Higher-Dose Citalopram and the FDA Warnings: Not Much to Worry About?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Free
In a large study, no increased cardiac risks were associated with citalopram doses higher than 40 mg/day.
By Joel Yager, MD
May 20, 2013
Covering:
Zivin K et al., Am J Psychiatry 2013 May 3
Couch Potatoes May Have the Right Idea
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
In this animal study, even mild exploratory activity was associated with DNA damage that in wild-type animals was repaired with resting.
By Steven Dubovsky, MD
May 20, 2013
Covering:
Suberbielle E et al., Nat Neurosci 2013 May; 16:613
Herrup K et al., Nat Neurosci 2013 May; 16:518
Calcium-Channel Blockers and Chronic Eczematous Eruptions of the Aged
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Findings confirm the association of CCBs with chronic eczematous eruptions of "unknown" cause in patients 50 years and older.
Late-Onset Alzheimer Disease Susceptibility Genes in Black Americans
Neurology Summary and Comment
Free
Two previously described genes associated with lipid metabolism increase the odds of dementia in this population.
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
Supplementation failed to improve any outcome.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
May 8, 2013
Covering:
The Risk and Prevention Study Collaborative Group., N Engl J Med 2013 May 9; 368:1800
Sweetening the Brain: Higher Fasting Glucose Levels and Alzheimer-Like Abnormalities
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
A study in cognitively healthy, nondiabetic individuals with family histories of dementia
Focused PSA Screening Strategy, Based on Empirical Data
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Three lifetime prostate-specific antigen tests (age: mid 40s, early 50s, and 60) are sufficient for at least half of men.
What Happens to Older Men After PSA Screening?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Many biopsies performed, some cancers detected, complications common
By Thomas L. Schwenk, MD
May 2, 2013
Covering:
Walter LC et al., JAMA Intern Med 2013 Apr 15
Katz MH., JAMA Intern Med 2013 Apr 15
Estrogen and Menopausal Joint Pain
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Encouraging news arising from WHI data.
Mitral Valve Surgery in the Elderly Less Risky Than Previously Reported
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Patient age alone should neither preclude surgical treatment nor deter consideration of repair rather than replacement.
By Howard C. Herrmann, MD
May 1, 2013
Covering:
Vassileva CM et al., Circulation 2013 Apr 8
Rao RK and Foster E., Circulation 2013 Apr 8
Dementia Outpaces Cancer in Financial Burden to United States
Neurology Summary and Comment
A model that includes costs of informal care estimates that more than US$150 billion was spent in 2010.
Treating Apathy After Aggressive Medication Reduction Following DBS for Parkinson Disease
Neurology Summary and Comment
A trial of piribedil to treat apathy after deep brain stimulation for PD has implications for post-surgical care.
Predicting Medication Response in Older Depressed Patients
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Duration of illness is the largest moderator of response.
By Joel Yager, MD
April 29, 2013
Covering:
Nelson JC et al., Am J Psychiatry 2013 Apr 19
If You Need to Pace the Right Ventricle, Pace the Left as Well
Cardiology Summary and Comment
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In patients with atrioventricular block and LVEFs
By Mark S. Link, MD
April 24, 2013
Covering:
Curtis AB et al., N Engl J Med 2013 Apr 25; 368:1585
Photoagene? Susceptibility to Sun Damage Is Genetic
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Researchers locate a single nucleotide polymorphism that is associated with less photoaging of the facial skin.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
April 19, 2013
Covering:
Le Clerc S et al., J Invest Dermatol 2013 Apr; 133:929
Does Decision Making Have to Get Harder as We Age?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Vulnerability to scams is related to decreased, and possibly treatable, detection of reward prediction error when making choices.
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Blockade for HF: More Is Not Better
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Adding a direct renin inhibitor to standard medical treatments failed to improve clinical outcomes.
Measuring Coronary Artery Calcium in People with Type 2 Diabetes Identifies a Low-Risk Subset
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Coronary calcium scores might help stratify risk for adverse cardiovascular events.
More Colorectal Cancers Are Missed in Patients with IBD
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Risk for early/missed cancer after colonoscopy was 3 times higher in U.S. Medicare patients with inflammatory bowel disease than in those without.
By Douglas K. Rex, MD
April 5, 2013
Covering:
Wang YR et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2013 Mar; 108:444
Intermittent Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Metastatic Prostate Cancer?
A randomized study failed to show that intermittent therapy was noninferior to continuous therapy with respect to survival.
Extended-Release Carbidopa/Levodopa for Parkinson Disease
Neurology Summary and Comment
Should patients with Parkinson disease switch to extended-release carbidopa/levodopa formulations?
By Michael S. Okun, MD
April 2, 2013
Covering:
Hauser RA et al., Lancet Neurol 2013 Apr; 12:346
Coaching and Physiotherapy for Sedentary Parkinson Disease Patients
Neurology Summary and Comment
A tailored behavior-based exercise program did not improve level of activity on a questionnaire but improved secondary measures of physical activity and fitness.
Clopidogrel Is Safe Before Hip Fracture Surgery
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
In an observational study, clopidogrel did not confer risk for serious perioperative bleeding.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
March 28, 2013
Covering:
Feely MA et al., Mayo Clin Proc 2013 Feb; 88:149
Excess Risk for Hip Fracture Among Nursing Home Residents Who Take Nonbenzodiazepine Hypnotics
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Risk was particularly elevated among new users.
HCM Seldom Lethal in Patients Who Survive to Age 60
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a registry study, the cause of death in older patients was usually unrelated to HCM.
By Mark S. Link, MD
March 27, 2013
Covering:
Maron BJ et al., Circulation 2013 Feb 5; 127:585
