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Professor of Medicine, Chief of Clinical Cardiology, University of California, San Francisco
Synopsis: The beneficial effects of drug-eluting stents on coronary artery lumen enhancement are preserved for 4 years after implantation.
Source: Sousa JE, et al. Four-Year Angiographic and Intravascular Ultrasound Follow-Up of Patients Treated with Sirolimus-Eluting Stents. Circulation. 2005:111:2326-29.
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By John P. DiMarco, MD, PhD
Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Dr. DiMarco is a consultant for Novartis and does research for Medtronic and Guidant.
Synopsis: Pulmonary vein isolation is a feasible first-line approach for this treatment of selected patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation.
Source: Wazni OM, et.al. Radiofrequency Ablation vs Antiarrhthymic Drugs as First-Line Treatment of Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Trial. JAMA. 2005;
293:2634-2640.
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Rifamixin, a nonabsorbed oral antibiotic, is effective for preventing traveler's diarrhea, according to new research.
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Difficult airway is a broad term that unfortunately encompasses many clinical situations and their potential management options. Airway management difficulties can be divided into those that are predicted and those that are unexpected. They also can require immediate attention (emergent) or be stable (non-emergent). Difficulty can arise at any stage of airway management. Development of a standardized airway assessment and approach to management allows the physician to provide better patient care. Optimal care requires skill in assessing the situation, knowledge of equipment, and finally, how to use it successfully.
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Once the diagnosis of alcohol withdrawal syndrome is confirmed, the treatment of the life-threatening sequelae must be swift. For many years, the pharmacologic agent of choice to treat AWS has been quite controversial. Benzodiazepines, antiepileptic agents, ethanol, and barbiturates have all been the preferred drug at one time or another. In recent years, benzodiazepines have come to the forefront as the drug class of choice, although some agents may offer advantages over others. Several guidelines have been developed to aid the emergency medicine practitioner select the most effective and efficient therapy. This review outlines, in systematic detail, the full range of AWS and risk-directed interventions shown to improve clinical outcomes in AWS.
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Beta-Blockers Therapy for the Treatment of Hypertension; Treatments for Acute Migraine; Statin Therapy for ACS Patients; The Correct Dosing for Onychomycosis; FDA Actions
