More articles from Commentary
- Interpreting the Enhance Trial
The impact of the ENHANCE trial reveals more about the political climate than it does about the effects of ezetimibe on the progression of atherosclerosis.
- Infective endocarditis prophylaxis before dental procedures: New guidelines spark controversy
Many fewer people will need to receive antibiotics, according to new guidelines released by the American Heart Association.
- Four no more: The ‘PSA cutoff era’ is over
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value is only one of the risk factors for prostate cancer, and no PSA value rules cancer in or out. Therefore, our laboratory reports will no longer list 4.0 μg/L as the upper limit of normal. Instead, we will estimate the patient’s actual risk.
- Vulnerable patients are between a ‘ROC and a hard place’: Yes, it’s time to screen for coronary artery disease
In the September 2007 issue, Dr. Michael Lauer rejected the recently proposed Screening for Heart Attack prevention and Education (SHAPE) guidelines. The authors of the SHAPE guidelines would like to address his arguments.
- The Women’s Health Initiative and hormone therapy, 5 years later
“Although I knew then that we were in for a big change, I did not anticipate the total impact.”
- Listen to the sounds of life
My near-death experience taught me to be thankful for the sounds we can hear and treasure.
- Malfunctions in implantable cardiac devices: Putting the risk in perspective
A device recall does not call for panic. Physicians should weigh the risks and benefits for the individual patient.
- The authors reply: Shared appointments can be good care
Shared appointments are not for everybody, but we have found they help in providing access for hopelessly backlogged physicians and are usually enjoyable for both the patients and the physician.
- ‘Thanks for sharing’: A fictional reflection on shared medical appointments
“I’m not an exhibitionist, Doctor. I came here to see you, not to be part of a medical encounter group.”
- The sad story of Vioxx, and what we should learn from it
The withdrawal of rofecoxib (Vioxx) has important implications both for patients with arthritis and for the pharmaceutical field in general.