Internal Medicine Alert – June 15, 2019
June 15, 2019
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Late Sunsets, Sleep Deprivation, and Adverse Outcomes
All living organisms have 24-hour circadian rhythms. A growing body of evidence shows that chronic disruption of this important rhythm may result in poor health outcomes. These negative consequences of disrupted circadian rhythms might be prevented by modifying work and sleep schedules.
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How Safe Are New Medications for Type 2 Diabetes?
In recent years, new medications have been approved for the management of type 2 diabetes, generally after metformin is given. The FDA has reported 55 cases of Fournier’s gangrene in patients using SGLT2 inhibitors. These medications may not be worth the risk when lifestyle alternatives are available.
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The Promise and Perils of the Apple Heart Study
A large study with virtual enrollment of Apple Watch users helped illustrate the positive predictive value of wearable, pulse-based atrial fibrillation detection technology, as well as the ability to enroll and follow huge numbers of research subjects in a short period.
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Erdafitinib Tablets (Balversa)
Erdafitinib is the first FDA-approved targeted therapy for metastatic bladder cancer.
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Why Is the QRS Wide?
The ECG in the figure belongs to an older woman who called EMS because of new-onset chest pain. How might one interpret the tracing? Why is the QRS complex wide?