Internal Medicine Alert – August 15, 2011
August 15, 2011
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Association of Vitamin D Deficiency and Myocardial Infarction
Vitamin D deficiency was found to be present in almost all patients entering with acute myocardial infarctions in a 20-hospital multicenter study. -
What Works for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy?
A systematic review covering 48 years gives pregabalin (Lyrica) Level A evidence for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Gabapentin, sodium valproate, amitriptyline, venlafaxine, and duloxetine may be as effective but only receive a Level B recommendation based on the quality of the studies. -
Family History and Cancer — The Need to Update
Family history of cancer changes significantly between the ages of 30 and 50 years. Therefore, it is recommended that family history should be updated at least every 5 to 10 years to appropriately inform recommendations for cancer screening. -
Rivaroxaban Tablets (Xarelto™)
The first orally administered factor XA inhibitor has been approved by the FDA for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Rivaroxaban was developed by Bayer and is marketed in this country by Janssen Pharmaceuticals as Xarelto. -
Clinical Briefs By Louis Kuritzky, MD
It comes as no surprise that when patients do not take their blood pressure (BP) medication, a lapse in BP control is anticipated. On the other hand, when a patient presents with an elevated BP and acknowledges omitted doses, it is difficult to be sure whether the observed elevation in BP is solely due to recent omissions, an underlying worsening of BP (requiring an augmentation rather than just simple restoration of treatment), rebound BP elevation, or some combination of these elements. -
ECG Review: Not Just 2:1 AV Block — Mobitz II?
Interpret the rhythm strip shown above. Does it represent 2nd degree AV block, Mobitz Type II? Can you be sure?