The American journal of medicine
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Migraine headaches are among the most common and potentially debilitating disorders encountered by primary healthcare providers. In the treatment of acute migraine and the prevention of recurrent attacks, there are prescription drugs of proven benefit. ⋯ In addition, the totality of evidence, including some, but not all, randomized trials, suggests the possibility that daily aspirin, in doses from 81 to 325 mg, may be an effective and safe treatment option for the prevention of recurrent migraine headaches. The relatively favorable side effect profile of aspirin and extremely low costs compared with other prescription drug therapies may provide additional options for primary healthcare providers in the treatment of both acute and recurrent migraine headaches.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Acupuncture vs Noninsertive Sham Acupuncture in Aging Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Acupuncture is commonly used to treat degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis in Asian countries. However, rigorous data regarding the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for aging patients are currently lacking. ⋯ Acupuncture provides immediate functional recovery and pain relief for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. However, current evidence is insufficient to support the suggestion that acupuncture could offer clinical benefits as compared with noninsertive sham acupuncture for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.
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Meta Analysis
Peripheral Vein Thrombophlebitis in the Upper Extremity: A Systematic Review of a Frequent and Important Problem.
The acceptable incidence of thrombophlebitis following intravenous cannulation is 5%, as recommended by the Intravenous Nurses Society guidelines, but publications have reported startling figures of 20% to 80%. Given the frequency of intravenous lines, this presents a potential clinical problem. We aimed to determine the predisposing patient, catheter, and health care-related factors of peripheral vein thrombophlebitis in the upper extremity. ⋯ Recognition of the predisposing factors would allow for targeted strategies to aid in the prevention of this iatrogenic infection, which may include closer monitoring of patients who are identified to be vulnerable. Based on this systematic review, we developed an algorithm to guide clinical management. Further research is warranted to validate this algorithm.
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Comparative Study
Risk Factors and Outcomes During a First Acute Myocardial Infarction in Breast Cancer Survivors Compared with Females Without Breast Cancer.
The purpose of this research was to study the differences in epidemiology and outcomes of a first myocardial infarction in breast cancer survivors compared with the general female population in the United States. ⋯ Breast cancer survivors had a first acute myocardial infarction at an older age and had small but favorable differences in cardiovascular disease risk factors and outcomes compared with women without breast cancer. The favorable impact of health education, preventative medical care, greater motivation for a healthier lifestyle, and participation in cancer survivorship programs on these seemingly paradoxical findings in breast cancer survivors should be further explored.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate potential predictors associated with not initiating anticoagulation after incident venous thromboembolism. ⋯ Up to one-fourth of patients diagnosed with incident venous thromboembolism did not initiate anticoagulant treatment within 30 days after hospital discharge. Identification of clinical predictors of noninitiation may enable implementation of patient-tailored strategies to improve adherence and thereby potentially prevent venous thromboembolism morbidity, mortality, and recurrence.