Postgraduate medicine
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Postgraduate medicine · Sep 2010
ReviewThe role of alpha2-adrenergic agonists in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Psychostimulants are first-line therapy for patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, some patients are not optimal responders to monotherapy or present as comorbid for a variety of other disorders that either preclude the use of stimulants or produce a symptom complex that is resistant to monotherapy. Unfortunately, there are few agents well studied in combination with psychostimulants for patients with ADHD. ⋯ New controlled-release formulations of the alpha2-adrenergic agonists have overcome some of these limitations, with recent clinical trials demonstrating their enhanced tolerability and effectiveness for treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents. Studies with each of these new formulations (ie, guanfacine extended release and clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets) in combination with psychostimulants have demonstrated that the addition of an alpha2-adrenergic agonist to psychostimulant therapy significantly enhances efficacy without compromising safety. This review will encompass the clinical study database for novel formulations of alpha2-adrenergic agonists, enabling the reader to appreciate their place in ADHD treatment as well as the potential utility of a combination approach with psychostimulants for patients with complex ADHD.
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Postgraduate medicine · Sep 2010
ReviewInnovations to achieve excellence in COPD diagnosis and treatment in primary care.
Recognition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often missed or delayed in primary care. Once recognized, COPD is often undertreated or episodically treated, focusing on acute exacerbations without establishing maintenance treatment to control ongoing disease. Diagnostic and therapeutic pessimism result in missed opportunities to reduce exacerbations, maintain physical functioning, and reduce emergent health care requirements. ⋯ Practice redesign for whole-patient primary care provides additional tools for comprehensive COPD management. Innovations such as group visits and the patient-centered medical home provide newer ways to interact with COPD patients and their families. Patient-focused and evidence-based options enable primary care practices to manage COPD longitudinally and improve patient outcomes through the course of the disease.
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Postgraduate medicine · Sep 2010
Migraine, tension-type headache, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in childhood: a population-based study.
Primary headache syndromes (eg, migraine and tension-type headache [TTH]) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are prevalent in childhood and may cause impairment in social and academic functioning. We tested if ADHD or its symptoms are associated with specific headache syndromes or with headache frequency. ⋯ Migraine and TTH are not comorbid to ADHD overall, but are comorbid to hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Providers and educators should be aware of the association.
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Postgraduate medicine · Sep 2010
ReviewUnderstanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from childhood to adulthood.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common neurobehavioral disorders requiring treatment in children and adolescents. The disorder is often chronic, with prominent symptoms and impairment spanning into adulthood. It is often associated with co-occurring disorders, including disruptive, mood, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. ⋯ Multimodal treatment includes educational, family, and individual support. Psychotherapy alone and in combination with medication is helpful for treating patients with ADHD and comorbid disorders. Pharmacotherapy, including stimulants, noradrenergic agents, α-agonists, and antidepressants, plays a fundamental role in the long-term management of ADHD.
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Postgraduate medicine · Sep 2010
Chronic hepatitis B: perceptions in Asian American communities and diagnosis and management practices among primary care physicians.
Asian Americans exhibit a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) compared with the general population in the United States. However, there are specific barriers to appropriate health care in the Asian American population, and CHB awareness is low. The aim of this study was to examine CHB awareness among the Asian American population and to assess the role and attitudes of primary care physicians in CHB diagnosis and treatment, particularly in relation to Asian American communities. ⋯ Improved education regarding CHB disease progression, prevention, and treatment is needed among both the Asian American community and primary care physicians to increase awareness of the seriousness of the disease and ultimately reduce the burden of CHB in the United States.