Postgraduate medicine
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2024
ReviewPotassium-competitive acid blockers: rethinking acid suppression for gastroesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection are different disease states that are united by the core role of acid suppression in their management. In GERD, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have long been standard therapy based on abundant positive clinical trial data supporting their efficacy and safety. In H. pylori, PPIs are also a critical element of therapy in combination with 1 or more antibiotics to achieve and maintain a pH that maximizes the efficacy of therapy. ⋯ In pharmacodynamic studies, these agents have shown greater durations of acid suppression above the critical threshold of pH 4 (for GERD) and pH 6 (for H. pylori), which have been shown to optimize therapeutic efficacy in these settings. These results have translated in clinical studies to similar and, in some cases, improved outcomes relative to PPIs in these disease states. This review summarizes current knowledge on the physiology of acid secretion, pathophysiology and management of GERD and H. pylori, and key characteristics and clinical trial data for PPIs and PCABs.
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2024
ReviewYou may delay, but time will not. Beta cells lost are never found again: a case for timely initiation of basal insulin in type 2 diabetes.
Since its first use just over a century ago, insulin treatment has evolved dramatically, such that the molecules are physiologic in nature, and treatment can now closely resemble the natural hormone response over 24 hours. Newer, longer-acting basal insulin analogs have provided insulin therapies with improved characteristics and, therefore, ease of use, and can readily be incorporated as part of routine treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D), but evidence suggests that insulin remains underused in people with T2D. We review the barriers to initiation of basal insulin and the education needed to address these barriers, and we provide practical pointers, supported by evidence, for primary care physicians and advanced practice providers to facilitate timely initiation of basal insulin in the people with T2D who will benefit from such treatment.
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2024
Review Meta AnalysisVitamin D levels in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy patients: a meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis aimed to explore correlations between vitamin D and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). ⋯ This meta-analysis showed correlations between vitamin D level and IIM. The results indicated, VDD may be a risk factor for IIM, a determinant of immune dysregulation in IIM, or a consequence of IIM. Also, it implied further research to determine whether vitamin D supplementation is beneficial for patients with IIM.
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Plasma is overused as a blood product worldwide; however, data supporting appropriate use of plasma is scant. Its most common utilization is for treatment of coagulopathy in actively bleeding patients; it is also used for coagulation optimization prior to procedures with specific coagulation profile targets. A baseline literature review in PUBMED and Google Scholar was done (1 January 2000 to 1 June 2023), utilizing the following search terms: plasma, fresh frozen plasma, lyophilized plasma, indications, massive transfusion protocol, liver disease, warfarin reversal, cardiothoracic surgery, INR < 2. ⋯ The correlation between concentration of coagulation factors and INR, as well as the proper plasma dosing with its volume being weight-based, is also discussed. A high value approach to plasma utilization is supported with a review of the clinical situations where plasma is overutilized or unnecessary. Finally, a discussion of novel plasma products is presented for enhanced awareness.
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2024
Multicenter Study Observational StudyAdverse events of biological agents in pediatric rheumatologic diseases.
To evaluate adverse events (AEs) in pediatric patients with rheumatologic diseases being treated with approved or off-label biologic agents (BAs). ⋯ The physician should be vigilant for latent TB in patients exposed to BA for more than 2 years. While local skin reactions are more prevalent in patients receiving anti-IL1, severe skin reactions such as DRESS may also occur.