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Anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation-trends in the United States

The use of anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation has slowly increased in the last decade, yet many patients at relatively high risk for thromboembolic events are still not receiving anticoagulants. Patients receiving therapy that is intended to maintain sinus rhythm may be at higher risk for underuse of anticoagulation therapy than those receiving rate control therapies. In addition, the increase in the use of anticoagulation therapy appears to have been particularly notable among patients for whom it may not be indicated and in whom safer, less expensive antithrombotic therapies would suffice.

Increased risk of major clinical events late after treatment with drug-eluting stents

We compared the incidence of late clinical events after withdrawal of clopidogrel between subjects treated with drug-eluting stents (DES) and those treated with bare-metal stents. Death and myocardial infarction occurred more frequently among DES-treated subjects during the follow-up period. The results of this study indicate that there may be a penalty for the lower rate of restenosis and reinterventions after DES implantation, in particular, an increased rate of late stent thromboses.

Managing Post-Operative Pain with Outpatient Procedures

R. Presley Swann, MD discussed his preference for CPNBs when treating his patient's post-operative pain.

Amiodarone use and permanent pacing for atrial fibrillation: Are there differences between the sexes?

Among patients with atrial fibrillation, amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) is the most useful drug for the preservation of sinus rhythm.1-3 Although amiodarone carries a well-known risk of potentially serious noncardiac toxicities, perhaps less well recognized is its major cardiovascular side effect of bradycardia.

3 Ways to Improve Adherence Among Patients with Diabetes

Medication adherence rates struggle in many conditions and diabetes is among the worst of them. Michael Greenfield, MD, discusses 3 ways for clinicians to improve adherence.

6 Keys to Medical Technology Etiquette

How to use all of your medical gadgets without forgetting about the patient in the room.

E-patients: What You Need to Know and How You Can Help Them

SS Plan Opposed

Community-acquired MRSA pericarditis

Only 2 cases of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) pericarditis have been reported in the English literature. Over the last 15 years, CA-MRSA has emerged as an increasingly common pathogen that is genetically and epidemiologically different from hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA).