The American journal of medicine
-
The association between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acute kidney injury is well established, but it is less clear whether this risk is focused with specific agents. We undertook a large pharmacoepidemiologic analysis of the risk of acute kidney injury among older adults using nonselective NSAIDs or cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors. ⋯ Acute kidney injury requiring hospitalization is a relatively rare adverse event among older adults after initiation of nonselective NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitor treatment, observed in approximately 1 in 200 new users within 45 days. There seems to be a marked gradient of risk for acute kidney injury across agents, specifically for indomethacin, ibuprofen, and rofecoxib.
-
The study aim is to determine the relationship between the prevalence of colorectal cancer and iron status in elderly anemic and non-anemic patients. ⋯ The prevalence of colorectal carcinoma is high in anemic and non-anemic elderly symptomatic patients, irrespective of the iron status. Therefore, the decision to order a colonoscopy in older patients should not only be considered in patients with anemia or iron deficiency but also in patients with suspicious symptoms without anemia or iron deficiency.
-
The threat of smallpox resulting from bioterrorist action has prompted a reassessment of the level of immunity in current populations. ⋯ These data suggest that multiple or recent vaccinations are not essential to maintain vaccinia-specific antibody responses in human subjects. Scarce vaccine supplies should be applied first to individuals who have not previously been vaccinated.
-
To assess the diagnostic value of history-taking and physical examination of medial collateral ligament lesions after a knee injury presenting in general practice. ⋯ Medial collateral ligament lesions are frequently seen in patients with traumatic knee injury. History-taking has a diagnostic value, while adding physical examination increases the diagnostic value.
-
Statins have potent anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies of pulmonary inflammation. We investigated whether statin users had improved outcome when admitted with community-acquired pneumonia. ⋯ Statin use is associated with reduced markers of systemic inflammation and improved outcomes in patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia.