Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2) inhibitors may not be as safe as previously thought. These agents have a considerable risk of adverse gastrointestinal events. The concurrent use of ulcer-healing drugs appears to decrease this risk.
The strong correlation between reduction of aura symptoms and migraine attacks stresses the potential role of aura-like events and possibly cortical spreading depression as a trigger for trigeminal vascular activation, and subsequently the development of migraine headaches.
A very small group of patients consume a significant portion of outpatient primary care physician time.
Infliximab, an antibody against tumor necrosis factor, is effective in ulcerative colitis.
A new drug has been approved for the treatment of children with below average height who are resistant to growth hormone. Mecasermin is a human insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) that is produced by recombinant DNA technology. This protein is marketed by Tercica, Incorporated as Increlex.
FDA Recommends Approval of Muraglitazar, But May Need To Reconsider; Which Antipsychotics Are More Dangerous?; Should CPOE Undergo Evaluation?; New Treatment for Tennis Elbow; FDA Actions
Synopsis: In these 2 studies, the quadrivalent measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, with increased potency of varicella compared to the current monovalent varicella vaccine, provides a varicella response rate of 81% and 91% after 1 dose, and 99% and 100% after 2 doses.
The American Society for Microbiology Periodically publishes updates, called Cumitechs, to their recommendations regarding specific areas of clinical microbiology. The following is a brief summary, written primarily from a clinicians point of view, of their recent monograph on blood cultures. The recommendations, with the exception of the recommended volume of blood draws, apply to both children and adults.
Synopsis: Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is increasing in incidence and severity, and is appearing in patients even in the absence of recent hospitalization or antimicrobial use.
Synopsis: The US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) periodically updates their guidelines for antiretroviral therapy. The latest iteration of these guidelines was published in October 2005.