Purpose: The effect of perioperative supplementation of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid (PUFA) on the frequency of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients without a history of AF was evaluated.
Methods: A total of 561 patients were randomized to receive either 1 g of PUFA or placebo twice daily. Treatment was started up to five days before surgery or within 24 hours after surgery, depending on when consent was received.
Purpose: The effects of vitamin E supplementation on the cholesterol levels of hypercholesterolemic patients receiving statin therapy were studied.
Methods: In this prospective, single-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, patients who were currently taking either lovastatin or simvastatin for a primary diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia were given placebo for two weeks and then randomized to receive a supplement of either 400 IU of vitamin E or matching placebo after dinner for eight weeks, followed by a two-week washout period.
Results: Vitamin E supplementation increased plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations approximately 1.
Objective: To report a case of severe memory loss in an elderly patient after initiation of fluoxetine.
Case Summary: An 87-year-old white woman was started on fluoxetine for depression, and the dose was titrated to 20 mg/d. She developed progressive memory loss over the next 6 weeks for which she ultimately was hospitalized.
Objective: To report a case of increased blood pressure associated with the use of salsalate in an elderly patient with no prior history of hypertension.
Case Summary: A 78-year-old white man with no prior history of hypertension initiated salsalate therapy for low-back pain. Over the 15 months prior to the initiation of salsalate, his blood pressure averaged 127 +/- 7 mm Hg systolic and 84 +/- 6 mm Hg diastolic (mean +/- SD).
Gastroesophageal reflux and asthma are common diseases in the developed world, and they often coexist in patients. Animal experiments, epidemiologic data, and clinical studies suggest that gastroesophageal reflux may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. In addition to classic reflux symptoms, such patients may notice nightly exacerbations of asthma or postprandial worsening of their pulmonary symptoms.
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