Views of Registered Dietitians Compared to Speech-Language Pathologists on Artificial Nutrition and Hydration at the End of Life.

Objective: To analyze and compare the knowledge and opinions of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) about artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) in a terminal illness. Beliefs of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) were also considered and compared against RDN data.

Methods: This is a descriptive analysis utilizing survey responses from RDNs and SLPs regarding ANH in a case study patient with advanced dementia.

Value of dobutamine stress echocardiography in determining the prognosis of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.

Although the accuracy of dobutamine stress echo (DSE) for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) has been established, its role in determining prognosis is less well defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of DSE in patients with known or suspected CAD. Follow-up was obtained on 291 patients an average of 15 months after clinically indicated DSE.

Diabetes and pregnancy. Factors associated with seeking pre-conception care.

Objective: To define sociodemographic characteristics, medical factors, knowledge, attitudes, and health-related behaviors that distinguish women with established diabetes who seek pre-conception care from those who seek care only after conception.

Research Design And Methods: A multicenter, case-control study of women with established diabetes making their first pre-conception visit (n = 57) or first prenatal visit without having received pre-conception care (n = 97).

Results: Pre-conception subjects were significantly more likely to be married (93 vs.

Paradoxic hypotension during dobutamine stress echocardiography: clinical and diagnostic implications.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prevalence, magnitude and clinical implications of a hypotensive response during dobutamine stress echocardiography.

Background: Dobutamine stress echocardiography is an accurate noninvasive method for detecting coronary artery disease. It has been associated with unexpected hypotension in a proportion of patients.