Hospital Medicine Alert – August 1, 2007
August 1, 2007
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The Efficient Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
In patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis who are unable to expectorate sputum, culture of 3 induced sputum samples, all collected on the same day, is an effective and efficient means of diagnosis. -
Emergency Colectomy for Fulminant C. Difficile Colitis
In this retrospective study of C. difficile colitis due to a hypervirulent strain, 53% of 165 patients died. -
Prophylactic Revascularization Before Vascular Surgery
In this randomized pilot study, preoperative coronary revascularization in high-risk patients was not associated with an improved outcome. -
Are Statin-Induced Myopathic Symptoms Helped by CoQ10?
Statin-treated patients who developed symptoms of myopathy should be treated with at least 100 mg daily of coenzyme Q10 for a minimum of 30 days (assuming CPK values and/or other liver function tests are not abnormal) before discontinuing statin therapy. -
Major Hemorrhage on Warfarin in Elderly Patients
Stroke prevention among elderly patients with atrial fibrillation remains a challenging and pressing health concern.