Internal Medicine Alert – November 15, 2012
November 15, 2012
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Update on the Controversies of Statin Therapy
After careful evaluation of all the published studies regarding the possible adverse effects of statin therapy, Jukema et al have concluded that there is no proven increased risk of cognitive decline or cancer development. However, there is a possible small increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. -
Stroke Risk with Warfarin Interruption
The authors concluded that interruption of warfarin therapy in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients increased the short-term risk of death or thromboembolism, especially during the first 90 days of treatment interruption. -
Biomarkers and the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid open the possibility of diagnosing early or even presymptomatic cases of Alzheimer's disease, thereby expanding the potential window for therapy. -
Pharmacology Update: Enzalutamide Capsules (Xtandi®)
A new androgen receptor antagonist has been approved for the treatment of late-stage prostate cancer. Enzalutamide was approved 3 months ahead of schedule due to a priority review by the FDA. The drug is comarketed by Astellas Pharma and Medivation as Xtandi. -
Clinical Briefs By Louis Kuritzky, MD
Beta-Blocker Use in Situations Other than Just Post-MI; Long-Term Sexual and Psychological Adverse Effects of Finasteride; Novel CV Risk Markers: How Much Cluck for the Buck? -
ECG Review: ECG from a 22-year-old Man in a Wheelchair
The ECG shown above was obtained from a 22-year-old man in a wheelchair. How would you interpret the tracing? Can you think of a condition that might account for this clinical scenario? -
Pharmacology Watch: Do Benzodiazepines Cause Dementia in the Elderly?
Dementia and benzodiazepines; effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid and Ginkgo biloba supplements; and FDA actions.