A higher intensity of comprehensive disease management for smoking cessation, similar to other chronic diseases, may yield superior results.
A review of large randomized clinical trials for type 2 diabetes controlling HbA1c as low as 6.5-7.0% showed many consequences, but uncertain benefits. A new approach to type 2 diabetes should include individualized HbA1c targets along with cardiovascular risk reduction reflecting patients' values and preferences, and caution is urged in using these HbA1c values as performance measures to indicate inadequate care.
A polypill consisting of low doses of thiazide, atenolol, ramipril, simvastatin, and aspirin administered to 2053 subjects in 50 centers in India was effective in reducing multiple risk factors and cardiovascular risk.
The FDA has approved the first oral, selective vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist for the treatment of hypervolemic and euvolemic hyponatremia.
The ACTIVE Investigators. Effect of clopidogrel added to aspirin in patients with atrial fibrillation.
For patients with chronic insomnia, sleeping pills in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) resulted in improved sleep satisfaction during acute therapy, but long- term treatment was enhanced by stopping the medication and continuing only CBT.
In patients with proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT), tailoring the duration of oral anticoagulation based on serial ultrasonography reduces the rate of recurrent DVT. Prolongation of chronic anticoagulation may accelerate vein recanalization. Residual DVT on ultrasonography is a marker of hypercoagulability.
Iloperidone is the newest atypical antipsychotic agent to be approved by the FDA. It is chemically similar to risperidone and ziprasidone. Vanda Pharmaceuticals will market iloperidone as Fanapt™.
In elderly patients hospitalized with heart failure and LVSD, beta-blocker use was clinically effective in reducing mortality and rehospitalization, but patients with preserved systolic function had poor outcomes and beta-blockers did not significantly influence the mortality and rehospitalization rate for these patients.
A variety of highly effective agents for primary insomnia are currently available including benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine receptor agonists, and other classes. Agents that impact the benzodiazepine receptors (i.e., either benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine receptor agonists) are controlled substances and have occasional problematic issues such as misuse, diversion, cognitive clouding, and rebound upon withdrawal.
