-
-
-
Goiter literally means the enlargement of the thyroid gland, independent of its cause. Historically, this terminology specifically was reserved for a visibly enlarged thyroid gland. During the past few decades of modern medical practice, the term has come to include both visible as well as palpable thyroid enlargement. This article will review the pathophysiologic processes leading to goiter formation and will provide a logical approach to the diagnosis and management of different entities, the end result of which is an enlarged thyroid gland.
-
-
Oral rofecoxib (Vioxx) may have a role in controlling postoperative pain patients undergoing knee surgery.
-
This monograph provides an overview of allergic disorders and reviews the current understanding of the mechanism of the allergic response. Due to the extensive nature of the topic, the discussion has been limited to systemic reactions eliciting an IgE-mediated response. Further, the intimate relationship between organs involved is reviewed, particularly the relationship between allergic rhinitis and asthma.
-
-
A new, and as of yet unpublished study, has raised increased concern about the relationship between rofecoxib (Vioxx), Mercks blockbuster COX-2 inhibitor, and cardiovascular events.
-
Sources of funding for pharmaceutical research has come under scrutiny in the last decade as academic and government sources of funding have become increasingly scarce and the pharmaceutical industry has become the main source of research dollars. But the issue of objectivity has been raised, and some have even suggested that negative studies, that is studies that show a drug in an unfavorable light, may never be published. The American Medical Association has recently tackled this issue and has asked the department of Health and Human Services to establish a public registry of all clinical trials in United States.
-
End-stage renal disease is a devastating condition that, according to the United States Renal Data System, plagued approximately 406,000 individuals in the United States in 2001 and is projected to increase to a prevalence of approximately 725,000 by 2010. Furthermore, it is a major public health issue, given the overall poor outcomes and high costs for this chronic condition.
