Body-Weight–Supported Treadmill Rehabilitation After Stroke
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In a randomized trial, this intervention was no better than home physical therapy.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
June 9, 2011
Covering:
Duncan PW et al., N Engl J Med 2011 May 26; 364:2026
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Reasonable Alternative to High-Risk Surgery?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
TAVI proves noninferior to surgical valve replacement in regard to short-term efficacy, although safety concerns linger.
By Beat J. Meyer, MD
June 8, 2011
Covering:
Smith CR et al. for the PARTNER Trial Investigators., N Engl J Med 2011 Jun 9; 364:2187
Schaff HV., N Engl J Med 2011 Jun 9; 364:2256
Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Neurology Summary and Comment
Currently available neurothrombectomy devices are associated with high rates of recanalization and relatively low rates of harm, according to a meta-analysis.
By Jeremy Fields, MD, and Helmi Lutsep, MD
June 7, 2011
Covering:
Baker WL et al., Ann Intern Med 2011 Feb 15; 154:243
Khatri P., Ann Intern Med 2011 Feb 15; 154:285
CT Angiography for Diagnosing Cerebral Aneurysms
Neurology Summary and Comment
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Computed tomographic angiography is a highly accurate technique for diagnosing cerebral aneurysms in symptomatic patients, according to a meta-analysis of CTA studies.
By Max Wintermark, MD
May 31, 2011
Covering:
Menke J et al., Ann Neurol 2011 Apr; 69:646
Skin Surgery Complications in Patients on Clopidogrel
Dermatology Summary and Comment
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The drug was associated with significantly increased risk for severe postoperative wound complications.
By George J. Hruza, MD
May 20, 2011
Covering:
Cook-Norris RH et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2011 Apr 22
Guidelines: Extracranial Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease
Neurology Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
Free
Experts address the appropriate use of contemporary imaging and revascularization techniques and identify important gaps in the evidence base to guide future research.
SAMMPRIS Trial Halted
Neurology News in Context
Free
Newly released data suggest that intensive medical management alone is better than angioplasty plus stenting in patients with recently symptomatic, high-grade intracranial arterial stenosis.
Screening Children for Silent Cardiac Conditions
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
A study with implications for clinicians who prescribe stimulants and other psychotropic drugs to children
Telemedicine for Stroke Care: The Finnish Experience
Neurology Summary and Comment
Free
Two-year outcomes support the safety and effectiveness of telestroke.
By Brett C. Meyer, MD
April 5, 2011
Covering:
Sairanen T et al., Neurology 2011 Mar 29; 76:1145
Delirium After Stroke
Neurology Summary and Comment
Nearly 12% of patients admitted to a stroke unit experienced delirium in the first week, and delirium was associated with poor prognosis.
By David Knopman, MD
April 5, 2011
Covering:
Oldenbeuving AW et al., Neurology 2011 Mar 15; 76:993
Diet and MRI-Confirmed Infarcts in Elders
Neurology Summary and Comment
Among people aged 65 or older, compliance with a Mediterranean diet significantly reduced the prevalence of brain infarcts.
By Marc Fisher, MD
April 5, 2011
Covering:
Scarmeas N et al., Ann Neurol 2011 Feb; 69:257
Aspirin Discontinuation and Cerebrovascular Events
Neurology Summary and Comment
Does discontinuation increase the risk for stroke or transient ischemic attack?
Antidepressant Use and Risk for Stroke
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Stroke risk seems to increase, especially in patients without long exposure to antidepressants.
By Joel Yager, MD
April 4, 2011
Covering:
Wu C-S et al., Am J Psychiatry 2011 Mar 15
Does Clopidogrel Reduce the Effectiveness of Proton-Pump Inhibitors?
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Free
In patients receiving clopidogrel for atherosclerosis, esomeprazole was effective in reducing peptic ulcer recurrence.
Venous Thromboembolism and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Risk for VTE was two times higher in patients with IBD than in sex- and age-matched controls.
Clopidogrel and Proton-Pump Inhibitors after Myocardial Infarction
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
PPI use was not associated with excess risk for adverse cardiovascular events or mortality in clopidogrel-treated patients, regardless of their CYP2C19 genotype.
An ARB for Hypertensive Patients with Acute Stroke?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
The angiotensin-receptor blocker candesartan didn't improve outcomes.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
March 24, 2011
Covering:
Sandset EC et al., Lancet 2011 Feb 26; 377:741
Is It Time to Smell the Coffee?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Among Swedish women, drinking little or no coffee was associated with higher stroke risk.
Hypertonic Saline vs. Mannitol for Treating Elevated Intracranial Pressure
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
This small meta-analysis gives no reason to use hypertonic saline rather than mannitol.
Guidelines: Extracranial Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease
Cardiology Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
Free
Experts address the appropriate use of contemporary imaging and revascularization techniques and identify important gaps in the evidence base to guide future research.
By Beat J. Meyer, MD
March 16, 2011
Covering:
Brott TG et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2011 Feb 22; 57:1002
Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Irbesartan fails to reduce adverse event rates in ACTIVE I participants.
Alcohol Lowers Risk for CHD and Mortality
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Coronary heart disease and 11-year all-cause mortality were lower with 1 or 2 drinks daily.
Do Transfusions Prevent Recurrent Strokes in Children with Sickle Cell Disease?
Silent or overt cerebral infarction occurred in 45% of patients who were receiving blood transfusion therapy.
Which Patients Are Fit to Drive After a Stroke?
Neurology Summary and Comment
Free
The pertinent issue may be not which patients are likely to fail a road test, but rather who should take the test in the first place.
By Germaine L. Odenheimer, MD
March 15, 2011
Covering:
Devos H et al., Neurology 2011 Feb 22; 76:747
Antihypertensive Treatment in Patients Without Hypertension
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Morbidity and mortality were lowered — but only in patients with known cardiovascular disease.
By Thomas L. Schwenk, MD
March 8, 2011
Covering:
Thompson AM et al., JAMA 2011 Mar 2; 305:913
Ventura HO and Lavie CJ., JAMA 2011 Mar 2; 305:940
