Emphysematous pancreatitis is typically managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics and early surgical debridement. Here, a case that supports more recent evidence for conservative therapy.
Extensive condylomata acuminata are beyond the capacity of all topical therapies. The area was initially treated by carbon dioxide laser ablation, and residual small foci of infection were subsequently treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream.
The European Heart Rhythm Association provides the first guide to safe and effective use of apixaban, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran. Included are sections on 15 clinical scenarios, from start up schemes to managing dosing error.
HAS-BLED, HEMORRHAGES, OBRI -- shorthand for the clinical elements that make up the 3 risk calculators used most frequently--but not often enough--in clinical and research settings.
Expanded options for anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation raise important questions about the safety of the newer agents during cardioablation and other common cardiac procedures.
For a patient with atrial fibrillation whose risk of ischemic stroke is low, is antiplatelet therapy the right choice? A revised risk calculation formula, based on the original CHADS2 criteria, restratifies low-risk patients to further help identify those who may not require oral anticoagulation.
How aldosterone antagonism achieves this reduction is uncertain, but the study highlights this class as an important treatment option to consider in patients with HF and AF.
In the first study to observe the association, Hsu et al found that CD4+ count and viral load were complementary and independently associated with increased incidence of AF in persons with HIV.
Post–hoc analysis of data from the ROCKET-AF trial found similar rates of stroke and systemic emboli after treatment interruption for rivaroxaban and warfarin in 2 out of 3 study cohorts. A very different result was found in the third. More, here.
Could the left atrial appendage closure device, known as the Watchman device, become an alternative to oral anticoagulation for selected patients? Here, more on the 2 trials that have introduced the possibility.
Here: how omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of AF in postcardiac surgery patients; how incident HF can help predict long-term adverse outcomes in patients with AF; and why an old gout drug may help reduce the risk of AF in patients with heart failure.
Periprocedural dabigatran increases the risk of bleeding and thromboembolic complications compared with warfarin during radiofrequency ablation of AF. More »
Does piercing have anything to do with these skin lesions? How best to determine the cause of a gradually enlarging neck mass? See how you do with this week's 5 quiz questions…… More »
Among the NSAIDs used for relieving the pain of inflammatory arthritis, naproxen may have the best benefit-to-risk ratio on cardiovascular disease. More »
Among many considerations when ordering or interpreting a stress test are the limitations and adequacy of the stress modality (exercise, vasodilator, ionotrope) as well as the imaging modality used. Here, top-line reminders for primary care practice. More »
Key Differences between FQHCs and RHCs Chastity Werner, RHIT, June 13, 2013 FQHCs and RHCs take up a unique niche among physician practices. And that affects compensation and billing.
Improving Care Coordination in Your Practice Susanne Madden, June 12, 2013 Practices are feverishly working to control the rising costs of healthcare - effective care coordination can help.
Refunding Overpayments: Two Options for Medical Practices Ericka L. Adler, June 12, 2013 Medicare and Medicaid providers must return overpayments once identified. Here are two different refund approaches for practices to consider when necessary.
iPad Alternatives for Mobile Physicians Marisa Torrieri, June 11, 2013 As more physicians are seeing the merits of media tablets, the market is expanding, too.
Emphysematous pancreatitis is typically managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics and early surgical debridement. Here, a case that supports more recent evidence for conservative therapy. 
This compact slide show provides a range of visual presentations of ecchymosis.
