In the News


Benzodiazepines overused, especially in elderly women

Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed long-term and to elderly patients, despite guidelines to the contrary, a recent study found.

Blood pressure drugs likely to prevent stroke, death from mild hypertension

Pharmacologic treatment of blood pressure may prevent major cardiovascular events and death in patients with uncomplicated stage 1 hypertension, according to a systematic review.

MKSAP Quiz: pre-procedural evaluation

A 46-year-old woman is evaluated before undergoing a dental cleaning procedure involving deep scaling. She has a history of mitral valve prolapse without regurgitation and also had methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) aortic valve endocarditis 10 years ago treated successfully with antibiotics. The patient notes an allergy to penicillin characterized by hypotension, hives, and wheezing. The remainder of the history is noncontributory. Following a physical and cardiopulmonary examination, what is the most appropriate prophylactic regimen for this patient before her dental procedure?

Inexpensive drug, automated phone system effective in helping patients quit

Two potentially low-cost smoking cessation treatments were evaluated in studies published last week.

Counseling lacking on sexual activity after MI

Most patients are not given advice about resuming sexual activity after a myocardial infarction (MI), and the counseling that is given does not often follow clinical guidelines, according to a new study.

Federal HIV guidelines updated, reconciled among agencies

Federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations have reconciled and expanded recommendations for preventing the spread of HIV.

Deadline extended: ACP art exhibition, call for submissions

ACP is accepting submissions for the 100th Year Anniversary Celebration Council of Resident/Fellow Members Art Competition: “The Past, Present, and Future of Medicine.”

Ways to reduce administrative burdens on physicians

Yul Ejnes, MD, MACP, a past chair of ACP's Board of Regents, a practicing internist in Cranston, R.I., and a member of ACP Internist's editorial board, continues his monthly column at KevinMD.com in a post about ways to reduce administrative burdens on physicians.