INVASIVE STRATEGY FOR ACS MAY REDUCE REHOSPITALIZATION RATE
A routine invasive strategy for non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may reduce rate of rehospitalization for ACS but not rate of…
Print Issue: September 01, 2008
D-DIMER PLUS MULTIDETECTOR CT FOR DIAGNOSIS OF PE
D-dimer plus multidetector CT (D-dimer/CT) is as effective as D-dimer/CT plus venous compression ultrasound (US) for identifying pulmonary embolism (PE) and short-term…
LIMITED EVIDENCE ON CELL PHONES AND BRAIN TUMORS
A potential link between cell-phone use and brain tumors was recently discussed in the news, based on advice from…
DEXAMETHASONE MAY REDUCE MIGRAINE RECURRENCE WITHIN 72 HOURS
A systematic review of seven randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluated the…
HIGH-DOSE METOPROLOL INCREASES MORTALITY IN HIGH-RISK SURGERY PATIENTS
Perioperative beta blockers have been promoted to reduce the risk for perioperative MI. However, while high-dose perioperative extended-release metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) for noncardiac surgery decreased MI in high-risk patients, it increased mortality, based on…
INCREASED PRACTITIONER INTERACTION MAY IMPROVE RELIEF IN IBS PATIENTS
Level 2: Mid-level evidence A randomized trial evaluated the impact of increased practitioner interaction in 262 patients (mean age 39 years) with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (BMJ. 2008;336:999-1003; full-text available online free of charge at: www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/336/7651/999; accessed August 13, 2008). Patients were randomized to one of three groups for three weeks: waiting-list control vs. placebo…
KETOGENIC DIET MAY REDUCE SEIZURES IN CHILDREN WITH INTRACTABLE EPILEPSY
A recent trial evaluated the efficacy of the ketogenic diet for the treatment of seizures in children (Lancet Neurol. 2008;7:500-506). Children aged 2-16 years (N=145) with at least seven seizures per week and no response to at least two anti-epileptic drugs were randomized to the ketogenic diet vs. no change in…
Wolfberries
This unusually named berry is a staple in Chinese herbal medicine and is used for a multitude of health-boosting purposes. Also called goji berry, Chinese wolfberry, and Chinese boxthorn, it belongs to one of two closely…
Typical angina with an atypical diagnosis
The patient continued her aerobic workouts despite persistent chest pressure with an unknown etiology.
Surgery required to remove painless lump in a 7-year-old’s arm
With the help of an expert orthopedist and pathologist, a definitive diagnosis was reached in this unusual case.
