FDA Label-Change Aims to Personalize Fibrillation Treatment

August 30, 2007

In updating the package label for warfarin last week, the Food and Drug Administration alerted patients that genetic testing could be used customize their dosages. The agency said the change “highlights the opportunity” for doctors to use genetic testing when prescribing warfarin. But it offered no advice about how to do so.

Find the meta-analysis that prompted this decision. The studies show that patients with a few genetic types need less warfarin than most.

Refine your results into clinically useful categories:

Practical Articles and News
The FDA declined to recommend any particular warfarin dosing algorithm.

Clinical Trials for Patients
A clinical trial now underway compares pharmacogenomic dosing with a decision-model algorithm for warfarin dosing.

Patient Education Materials
It’s probably too soon to give your patients a brochure about gene testing and warfarin. But you can provide something that tells how you normally choose the dose.

No Comments » | Cardiovascular | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Cranky Aged Mama

Functional Decline Is Biggest Medical Problem for Elderly

August 23, 2007

A survey of more than 11,000 patients over age 65 shows that problems such as falls, incontinence, and failing vision are just as common as chronic conditions - but not what their doctors usually ask or think about.

Even if you can’t solve these problems, the authors contend, it’s important to inquire about and identify them. They can often be delayed or managed.

Refine your results with clinically useful categories:

Patient Education Materials
It’s easy enough to give your patient a printout about how to prevent falls.

Practical Articles and News
Do you know enough about determining the cause of syncope in the elderly?

No Comments » | Family Medicine | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Cranky Aged Mama

Metered-dose Meals Improve Glycemic Control

August 16, 2007

Canadian researchers report that obese patients with type 2 diabetes lost more weight and needed less medication if they used a portion-control plate.

The dishes mentioned by name in the description of their randomized clinical trial are commercially available.

Refine your searches with clinically useful categories:

Patient Education Materials
Find reliable information about portion control for your patient.

Practical Articles and News
Find useful tips for yourself on how to counsel your patient about dieting.

No Comments » | Diabetes_Endocrine | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Cranky Aged Mama

Controlled Trial Shows CPR Can Be Learned Quickly, for Keeps

August 9, 2007

You don’t need to commit the entire staff to 3 hours of training before the next cardiac emergency. A Texas team found volunteers learned CPR better with a short video course and one inflatable manikin per student.

SearchMedica helps you find the nearest American Heart Association CPR training programs.

SearchMedica’s category links focus your searches:

Continuing Medical Education
Learn where to brush up on use of automated external defibrillators and other current practices in management of sudden cardiac emergencies.

Patient Education Materials
Remind patients and front office staff about the signs of heart attack.

No Comments » | Internal Medicine | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Cranky Aged Mama

FDA Recalls Chili Sauce with Botulism

August 2, 2007

Timed right for picnic season, the latest FDA food recall: chili sauce with botulism.

Find more information about the alert:

Practical Articles and News
Brush up on how to tell the difference between symptoms of botulism and stroke.

Patient Education Materials
Offer patients good advice about how to recognize food poisoning
…and avoid contracting it in the first place.

No Comments » | Internal Medicine | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Cranky Aged Mama