Patent Foramen Ovale Is Associated with Cryptogenic Stroke, Even in Older Patients
Cardiology Summary and Comment
As in younger patients, a conduit for paradoxical embolism is more likely to be present when the cause of stroke is unknown.
Diet and Mortality in Alzheimer Disease
Neurology Summary and Comment
As in other populations, people with AD who followed the Mediterranean diet had reduced mortality risk.
By Joe Verghese, MD
December 11, 2007
Covering:
Scarmeas N et al., Neurology 2007 Sep 11; 69:1084
Galvin JE., Neurology 2007 Sep 11; 69:1072
Increasing BMI Is Associated with Increased Cancer Risk and Mortality in Women
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Obese women had increased risk for all cancers and 10 of 17 types of cancers.
By Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP
December 6, 2007
Covering:
Reeves GK et al., BMJ 2007 Dec 1; 335:1134
B-Type Natriuretic Peptides in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Can we help the heart without harming the kidneys?
By Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH
December 5, 2007
Covering:
Witteles RM et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2007 Nov 6; 50:1835
Silver MA and Yancy CW., J Am Coll Cardiol 2007 Nov 6; 50:1841
A Possible Blood Protein Diagnostic Test for Alzheimer Disease
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
A simple ELISA test was quite accurate in identifying presymptomatic AD in this small, industry-funded study.
Obesity and PSA Levels
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Hemodilution may explain lower levels in obese men.
High-Trauma Fractures and Osteoporosis
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Osteoporosis predicts high-trauma as well as low-trauma fractures.
Can Beta Carotene Supplementation Prevent Cognitive Decline?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
These results from PHS II hint at some benefit, but recommending supplements would be premature.
By Jamaluddin Moloo, MD, MPH
November 29, 2007
Covering:
Grodstein F et al., Arch Intern Med 2007 Nov 12; 167:2184
Yaffe K., Arch Intern Med 2007 Nov 12; 167:2167
Prognostic Value of T-Wave Alternans in Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a prospective study, patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy and normal TWA test results were at low short-term risk for cardiac events.
By Mark S. Link, MD
November 28, 2007
Covering:
Salerno-Uriarte JA et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2007 Nov 6; 50:1896
Why Do Obese Men Have Lower PSA Concentrations?
Oncology and Hematology Summary and Comment
Free
Hypotheses include lower androgenic activity or hemodilution caused by larger plasma volumes.
What Is the Incidence of Shingles?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
Data on incidence rates of shingles might help patients who are undecided about vaccination.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
November 15, 2007
Covering:
Yawn BP et al., Mayo Clin Proc 2007 Nov; 82:1341
No Clinical Benefit for Tezosentan in Patients with Acute Heart Failure
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In the VERITAS trials, improvements in some hemodynamic measures did not translate into improvements in clinical outcomes.
RethinQ-ing Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Narrow QRS
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a randomized trial, patients with narrow QRS complexes and evidence of mechanical dyssynchrony did not benefit from CRT.
By Mark S. Link, MD
November 14, 2007
Covering:
Beshai JF et al. for the RethinQ Study Investigators., N Engl J Med 2007 Nov 6
Cetuximab Improves Survival in Patients with Refractory Colorectal Cancer
Oncology and Hematology Summary and Comment
Free
Median overall survival was 6.1 months in the cetuximab group versus 4.6 months in patients who received supportive care alone.
Aspirin Is Ineffective in Preventing VTE in Women Older Than 45
Oncology and Hematology Summary and Comment
Free
DVT and PE incidences were the same in large groups of initially healthy older women who took aspirin or placebo every other day.
By David Green, MD, PhD
November 13, 2007
Covering:
Glynn RJ et al., Ann Intern Med 2007 Oct 16; 147:525
Cardiovascular Risk in Prostate Cancer Patients Who Receive Hormone Therapy
Among men who underwent radical prostatectomy, ADT use significantly increased 5-year risk for cardiovascular death.
COX-2 Expression Might Be an Important Prognostic Marker in Prostate Cancer
The higher the intensity of COX-2 staining was in tumor samples, the greater the risk for treatment failure.
Pre-AD Decline: A Linear Progression?
Neurology Summary and Comment
These authors found evidence of a plateau in memory decline, but what they were actually measuring is not clear.
By Andrew E. Budson, MD
November 13, 2007
Covering:
Smith GE at al., Neurology 2007 Jul 10; 69:133
Persistent Hyponatremia in Patients with Heart Failure
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Persistent hyponatremia independently predicted mortality as well as rehospitalization in patients hospitalized with HF.
Selecting Appropriate Prostate Cancer Patients for Adjuvant Radiotherapy
Oncology and Hematology Summary and Comment
Free
Men with positive surgical margins after prostatectomy benefited most.
Surgeons’ Volume Status Doesn’t Affect Cancer-Related Mortality in Older Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Overall mortality, but not cancer-related mortality, was higher among women whose surgeons performed five or fewer procedures annually.
Anatomical Correlates of Cognitive Impairment After Lacunar Stroke
Neurology Summary and Comment
Free
A voxel-based morphometry MRI study shows that cortical atrophy is associated with subcortical vascular cognitive impairment.
By Helena C. Chui, MD
November 6, 2007
Covering:
Grau-Olivares M et al., Cerebrovasc Dis 2007 May; 23:353
Can Statins Benefit Elderly Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
In a randomized trial, rosuvastatin was associated with a decrease in hospitalizations for cardiovascular events but no reduction in mortality.
By Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH
November 5, 2007
Covering:
Kjekshus J et al. for the CORONA group., N Engl J Med 2007 Nov 5
Masoudi FA., N Engl J Med 2007 Nov 5
Prasugrel vs. Clopidogrel: A Split Decision
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
In a phase III study, prasugrel demonstrated greater efficacy than clopidogrel, but also conferred a higher risk for bleeding.
By Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM
November 4, 2007
Covering:
Wiviott SD et al. for the TRITON–TIMI 38 Investigators., N Engl J Med 2007 Nov 4
A Modern Alternative to House Calls?
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
Paramedics with advanced skills can provide home care to elderly patients with acute minor conditions.
