-
Preliminary data indicate that the prevalence of influenza A (H1N1) virus strains resistant to the antiviral medication oseltamivir is high. Therefore, interim guidelines issued by the CDC are to use zanamivir or a combination of oseltamivir and rimantidine if influenza A (H1N1) infection is suspected.
-
Sleep disordered breathing occurs in most acute stroke patients and may contribute to morbidity
-
This meta-analysis of studies examining the efficacy of systemic corticosteroids for preventing laryngeal edema following extubation concludes that this treatment is effective. This result differs from those of several previous meta-analyses, and raises practical issues such as whether extubation should be delayed for at least 12 hours after a patient passes a spontaneous breathing trial and qualifies for extubation so that a course of steroids can be given.
-
Ray et al examined the computerized files of Tennessee Medicaid recipients to estimate the effects of atypical antipsychotic drugs on the risk of sudden cardiac death.
-
-
Rate control vs rhythm control for atrial fibrillation continues to be debated with most of the evidence falling on the side of rate control in recent years, primarily because of adverse effects from anti-arrhythmics. A new drug may change that however.
-
The FDA has issued a public health advisory regarding the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) associated with use of efalizumab (Raptiva®) for the treatment of psoriasis.
-
-
Get used to the word "pharmacogenetics" — the discipline of studying genetic variation and its effect on responses to drugs.
-
The FDA is considering new tightened restrictions on use of opioid drugs. Manufacturers of these drugs will be required to have a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy to ensure that "the benefits of the drugs continue to outweigh the risks."
