Postgraduate medicine
-
Postgraduate medicine · May 2009
Case ReportsNarcolepsy--master of disguise: evidence-based recommendations for management.
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder affecting the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. It is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and other rapid eye movement (REM) sleep-associated manifestations (eg, hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis). The recognition of this disorder is usually delayed by 10 to 15 years, largely because of its protean manifestations, insidious nature, and lack of physician awareness. ⋯ Narcolepsy is a lifelong disorder that often requires pharmacological treatments, which may include wake-promoting stimulants for excessive sleepiness and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (sodium oxybate) and antidepressants for REM sleep-associated manifestations. This article presents a case of a 47-year-old man with long-standing sleepiness and cataplexy who was eventually diagnosed with narcolepsy 30 years after the first onset of symptoms. The presenting manifestations of narcolepsy, diagnostic criteria, and its management are also discussed.
-
Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2009
ReviewTopical therapy for osteoarthritis: clinical and pharmacologic perspectives.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have shown efficacy in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) pain but are also associated with a dose-dependent risk of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematologic, hepatic, and renal adverse events (AEs). Topical NSAIDs were developed to provide analgesia similar to their oral counterparts with less systemic exposure and fewer serious AEs. Topical NSAIDs have long been available in Europe for the management of OA, and guidelines of the European League Against Rheumatism and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International specify that topical NSAIDs are preferred over oral NSAIDs for patients with knee or hand OA of mild-to-moderate severity, few affected joints, and/or a history of sensitivity to oral NSAIDs. ⋯ Topical diclofenac sodium 1% gel delivers effective diclofenac concentrations in the affected joint with limited systemic exposure. Clinical trial data suggest that diclofenac sodium 1% gel provides clinically meaningful analgesia in OA patients with a low incidence of systemic AEs. This review discusses the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and safety profiles of diclofenac sodium 1% gel, salicylates, and capsaicin for the management of hand and knee OA.
-
Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2009
Economic impact of hyponatremia in hospitalized patients: a retrospective cohort study.
Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality seen in general hospital patients, with an incidence of 1% to 6% in the United States. ⋯ Hyponatremia at admission was associated with increased LOS and cost of care for hospitalized patients. Interventions or pharmacotherapies for the prompt treatment of hyponatremia could potentially reduce morbidity and LOS, thereby reducing the utilization of health care resources.
-
Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2009
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyComputer assessment of mild cognitive impairment.
Many older individuals experience cognitive decline with aging. The causes of cognitive dysfunction range from the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease (AD) to treatable causes of dysfunction and the normal mild forgetfulness described by many older individuals. Even mild cognitive dysfunction can impact medication adherence, impair decision making, and affect the ability to drive or work. ⋯ We hypothesized that the CAMCI would exhibit good sensitivity and specificity and would be superior compared with the MMSE in these measures. The results indicated that the MMSE was relatively insensitive to MCI. In contrast, the CAMCI was highly sensitive (86%) and specific (94%) for the identification of MCI in a population of community-dwelling nondemented elderly individuals.
-
OxyContin (controlled-release oxycodone hydrochloride) (Purdue Pharma, Stamford, CT) was approved in 1995 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for moderate-to-severe chronic pain. Crushing and snorting the delayed-release tablets results in a rapid release of the drug, increased absorption, and high peak serum concentrations. The propensity for addiction to OxyContin and the trend of increased prescription drug abuse have made it imperative for physicians and health care providers to recognize the clinical presentation of overdose and know how to manage associated complications. ⋯ With increasing rates of prescription drug abuse, OxyContin will continue to present challenges to physicians and health care providers. Physicians should be aware of potential patients who are seeking OxyContin for recreational use.