Managing multiple sclerosis May 27, 2009
Preventive measures are needed in those who have balancing difficulties as there is increased risk of falls and personal injury, as well as in bedridden MS sufferers who are at risk of decubitus ulcers, lung collapse, pneumonia, and aspiration. Surgery may be needed to address symptoms like difficulty in swallowing, limb spasticity or contractures, or severe neuropathic pain. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Study: Every 1.7 minutes a Medicare beneficiary experiences a patient safety event Apr 7, 2009
Some of the most common and most serious indicators worsened, including decubitus ulcer (bed sores), sepsis, respiratory failure, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs), and pulmonary embolism (potentially fatal blood clots forming in the lungs) ... Decubitus ulcer (bed sores). (EurekAlert!)
MEDai Launches Patient-Specific Early Warning System for Hospitals Apr 3, 2009
Pinpoint Review generates predictions for acute-care patients, focusing on the likelihood of a patient developing a complication, like decubitus ulcers, acquiring a hospital-acquired infection or being readmitted ... After analyzing cost and quality data associated with specific CMS "never events" for several hospitals, MEDai determined that the cost avoidance for conditions like readmission and decubitus ulcers can range in the millions per hospital ... Known as "never events," these conditions... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Changing nursing Mar 21, 2009
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are lesions caused by a number of factors including unrelieved pressure. The elderly and infirm are particularly vulnerable, with bony areas of the body particularly prone. (BBC News -- UK)
Death of Iron Mountain Lake woman under investigation Mar 11, 2009
According to the autopsy report, the woman died from septic shock as a result of a large decubitus ulcer. The report also noted a perforation that went into the woman s pancreas. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)