Table of Contents
From the Editor
- Predicting is tough, especially about the future
All risk calculators—not just for anticoagulation—are based on the “average” patient. And no patient is average.
The Clinical Picture
- Hordeolum: Acute abscess within an eyelid sebaceous gland
Chalazion and hordeolum are similar in appearance and often confused.
- This is not an acute coronary syndrome
Stress cardiomyopathy—broken heart syndrome—typically affects older women exposed to a stressful life event.
- Epiglottic cysts in clinical practice
If the cysts are symptomatic, patients describe nonspecific pharyngeal discomfort or a foreign-body sensation.
Review
- Measles: Back again
The disease is serious and highly contagious. Vaccination is safe and should be strongly promoted for healthy children.
1-Minute Consult
- How can I predict bleeding in my elderly patient taking anticoagulants?
We have tools, but their predictive value is modest. Clinical judgment is important.
Cardiovascular Board Review
- An 85-year-old woman with respiratory failure and positional hypoxemia
Her oxygen saturation was more than 93% when lying down but dropped to less than 85% when she was upright.
Review
- Self-monitoring of blood glucose: Advice for providers and patients
Self-monitoring provides essential data and also motivates patients. A certified diabetes educator can help.
- Pseudomembranous colitis: Not always Clostridium difficile
Other causes include other infections, ischemia, medications, and inflammatory mucosal diseases.
- Reproductive health and the environment: Counseling patients about risks
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are ubiquitous and affect multiple pathways. The precautionary principle should apply.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults: A practical guide for internistsPrinciples, patient selection, monitoring, and complications of this form of life support.
- Evaluation of nail lines: Color and shape hold clues
Inspection of the fingernails and toenails should be part of a complete physical examination.
Departments
- Allergen-specific IgE serologic assays define sensitization, not disease (January 2016)
A reader comments on serum IgE testing for allergy (January 2016).
