Although digoxin has a very long clinical history, no randomized controlled trial has evaluated the use of digoxin for atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, the evidence for its use in AF is based on post hoc analyses of RCTs or on findings from observational studies. Several studies have shown the association of digoxin use with increased mortality rates. However, other studies have reported the opposite conclusions, and it remains controversial whether digoxin use is associated with increased mortality in patients with AF.
The current treatment paradigm might need to evolve to adjust to rapid diagnostics and narrowing down the antibiotics to aid in optimal outcomes for sicker patients with gram-negative infections.
2009 may very well be looked back on as the year that social media �nally came into its own in healthcare. Compared to how things were a couple years ago, the current level of penetration, acceptance, and utilization of social media tools of all stripes within healthcare is striking. Here, we present summaries of some of the biggest stories and trends in healthcare social media from 2009.
Features of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) include obstruction at the left ventricular outflow tract (caused by a markedly thickened proximal interventricular septum) and systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. The case discussed here illustrates several classic features of this disease including clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and noninvasive and invasive management.
A recent study has raised concerns about the use of prescribed anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs, especially given their addictive nature.
By screening during primary care visits, patients are now more aware than ever about their possibility of depression and other mental health disorders.
The presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke and thromboembolism (TE) as well as the risk of bleeding, thus complicating their treatment. In this context, it has been suggested that CKD should be included in the CHA2DS2-VASc (Congestive heart failure; Hypertension; Age ≥75 years; Diabetes mellitus; previous Stroke, transient ischemic attack, or thromboembolism; Vascular disease; Age 65 to 74 years; Sex category) score.
In low-income areas where educational and career opportunities are limited, the AMA's Doctors Back to School Program works to give students a vision of something bigger.
Diana Farid and her 18-yr-old patient shared names of Middle-Eastern origin. Beyond that, they had little in common.
We recruited 973 patients (mean age, 81 years) with atrial fibrillation from the primary care setting and randomly assigned them to receive anticoagulation with warfarin or aspirin.
Ravish Patwardhan, MD, is the founder and director of the Comprehensive Neurosurgery Network (www.brainandspinecare.com), which "specializes in minimally invasive techniques for treating brain and spine problems." Patwardhan has more than 12 years of experience in the neurosurgery industry and has published several peer-reviewed studies on brain trauma, tumors, epilepsy, and spinal procedures. He is also a frequent speaker on the latest treatments and advances in brain and spinal surgeries.
Migraines, including those with aura, are common and generally benign, affecting between 10% and 15% of the population.