Geriatric "Conditions" as Common as Chronic Diseases
General Medicine Summary and Comment
These conditions often lead to dependency in activities of daily living.
Using MRI to Detect Bone Metastases in High-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients
Oncology and Hematology Summary and Comment
Free
MRI is more accurate than bone scans or plain radiographs for detecting bone metastases, but is better detection always the best course?
Long-Term Outcomes in Overlap Syndrome of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and Autoimmune Hepatitis
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Varices, GI bleeding, ascites, and the composite outcome of liver transplant or death were all more common among patients with both PBC and probable AIH than among those with PBC alone.
By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
August 17, 2007
Covering:
Silveira MG et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2007 Jun; 102:1244-50
Patterns of Symptoms Often Associated with Menopause
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
Hot flushes, depressed mood, and aches, joint pain, and stiffness were independently associated with menopausal stage.
By Robert W. Rebar, MD
August 14, 2007
Covering:
Freeman EW et al., Obstet Gynecol 2007 Aug; 110:230-40
Schiff I., Obstet Gynecol 2007 Aug; 110:228-9
Medical Management of Peripheral Artery Disease
For the present, using antiplatelet agents alone seems to be the safest clinical option.
By David Green, MD, PhD
August 14, 2007
Covering:
The Warfarin Antiplatelet Vascular Evaluation Trial Investigators., N Engl J Med 2007 Jul 19; 357:217-27
Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
The largest study to date supports a link between intravenous bisphosphonate therapy and higher incidence of ONJ.
By William J. Gradishar, MD
August 14, 2007
Covering:
Wilkinson GS et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 2007 Jul 4; 99:1016-24
Another Reason to Eat Your Vegetables: Effect on Risk for Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Cruciferous vegetable consumption was associated with lower risk for extraprostatic disease.
By Robert Dreicer, MD, MS, FACP
August 14, 2007
Covering:
Kirsh VA et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 2007 Aug 1; 99:1200-9
With Radical Prostatectomy, the Experience of the Surgeon Matters
Surgical experience with performing radical prostatectomy was associated with disease outcome.
By Robert Dreicer, MD, MS, FACP
August 14, 2007
Covering:
Vickers AJ et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 2007 Aug 1; 99:1171-7
Immunotherapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer
Whole-cell immunotherapy, derived from human prostate carcinoma cell lines, was effective in enhancing immune responses in chemotherapy-naive patients with prostate cancer.
By Robert Dreicer, MD, MS, FACP
August 14, 2007
Covering:
Small EJ et al., Clin Cancer Res 2007 Jul 1; 13:3883-91
Inflammation Subsiding as a Suspect in Cognitive Disorders of Aging
Neurology Summary and Comment
Free
The theory that inflammatory mechanisms are a prime target for prevention and treatment of aging-associated cognitive loss is weakened by two well-designed studies.
By Peter J. Whitehouse, MD, PhD
August 14, 2007
Covering:
ADAPT Research Group., Neurology 2007 May 22; 68:1800-8
Kang JH et al., BMJ 2007 May 12; 334:987
Cholinesterase Inhibitors for Dementia — More Studies, Similar Results
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Two new industry-sponsored, multinational studies add to the existing literature on cholinesterase inhibitors for patients with dementia.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
August 9, 2007
Covering:
Auchus AP et al., Neurology 2007 Jul 31; 69:448-58
Black SE et al., Neurology 2007 Jul 31; 69:459-69
Who Progresses from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer Disease?
Neurology Summary and Comment
Free
Although these analyses shed light on variables that affect progression, the predictors are not accurate enough to be used for individual patients.
By Warren J. Strittmatter, MD
August 7, 2007
Covering:
Fleisher AS et al., Neurology 2007 May 8; 68:1588-95
Palmer K et al., Neurology 2007 May 8; 68:1596-602
Kemppainen NM et al., Neurology 2007 May 8; 68:1603-6
Use of SPECT to Differentiate Frontotemporal Dementia from Alzheimer Disease
Neurology Summary and Comment
SPECT did not predict the histologic diagnosis as well as the clinical exam did.
