Factors Predicting Spontaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Very Low Birth Weight Neonates.

Background Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a relatively rare condition among neonates in the United States, estimated at approximately 1 in every 2,000 births. Managing hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates remains a challenge. This study aims to explore and report on the spontaneous closure of hsPDA in VLBW infants in a clinical setting.

Clinical Variables Associated With Grade III and IV Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) in Preterm Infants Weighing Less Than 750 Grams.

Background: Despite innovative advances in neonatal medicine, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) continues to be a significant complication in neonatal intensive care units globally.

Objective: The study aimed to discern the variables heightening the risk of severe IVH (Grade III and IV) in extremely premature infants weighing less than 750 grams. We postulated that a descending hematocrit (Hct) trend during the first week of life could serve as a predictive marker for the development of severe IVH in this vulnerable population.

Usefulness of cellular text messaging for improving adherence among adolescents and young adults with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: In a cohort of 70 patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE): to determine the baseline adherence to medications and visits; to investigate the effects of cellular text messaging reminders (CTMR) on adherence to clinic visits; and to study the influence of CTMR on adherence to use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).

Methods: CTMR were sent to 70 patients prior to clinic visits for 14 months. A subgroup of patients were evaluated for medication adherence to HCQ: 19 patients receiving CTMR prior to each scheduled HCQ dose were compared to 22 patients randomized to standard of care education about HCQ.

Thrombotic events after starting exogenous testosterone in men with previously undiagnosed familial thrombophilia.

Our specific aim was to describe thrombosis (osteonecrosis of the hips, pulmonary embolism, and amaurosis fugax) after exogenous testosterone was given to men with no antecedent thrombosis and previously undiagnosed familial thrombophilia. After starting testosterone patch or gel, 50 mg/day or intramuscular testosterone 400 mg IM/month, 2 men developed bilateral hip osteonecrosis 5 and 6 months later, and 3 developed pulmonary embolism 3, 7, and 17 months later. One man developed amaurosis fugax 18 months after starting testosterone gel 50 mg/day.

Vitamin D deficiency, myositis-myalgia, and reversible statin intolerance.

Objective: In 150 hypercholesterolemic patients, unable to tolerate ≥1 statin because of myositis-myalgia, selected by low (<32 ng/ml) serum 25 (OH) vitamin D, we prospectively assessed whether vitamin D supplementation with resolution of vitamin D deficiency would result in statin tolerance, free of myositis-myalgia.

Research Design And Methods: We studied 74 men, 76 women, median age 60, 131 white, 17 black and 2 other. On no statins, 50,000 units of vitamin D was given twice a week for 3 weeks, and then continued once a week.