More articles from From the Editor
- Nontuberculous mycobacterial musculoskeletal infections: Recognizable, when suspected
Two articles in this issue offer valuable insight into when to suspect these infections in patients who present with swollen, indurated, peripheral soft-tissue structures.
- A clinical trial and another clinical practice bites the dust, or should there not be an appendix?
Studies over the past 2 decades have assessed an alternative approach to acute appendicitis: treatment with systemic antibiotics and observation.
- There should be more GOLD in the EMR
We can do better at making the clinical note a useful tool for communication in the electronic medical record.
- Treating anemia: It’s not just the EPO
Long-term effects of treatment with the new oral inhibitors of prolyl hydroxylase will need to be carefully monitored, as prolyl hydroxylase is a key structural component of diverse proteins.
- Potential systemic benefits of shocking or blocking nerves
What has really caught my attention is the expanding research on controlled regional neuromodulation and its impact on systemic physiology and inflammation.
- Anaphylaxis: Expanding our perspective
Anaphylaxis is not always the extreme scenario we learned about in medical school. There is a range of far milder allergic infusion reactions that are nonetheless anaphylaxis.
- Sometimes the look is worth the walk
We do not routinely look at blood smears today. The need for expediency and efficiency limit the time spent on activities with a low yield for influencing care. And yet, for some conditions in some patients, going back to the basics can be clinically rewarding, and even memorable.
- A perspective on discussing COVID-19 vaccines: Efficacy and adverse effects
Physicians should be vigilant and open-minded regarding possible adverse reactions to the vaccines, and should take time to discuss the demonstrated efficacy of vaccines with patients.
- SGLT-2 inhibitors are potential game-changers (for more than diabetes)
Data from large clinical trials and improved understanding of the biologic effects of these drugs are changing expectations for the clinical course in patients with diabetes, as well as chronic kidney disease and heart failure.
- We have a greater understanding of ‘cardiac syndrome X,’ but questions remain
A better understanding of angina due to ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease has led to recognition of coronary microvascular dysfunction in many of these patients.