Internal Medicine Alert – February 15, 2003

February 15, 2003

• Smoking and Lung Function of Lung Health Study Participants after 11 Years

  Continuing smokers from the Lung Health Study 1 followed for a period of 11 years demonstrated a greater decline in lung function when compared to sustained quitters.

  Read more

• Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Risk of Upper Gastro-intestinal Tract Bleeding

  SSRIs increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and this effect is potentiated by concomitant NSAID or aspirin use.

  Read more

• Fluoroquinolones and Tendinopathie

  The excess risk of Achilles tendon disorders attributable to fluoroquinolone use was estimated to be 3.2 cases per 1000 patient-years, with most of that increase accounted for by patients 60 years of age and older who concomitantly receive corticosteroids.

  Read more

• Pharmacology Update: Adalimumab — Humira

  The FDA has approved a new anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

  Read more

• Clinical Briefs

  Prostate Cancer Screening; Can We Trust Home BP Measurement?; Systolic and Diastolic Dysfunction

  Read more

• ECG Review: A Special Wave

  The ECG in the Figure was obtained from a 68-year-old man admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for a drug overdose. In view of his ECG, what vital sign needs to be checked? How many ECG findings consistent with this patients clinical condition can you identify?

  Read more

• Pharmacology Watch: FDA Issues ‘Black Box’ Warning Based on WHI Study

  FDA Issues Black Box Warning Based on WHI Study; ALLHAT: Thiazide for Hypertension Treatment; Candesartan Effective Against Migraines; Cough! No Cold Relief from Echinacea; COX-2 Inhibitors and GI Benefits Could Be Overrated; FDA Actions

  Read more