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Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD) is a common disorder occurring in patients with acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. ACD is associated with infectious diseases, as well as with malignancies and autoimmune disorders. The pathophysiology of ACD involves abnormalities in iron homeostasis, impaired erythropoiesis, and blunted responses to erythropoietin, brought about by mediators of inflammation such as TNF-alpha, interferon-gamma, and interleukins.
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The interpretation of tuberculin skin tests (tst) is challenging and controversial, especially in the face of previously administered BCG vaccine. In Switzerland, a country where TB infection is not common but where BCG had previously been routinely given, Zysset and colleagues prospectively evaluated 2- step (second test done 8-15 days after the first for possible booster effect) TST results in 5117 hospital employees, in view of potential risk factors for TB infection.
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On February 10, 2005, the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended routine meningococcal immunization of all children between ages 11 and 12, with catch up immunization targeted to teens entering high school and college freshmen living in dormitories.
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The exuberant rainfall in the southwestern United States this year has led to the greening of the deserts, highlighted by spectacular displays of wildflowers. But it may not be just the plant life that has benefited. A number of human pathogens may find the conditions just right.
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The FDA has asked Pfizer to withdraw valdecoxib (Bextra) from the market due to safety concerns.
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A new therapeutic agent has been approved for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.
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Screening for bipolar disorder in primary care settings can aid in its diagnosis.
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In patients with vascular disease or diabetes mellitus, long-term vitamin E supplementation does not prevent cancer or major cardiovascular events and may increase the risk for heart failure.
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The 12-lead ECG in the Figure was obtained from a 69-year-old woman with a history of a previous large myocardial infarction. She was aware of an extra beating of her heart, but was otherwise asymptomatic at the time this tracing was recorded. How would you interpret this tracing in view of this presentation, her prior history, and the knowledge that the patient was known to have complete right bundle branch block on prior ECG?
