Postgraduate medicine
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Postgraduate medicine · Nov 2000
ReviewPerioperative cardiovascular evaluation. Step-by-step approach to risk assessment and follow-up care.
One of the integral responsibilities in primary care medicine is medical consultation, especially when a surgical procedure is contemplated. A good grasp of the elements of multiple specialties and an understanding of the complexity of a proposed operation are essential for an appropriate preoperative evaluation. This article covers the steps in assessing cardiovascular risk in candidates for noncardiac surgery, including consideration of patient-specific and surgery-specific factors. The authors also recommend close postoperative follow-up to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Postgraduate medicine · Oct 2000
ReviewSudden cardiac death in young athletes. Causes, athlete's heart, and screening guidelines.
Sudden cardiac death of a young competitive athlete is a rare but tragic event. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and coronary artery anomalies are the most frequent causes. ⋯ The preparticipation evaluation, although it has limitations, is the major instrument readily available for prevention of sudden cardiac death. Effort should be made to follow established consensus guidelines.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jun 2000
ReviewThe columnar-lined (Barrett's) esophagus. Can progression to cancer be prevented?
The risk of adenocarcinoma in patients with columnar-lined, or Barrett's, esophagus has risen dramatically in recent decades. In this article, Dr Stollman explains the difficulties in defining the condition and examines current strategies in prevention and management.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jun 2000
ReviewInfectious mononucleosis. Complexities of a common syndrome.
Infectious mononucleosis is common in adolescents and young adults. Although the syndrome is most often associated with Epstein-Barr virus, several other organisms can also cause infectious mononucleosis. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and the presence of heterophil antibodies and atypical lymphocytes. ⋯ Symptoms usually resolve in 2 to 3 weeks. Treatment of uncomplicated infectious mononucleosis is supportive, but corticosteroids may be beneficial for the treatment of several complications associated with Epstein-Barr virus. Physically active patients should be counseled about the risks of splenic injury.