-
The prevalence [of obesity] in both adults and children is reaching epidemic proportions and has led to a prediction by CDC that the life expectancy in this country would start declining in the next 20 years. In fact, according to CDC, it has already fallen in a couple of states as reported recently in the news media.
-
Shingles vaccine added to CDC list of vaccines for adults 60 and older; CDC recommends Tdap for postpartum women; new study suggests sequential therapy with antibiotics for H. pylori may be more effective than standard therapy; FDA Actions.
-
-
-
Three recent reports yield different conclusions on the effectiveness of MRSA surveillance on the incidence of healthcare associated MRSA infection.
-
In this examination of blood C-reactive protein levels and clinical data in 570 patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia, initial CRP levels < 100 mg/L were associated with fewer complications, less use of mechanical ventilation and/or inotropes, and lower 30-day mortality. Whether these findings provide useful information beyond what is apparent on routine clinical assessment remains to be seen.
-
Epidural blood patch is an effective treatment for post dural puncture headache.
-
Guillain-Barré syndrome remains a common and serious cause of acute neuropathy in the elderly.
-
-
It has long been taught that lipid levels measured during hospitalization for an acute illness will be artificially low because of an acute-phase metabolic reaction. Consequently, many physicians wait weeks after hospitalization to measure lipids when they have returned to baseline levels and then start appropriate lipid lowering therapy. On the other hand, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) studies have suggested that the early administration of statins may improve outcomes in ACS.