Primary Care/Hospitalist
RSSArticles
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Calcium and Cardiovascular Risk Updates: The Bare Bones
Calcium plays a significant role in the function and diseases of the muscles (skeletal and smooth), nerves, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and renal systems. As a nutrient, it is one of the most recognized by the public for its use for osteoporosis and bone health. However, its association with cardiovascular disease risk is a more recent example of the growing understanding of calcium’s role in our health. A number of recent updates over the past year (cardiovascular disease risk in particular) are noteworthy.
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Sacubitril/Valsartan Associated with Reduced Risk of Hyperkalemia
\In a secondary analysis of the PARADIGM-HF trial, the risk of severe hyperkalemia in heart failure patients taking a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist was lower among patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan compared to those receiving enalapril.
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Zika Virus Infection and Guillain-Barré Syndrome: The Evidence Grows
A recent Zika outbreak in Colombia was associated with a significant increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) rates, with laboratory evidence of definite or probable Zika infection in more than half of the GBS cases.
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Early Initiation of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy May Reduce Mortality in Patients Who Require Dialysis
Initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy for patients with Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes stage 2 renal failure reduced 90-day all-cause mortality.
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Bezlotoxumab Injection (Zinplava)
The FDA has approved a selective, fully human monoclonal antibody directed at Clostridium difficilie toxin B. Binding of toxin B neutralizes its toxic effect. Bezlotoxumab is marketed as Zinplava.
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Fecal Transplant vs. Oral Vancomycin Taper for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection
In a small randomized, controlled trial that compared fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) administered by enema to a six-week oral vancomycin taper, FMT was not more effective for patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. -
Clinical Briefs
In this section: dietary supplement trends, new tools for glucose monitoring, and placebo for osteoarthritis pain.
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Crisaborole Ointment (Eucrisa)
Crisaborole is indicated for topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in patients ≥ 2 years of age.
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Diabetes and Vitamin C Deficiency May Be Common
In a recent analysis, low levels of vitamin C were noted in seven of 11 patients with diabetes, including six of seven with lower extremity ulcers.
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Cardiorespiratory Fitness May Stave Off the Development of Depression
Lower cardiorespiratory fitness increases the risk of developing depression in adults.