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A ‘Normal’ Initial ECG?
The ECG in the figure was obtained from a 30-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital to “rule out myocardial infarction.” His symptoms of chest discomfort were thought to be atypical and unlikely to be due to a cardiac etiology. His initial ECG (not shown) was interpreted as normal. Evaluation, including serial troponins and stress testing, were deemed normal. Before sending the patient home, the ECG in the figure was obtained.
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Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Allergen Powder-dnfp (Palforzia)
This is the first FDA-approved oral immunotherapy for desensitizing peanut allergy in children to help reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
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The Safety and Effectiveness of Pyrethroid Insecticides as the Battle Against Mosquitoes Continues
There is a statistical association between a urine test suggestive of exposure to pyrethroid insecticides and increased mortality over the subsequent 14 years.
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Optimal Antithrombic Therapy After PCI for Atrial Fibrillation Patients
In three subgroups of coronary artery disease patients with atrial fibrillation, apixaban plus a P2Y12 inhibitor provided superior safety and similar efficacy outcomes as treatment with warfarin, aspirin, or both for six months.
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Heart Failure-Exacerbating Medications
In a large, diverse cohort of Medicare patients hospitalized for heart failure exacerbations, almost half were on medications known to exacerbate heart failure; more than one-third were on these agents at discharge.
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Icosapent Ethyl Capsules (Vascepa)
Icosapent is the first drug approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with established cardiovascular disease and hypertriglyceridemia on maximally tolerated statin therapy.
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CNS Agents Emerge as Frontrunners in FDA-Approved Treatments for Low Libido in Women
Low libido is the most common sexual complaint, affecting up to 38.7% of women, with up to 12.3% also reporting significant distress associated with this condition. Debate continues about how female desire disorders are characterized, diagnosed, and treated.
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The Risk of Endocarditis With Bacteremia
Interrogation of the Danish National Patient Registry revealed bacteremia due to Enterococcus faecalis was most likely to be associated with infective endocarditis; thus, echocardiography is warranted in these patients.
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Fever of Unknown Origin Due to Cat Scratch Disease
Disseminated cat scratch disease may present as a fever of unknown origin.
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Longer Antibiotic Courses for Pneumonia Do Not Improve Outcomes, Do Cause More Adverse Effects
Excess antibiotic therapy did not improve mortality or morbidity outcomes, although each additional antibiotic day was associated with 3% increased odds of antibiotic-associated adverse drug events.