Clinical Briefs in Primary Care – April 1, 2015
April 1, 2015
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Reducing Drug-induced Xerostomia with Sorbet
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is common in senior citizens, partially because of disorders that are directly associated with xerostomia (e.g., Sjogren syndrome, HIV, hepatitis C, diabetes) and, additionally, because numerous pharmacologic treatments seniors receive produce “drying” effects: anticholinergics (e.g., antimuscarinic OAB drugs, tricyclic antidepressants), sympathomimetics (e.g., milnacipran, atomoxetine), or diuretics.
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The Ongoing Search for Biomarkers that Provide Early Identification of Cognitive Impairment
Messenger RNA (mRNA) markers are used for identification of a variety of pathologic processes, most recently including malignant melanoma.
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Bipolar Disorder is Associated with New-onset CVD
Although perhaps not widely recognized, bipolar disorder (BPD) is associated with an excessive risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Not only is CVD more prevalent, but it occurs as much as a decade earlier than comparators without BPD.
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Chronobiology and Insulin Glargine
The “indication” labeling for insulin glargine (Lantus) simply says, “Administer subcutaneously once daily at any time of day, but at the same time every day.”
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Dual Add-on Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes When Metformin is Not Enough
The current (2015) American Diabetes Association guidance for progression of treatment when A1c goals are not attained with metformin implies stepwise initiation of additional monotherapies.
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Might Long-term Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Be Better? Not
Risk reduction provided by dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT) in the short-term interval (3-12 months) after coronary stenting is well established, and published guidelines provide consistent advice about appropriate duration of such therapy.