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Men and women with restless legs syndrome (RLS), aged 18-79 years, were included in this randomized, 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted at 43 centers in 10 European countries, designed to assess the efficacy of ropinirole, a dopamine agonist, in the treatment of RLS. Ropinirole significantly improved IRLSSG score at 12 weeks compared to placebo, with benefit evident even at week 1.
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Non-pharmacologic treatment options for patients of epilepsy include resective epilepsy surgery, vagal nerve stimulation, the ketogenic diet, and experimental protocols. Of these, epilepsy surgery offers the greatest chance of curing the patients epilepsy. To achieve this degree of success, it is critical to localize the epileptogenic zone as accurately as possible. Pataraia et al estimates that MEG provides additional localizing information in 40% of their patients.
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In contrast to arterial thrombo-embolic ischemic stroke, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is unique in its clinical presentation and treatment algorithm. As reported by Ferro and associates on behalf of the multicenter international ISCVT study, venous stroke, typically treated with heparin, has a good outcome in the vast majority of cases.
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You are discussing contraceptive options with a patient. When you come to intrauterine devices (IUDs), she dismisses the method and says that it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy. Where did she get such misinformation?
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This month may well mark a milestone in womens health if the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) follows the recommendation of two of its expert advisory committees to approve the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of Plan B, the levonorgestrel-only emergency contraceptive (EC).
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Successful pill-taking is an important component for women who use oral contraceptives (OCs). Inconsistent use and method discontinuation are estimated to account for approximately 20% of the annual 3.5 million annual unintended pregnancies in the United States.
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A quick check of your next patients file shows that she is returning for yet another round of treatment for trichomoniasis. The infection is not responding to standard metronidazole therapy. What is your next move?
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Your next patient says she has a vaginal discharge. A closer examination reveals a white, noninflammatory discharge that smoothly coats the vaginal walls. What is your next step?
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Double up on your efforts to detect syphilis. Syphilis rates in the United States rose in 2002 for the second consecutive year, following a decade-long decline that resulted in an all-time low in 2000, according to new data from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1
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Economy class syndrome (ECS) refers to venous thromboembolic episodes among airline passengers who have remained immobile for long periods in cramped seating that impairs their circulation. Economy class passengers with little leg space are more likely to suffer such events than passengers in roomy first-class seats.
