In the News
COVID-19 studies look at transmission, cardiac effects, and lung ultrasound as triage
A review found most transmission to be respiratory, while a study suggested protection from eyeglasses. Data from athletes provided insight into cardiac effects, and lung ultrasound may be useful for triage. Philip A. Masters, MD, FACP, looked at how the pandemic has altered medicine.
Glucocorticoids associated with increased infection risk even at low doses
Patients taking glucocorticoids for rheumatoid arthritis had a significant, dose-dependent increased risk for infections requiring hospitalization, and the results should be considered in prescribing for these patients, according to an accompanying editorial.
MKSAP Quiz: Evaluation for generalized hair loss
A 27-year-old woman is evaluated in the office for generalized hair loss. She has not had any similar episodes previously. The patient is 3 months postpartum and does not take any medications. Following a physical exam, what is the most appropriate management?
Guidance calls for increased awareness of drug-induced arrhythmias
Some arrhythmias caused by medications, such as bradyarrhythmias and atrial tachycardia, are notable mainly due to their symptoms, while others, such as Brugada syndrome and torsades de points, can lead to sudden death, a scientific statement from the American Heart Association said.
Nearly half of inpatients with pneumonia or urinary tract infection were overprescribed antibiotics after discharge
The most common types of antibiotic overuse after discharge included excess duration for pneumonia and unnecessary treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria, a retrospective cohort study found.
ACP Councils seeking nominations for 2021-2022
The Council of Early Career Physicians, the Council of Resident/Fellow Members, and the Council of Student Members are seeking candidates to fill vacant seats for 2020-2021.
Put words in our mouth
ACP Internist Weekly wants readers to create captions for our new cartoon and help choose the winner. Pen the winning caption and win a $50 gift certificate good toward any ACP product, program, or service.