Does the impact of prior heart failure hospitalizations on long-term mortality differ by baseline risk of death?
In otherwise "low-risk" HF inpatients, a history of 2 or more HF hospitalizations within the prior 12 months markedly increases 1-year mortality risk. This easily obtained information could help allocate specialized HF resources to the subset of "low-risk" patients most likely to benefit.
Vasopressors appear to increase anastomotic leaks threefold, independent of clinical/surgical status or hypotension. Evidence-based guidelines are warranted for the optimal use of vasopressors in postoperative patients admitted to the ICU.