Table of Contents
Highlights from Medical Grand Rounds
- Uric Acid Nephropathy: Management Pearls
Patients with uric acid renal calculi are best treated with hydration and urinary alkalinization, not surgery or lithotripsy.
- Differential Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Vasculitis
The usual cause of hypersensitivity vasculitis is exposure to a drug or toxin, but infection, Henoch Schönlein purpura, and connective tissue diseases also are possible.
Bench to Bedside
- New Series
An innovative series will address issues in basic science that are relevant to the practice of medicine.
- Intra-arterial chemotherapy for brain tumors
A program involving rabbit and human protocols demonstrates the successful integration of basic and clinical research with practical applications.
Dermatology Review
- Evaluation and treatment of generalized pruritus
Generalized pruritus that does not respond quickly to symptomatic therapy requires careful evaluation and close follow-up.
Memorial
- Stanley O. Hoerr, MD (1909–1990)
Dr. Stanley Hoerr left his colleagues and friends with a legacy of compassion, leadership, and integrity.
Clinical Consultation
- Stasis ulcer treatment with compression dressing
An easy-to-learn alternative to the Unna boot is effective and well accepted by patients, with minimal risk of complications.
Editorial
- Deprenyl and Parkinson’s disease: new use for an old drug
Parkinson’s patients treated with deprenyl note modest but consistent clinical improvement.
Cardiology Reviews
- Recombinant t-PA and platelet activity
The effects of rt-PA on platelet activity could have a direct impact on thrombolytic efficacy, coronary artery reocclusion, and risk of hemorrhage.
- Assessment of the size of acute myocardial infarction I: biochemical methods
For routine purposes, measurement of slowly catabolized enzymes is the most practical way to determine infarct size.
- Assessment of the size of acute myocardial infarction II: electrocardiography and imaging methods
The electrocardiogram gives a reasonable estimate of infarct size; among visual methods, magnetic resonance imaging has the greatest potential for accuracy.
- Diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis
Despite therapeutic advances, infective endocarditis still has an overall mortality of 20%; transesophageal echocardiography may improve the management of these patients.
Managing the Diabetic Syndrome
- Pancreas transplantation: alternatives and limitations
Future alternatives to traditional insulin administration include closed-loop delivery systems and islet cell transplantation.
- Pancreas transplantation: state of the art
With improved immunosuppressive therapy, pancreas transplantation may become an option for diabetic patients early in the course of their disease.
Case Report
- Monocytic leukemoid reaction, glucocorticoid therapy, and myelodysplastic syndrome
A monocytic leukemoid reaction in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome was related to the effect of corticosteroids on the underlying marrow disorder.
- Myelodysplastic syndrome and transient acantholytic dermatosis
Darier’s type of transient acantholytic dermatosis developed in a patient with myelodysplasia and was treated with steroids and antihistamines.