In the News
Paid malpractice claims on the decline nationally, premiums lower in some states, too
Rates of paid malpractice claims have been decreasing in recent years, according to a new analysis of the medical liability climate in the U.S.
Clinical guideline offers recommendations on reducing recurrent kidney stones
Drinking more fluid to increase urination may reduce the risk of recurrence of kidney stones, a clinical guideline recommended. Monotherapy with a thiazide diuretic, citrate, or allopurinol can be used if increasing fluid intake is not effective, the guideline also stated.
MKSAP Quiz: 2-year history of nonischemic cardiomyopathy with hypertension
A 55-year-old man is evaluated during a routine examination. He has a 2-year history of nonischemic cardiomyopathy. (Echocardiogram 2 years ago demonstrated a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35%.) He is feeling well and reports no shortness of breath; he walks 2 miles daily without symptoms. Medical history is remarkable for hypertension. Medications are lisinopril, carvedilol, and chlorthalidone. Following a physical exam, lab results, and an electrocardiogram, which calcium-channel blockers should be added to this patient's medical regimen?
AHA/ASA releases updated guidelines for primary prevention of stroke
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association last week released updated guidelines on the primary prevention of stroke that included new recommendations on the use of statins, blood pressure management, and risk stratification for atrial fibrillation.
Analysis finds several treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy more effective than placebo
A large meta-analysis recently compared the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy.
Androgen-deprivation therapy associated with increased risk of cardiac mortality in men with cardiovascular problems
Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer was associated with a 5% absolute excess risk of cardiac-specific mortality at 5 years in men with congestive heart failure or prior myocardial infarction, a study found.
ACP announces new Masters and awardees for 2014-2015
The Board of Regents recently approved the 2014-2015 ACP Masters and national award winners.
And the winner is …
ACP Internist Weekly has tallied the voting from its latest cartoon contest, where readers are invited to match wits against their peers to provide the most original and amusing caption.