Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Aug 1998
Clinical TrialGabapentin for treatment of pain and tremor: a large case series.
Several anticonvulsant agents, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, and valproate, are effective in some patients for the treatment of pain and tremor. This study reports on a trial of the newly introduced anticonvulsant, gabapentin, for pain and tremor control. ⋯ Gabapentin offers an effective, safe alternative therapy or co-therapy for the listed painful conditions and tremor; it does not affect the metabolism of other medications and is well tolerated.
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Southern medical journal · Aug 1998
Case ReportsClenbuterol and anabolic steroids: a previously unreported cause of myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteriograms.
During the last 10 years, several cases of myocardial infarction associated with anabolic steroid use have been reported. Postulated mechanisms to explain this association have included changes in lipid levels, the fibrinolytic system, and platelet aggregation. ⋯ In this case, synergistic effects of the two agents seem likely to have played a role in the infarct. The normal coronary arteriograms before any anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy strongly suggest coronary spasm as the mechanism of the infarct.
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Southern medical journal · Aug 1998
Preparedness of practicing pediatricians in Louisiana to manage emergencies.
Surveys in recent years show that office emergencies are likely to occur in pediatric offices and that most offices are not equipped to deal with these situations. ⋯ Deficiencies exist among pediatricians and office staff regarding appropriate levels of preparedness to handle pediatric emergencies. Recommendations are made to attain appropriate levels of preparedness.
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Southern medical journal · Aug 1998
Case ReportsIntestinal strongyloidiasis manifesting as eosinophilic pleural effusion.
Strongyloidiasis caused by the helminth Strongyloides stercoralis is usually asymptomatic or causes mild dermatologic or gastrointestinal symptoms. In immunocompromised hosts, hyperinfection and dissemination can occur. ⋯ There was complete resolution of the pleural effusion after thiabendazole therapy, thus suggesting strongyloidiasis as the cause of the effusion. Helminthic infections like strongyloidiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an eosinophilic pleural effusion, especially in individuals from endemic areas.