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In June 2009, the advisors of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended lowering the maximum dose of over-the counter acetaminophen, which is the key ingredient in such popular products such as Tylenol and Excedrin. The advisors were concerned that severe liver damage and even death can result from excessive ingestion of acetaminophen, which many consumers consider to be easier on the stomach than other medications and safe.
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Marine n-3 PUFAs act as pleiotropic agents on the cardiovascular system with a diverse range of effects most of which are beneficial for patients with known cardiovascular disease and possibly, they may even have beneficial effects with regard to the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
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An evaluation of medical research by the IOM establishes new RDAs for vitamin D (600-800 IU) and calcium (700-1300 milligrams).
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Glucosamine sulfate continues to grow in popularity as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Global sales reached almost $2 billion in 2008, an increase of 60 percent over the previous five years.
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Findings of this ground-breaking randomized controlled trial suggest that patients with irritable bowel syndrome who receive treatment with placebo tablets, and who are fully aware that they are taking a placebo, have significantly greater relief of symptoms compared with patients who receive no treatment at all. Accessing the placebo effect may not require deception at all.
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The results of this well-done study suggest that a specific formulation of echinacea may offer modest benefit to people with the common cold, but that such benefit is statistically, and likely clinically, insignificant. Data from the trial relating to physician-patient interaction and clinical response have yet to be published.
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Most adrenal masses found inadvertently as part of an investigation for another illness are benign. The work-up for an adrenal incidentaloma is presented.
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Acetaminophen is able to induce a significant increase in BP in ambulatory subjects with CAD.
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The surface ECG shows the net result of electrical forces that are operative. This concept is important to remember when potential "competing conditions" are operative.
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The FDA has approved a second dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor and metformin combination. This follows the approval of sitagliptin/metformin in 2007.
