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Rifamixin, a nonabsorbed oral antibiotic, is effective for preventing traveler's diarrhea, according to new research.
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By John P. DiMarco, MD, PhD
Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Dr. DiMarco is a consultant for Novartis and does research for Medtronic and Guidant.
Synopsis: Pulmonary vein isolation is a feasible first-line approach for this treatment of selected patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation.
Source: Wazni OM, et.al. Radiofrequency Ablation vs Antiarrhthymic Drugs as First-Line Treatment of Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Trial. JAMA. 2005;
293:2634-2640.
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Professor of Medicine, Chief of Clinical Cardiology, University of California, San Francisco
Synopsis: The beneficial effects of drug-eluting stents on coronary artery lumen enhancement are preserved for 4 years after implantation.
Source: Sousa JE, et al. Four-Year Angiographic and Intravascular Ultrasound Follow-Up of Patients Treated with Sirolimus-Eluting Stents. Circulation. 2005:111:2326-29.
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By Michael H. Crawford, MD
Synopsis: Higher BNP levels predict worse outcomes under medical management and may be useful for decisions regarding surgery.
Source: Detaint D, et al. B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Organic Mitral Regurgitation. Circulation. 2005;111:2391-2397.
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By Jonathan Abrams, MD
Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Dr. Abrams serves on the speakers bureau for Merck, Pfizer, and Parke-Davis.
Synopsis: In order to reduce CVD mortality, more active management and prevention of diabetes is needed.
Source: Hu G, et al. The Gender-Specific Impact of Diabetes and Myocardial Infarction at Baseline and During Follow-Up on Mortality From All Causes and Coronary Heart Disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;45:1413-1418.
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By John P. DiMarco, MD, PhD
Synopsis: Data are consistent with the concept that autonomic imbalance predisposes persons to life-threatening arrhythmias.
Source: Jouven X, et.al. Heart-Rate Profile During Exercise as a Predictor of Sudden Death. N Engl J Med. 2005;352:1951-1958.
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By Michael H. Crawford, MD
Synopsis: Damage to the tricuspid valve caused by electrophysiologic device leads may be a cause of predominant right heart failure due to severe TR and may not be recognized on routine echocardiography.
Source: Lin G, et al. Severe Symptomatic Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation Due to Permanent Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Leads. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;
45:1672-1675.
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Difficult airway is a broad term that unfortunately encompasses many clinical situations and their potential management options. Airway management difficulties can be divided into those that are predicted and those that are unexpected. They also can require immediate attention (emergent) or be stable (non-emergent). Difficulty can arise at any stage of airway management. Development of a standardized airway assessment and approach to management allows the physician to provide better patient care. Optimal care requires skill in assessing the situation, knowledge of equipment, and finally, how to use it successfully.
