Geriatrics
- Phlegmasia cerulea dolens from radiation-induced venous stenosis
The patient had received pelvic radiation 10 years earlier for prostate cancer.
- Abdominal pain under immunosuppressive conditions
A cancer patient receiving corticosteroids for a brain metastasis developed emphysematous cystitis and psoas muscle abscess.
- Influenza: Still more important than Zika virus in 2016–2017
Despite all the news reports, infl uenza still kills or hospitalizes more people than Zika.
- Are there alternatives to surgery for Zenker diverticulum?
High rates of complications in elderly patients have led to the development of endoscopic procedures.
- Is there a time limit for systemic menopausal hormone therapy?
The duration needs to be an individualized, shared decision that is reassessed annually.
- Are we causing anemia by ordering unnecessary blood tests?
Iatrogenic anemia from blood draws is common, serious, and unnecessary.
- Navigating pneumococcal vaccination in adults
With two nonequivalent vaccines and different schedules for different groups, vaccination can be confusing.
- Opioids for persistent pain in older adults
Legitimate need must be balanced against the risks, especially in older patients.
- Predicting is tough, especially about the future
All risk calculators—not just for anticoagulation—are based on the “average” patient. And no patient is average.
- How can I predict bleeding in my elderly patient taking anticoagulants?
We have tools, but their predictive value is modest. Clinical judgment is important.