Annals of internal medicine
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Observational Study
The Effect of Influenza Vaccination for the Elderly on Hospitalization and Mortality: An Observational Study With a Regression Discontinuity Design.
Observational studies using traditional research designs suggest that influenza vaccination reduces hospitalizations and mortality among elderly persons. Accordingly, health authorities in some countries prioritize vaccination of this population. Nevertheless, questions remain about this policy's effectiveness given the potential for bias and confounding in observational data. ⋯ National Institute on Aging.
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Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes both deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a common and potentially fatal condition. Medical inpatients are at high risk for VTE because of immobility as well as acute and chronic illness. ⋯ Here, 2 experts, a hematologist and a hospitalist, reflect on the care of a woman hospitalized with a rheumatologic disorder. They consider the risks and benefits of chemoprophylaxis, discuss VTE risk stratification, and recommend which patients should receive chemoprophylaxis and with which agents.
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Thyrotoxicosis is a general term for excess circulating and tissue thyroid hormone levels, whereas hyperthyroidism specifically denotes disorders involving a hyperactive thyroid gland (Graves disease, toxic multinodular goiter, toxic adenoma). Diagnosis and determination of the cause rely on clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Hyperthyroidism is treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine ablation, or thyroidectomy. Other types of thyrotoxicosis are monitored and treated with β-blockers to control symptoms given that most of these conditions resolve spontaneously.