Beta-Blockers in Heart Failure Patients with Preserved Systolic Function
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Findings from a SENIORS substudy suggest that the benefits of beta blockade extend to patients without LVSD.
Beta-Blockade for Heart Failure: What to Aim For?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A meta-analysis suggests that improvements in mortality with beta-blockers are more strongly associated with the heart rate achieved than with dose.
Current Statin Use and Risk for Pneumonia
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Statin use did not lower risk among immunocompetent community-dwelling older adults.
Can Your Personality Increase Your Survival?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Being conscientious and open to experience may reduce your mortality risk.
By Joel Yager, MD
July 13, 2009
Covering:
Taylor MD et al., Psychosom Med 2009 May 28
First-Degree Atrioventricular Block Not as Benign as Previously Thought
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Long-term risk for atrial fibrillation, pacemaker placement, and all-cause mortality rose roughly 1.5- to 3-fold.
Colorectal Cancer After Screening with Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Interim study results suggest some benefit.
Visual Perception in Delirium
Neurology Summary and Comment
Do deficits in visual perception underlie perceptual disturbances in patients with delirium?
By Zeina Chemali, MD, MPH
July 7, 2009
Covering:
Brown LJE et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2009 Jun; 80:594
Delirium Can Happen to Anyone
Hospital Medicine Summary and Comment
Delirium in surgical and trauma patients occurred at a high rate and led to longer hospital stays.
Trends in In-Hospital CPR in Elders
General Medicine Summary and Comment
A rising proportion of hospital deaths are preceded by CPR.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
July 1, 2009
Covering:
Ehlenbach WJ et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Jul 2; 361:22
Previously Unknown Protein Contributes to Huntington Disease
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Although the mutant protein that causes HD is known, targeting it is difficult; a newly discovered cofactor might be an easier goal.
Worrying About Alzheimer Disease? Don’t!
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
In this animal model of AD, chronic stress worsened the impact of amyloid-β on learning, memory, and electrophysiologic response.
By Steven Dubovsky, MD
June 29, 2009
Covering:
Srivareerat M et al., Biol Psychiatry 2009 Jun 1; 65:918
Alberini CM., Biol Psychiatry 2009 Jun 1; 65:916
BP-Lowering Drugs and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
All five classes of BP-lowering drugs were effective, regardless of patients’ histories.
The Search Continues for Effective Nonhormonal Therapies for Hot Flashes
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Acupuncture and a Chinese herbal combination resulted in modest reductions in hot flash frequency.
By Robert W. Rebar, MD
June 25, 2009
Covering:
Borud EK et al., Menopause 2009 May/Jun; 16:484
Soares CN., Menopause 2009 May/Jun; 16:434
Grady D et al., Menopause 2009 May/Jun; 16:458
Kaunitz AM., Menopause 2009 May/Jun; 16:428
Dosing of Influenza Vaccine in Older Adults: More Is Better
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Phase III trial data further support the use of high-dose influenza vaccine in older adults.
By Larry M. Baddour, MD
June 24, 2009
Covering:
Falsey AR et al., J Infect Dis 2009 Jul 15; 200:172
Poland GA and Mulligan MJ., J Infect Dis 2009 Jul 15; 200:161
CT Colonography in Patients at Elevated Risk for Colorectal Cancer
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Results were accurate in most high-risk patients.
The Environment and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Neighborhood characteristics may contribute to risk for depressive symptoms.
By Joel Yager, MD
June 22, 2009
Covering:
Beard JR et al., Am J Public Health 2009 Jul; 99:1308
Inhibit Histone Deacetylase Type 2 to Improve Memory?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Results from an animal study might indicate a new research avenue.
ASCO 2009 Report: Genitourinary Cancer
Trial results of new treatments for prostate, urothelial, and renal cancers
Physician Continuity from Outpatient to Inpatient Care Is Declining
Hospital Medicine Summary and Comment
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The surge in hospitalist care is among several factors responsible.
Video Decision-Support Tool Is Effective for Advance Care Planning in Dementia
General Medicine Summary and Comment
A video depiction of advanced dementia persuaded older people to choose comfort care.
More Surprises About the Menopausal Transition
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Hot flashes persisted for longer than previously believed, and sexual function was influenced most strongly by perceived importance of sex.
By Robert W. Rebar, MD
June 11, 2009
Covering:
Col NF et al., Menopause 2009 May/Jun; 16:453
Avis NE et al., Menopause 2009 May/Jun; 16:442
Should Carotid Stenting Be Performed in Octogenarians?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Results of a case series suggest that the procedure can be safe and effective, but its net benefit in these patients remains to be determined.
By Howard C. Herrmann, MD
June 10, 2009
Covering:
Chiam PTL et al., Circulation 2009 May 5; 119:2343
Belkin M and Bhatt DL., Circulation 2009 May 5; 119:2302
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Oncology and Hematology Summary and Comment
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Six months (vs. 3 years) of androgen suppression provided inferior survival for patients with locally advanced disease.
By Robert Dreicer, MD, MS, FACP
June 10, 2009
Covering:
Bolla M et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Jun 11; 360:2516
Albertsen P., N Engl J Med 2009 Jun 11; 360:2572
Transient Ischemic Episodes Portend Poor Prognosis in ACS Patients
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Risks were elevated for cardiovascular death, MI, and recurrent ischemia.
By Kirsten E. Fleischmann, MD, MPH
June 9, 2009
Covering:
Scirica BM et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2009 Apr 21; 53:1411
Tzivoni D and Krucoff MW., J Am Coll Cardiol 2009 Apr 21; 53:1422
"Microdose" Transdermal Estradiol: As Effective as Raloxifene in Preventing Bone Loss?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Even very low doses of estrogen can help prevent bone loss.
By Robert W. Rebar, MD
June 9, 2009
Covering:
Schaefers M et al., Menopause 2009 May/Jun; 16:559
