Internal Medicine Alert – August 30, 2009
August 30, 2009
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Patients with the Common Cold: Empathy Heals Faster
A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that "perfect" empathy with patients results in a better immune response, reduction of symptoms, and faster recovery from a common cold. -
Red Yeast Rice — Still Alive and Kicking
Red yeast rice and therapeutic lifestyle changes decrease LDL-cholesterol levels without increasing CPK or pain levels and may be a treatment option for dyslipidemic patients who cannot tolerate statin therapy. -
Third Time is a Charm: Chase H. pylori from the Stomach
A study group in Greece used 3 consecutive different regimens to achieve a 98% eradication rate among 540 patients not lost to follow-up. The success of each individual regimen was about 70%. -
Prasugrel Tablets (Effient™)
A new antiplatelet drug has been approved by the FDA for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. -
Clinical Briefs by Louis Kuritzky, MD
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HSP) is regarded both in the dermatology and primary care communities as a "heart sink" diagnosis: Patients are generally chronically burdened, we have little successful treatment, the pathophysiology is poorly understood, and the consequences often have an important negative impact on quality of life.