By Joseph C. Masdeu, MD, PhD
August 7, 2007
Covering:
McNeill R et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2007 Apr; 78:350-5
Dentures Improve Effectiveness of Bag-Mask Ventilation
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
The old adage is true: Dentures in for bagging, out for intubation.
By Ron M. Walls, MD, FRCPC, FACEP, FAAEM
August 3, 2007
Covering:
Conlon NP et al., Anesth Analg 2007 Aug; 105:370-3
Predictors of Incomplete Colonoscopy in Ontario
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Rates of colonoscopy completion were low in office-based practices.
By Douglas K. Rex, MD
August 3, 2007
Covering:
Shah HA et al., Gastroenterology 2007 Jun; 132:2297-303
High-Dose Atorvastatin in Patients 65 Years or Older
Cardiology Summary and Comment
The relative benefits of a high versus a low dose were found in older as well as in younger patients.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
August 1, 2007
Covering:
Wenger NK et al., Ann Intern Med 2007 Jul 3; 147:1-9
Do Hip Protectors Prevent Hip Fracture in Nursing Home Residents?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
A novel randomized trial shows no benefit.
By Thomas L. Schwenk, MD
July 31, 2007
Covering:
Kiel DP et al., JAMA 2007 Jul 25; 298:413-22
Screening for Dementia
Neurology Summary and Comment
Screening is increasingly important, but the most appropriate tool depends on the clinical situation.
By Aaron Nelson, PhD
July 31, 2007
Covering:
Holsinger T et al., JAMA 2007 Jun 6; 297:2391-404
Aspirin Chemoprevention of Some Colorectal Cancers Is Mediated by COX-2
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Regular aspirin use resulted in a lower incidence of COX-2-expressing cancers but not of nonexpressing lesions.
By Douglas K. Rex, MD
July 27, 2007
Covering:
Chan AT et al., N Engl J Med 2007 May 24; 356:2131-42
Nothing But the Best?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
For patients with acute MI, the best hospital may not be among "America’s Best."
By Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH
July 25, 2007
Covering:
Wang OJ et al., Arch Intern Med 2007 Jul 9; 167:1345-51
O’Brien SM and Peterson ED., Arch Intern Med 2007 Jul 9; 167:1342-3
Promising Initial Results with CoreValve Percutaneous Aortic Valve Placement
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Device deployment was feasible in most high-risk patients in this small pilot study, but safety issues remain.
By Howard C. Herrmann, MD
July 25, 2007
Covering:
Grube E et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2007 Jul 3; 50:69-76
Carotid Artery Disease and Dementia: Association or Coincidence?
Neurology Summary and Comment
Free
Carotid disease measurements were associated with short-term, but not longer-term, risk for dementia.
By David Knopman, MD
July 24, 2007
Covering:
van Oijen M et al., Ann Neurol 2007 May; 61:403-10
Estradiol Levels and Stroke Risk in Men
Neurology Summary and Comment
In this prospective cohort study of older men, high serum levels of estradiol were associated with increased risk for stroke, but whether estradiol is causal or a marker for increased risk remains unknown.
By Tobias Kurth, MD, ScD
July 24, 2007
Covering:
Abbott RD et al., Neurology 2007 Feb 20; 68:563-8
Typical Features of Atypical Parkinsonism in Guadeloupe
Neurology Summary and Comment
A close look at two forms of a geographically isolated cluster of atypical parkinsonism reveals unexpected similarities.
By Clemens R. Scherzer, MD
July 24, 2007
Covering:
Lannuzel A et al., Brain 2007 Mar; 130:816-27
How Early Can Alzheimer Disease Start?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
In children, apolipoprotein E carrier status correlated with cortical thickness in the brain.
By Barbara Geller, MD
July 23, 2007
Covering:
Shaw P et al., Lancet Neurol 2007 Jun 6; 6:494-500
