Internal Medicine Alert – August 15, 2010
August 15, 2010
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How Helpful Are Coronary Artery Calcium Scores?
The addition of CACS to a prediction model based upon the traditional risk factors significantly improved the classification of risk and helped to place more individuals in their appropriate risk categories. -
In Search of Safer NSAIDs: Which Cause the Least Risk of Upper GI Bleeding?
A systematic review of 9 studies showed that the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib and ibuprofen cause less upper GI bleeding than other NSAIDs. Diclofenac, meloxicam, ketoprofen, indomethacin, and naproxen have intermediate risk. Piroxicam and ketorolac have the highest risk. In general, drugs that have a long half-life or slow-release formulation have the greatest risk of GI bleeding. -
PO Is OK for COPD — Follow the Guidelines!
There is no difference in rates of treatment failure, death, or readmission for COPD between patients treated with oral or intravenous steroids for exacerbation of COPD, but the IV route may be associated with increased cost and length of stay. -
Denosumab Injection (Prolia™)
The first receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) inhibitor has been approved for the treatment of osteoporosis. -
Clinical Briefs by Louis Kuritzky, MD
Fibrates: Generally safe, but do they improve outcomes? According to this meta-analysis, the answer to the question above very much depends upon which outcome you believe is important. -
ECG Review: Paced Abnormality?
The ECG shown above was obtained from a 77-year-old woman with chest discomfort and a permanent pacemaker. Do you see any abnormality on this paced tracing? -
Pharmacology Watch
Aggressive approach to CVD reduces MI, folic acid and vitamin B12 for CAD, corticosteroids for acute exacerbations of COPD, prescription drug abuse among young adults, and ARBs and cancer risk.