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Alefacept is a new biological agent for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The drug, which targets T lymphocytes, is a fusion protein combining the binding site of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-3 and the Fc portion of human IgG1.
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Pravastatin given for 3 years reduced the risk of coronary disease in elderly individuals. The PROSPER study therefore extends to elderly individuals the treatment strategy currently used in middle aged people.
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The FDA has approved cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion for the treatment of dry eyes due to keratoconjuctivitis sicca (KCS) and associated reduced tear production. Cyclosporine is an immunomodulating agent that increases tear production in patients with KCS.
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Ice Cream-Evoked Headaches Study: A Randomized Trial of Accelerated vs Cautious Ice Cream Eating Regimen; Treatment of Antidepressant-Associated Sexual Dysfunction with Sildenafil; Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine with an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker
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Screening for lung cancer with helical CT has high costs and uncertain benefits.
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Current guidelines for NSAID use in patients at high risk for ulcer disease recommend use of NSAIDs selective for cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibition or nonselective NSAIDs plus a proton pump inhibitor. This study compared diclofenac plus omeprazole with celecoxib in patients with previous GI hemorrhage. Neither regimen successfully prevented rebleeding, and both exhibited significant toxicities.
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Treatment with natalizumab, an antibody to a4 integrin, led to fewer inflammatory brain lesions and fewer relapses in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
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The FDA has approved a new anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
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The ECG in the Figure was obtained from a 68-year-old man admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for a drug overdose. In view of his ECG, what vital sign needs to be checked? How many ECG findings consistent with this patients clinical condition can you identify?
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Continuing smokers from the Lung Health Study 1 followed for a period of 11 years demonstrated a greater decline in lung function when compared to sustained quitters.
