Hospital Medicine Alert – November 1, 2006
November 1, 2006
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More Good News for Stroke Prevention — Statins and ACE Inhibitors Really Work!
The SPARCL study showed that 80 mg per day of atorvastatin reduced the overall incidence of recurrent stroke, and a meta-analysis of several large studies of ACE inhibitors showed a reduction in all stroke types, as well as a reduction in overall cardiovascular mortality. -
Optimal Strategy for Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosis
A medical research unit in the United Kingdom analyzed 18 different strategies for managing patients with suspected DVT. -
CDAD: Novel Therapeutics
Both nitazoxanide and the investigational anionic polymer, tolevamer, may have efficacy comparable to that of standard therapies in the treatment of CDAD. The addition of rifampin to metronidazole is not superior to treatment with metronidazole alone. -
Bleeding with Acute Coronary Syndrome
In ACS patients without persistent ST-segment elevation, there is a strong, consistent, temporal, and dose-related association between bleeding and death. -
Oral Decontamination and VAP
Aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions is considered one of the mechanisms of development of VAP. In this randomized trial of two oral decontamination medications, the authors show a significant reduction in the incidence of VAP. -
Atrial Fibrillation
The 2006 guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation clarify previous recommendations for anticoagulation to prevent other thromboembolic events.