More articles from 1-Minute Consult
- Does my patient with acute variceal hemorrhage need a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt?
Placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt can be used as salvage therapy to control bleeding when endoscopic management fails and as a means of secondary prophylaxis in select patients.
- Should an NPO order be placed for my patient with acute pancreatitis?
Resting the pancreas with extended periods of nothing by mouth status or total parenteral nutrition is no longer considered the standard of care.
- Do I always need a central venous catheter to administer vasopressors?
Although generally preferred, central venous catheters carry risks such as procedural complications, infection, and thrombosis. Clinicians must assess, case by case, whether a peripheral intravenous catheter can be used.
- Should I refer my patient for a parathyroidectomy?
In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, this decision should be individualized and not based solely on whether guideline criteria are met.
- Does every patient with lactational mastitis require antibiotic treatment?
Not all do. Depending on the duration and severity of symptoms, some patients can be managed conservatively.
- When should I give corticosteroids to my patient with Pneumocystis pneumonia?
Patients with HIV infection who are hypoxemic should receive corticosteroids. Evidence for patients without HIV infection is limited.
- Microscopic colitis: What is it, and what are the treatment options?
Budesonide, first-line therapy for this inflammatory disorder characterized by chronic diarrhea, improves symptoms and quality of life.
- Is there a role for chronic suppressive therapy in herpes simplex virus infection?
Yes, in patients with recurrent oral and genital HSV-2 infection and oral HSV-1 infection.
- Does my patient have testosterone deficiency?
Diagnosis of testosterone deficiency requires the presence of relevant signs or symptoms along with biochemical evidence.
- What are the management considerations for venous thromboembolic events in patients with cirrhosis?
The authors review the current evidence on venous thromboembolic event (VTE) risk prediction in patients with cirrhosis, as well as VTE prophylaxis and anticoagulant therapy.