Journal of general internal medicine
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To describe the etiologies of syncope in hospitalized patients and determine the factors that influence survival after discharge. ⋯ Among these elderly patients hospitalized with syncope, noncardiovascular causes were twice as common as cardiovascular causes. Because survival was not related to the cause of syncope, clinicians cannot be reassured that hospitalized elderly patients with noncardiovascular and unexplained syncope will have excellent outcomes.
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To evaluate the risks and benefits of third-generation oral contraceptives. ⋯ Although third-generation oral contraceptives most likely increase a user's risk of venous thromboembolism, their improved side-effect profile and their possible decreased association with myocardial infarction and stroke may make them a useful new class of oral contraceptives for most women except those at increased risk of venous thrombosis.
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A large majority of urinary tract infections are caused by coliform organisms. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) resistance among uropathogens is increasing in many areas. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for TMP-SMX-resistant coliforms in patients with urinary tract infections. ⋯ Coliforms resistant to TMP-SMX are common in our emergency department. Diabetes, recent hospitalization, and the use of antibiotics, particularly the use of TMP-SMX, are independent risk factors for TMP-SMX resistance. Clinicians should consider these findings when deciding on antimicrobial therapy for patients with urinary tract infections.
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To describe sources of health care used by homeless and housed poor adults. ⋯ Having no health insurance or need for care in the past 6 months increased the use of a non-ambulatory-care site as a place for usual care. Programs designed to decrease emergency department use may need to be directed at those not currently accessing any care.
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To describe barriers to participation of African Americans in research. ⋯ African-American participants in this study described distrust of the medical community as a prominent barrier to participation in clinical research. Participants described real and perceived examples of exploitation to support their distrust of researchers. The goal of the consent process, to inform patients of risks and benefits so as to facilitate self-determination, was misinterpreted by these participants. Understanding the importance of interpersonal trust within the clinical relationship may prove to be a significant factor in enhancing participation in clinical trials.