More articles from Medical Grand Rounds
- Thalidomide’s tightly controlled “comeback”
A drug that was banned 40 years ago because of its potential for causing serious birth defects has found new uses—with strict safeguards.
- Beta2-microglobulin amyloidosis in renal failure: Understanding this recently recognized condition
Most long-term dialysis patients eventually acquire amyloid deposits, with resultant musculoskeletal problems. Yet, the condition was recognized only recently.
- Is stress linked to heart disease?
Recent evidence confirms the popular folklore that mental stress has harmful effects on coronary health. Stress management programs are beneficial in coronary rehabilitation.
- New technology and new challenges for assisted reproduction
With advances in the science of reproduction come more options, and more ethical dilemmas.
- Deep brain stimulation reduces symptoms of Parkinson disease
When medications fail to control the symptoms of Parkinson disease, either surgery or a small implanted electrical device can help. With an illustration of how deep brain stimulation works.
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: Guidance amid uncertainty
A panel of experts has issued clinical guidelines for treating thrombocytopenic purpura, but points out that we lack solid evidence from randomized trials.
- The keyhole or the manhole? What internists need to know about minimally invasive CABG
Thousands of patients have undergone minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery, but some have contraindications to it. With an illustration showing the two major minimally invasive techniques.
- The prostate cancer screening controversy in perspective
The value of screening for prostate cancer is not yet proven, hut the magnitude of the problem argues for action.
- Ultrasound and alendronate: New tools for osteoporosis screening and treatment
Ultrasound should make osteoporosis easier to diagnose, and alendronate should make it easier to treat.
- New options for diagnosing and treating acromegaly
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a more sensitive clinical marker of acromegaly than growth hormone. Two new somatostatin analogs are available for treatment. With an illustration explaining the growth hormone cascade.