Latest Articles
- Deep venous thrombosis: low-molecular-weight heparins in perioperative prophylaxis
Although low-molecular weight heparins have theoretical advantages over standard heparin in preventing DVT, the differences in outcome have not been dramatic. The important issue is to give some form of prophylactic therapy.
- Perioperative care of the elderly patient: special considerations
For the elderly, surgical risk factors such as underlying disease or the nature of the surgery are more important than age alone. A preoperative assessment can help define risk.
- Methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis: when NSAIDs fail
With diligent monitoring, low-dose methotrexate is effective for treating selected patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and it is safer than previously thought.
- Preoperative screenings What tests are necessary?
Ordering preoperative tests is as easy as checking a form. But what tests are worthwhile for which patients?
- Are calcium antagonists safe?
Recent studies have generated a storm of controversy. A member of the NIH committee on calcium-channel blockers gives his perspective.
- Postoperative confusion in a 42-year-old man
Recognizing the cause of postoperative confusion and treating the problem: a self-test
- The preoperative bleeding time test: assessing its clinical usefulness
Because of the bleeding time test's low value in predicting perioperative bleeding, it should be abandoned as a routine screening test.
- Postoperative pulmonary complications: risk assessment, prevention, and treatment
Preoperative pulmonary function testing is needed only in high-risk patients; proper management can decrease the risk.