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Since the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is increased when clopidogrel is added to aspirin therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), many prescribe proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce this risk. However, mechanistic studies suggest that PPIs may reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel.
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Whether oral vitamin K reduces the risk of bleeding related to excessive anticoagulation from warfarin remains unclear.
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In this study of physician use of clinical information technology in relation to 4 common diagnoses in 41 urban hospitals in Texas, inpatient outcomes were better the more extensive the use of computerized order entry, test results, physician charting, and decision support. Increased use of IT was also associated with significantly lower costs for all hospital admissions.
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Dronedarone is a new antiarrhythmic drug with structural similarities to amiodarone. During development of the molecule, the steps included removal of the iodine atoms and making the compound more lipophilic; the latter produces a shorter elimination half-life and reduced tissue accumulation.
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Surveillance data from the CDC show that central-line associated bloodstream infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in U.S. intensive care units showed an overall decrease of 50% during 1997-2007.
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A new transdermal formulation of oxybutynin has been approved for the treatment of overactive bladder. Oxybutynin gel is marketed by Watson Pharmaceuticals as Gelniqueä.
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Compared with invasive coronary angiography, coronary computed tomographic angiography demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for detection of obstructive coronary stenosis and a 99% negative predictive value.
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Oral antibiotics were not found to be inferior to intravenous antibiotics in the treatment of clinically diagnosed acute diverticulitis.
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Use of statins as primary prevention in healthy people with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein without hyperlipidemia may reduce the incidence of major cardiovascular events.