Internal Medicine Alert – February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
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Leg Cramps! Are You Part of the Problem?
Nocturnal leg cramps are frequently preceded by the prescription of diuretics, statins, and inhaled long-acting ß2-agonists. -
Niacin and Coronary Heart Disease
Among patients with coronary heart disease and LDL-cholesterol levels less than 70 mg/dL, there is no incremental clinical benefit from the addition of niacin to statin therapy during a 36-month follow-up, despite improvements in HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. -
The Changing Heart Rate May Hold the Key to Life
In people without known cardiovascular disease, an increase in resting heart rate with age was associated with an increased risk of death. -
Glucarpidase for Injection (Voraxaze®)
A drug has been approved to treat high plasma levels of methotrexate. Glucarpidase is a bacterial enzyme produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically modified Exherichia coli. Glucarpidase is a carboxypeptidase enzyme that metabolizes methotrexate to its inactive metabolites. It is marketed by BTG International Inc. as Voraxaze. -
Clinical Briefs By Louis Kuritzky, MD
There is still some debate about the relationship between being overweight and cardiovascular (CV) health, since among overweight individuals there is great diversity in levels of CV fitness as well as CV risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia). -
ECG Review: Why is the QRS Wide?
Right-sided MCL-1 monitoring lead rhythm strip. Why might beats #4 through #7 be wide?