Top Medical Stories of 2007
General Medicine Letter to Readers
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. . . as chosen by the editors of <$EMPH_O>Journal Watch<$EMPH_C>.
Medical vs. Invasive Approaches in Patients with Stable Angina
Although patients benefited similarly from both approaches in a randomized trial, cardiologists believe that PCI is better.
Surgery or Watchful Waiting for Lumbar Disk Herniation?
Long-term results are comparable, so patient choice plays a big role.
Rosiglitazone: Unclear Evidence, Uncertain Practice
Does rosiglitazone significantly increase risk for cardiovascular death or MI? It depends on how the data are analyzed . . .
Effects of Inhaled Therapy on Mortality in COPD
Active therapies didn't lower 3-year mortality significantly, but some outcomes were better with combined therapy or long-acting β-agonist monotherapy than with steroid monotherapy.
New Guidelines for Prevention of Endocarditis
Now that the AHA has updated its guidelines, many fewer patients should receive antibiotic courses before routine procedures.
Benefits and Risks of Long-Term Alendronate
The FLEX study results help us determine for whom long-term alendronate therapy is beneficial.
A Bad Year for Pharmaceutical Erythropoietins
Epoetins are valuable agents but should be used sparingly.
By Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP
December 28, 2007
Circumcision to Prevent HIV: A Promising Strategy Raises Provocative Questions
Circumcision in high-risk adult males lowers their rate of HIV infection, but will this procedure be culturally acceptable?
Dietary Supplements Don’t Prevent Cognitive Decline, CVD, or Infections
Several studies and a meta-analysis all led to the same conclusion — no benefit from supplementation.
