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ACC CV Quality SmartBrief

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  • Study: Diagnostic errors affect 1 in 14 hospital patients

    A study published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that one in 14 hospital patients experiences a diagnostic error, with 85% of these mistakes deemed preventable. Researchers identified common errors in heart and kidney failure, sepsis and respiratory conditions, urging better diagnostic surveillance to reduce harm. HealthDay News (10/2) Learn More

  • Pleural effusion on CT raises COVID-19 mortality risk

    A multicenter study involving more than 1,100 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections associated the presence of pleural effusion on CT scans with higher ICU admissions and 30-day mortality rates. Published in the journal Clinical Imaging, the study found patients with pleural effusion were more than four times as likely to need mechanical ventilation and three times as likely to be admitted to the ICU. Diagnostic Imaging (10/1) Learn More

  • Hidden infection risks posed by health care linens

    Experts note that it is important not to overlook infection risks posed by health care linens, especially when they are inadequately cleaned. Mold and bacterial contamination are of particular concern, and recent cases include mucormycosis outbreaks in Arkansas and Louisiana that led to severe infections. Some experts say proactive solutions are needed, including better oversight and auditing of laundry facilities. Infection Control Today (10/2) Learn More

  • Inefficient IT systems contribute to hospital losses

    IT inefficiencies, system downtime and poorly integrated technology contribute to $8 billion in financial losses each year at hospitals, according to the results of a survey from Black Book Research. Majorities of respondents reported having overly complex EHR systems, poorly integrated telehealth technology, outdated revenue cycle management software, data standardization and integration problems, and AI systems that are inadequate for clinical use, among other IT shortcomings. Becker's Hospital Review (10/1) Learn More

  • Obesity drug has potential for patients with heart failure

    Rivus Pharmaceuticals' investigational obesity drug HU6 was linked to weight loss and muscle mass preservation in patients with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The therapy was also associated with visceral fat reduction. Fierce Biotech (9/30) Learn More

  • Nasal spray to block viruses shows potential in study

    Harvard University researchers have developed a drug-free nasal spray that can block and neutralize viruses and bacteria. Studies with mice found that one dose could block infection from an influenza virus present at 25 times the lethal dose. The Harvard Gazette (9/25) Learn More

  • Diabetes with heart failure linked to worse outcomes

    Forty percent of individuals with heart failure have diabetes, and a study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that individuals with heart failure and comorbid diabetes have a greater risk of mortality and worse functional outcomes than those with heart failure without diabetes. "Our findings underscore the potential importance of optimizing metabolic health among individuals with chronic [heart failure], ideally using sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, which have glucose-lowering and cardioprotective effects," the researchers wrote. Endocrinology Advisor (9/30) Learn More

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