Table of Contents
From the Editor
Editorial
- Supplements and the prostate: Widespread use, little evidence
What should we tell the many men who take supplements for the prostate?
- Mechanical cardiac support: Is the bridge a destination when you’re stuck on it?
Mechanical support of the circulation raises myriad problems. Answers will come, but slowly.
Im Board Review
- An 18-year-old man with swelling in his left thumb
What is the cause of this patients symptoms? A self-test.
Review
- Isoflavones and the prevention and treatment of prostate disease: Is there a role?
Conclusive proof can only come from clinical trials.
Mechanical treatment of heart failure: The growing role of LVADs and artificial heartsThe devices can keep a patient alive while waiting for a transplant, and they might allow a damaged heart to recover.
1-Minute Consult
- When should prophylactic colectomy be considered in patients with ulcerative colitis?
Prophylactic colectomy eliminates the risk of colorectal cancer, but almost always leads to a lower quality of life.
- Do patients who fail to complete a hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccination series have to restart it?
Limited data indicate that neither series need he restarted.
Medical Grand Rounds
- Supersized America: Help your patients regain control of their weight
Despite disheartening statistics, patients are more likely to lose weight if their physicians encourage them to do so.
- Erectile dysfunction: Why drug therapy isn’t always enough
We must not neglect the central role of the mind and emotional relationships in sexual physiology.
Review
- Osteoporosis in men: Suspect secondary disease first
Osteoporosis is a disease not only of women. In men particularly, we need to seek an underlying cause.
- Microalbuminuria: Is it a valid predictor of cardiovascular risk?
Protein in the urine is bad, even in small amounts. The risks, possible mechanisms, and recommendations.
Interpreting Key Trials
- The ALLHAT Trial
Diuretics are unsurpassed in lowering blood pressure, reducing clinical events, tolerability, and low cost.
Commentary
On April 14, 2003, almost every medical provider in this country must implement new federal privacy rules. Here’s how.