Table of Contents
From the Editor
- A syringe in the hand is worth two birds in the bush
Short of a true pandemic, there is much we can do to make the 2005–2006 flu season a kinder, gentler one.
Current Drug Therapy
- DHEA supplementation: The claims in perspective
Low DHEA levels are seen in a variety of diseases, but whether supplemental DHEA will help remains unproven.
- Safety of statins: Effects on muscle and the liver
Hepatotoxicity and myopathy are uncommon but worrisome. ALT and AST should be measured at baseline and periodically during statin therapy.
Review
Hepatitis C infection: A systemic disease with extrahepatic manifestationsAlmost 40% of patients with hepatitis C develop at least one extrahepatic manifestation during the course of the disease.
The Clinical Picture
- A 73-year-old woman with chronic nonhealing cellulitis
She has undergone extensive treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids, without success. What is the likely diagnosis?
Review
- Anemia in chronic heart failure: Can EPO reduce deaths?
Many patients with chronic heart failure also have anemia, but whether treating the anemia will improve outcomes has yet to be determined.
Current Drug Therapy
- What is a ‘failure’ of bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis?
Assessing the effectiveness of bisphosphonate therapy is problematic. The true measure is prevention of new fractures.
Medical Grand Rounds
- Influenza 2005–2006
Behind the preparation for the current influenza season are fears that the simmering outbreak of avian influenza in animals could lead to a pandemic in humans.
Im Board Review
- A 39-year-old man with sudden onset of chest pain
He has a history of a transient ischemic attack and poorly controlled hypertension. What is the likely diagnosis?
