Internal Medicine Alert – January 15, 2003
January 15, 2003
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C-Reactive Protein Makes It to Center Stage
C-reactive protein levels are stronger predictors of first cardiovascular events than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. -
Fluoroquinolones and Tendinopathies
The excess risk of Achilles tendon disorders attributable to fluoroquinolone use was estimated to be 3.2 cases per 1000 patient-years, with most of that increase accounted for by patients 60 years of age and older who concomitantly receive corticosteroids. -
Suspected Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy
Ventilation/perfusion scanning appears to be safe and effective, at least in ruling out significant clinical pulmonary embolism in pregnant patients. However, prospective studies over longer time periods should be undertaken to validate these conclusions. -
Pharmacology Update: Atomoxetine HCl — New Drug for ADHD
The FDA has approved Atomoxetine (previously named tomoxetine), the first nonstimulant/noncontrolled drug to be approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). -
Clinical Briefs
Diuretics, Mortality, and Nonrecovery of Renal Function in Acute Renal Failure; Nut and Peanut Butter Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Women; Optimal Diets for Prevention of CHD -
ECG Review: Best Obtainable Tracing
The tracing in the Figure was obtained from a 59-year-old woman with a long history of smoking. She presented with acute dyspnea and atypical chest pain. Because of moderate respiratory difficulty, this was the best quality tracing obtainable. In full acknowledgment of its suboptimal technical quality, how would you interpret this ECG? What findings may be of potential concern? -
Pharmacology Watch: FDA Approves Claritin For OTC Use For Seasonal Rhinitis
After years of legal wrangling, the FDA has approved loratadine (Claritin, Schering-Plough) as an over-the-counter (OTC) product for the treatment of seasonal rhinitis.