Internal Medicine Alert – March 30, 2013
March 30, 2013
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Apixaban vs Warfarin for Atrial Fibrillation
The authors concluded that in patients with AF, decreasing GFR was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and bleeding. Apixaban as compared to warfarin reduced these risks regardless of renal function, with the greatest benefit seen in reducing major bleeding in those with impaired renal function. -
Hepatitis B and C Screening
Adults with private health care insurance in the United States have suboptimal testing for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Clearly, increased awareness is needed regarding HBV and HCV infections, epidemiology, risk, and screening. -
Delayed Primary Epstein-Barr Virus Infection: Clinical and Immunologic Manifestations
A prospective study on Epstein-Barr virus seronegative college freshmen found that primary infection was symptomatic in 89% of cases. Kissing was the primary risk factor for infection, and blood viral load, CD8+ lymphocytosis, and IL-6 levels correlated with disease severity. -
Contemporary Prevalence of Atherosclerosis in Military Personnel at Autopsy
Among deployed U.S. service members who died of combat or unintentional injuries and received autopsies, the prevalence of atherosclerosis varied by age and cardiovascular risk factors. -
Pharmacology Update: Ospemifene Tablets (Osphena)
A selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), also known as an estrogen agonist/antagonist, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of dyspareunia (painful intercourse) in postmenopausal women. Ospemifene is manufactured by Penn Pharmaceuticals Services Ltd. and marketed by Shionogi Inc. as Osphena. -
Clinical Briefs By Louis Kuritzky, MD
A More Effective Regimen for H. pylori Eradication; Uric Acid: How Much of a Bad Guy?; The Word GPR40 Modulator May Soon be Entering Our Vocabulary