More articles from Review
- What physicians can do to prevent suicide
No one can predict whether any given patient will or will not attempt suicide, but we should notice when a patient might be at risk—and not be afraid to ask about it.
Omalizumab: Where does it fit into current asthma management?This drug offers substantial promise, but owing to its cost and other limitations, it is not a first-line therapy.
- Pulmonary sarcoidosis: New genetic clues and ongoing treatment controversies
The wide-ranging manifestations of sarcoidosis can make its diagnosis and management difficult.
The internist’s role in managing diabetic retinopathy: Screening for early detectionEarly treatment of diabetic retinopathy can prevent visual loss. Internists can ensure that patients get screened annually.
- The preoperative evaluation: Use the history and physical rather than routine testing
The cornerstone of the preoperative evaluation is a thorough history and physical examination, not routine laboratory testing.
Whole-body CT screening for cancer and coronary disease: Does it pass the test?Computed tomography (CT) is not an ideal screening tool, but neither is any other test. Since CT screening is already in use, we should set standards for it, based on scientific criteria.
- How to use statins in patients with chronic liver disease
Statin-induced liver disease is uncommon, and there is little evidence to suggest that it is more likely in patients with chronic liver disease.
- New fibrinolytic agents for MI: As effective as current agents, but easier to administer
Ease of administration is important. Many patients who might be candidates for fibrinolytic therapy are not getting it, and the complicated regimens of the current drugs may partly account for their underuse.
Endovascular therapy or conventional vascular surgery? A complex choiceAortic aneurysms, carotid stenosis, peripheral vascular disease, and stenosis of visceral vessels can now be treated percutaneously, but less invasive isn’t always better.
- Who should be taking aspirin to prevent coronary events?
How to use the estimated coronary risk in deciding whether to prescribe long-term aspirin therapy, with an algorithm and three brief examples.