For the busy clinician and scientist, On The Wards - Journal Stream is a collection of journal articles (with ultra-brief descriptions) that are relevant to the art and practice of medicine.
Posted June 5th, 2008 in Cardiology, Endocrinology
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends screening for type 2 diabetes in adults with sustained blood pressures above 135/80 mm Hg (with or without antihypertensive medications). The benefits of early identification of diabetes and treating to reduce its cardiovascular consequences outweigh the minimal risks of screening-related anxiety.
Source: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med 2008;148:846-54.
Posted June 4th, 2008 in Pulmonology
A meta-analysis of 21 double-blinded randomized control trials shows that a short-course of antibiotics (< or = 5 days) used in standard treatment for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and COPD is just as effective as longer treatment courses (> 5 days).
Source: El Moussaoui R, Roede BM, Speelman P, et al. Short-course antibiotic treatment in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and COPD: a meta-analysis of double-blind studies. Thorax 2008;63:415-22.
Posted May 31st, 2008 in Gastroenterology, Surgery
Entereg (alvimopan), a mu-opioid receptor antagonist designed to treat opioid-induced constipation, has recently been approved by the FDA to help restore bowel function following partial bowel resection. Common side effects include hypocalcemia, anemia, constipation, dyspepsia, and flatulence. One study revealed a higher incidence of myocardial infarctions than placebo, but the relationship was not present in other studies.
Source: FDA Press Release
