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The number of previous acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECBs) and the baseline FEV1 level are potent prognostic factors of the short and long-term outcomes of AECB.
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The treatment of acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has changed dramatically in the past decade. As discussed in Part I, there is a new understanding of the pathophysiology and a significant improvement in our ability to diagnose heart failure with BNP and NT-pro BNP testing.
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Do long-acting beta agonist inhalers increase the severity of asthma? Yes, according to the results from a large meta-analysis recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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A 12-lead ECG was obtained from a 66 year old man with heart failure. How would you interpret this ECG? Does the patient have RBBB (right bundle branch block)? Is there "a twist" to answering this question?
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An MRI is often used to assist in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. This systematic review of 29 studies shows that an MRI will result in an overdiagnosis of MS when used after one episode of neurologic dysfunction.
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The TNT study (Treat to New Targets) demonstrated that intensive lipid lowering (ILL) with atorvastatin 80 mg/d in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) provided more benefit than simply achieving an LDL of 100 mg/dL with atorvastatin 10 mg/d.
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The FDA has approved a new agent for smoking cessation. Varenicline blocks the action of nicotine but provides a lower level of stimulation of dopamine release to reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms.