Journal of general internal medicine
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To evaluate the risks and benefits of third-generation oral contraceptives. ⋯ Although third-generation oral contraceptives most likely increase a user's risk of venous thromboembolism, their improved side-effect profile and their possible decreased association with myocardial infarction and stroke may make them a useful new class of oral contraceptives for most women except those at increased risk of venous thrombosis.
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A large majority of urinary tract infections are caused by coliform organisms. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) resistance among uropathogens is increasing in many areas. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for TMP-SMX-resistant coliforms in patients with urinary tract infections. ⋯ Coliforms resistant to TMP-SMX are common in our emergency department. Diabetes, recent hospitalization, and the use of antibiotics, particularly the use of TMP-SMX, are independent risk factors for TMP-SMX resistance. Clinicians should consider these findings when deciding on antimicrobial therapy for patients with urinary tract infections.
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To describe sources of health care used by homeless and housed poor adults. ⋯ Having no health insurance or need for care in the past 6 months increased the use of a non-ambulatory-care site as a place for usual care. Programs designed to decrease emergency department use may need to be directed at those not currently accessing any care.
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To review recent findings on the epidemiology, burden, diagnosis, comorbidity, and treatment of depression, particularly in general medical settings; to delineate barriers to the recognition, diagnosis, and optimal management of depression in general medical settings; and to summarize efforts under way to reduce some of these barriers. ⋯ Depression occurs commonly, causing suffering, functional impairment, increased risk of suicide, added health care costs, and productivity losses. Effective treatments are available both when depression occurs alone and when it co-occurs with general medical illnesses. Many cases of depression seen in general medical settings are suitable for treatment within those settings. About half of all cases of depression in primary care settings are recognized, although subsequent treatments often fall short of existing practice guidelines. When treatments of documented efficacy are used, short-term patient outcomes are generally good. Barriers to diagnosing and treating depression include stigma; patient somatization and denial; physician knowledge and skill deficits; limited time; lack of availability of providers and treatments; limitations of third-party coverage; and restrictions on specialist, drug, and psychotherapeutic care. Public and professional education efforts, destigmatization, and improvement in access to mental health care are all needed to reduce these barriers.