The American journal of medicine
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Nasal, axillary, or inguinal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus generally precedes invasive infection. Some studies have found that colonization with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) poses a greater risk of clinical infection than colonization with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). However, the magnitude of risk is unclear. ⋯ Further research is needed to identify effective methods for sustained eradication of MRSA carriage to reduce the high risk of subsequent infection.
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Angioedema manifests as episodes of localized swelling in the dermis and submucosa. The key to successful management is detection and avoidance of triggers, early recognition of attacks, and aggressive airway management when warranted. ⋯ Epinephrine should be administered if there is concern for laryngeal edema. Patients who have a known history of hereditary angioedema should receive C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate or fresh-frozen plasma.
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The 80,000 or so patients a year who continue to have chronic, disabling back pain after one or more spinal surgeries are said to have failed back surgery syndrome. There are no controlled studies to guide physicians in the management of these patients. ⋯ This approach is focused on determination of the specific anatomical abnormality responsible for ongoing symptoms, an abnormality that may or may not be related to the initial abnormality for which surgery was performed. One or more of 5 nonsurgical treatment options may be useful to prevent the need for further surgery, as each subsequent surgery has a lower likelihood of success.
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Viral influenza is a seasonal infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In the United States more than 35,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations due to influenza occur annually, and the number is increasing. Children aged less than 1 year and adults aged more than 65 years, pregnant woman, and people of any age with comorbid illnesses are at highest risk. ⋯ Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, is an important cause of secondary bacterial pneumonia with high mortality. During influenza season, treatment of pneumonia should include empiric coverage for this pathogen. Neuromuscular and cardiac complications are unusual but may manifest in persons of any age.
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Review
Nonpharmacologic therapy for smoking cessation: characteristics and efficacy of current approaches.
This article reviews the most common nonpharmacologic approaches used to support smoking cessation and, where possible, provides estimates of their efficacy in controlled clinical trials. Virtually all of the approaches that have been systematically evaluated to date have demonstrated modest efficacy in increasing quit rates. ⋯ Also, new technologies that permit delivery of smoking interventions to a wider range of patients could have a significant impact on reducing smoking prevalence worldwide in the future. Overall, the clinical literature strongly endorses combining nonpharmacologic interventions with pharmacotherapy to optimize support for smokers who are trying to quit.