Internal Medicine Alert 2003-09-15

Improvement of Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms after Radiofrequency Energy

This study demonstrated that the Stretta endoscopic radiofrequency application technique for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease did lead to lessened GERD-related symptoms but not to any decrease in esophageal acid exposure or medication use.

Breast Cancer and HRT: The Million Women Study

Current users of estrogen or estrogen-progestin combinations were shown to have a significantly higher risk of developing and dying from breast cancer. The findings confirm and extend those published last year by the Womens Health Initiative.

Fish Story or Food for Thought?

Dietary intake of n-3 fatty acids and weekly consumption of fish may reduce the risk of incident Alzheimers disease.

Doctor, I’m Dizzy!

Dizziness and vertigo are among the most common complaints seen by neurologists, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is one of their most frequent causes.

Pharmacology Update: Testosterone Buccal System (Striant)

The FDA has approved the first transbuccal delivery system for testosterone replacement therapy in men.

Clinical Briefs

Urinary Tetrahydroaldosterone as a Screen for Primary Aldosteronism; Finasteride and Prostate Cancer; Impermeable Bed Covers in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

ECG Review: Concealing the Cause

The 12-lead ECG and accompanying rhythm strip in the Figure were obtained from an asymptomatic and otherwise healthy 53-year-old man. What two things are unusual about the beat marked X? Did first degree AV block suddenly develop for the following sinus-conducted beat (beat Y)?

Pharmacology Watch: Study Shows Oral IIb/IIIa Receptors Increase Mortality

Another study has shown an increase in mortality associated with the use of an oral IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist.

Internal Medicine Alert – September 15, 2003

September 15, 2003