JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Risk of subsequent basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin among patients with prior skin cancer. Skin Cancer Prevention Study Group.
The primary aims of this study were to assess risk of subsequent basal and squamous cell skin cancer among patients with a prior history of these tumors and to examine these risks in relation to patient characteristics and life-style factors. ⋯ Persons with a prior nonmelanoma skin cancer had a substantial 5-year risk of developing another tumor of the same histologic type. Number of previous skin cancers, solar damage, and skin sensitivity to sun exposure were particularly related to this risk. The increased risk of squamous cell skin cancer associated with cigarette smoking merits further study.
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To assess racial differences in the accuracy of standard electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria in the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). ⋯ Commonly used ECG criteria for the detection of LVH have a poor sensitivity in both black and white hypertensives and a lower specificity in blacks than in whites; this may lead to a greater number of false-positive diagnoses in black patients, as well as to an overestimation of black-white difference in LVH prevalence.
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To assess the occurrence, frequency, and severity of physical abuse during pregnancy and associated initiation of prenatal care. ⋯ A simple clinical assessment screen completed by the health care provider in a private setting and with the male partner absent is as effective as research instruments in identifying abused women. Straightforward, routine clinical assessment is recommended as essential in preventing potential trauma, interrupting existing abuse, and protecting health.