In the News
Withholding, delaying antibiotics for simple respiratory infections had similar outcomes as immediate prescriptions
Not prescribing antibiotics or delaying prescriptions for uncomplicated acute sore throats and other respiratory infections resulted in fewer than 40% of patients using antibiotics and similar symptomatic outcomes versus offering immediate prescriptions, a study found.
Evidence doesn't support current guidelines on fat consumption
Dietary guidelines favoring high consumption of polyunsaturated fats and low consumption of saturated fats to reduce coronary risk are not supported by the available evidence, a recent meta-analysis found.
MKSAP Quiz: 3-week history of painful muscle spasms and twisting movements
A 24-year-old woman is evaluated for a 3-week history of painful muscle spasms and twisting movements in the neck and trunk. She says that her neck feels as if it is being pulled backward. She also reports general restlessness and an inability to keep still. Her medical history is notable for asthma, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and gastroparesis with reflux. The patient has no family history of neuropsychiatric disorders or liver disease. Medications are albuterol, insulin, omeprazole, and metoclopramide. Following findings from a physical exam, what is the most likely diagnosis?
Thoracic society releases guidelines on pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell patients
The American Thoracic Society recently released clinical practice guidelines to help clinicians identify and manage patients with sickle cell disease who are at increased risk for death from pulmonary hypertension.
Azithromycin, levofloxacin associated with increased cardiac risk versus amoxicillin
Azithromycin and levofloxacin were both associated with increased cardiac risk compared with amoxicillin, a recent study found.
Wells rule may not be accurate for excluding DVT in certain patients
The Wells rule may not be accurate for excluding deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with cancer and those with previous DVT, according to a new study.
It's not too late to submit a Job Seeker's Profile to the ACP Job Placement Center
Looking for a job? ACP's Job Placement Center offers career opportunities during Internal Medicine 2014, to be held April 10-12 in Orlando, Fla.
Deductibles and donuts change the flavor of health care
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.
Vote for your favorite entry
ACP InternistWeekly's cartoon caption contest continues. Readers can vote for their favorite caption to determine the winner.