Postgraduate medicine
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Postgraduate medicine · Sep 2013
ReviewHerpes zoster: diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive approaches.
Herpes zoster (Hz), which generally presents as a localized, painful cutaneous eruption, is a common clinical problem, particularly among adults ≥ 50 years of age and immunocompromised patients. The diagnosis of Hz is mainly made clinically, except in patients with atypical manifestations or certain complications, such as central nervous system involvement, in which laboratory virologic testing is required. In addition to having a higher mortality rate, immunocompromised individuals have atypical and severe clinical findings and are at greater risk for complications and recurrence of Hz. ⋯ Measures for preventing Hz include infection control through routine hand hygiene and appropriate use of isolation precautions and personal protective equipment; immunoglobulins, such as the varicella-zoster virus immunoglobulin and vaccine; and antiviral agents. The zoster vaccine has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of Hz and PHN. The vaccine is recommended for all individuals aged ≥ 60 years who have no contraindications, including individuals who report a previous episode of Hz.
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Postgraduate medicine · Sep 2013
Review Case ReportsAsterixis related to gabapentin intake: a case report and review.
Asterixis has been reported as a side effect of toxic and metabolic abnormalities. The current literature contains very little evidence of gabapentin-related neurotoxicity. Our observations reveal that neurotoxic side effects of gabapentin use may be seen even when dose adjustments are made for patients with mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction. Clinical vigilance for possible neurotoxic effects of gabapentin therapy in patients with renal dysfunction is warranted.
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Postgraduate medicine · Sep 2013
ReviewImpact of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on weight in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Most patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are overweight or obese. Both T2DM and overweight/obesity are associated with increased patient risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Despite being the recognized cornerstone of treatment, weight loss and maintenance of weight loss are difficult for patients with T2DM, particularly as treatments for T2DM may cause weight gain. ⋯ Due to the caloric loss associated with decreased glucose in urine, treatment with SGLT2 agents offers the benefit of weight loss to patients, as well as reduction in hyperglycemia. Clinical trials of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2DM, ranging in length from 4 to 90 weeks, have shown patient weight reductions from baseline of up to 4.7 kg. Such weight loss may have beneficial effects on adherence to medication, glycemic control, and cardiovascular risk in patients with T2DM.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jul 2013
ReviewOptions in topical therapies in the management of patients with acute pain.
The traditional cornerstones of analgesic therapy for patients with acute pain have been oral therapies; however, all oral agents exhibit a variety of potentially dose-limiting or intolerable adverse effects in patients. Elderly patients and those with concomitant conditions already being managed with multiple systemic drugs may be particularly susceptible to systemic toxicities with oral analgesic therapies. Topical agents offer an alternative to oral modalities and can effectively treat patients with acute pain while offering lower systemic absorption and conferring little risk of systemic toxicity. ⋯ In the treatment of acute neck or low back pain, cold and heat therapies have demonstrated limited effectiveness for patients, and the efficacy of topical NSAIDs has not been established. Use of topical NSAID therapy has been useful in reducing acute-phase herpes zoster pain, and the lidocaine 5% patch has been shown to reduce acute herpetic pain intensity once lesions have healed (the patch cannot be applied to open skin lesions). Topical analgesics represent an alternative treatment modality for patients experiencing acute pain who cannot or choose not to take oral therapies.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jul 2013
ReviewRisks, management, and monitoring of combination opioid, benzodiazepines, and/or alcohol use.
The concurrent use of opioids, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and/or alcohol poses a formidable challenge for clinicians who manage chronic pain. While the escalating use of opioid analgesics for the treatment of chronic pain and the concomitant rise in opioid-related abuse and misuse are widely recognized trends, the contribution of combination use of BZDs, alcohol, and/or other sedative agents to opioid-related morbidity and mortality is underappreciated, even when these agents are used appropriately. Patients with chronic pain who use opioid analgesics along with BZDs and/or alcohol are at higher risk for fatal/nonfatal overdose and have more aberrant behaviors. ⋯ To improve patient outcomes, ongoing screening for aberrant behavior, monitoring of treatment compliance, documentation of medical necessity, and the adjustment of treatment to clinical changes are essential. In this article, we review the prevalence and pharmacologic consequences of BZDs and/or alcohol use among patients with pain on chronic opioid therapy, as well as the importance of urine drug testing, an indispensable tool for therapeutic drug monitoring, which helps to ensure the continued safety of patients. Regardless of risk or known aberrant drug-related behaviors, patients on chronic opioid therapy should periodically undergo urine drug testing to confirm adherence to the treatment plan.