Internal Medicine Alert – September 15, 2023

Reconsidering Aspirin Therapy for Elderly Patients

A post-hoc analysis of the ASPREE trial revealed that in presumably healthy elderly subjects, taking low-dose aspirin daily over three years was associated with a significant drop in hemoglobin and ferritin levels vs. placebo, even when patients with major bleeding events were excluded.

Comparing Sequelae After Hospitalization with COVID-19, Influenza, or Sepsis

The incidence of most selected new-onset medical conditions did not significantly differ among those who had been hospitalized with COVID-19, influenza, or sepsis.

Treating Psychotic Symptoms Among Alzheimer’s Disease Patients

In a meta-analysis of several large treatment trials of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies, cholinesterase inhibitors demonstrated a small but statistically significant benefit in alleviating psychotic symptoms.

The Degree of Pyuria Can Help Determine Urinary Tract Infection in Elderly Women

Elderly women with a urinary tract infection recorded a higher median number of urinary leukocytes compared to uninfected controls, including those with asymptomatic bacteriuria. For 264 leukocytes/µL, the sensitivity and specificity of microscopy were 88%. Using the standard pyuria threshold of 10 leukocytes/µL gave a specificity of 36% and a sensitivity of 100%.

Zuranolone Capsules (Zurzuvae)

Zuranolone can be prescribed to treat postpartum depression.

Syncope and Complete AV Block?

The rhythm strip shown in the figure was recorded from a patient with syncope. It was interpreted as consistent with complete AV block. Do you agree with that interpretation?