The New England journal of medicine
-
Although epidemiologic studies have suggested that several genetic variants increase the risk of myocardial infarction, large-scale association studies that examine many polymorphisms simultaneously are required to allow reliable prediction of the genetic risk of myocardial infarction. ⋯ Determination of the genotypes of the connexin 37, plasminogen-activator inhibitor type 1, and stromelysin-1 genes may prove reliable in predicting the genetic risk of myocardial infarction and might thus contribute to the primary prevention of this condition.
-
Comparative Study
An analysis of outcomes of reconstruction or amputation after leg-threatening injuries.
Limb salvage for severe trauma has replaced amputation as the primary treatment in many trauma centers. However, long-term outcomes after limb reconstruction or amputation have not been fully evaluated. ⋯ Patients with limbs at high risk for amputation can be advised that reconstruction typically results in two-year outcomes equivalent to those of amputation.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Mass treatment to eliminate filariasis in Papua New Guinea.
The global initiative to eradicate bancroftian filariasis currently relies on mass treatment with four to six annual doses of antifilarial drugs. The goal is to reduce the reservoir of microfilariae in the blood to a level that is insufficient to maintain transmission by the mosquito vector. ⋯ Annual mass treatment with drugs such as diethylcarbamazine can virtually eliminate the reservoir of microfilariae and greatly reduce the frequency of clinical lymphatic abnormalities due to bancroftian filariasis. Eradication may be possible in areas with moderate rates of transmission, but longer periods of treatment or additional control measures may be necessary in areas with high rates of transmission.