JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
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Lumbar spinal stenosis is the most frequent reason for spinal surgery in patients over age 65 years. In this condition, narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal and nerve root canals leads to painful, debilitating compression of spinal nerves and blood vessels. As the population ages, an increasing number of patients will be diagnosed and treated for lumbar spinal stenosis by primary care providers. This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of lumbar spinal stenosis in adults over age 50 years.
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Neurofibromatosis type 2 is a rare genetic disease affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems and characterized by schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas. Prompt symptom recognition, diagnosis, and proper referrals can increase treatment effectiveness and decrease the mortality risk of this life-threatening disease.
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Acute airway obstruction after endotracheal intubation is uncommon. Treatment focuses on protecting the patient's airway and preventing long-term complication of tracheal stenosis. This article describes the successful treatment of a patient with acute subglottic stenosis via mechanical debridement of granulation tissue.
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Sofosbuvir, a nucleotide polymerase inhibitor, was approved in 2013 for treating hepatitis C infection in adults. This article reviews the use of sofosbuvir in combination with ribavirin with or without pegylated interferon.
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The largest-ever outbreak and first epidemic of Ebola virus disease is affecting several West African countries. Early symptoms of Ebola can mimic those of other tropical diseases. In a world of rapid global travel, physician assistants need to be capable of identifying patients at greatest risk for developing Ebola. Clinicians also should be familiar with associated symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment considerations.