Internal Medicine Alert – April 30, 2012
April 30, 2012
View Issues
-
Antibiotics no Better than Placebo Against Acute Rhinosinusitis
In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, amoxicillin therapy did not improve outcomes in patients with clinically diagnosed acute rhinosinusitis. -
Does HRT Improve Cognitive Function?
In a cross-sectional sample of postmenopausal women not using hormonal therapy, higher serum levels of estrogen were associated with improved semantic memory and verbal episodic memory abilities. -
Value of the ECG in Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis
The authors concluded that ECG LVH and LVH with strain were independently predictive of cardiovascular events, including aortic valve replacement in asymptomatic patients with moderate aortic stenosis. -
Beta-Lactam Therapy for Urinary Tract Infection Fails Again
This study confirms that cefpodoxime should only be prescribed for the treatment of cystitis when more effective recommended antibiotics cannot be used. -
Pharmacology Update: Pancrelipase Tablets (Viokace)
The FDA has approved a new pancreatic enzyme preparation for the treatment of pancreatic insufficiency. Pancrelipase contains porcine derived lipases, proteases, and amylases. It is marketed by Aptalis Pharma U.S. Inc. as Viokace. -
Letter to the Editor
The comments below are in response to the article "Early Referral of the Chronic Kidney Disease Patient is Good Practice," by Rahul Gupta, MD, MPH, FACP, which appeared in the Jan. 29, 2012, issue. The comments from two of our editorial board members represent somewhat differing perspectives on the role of the primary care clinician in the management of chronic kidney disease. Obviously there is great opportunity for improvement in this area and those of us in primary care are in a unique position to optimize outcomes. Stephen Brunton, MD, Editor -
Clinical Briefs By Louis Kuritzky, MD
Actinic keratoses (AK) is biologically in situ squamous cell carcinoma, with the potential to become invasive in a minority of cases.