SMJ // July 2019, Volume 112 - Issue 7

Original Article

CME Article: Retrospective Analysis of the Effect of Postdischarge Telephone Calls by Hospitalists on Improvement of Patient Satisfaction and Readmission Rates

Objectives: The influence of postdischarge telephone call interventions preventing hospital readmissions is unclear. A novel approach of the discharging hospitalist providing this intervention may improve overall patient satisfaction. Our objective was to assess the impact of postdischarge telephone calls from discharging hospitalists on readmissions and patients’ ratings of hospital care…

Original Article

Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized for Severe Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis

Objectives: Severe acute alcoholic hepatitis is a serious condition in individuals who consume significant quantities of alcohol. We aimed to identify risk factors for short-term mortality with this illness.Methods: Patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis admitted to our academic medical center from 2010 to 2012 were identified. Demographic features, laboratory…

Posted in: Gastroenterology43 Liver Disease8

Original Article

OPEN: Effect of Local Smoke-Free Ordinances on Smoking Prevalence in Kentucky, 2002–2009

Objectives: Many local communities in Kentucky, a state with one of the highest smoking prevalence rates in the United States, have enacted smoke-free ordinances that prohibit smoking in workplaces and enclosed buildings open to the public. Research has shown that such ordinances are clearly beneficial for public health, but their…

Original Article

The Costs of Applying to Residency: One Institution’s Efforts to Increase Transparency

Objectives: To provide students at our own institution with more accurate and granular data regarding the costs associated with applying for residency.Methods: We created an electronic survey with >28 different fields delineating the costs associated with applying for residency. Demographic data, costs broken down by type of expenditure, and how…

Original Article

Healthcare Access, Pregnancy Intention, and Contraceptive Practices Among Reproductive-Aged Women Receiving Opioid Agonist Therapy in Northeast Tennessee

Objectives: Women with substance use disorders often experience unique challenges to obtaining contraception and adhering to user-dependent methods. As a result, this at-risk population of women tends to have higher than average rates of unintended pregnancy. The objective of this study was to describe contraceptive use, pregnancy intentions, and adequacy…

Posted in: Obstetrics and Gynecology45 Family Planning & Reproductive Health14

Original Article

Prevalence of Systemic Hypertension Among HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Young Adults in Baltimore, Maryland

Objectives: Adults with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV) infection may be at increased risk for nonacquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) diseases, including systemic hypertension (HTN). The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of HTN among young adults with PHIV compared with recently infected and uninfected young adults.Methods:…

Posted in: Infectious Disease136 Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) And Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection20

Review Article

An Updated Approach to Evaluation and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori is a chronic bacterial infection that can lead to peptic ulcer disease, chronic gastritis, and gastric cancer. Its prevalence in the United States is lower than in most of the world, although specific populations are at particular risk for disease-related complications, including those with lower socioeconomic status and…

Posted in: Infectious Disease136 Prevention of Infectious Disease2

Invited Commentary

Commentary on “An Updated Approach to Evaluation and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection”

This issue of the Southern Medical Journal contains an important and timely review of Helicobacter pylori diagnosis and treatment.1 Since its discovery in 1983, H. pylori infection has been found to be the main cause of peptic ulcer disease, chronic gastritis, gastric cancer, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

Posted in: Infectious Disease136 Prevention of Infectious Disease2

Review Article

Choice of Intravenous Crystalloid Fluid and Mortality in Critically Ill Adult Patients

Objectives: Intravenous balanced crystalloid fluid therapy may improve mortality and other outcomes in critically ill adult patients, but data are conflicting. We conducted a meta-analysis and literature review to evaluate the impact of intravenous balanced crystalloid, as compared with normal saline, fluid therapy on outcomes in critically ill adult patients.Methods:…

Original Article

Assessing the Availability of Pharmacotherapy Options for Tobacco Cessation in Tennessee’s Substance Use Facilities

Objectives: Smoking is deadly and exacerbates comorbid health conditions, especially among those with co-occurring substance use disorders. Tennessee does not require substance abuse treatment facilities to concurrently provide tobacco-cessation treatment options or limit smoking on facility property as a standard for licensure. This study examines the relation between Tennessee facility…

Original Article

A Dose-Response Analysis of Crystalloid Administration during Esophageal Resection

Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the role of intraoperative crystalloid administration on postoperative hospital length of stay (phLOS) and on the incidence of previously reported adverse events in 100 consecutive patients who underwent esophageal resection.Methods: The role of previously reported patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and…

Posted in: Gastroenterology43

Invited Commentary

Commentary on “A Dose-Response Analysis of Crystalloid Administration during Esophageal Resection”

In this issue of the Southern Medical Journal, Smith and Nossaman retrospectively examined patient records for 100 consecutive esophageal surgeries to assess intraoperative intravenous fluid with outcomes.1 They found a dose-response relation associating intraoperative crystalloid administration with decreased length of stay and adverse events.

Posted in: Gastroenterology43
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