Internal Medicine Alert – November 30, 2007

November 30, 2007

• The List of Potential Benefits of Statins Grows

  Use of statins is associated with reduced rate of deterioration of lung function with aging, though the effect is reduced in those who continue to smoke.

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• Warfarin vs Aspirin for Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly

  Over half of patients with atrial fibrillation are over age 75 years, yet there is concern about the risk of serious hemorrhage in these patients on warfarin. Thus, the results of the Birmingham Atrial Fibrillation Treatment of the Aged (BAFTA) study are of interest.

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• Revascularization for Stable Coronary Artery Disease

  Exceptional attention has been paid to the recent publication of the COURAGE Trial (April 2007) regarding the efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in stable coronary disease patients.

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• Can Clinical Empathy Be Taught?

  Collaborative efforts between faculties of medicine and theater can be effective in teaching clinical empathy.

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• Doripenem Injection (Doribax™)

  The FDA has approved a new antimicrobial agent from the carbapenem class. Carbapenems are broad spectrum, beta lactam, antimicrobial agents.

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• Clinical Briefs by Louis Kuritzky, MD

  Benefits of Coronary Prevention: WOSCOPS, Topiramate for Alcohol Dependence, and Job Strain and Recurrent CHD

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