Internal Medicine Alert – March 30, 2021
March 30, 2021
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THC-Related Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Older Adults
Using cannabis-based medicine often exposes patients to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is associated with psychotic symptoms. THC also can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and thinking or perception disorder in older adults.
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Healthcare Workers with COVID-19 Antibodies: Strong Protection Against Reinfection
A study of healthcare workers demonstrated the presence of antibody to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein or to nucleocapsid provides strong protection against infection for up to six months.
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COVID-19 Patients Can Be Managed Safely with Noninvasive Respiratory Techniques
In adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 for one month, using a noninvasive respiratory protocol that encouraged high-flow nasal cannula, noninvasive mechanical ventilation, and self-proning did not result in any significant increase in mortality.
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Early Convalescent Plasma to Treat COVID-19 in Elderly Patients with Mild Symptoms
Administering convalescent plasma obtained from survivors of COVID-19 within 72 hours of onset of mild symptoms in elderly patients with the virus was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of development of severe respiratory disease.
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Prednisone vs. Placebo in Short-Term Prevention of Episodic Cluster Headaches
Prednisone, given at 100 mg for five days and then tapering by 20 mg every three days, is a safe and effective short-term prevention for episodic cluster headaches while waiting for longer-acting preventive agents to be initiated.
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Evinacumab-dgnb Injection (Evkeeza)
Evinacumab-dgnb should be prescribed as an adjunct to other low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering therapy to treat patients age 12 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.