Internal Medicine Alert – February 28, 2003
February 28, 2003
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A Lung Cancer ‘Story Problem’
Screening for lung cancer with helical CT has high costs and uncertain benefits. -
NSAIDs and GI Bleeding
Current guidelines for NSAID use in patients at high risk for ulcer disease recommend use of NSAIDs selective for cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibition or nonselective NSAIDs plus a proton pump inhibitor. This study compared diclofenac plus omeprazole with celecoxib in patients with previous GI hemorrhage. Neither regimen successfully prevented rebleeding, and both exhibited significant toxicities. -
A New and More Successful Means of Treating Multiple Sclerosis
Treatment with natalizumab, an antibody to a4 integrin, led to fewer inflammatory brain lesions and fewer relapses in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. -
Do Statin Drugs Prevent Dementia? Data from the PROSPER Study
Pravastatin given for 3 years reduced the risk of coronary disease in elderly individuals. The PROSPER study therefore extends to elderly individuals the treatment strategy currently used in middle aged people. -
Pharmacology Update: Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion 0.05% (Restasis — Allergan)
The FDA has approved cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion for the treatment of dry eyes due to keratoconjuctivitis sicca (KCS) and associated reduced tear production. Cyclosporine is an immunomodulating agent that increases tear production in patients with KCS. -
Clinical Briefs
Ice Cream-Evoked Headaches Study: A Randomized Trial of Accelerated vs Cautious Ice Cream Eating Regimen; Treatment of Antidepressant-Associated Sexual Dysfunction with Sildenafil; Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine with an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker