontal bacteria

People with gum disease are more likely to suffer from atherosclerosis

Just fifteen minutes of training could make it possible for anyone to use a defibrillator to stop sudden cardiac arrest

Mobile surgical teams sped treatment of injured U.S. Marines and Iraqi patients

Gene transfer used to deliver antibodies to fight Anthrax

Race may play an important role in determining a person's obesity and fitness levels

New advances in sickle cell disease

Simple and inexpensive interventions can cut the number of catheter-related bloodstream infections

Discovery of new compounds that may treat mucus build-up associated with cystic fibrosis

Researchers help neonatal specialists administer a replacement substance that helps babies breathe easier

Research in children has shown that blood loss after heart surgery can be minimized if fresh whole blood is used for transfusions

New statement published on nonmalignant diseases related to asbestos exposure

Reducing eosinophilic airway inflammation in severe asthma

Secure web sites can improve communications about critically ill patients for hometown physicians and loved ones

Study compares cheap take-home sleep test to expensive polysomnography test

Inhaled nitrite spray may help babies diagnosed with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Spray used by British police forces to control aggressors more harmful than previously thought

Madeline Mann, the world's smallest surviving baby now 15

Children with mild asthma can lose lung function

More than 75% of children with asthma were unprepared for an exercise-induced asthma attacks

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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