Table of Contents

Recent studies have generated a storm of controversy. A member of the NIH committee on calcium-channel blockers gives his perspective.

With diligent monitoring, low-dose methotrexate is effective for treating selected patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and it is safer than previously thought.

Although medical therapy should be started as soon as dissection of the aorta is suspected, new imaging methods help confirm the diagnosis.

Ways internists can improve their effectiveness in evaluating patients, managing surgical complications and communicating with referring physicians.

Although low-molecular weight heparins have theoretical advantages over standard heparin in preventing DVT, the differences in outcome have not been dramatic. The important issue is to give some form of prophylactic therapy.

Recognizing the cause of postoperative confusion and treating the problem: a self-test

Assessing the effect of cirrhosis on coagulation and preventing perioperative bleeding: a self-test

Ordering preoperative tests is as easy as checking a form. But what tests are worthwhile for which patients?

Because of the bleeding time test's low value in predicting perioperative bleeding, it should be abandoned as a routine screening test.

For the elderly, surgical risk factors such as underlying disease or the nature of the surgery are more important than age alone. A preoperative assessment can help define risk.

The history, examination, and resting EKG are the cornerstone of cardiac risk assessment, but new techniques are available for questionable cases.

Preoperative pulmonary function testing is needed only in high-risk patients; proper management can decrease the risk.