Table of Contents
From the Editor
- ‘Interpreting Key Trials’: Doing what we do best
A key CCJM mission is to quickly translate the results of important trials into practical clinical advice.
Medical Grand Rounds
- Appropriate use of DNR orders: A practical approach
A procedure and rationale for resolving conflict and reaching consensus about end-of-life care.
1-Minute Consult
How should patients taking the discontinued diabetes drug troglitazone be managed?The newer insulin sensitizers appear safe, but monitoring for hepatotoxicity is still warranted.
- When do you x-ray ankle sprains in patients with acute ankle injuries?
Many are sprained, but few are fractured.
Cancer Diagnosis and Management
- Cancer genetics for the clinician: Recommendations on screening for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations
The discovery of cancer-related genes raises difficult questions for clinicians and patients.
Patient Information
Review
- Transesophageal echocardiography: First-line imaging for aortic diseases
Because transesophageal echocardiography is fast, portable, and widely available, it is ideal for diagnosing potentially catastrophic diseases of the aorta.
Interpreting Key Trials
- Alpha-blockers and congestive heart failure: Early termination of an arm of the ALLHAT trial
Current guidelines for treating high blood pressure need to be changed, in light of surprising findings from a major study.
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome: Low-stretch ventilation improves survival
By setting the respirator to deliver smaller volumes of air than traditionally used, we can decrease the mortality rate by one fifth.
Caring for Older Patients
- Effective treatment of Alzheimer disease and its complications
Prompt and careful treatment can improve the quality of life for Alzheimer patients.
