The effect of clopidogrel in combination with aspirin when given before coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of preoperative clopidogrel on coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) outcomes.

Background: Clopidogrel in combination with aspirin, given before percutaneous coronary intervention, has become the standard for stent thrombosis prevention. Some premedicated patients, however, are found to have surgical disease on angiography, and irreversible platelet inhibition becomes a concern for upcoming CABG.

Primary care access decreases nonurgent hospital visits for indigent diabetics.

The objective was to determine the relationship between the source of primary care and utilization of health services among public hospital walk-in clinic patients. A group of 218 adults with diabetes mellitus presenting to a walk-in hospital clinic was followed prospectively with baseline and 3-, 6-, and 12-month surveys; baseline and 6-month hemoglobin A1Cs; and chart reviews. Sites of care, acquisition of primary care, and report of four diabetes services were recorded.