Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroclearance
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
After achieving HBsAg seroclearance, HBV patients are at risk for HCC.
Reviewing:
Tong MJ et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009 Aug; 7:889
Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers for Microalbuminuria
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
ARBs didn't prevent adverse renal outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Reviewing:
Mann JFE et al., Ann Intern Med 2009 Jul 7; 151:1
Bilous R et al., Ann Intern Med 2009 Jul 7; 151:11
Parfrey PS., Ann Intern Med 2009 Jul 7; 151:63
Quantifying the Benefit of Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Half of AF patients will benefit, half will not — risk stratification is a vital component of decision making.
Interview
Reviewing:
Singer DE et al., Ann Intern Med 2009 Sep 1; 151:297
Hart RG and Halperin JL., Ann Intern Med 2009 Sep 1; 151:355
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
This procedure is effective as a second-line treatment in selected patients.
Reviewing:
Terasawa T et al., Ann Intern Med 2009 Aug 4; 151:191
Overdiagnosis in PSA Screening
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
An analysis suggests that many men have been treated unnecessarily because of PSA screening.
Reviewing:
Welch HG and Albertsen PC., J Natl Cancer Inst 2009 Aug 31
Brawley OW., J Natl Cancer Inst 2009 Aug 31
Comparative Efficacy of Seasonal Influenza Vaccines
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Inactivated vaccine was more efficacious than live-attenuated vaccine in healthy adults.
Reviewing:
Monto AS et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Sep 24; 361:1260
2009 H1N1 Influenza — The Pandemic Continues
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Since the emergence of this virus in spring 2009, the number of infections has remained uncharacteristically high, presaging a bad winter for influenza.
Reviewing:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2009 Sep 18; 58:1009
Candida Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Among ICU patients who died with evidence of pneumonia, autopsy revealed no cases of Candida pneumonia, even in those with positive Candida cultures before death.
Reviewing:
Meersseman W et al., Intensive Care Med 2009 Sep; 35:1526
Ricard J-D and Roux D., Intensive Care Med 2009 Sep; 35:1500
Histoplasmosis Uncommon After Solid-Organ Transplantation
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
From 1997 through 2007, only 29 cases of proven or possible histoplasmosis were identified among 3436 solid-organ transplant recipients in an endemic area.
Reviewing:
Cuellar-Rodriguez J et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Sep 1; 49:710
Treating Resistant Hypertension: Cut Out the Salt
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In a small randomized crossover study, a low-salt diet had dramatic effects on blood pressure.
CME
Reviewing:
Pimenta E et al., Hypertension 2009 Sep; 54:475
