CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
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Alcohol abuse produces a considerable burden of illness in the Canadian population. The diagnosis of alcohol dependence and withdrawal can be difficult, particularly in the setting of covert intake or comorbidity. Two validated scales, the CAGE questionnaire to screen for alcohol abuse and dependence and the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) scale to assess the severity of withdrawal, are valuable tools for clinicians to use on a regular basis. ⋯ Neuroleptics are not recommended for routine use. Sedation with benzodiazepines guided by the CIWA-Ar results is recommended. There is good evidence that the management of alcohol withdrawal can be improved with the routine use of the CIWA-Ar scale to assess severity, treatment with adequate doses of benzodiazepines and follow-up monitoring of patients in alcohol withdrawal.
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Candida species are important bloodstream pathogens that are being isolated with increasing frequency. Despite the availability of effective antifungal therapy, the mortality rate associated with Candida infection remains high. With the objective of describing the epidemiology of candidemia, the Canadian Infectious Disease Society conducted a study of candidemia in Canada. ⋯ Candidemia in Canada is caused predominantly by C. albicans. The mortality rate associated with candidemia is high, but it varies with the species of Candida and is lower in children than in adults. Age greater than 60 years and stay in an intensive care unit were the most significant risk factors for overall mortality.
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(1) To evaluate the evidence relating to the effectiveness of methods to prevent and treat obesity, and (2) to provide recommendations for the prevention and treatment of obesity in adults aged 18 to 65 years and for the measurement of the body mass index (BMI) as part of a periodic health examination. ⋯ The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care is funded through a partnership between the Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Health and Health Canada.