Internal Medicine Alert – August 30, 2004
August 30, 2004
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Statins and Cancer Protection
In an observational study, enabled by a powerful drug-dispensing record linkage system, statin use among a large number of patients treated with cardiovascular drugs was associated with a 20% reduction in incipient cancer diagnosis over a 7-year period. -
Treatment of Depression: When Do Symptoms Go Away?
Physical symptoms are quite common among patients with depression. These symptoms tend to improve during the first month of therapy with serotonin-antagonists. Most symptoms will plateau in months to follow. -
Hyperkalemia Risk Alert in Managing Heart Failure
Patients treated with spironolactone and ACE inhibitors for congestive heart failure have a markedly increased risk of hyperkalemia. -
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Barrett’s Esophagus, and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), GERD, and Barretts esophagus (BE) are all on the rise, and there is no doubt that BE is a major risk factor for EAC. However, many unanswered questions surround screening GERD patients for BE and cancer. -
Optimal Frequency of BNP Testing
At this time, BNP seems to be a useful initial test that should not be repeated during short hospital stays. -
Pharmacology Update: Estradiol Transdermal System (Menostar)
The FDA has approved a low dose estradiol transdermal patch for prevention of osteoporosis in menopausal women. -
Clinical Briefs
Folate Therapy and In-Stent Restenosis and Coronary Stenting; Quinapril Reduces Markers of Oxidative Stress in the Metabolic Syndrome; Donepezil in Patients with Alzheimers