Internal Medicine Alert – December 15, 2012
December 15, 2012
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Improving Outcomes for Patients with New Onset Bell’s Palsy
The authors conducted a literature review of Medline and the Cochrane database to identify studies comparing outcomes in Bells palsy patients who received steroid/antiviral agents vs no medication. Patients with new onset Bells palsy treated with steroids displayed significantly better improvement in facial function compared with patients not taking this medication. -
Cardiovascular Benefits and Diabetes Risks of Statin Therapy
In the JUPITER primary prevention trial, the cardiovascular and mortality benefits of statin therapy exceeded the diabetes hazard, including patients at high risk of developing diabetes. -
Pharmacology Update: Perampanel Tablets (Fycompa)
The FDA has approved the first in class α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptor antagonist for the treatment of seizures. Perampanel is an orally active noncompetitive AMPA antagonist. The drug is marketed by Eisai Inc. as Fycompa. -
Clinical Briefs By Louis Kuritzky, MD
Gabapentin for Chronic Cough; Can Statins Reduce Cancer-Related Mortality?; Are All of Those Multivitamin Dollars Well Spent? -
ECG Review: The Coronaries Were Clean...
The ECG shown above was obtained from a 74-year-old woman who presented with abrupt onset of severe renal colic but no chest pain. -
Pharmacology Watch: Menopausal Hormone Therapy and the Risk for VTE, AD
Menopausal hormone therapy and risk of VTE and AD; patients' understanding of chemotherapy benefits; and FDA actions.