The American journal of medicine
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To determine mortality rates in patients with acute renal failure during the past decades. ⋯ Despite technical progress in the management of acute renal failure over the last 50 years, mortality rates seem to have remained unchanged at around 50%.
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Hepatitis C virus is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, with over 170 million people infected worldwide. It is also the leading indication for liver transplantation. Complications from chronic hepatitis C infection include cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. ⋯ Other strategies must be considered for special groups, such as patients with acute hepatitis C infection, hepatitis C/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, and prior nonresponse to interferon or relapse after its use. The goal of therapy is to achieve a sustained virologic response (ie, no detectable hepatitis C ribonucleic acid 6 months after completion of therapy). The substantial adverse effects associated with both interferon alfa and ribavirin often make it difficult for patients to continue with their therapies.
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Multicenter Study
Competency in electrocardiogram interpretation among internal medicine and emergency medicine residents.
Accurate interpretation of the electrocardiogram is critical, yet there are no evidence-based guidelines for assessing competency. Our study evaluated the ability of internal medicine residents and emergency medicine residents to interpret a variety of electrocardiograms. ⋯ Despite improvement in interpretation with clinical experience, overall performance was low. Research is needed to find optimal methods to improve electrocardiogram competency.
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Comparative Study
Aortic valve replacement in patients with mild or moderate aortic stenosis and coronary bypass surgery.
To assess whether there is survival benefit for patients with mild or moderate aortic stenosis if they undergo aortic valve replacement at the time of coronary artery bypass surgery. ⋯ Concomitant aortic valve replacement at the time of coronary artery bypass surgery for mild or moderate aortic stenosis appears to convey a survival advantage for patients with moderate aortic stenosis but not for those with mild aortic stenosis.