The prognostic significance of microsatellites in cutaneous melanoma.

Microscopic satellite metastases are an adverse prognostic feature in primary cutaneous melanoma patients. The prognostic significance of microsatellites, including their number, size and distance from the primary melanoma, using the 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer definition, has not previously been evaluated. This study sought to determine the prognostic significance of microsatellites in histopathologically reviewed cases.

Emergency physician-performed ultrasound-guided nerve blocks in proximal femoral fractures provide safe and effective pain relief: a prospective observational study in The Netherlands.

Background: The treatment of acute pain in the emergency department is not always optimal. Peripheral nerve blocks using "blind" or nerve stimulator techniques have substantial disadvantages. Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia may provide quick, safe, and effective pain relief in patients with proximal femoral fractures with severe pain.

Minimum Safe Pathologic Excision Margins for Primary Cutaneous Melanomas (1-2 mm in Thickness): Analysis of 2131 Patients Treated at a Single Center.

Objective: This study was designed to determine the minimum safe pathologic excision margin for primary cutaneous melanomas 1.01-2.00-mm thick (T2) and to identify prognostic factors that influence survival in these patients.

Medicaid, a new frontier for managed care ... but it's a very tough sell.

June Stollman of Healthscope/United writes about the marketing of an HMO to Medicaid recipients in New York City. Getting the patients to use the HMO rather than their local hospital emergency room was only one of the challenges they faced.