Hospital Medicine

Results of the ARMYDA-9 CAROTID trial indicate that loading with 600 mg clopidogrel and high-dose atorvastatin in carotid stent patients independently result in improved neurological outcomes.

Study results presented at ACC.13, the 62nd Annual Scientific Session & Expo of the American College of Cardiology, reveal that in selected STEMI patients, deferred stenting may reduce no-reflow and thrombotic events compared with immediate stenting.

Though two new blood clot removal devices only recently received FDA approval for clinical use, specialists at the Stony Brook University Cerebrovascular and Stroke Center have already seen improved outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients after performing endovascular treatments with both advanced technologies.

Several studies recently have looked at the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and increased pain sensitivity.

Researchers report that certain classes of comorbidities increase mortality risk in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding, but the presence of any comorbidities also affects mortality risk.

A retrospective review of records from a large medical database finds that patients with sleep apnea face a substantially higher risk of developing peptic ulcer.

A roundup of recently published articles on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of hyponatremia in a variety of patient populations and clinical settings.

Research into prognostic models that focus on serum sodium levels in an effort to identify patients awaiting liver transplant who may be at higher risk of poor outcomes have been inconclusive.

Use of blood volume analysis can help clinicians more accurately identify contributing factors to hyponatremia and avoid contraindicated interventions.

The most important treatment outcome in hepatitis C is sustained virological response, due to its impact on reducing the risks of liver-related mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic decompensation. The degree of baseline liver disease, IL28B genotype, and HCV genotype are important determinants of response to treatment.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fastest rising cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, there are several stages along the way from healthy liver to malignant transformation that offer opportunities for detection and intervention.

Researchers have identified several mutations of genes that could predispose someone to chronic pancreatitis, while thinking has also changed when it comes to treating the pain associated with this chronic condition.

Autoimmune hepatitis often responds well to steroid therapy but identifying the disease and the best approach to management is filled with complexities.

Linzess (linaclotide capsules) was approved in August 2012 by the FDA as a once-daily treatment for adult men and women suffering from irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).

The xTAG Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel can simultaneously detect 11 common viral, bacterial, and parasitic causes of infectious gastroenteritis from a single patient sample.

Treatment with synthetic stool may produce better results and improve safety in patients with C. difficile infection that does not respond to standard therapy.

The Canadian government's recent decision to allow the sale of a generic version of the original formulation of OxyContin could have serious consequences for efforts to curb opioid abuse, misuse, and diversion in the US.

Steve Gelfand, MD, secretary of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing (PROP) responds to recent comments by Drs. Cole and Webster in Pain Management.

Confusion between methadone and other medications with lookalike names can cause life-threatening errors.

The American Diabetes Association revised Standards of Medical Care for patients with diabetes include several changes in recommendations regarding testing and treatment goals.

Brief summaries of research results and other articles on the clinical characteristics, evaluation, and management of patients with hyponatremia.

Annual list highlights key studies and research that contribute to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Here you will find a brief roundup of useful online resources for clinicians who treat patients with hyponatremia.

Current influenza prevention and control recommendations, updated for the 2012-2013 influenza season.

Lynn Webster, MD, President-elect of the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) talks about the petition submitted to the FDA by Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing (PROP) and the AAPM response; the current dialogue on the risks and benefits of prescription opioids for managing chronic noncancer pain; and the future of pain management.

With most medical schools devoting only a few curriculum hours to pain management training, many physicians begin their medical career underprepared to meet the needs of patients suffering with chronic pain. Here, Barry Cole, MD, identifies several key concepts that would help improve pain care in the US if only more physicians would learn about them sooner.

FDA advisory committee votes against recommending approval for the first single-entity extended-release hydrocodone product.

Brief summaries of recently launched clinical trials for post-operative pain, low back pain, pelvic pain, migraine, and other forms of chronic pain.

This handy resource from the Pennsylvania Medical Society provides valuable guidance for clinicians and their staff on identifying patients who may abuse, misuse, or divert prescription opioids.