Table of Contents
From the Editor
- The urge to know: What does iron have to do with infection?
Why might iron supplementation be harmful in the setting of infection?
The Clinical Picture
- Genital lesions and acute urinary retention
A 36-year-old patient has not voided in 48 hours. Catheterization yields 1,250 mL. What is the next step?
Review
- Can a bowel preparation exacerbate heart failure?
A 73-year-old man with a history of heart failure develops shortness of breath after consuming about 1 L of a polyethylene glycol solution in preparation for colonoscopy the next day.
The Clinical Picture
- A 40-year-old woman with excoriated skin lesions
The lesions have been present for many years; a few show signs of recent bleeding. What is the diagnosis?
1-Minute Consult
- Is iron therapy for anemia harmful in the setting of infection?
The harmful effects are more theoretical than observed. On the other hand, there are also no convincing data to support the benefit of this therapy.
Im Board Review
- Recurrent abdominal pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Four months after gallbladder surgery, her pain is back. Why?
Current Drug Therapy
- Dronedarone for atrial fibrillation: How does it compare with amiodarone?
Dronedarone’s precise role is yet to be defined, but if it is as well tolerated as hoped, it may help clinicians pursue a rhythm control strategy more often.
Editorial
- The estimated glomerular filtration rate as a test for chronic kidney disease: Problems and solutions
Creatinine-based testing is not perfect. Perhaps a two-step approach would be better.
Review
- Interpreting the estimated glomerular filtration rate in primary care: Benefits and pitfalls
Many laboratories are now reporting the glomerular filtration rate automatically, and primary care providers are left trying to interpret the results.
Cancer Diagnosis and Management
- Malignant bowel obstruction: Individualized treatment near the end of life
Surgery should not be routinely done. Less-invasive approaches such as gastric and colonic stenting are useful.
Departments
- Menstrual manipulation (July 2010)
A reader comments on oral contraceptives and menstrual manipulation (July 2010).