CPAP masks by Rachel Tayse on flickr
Sleep apnea was in the news this week on MD Consult, with one story detailing how continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) significantly improves sufferers’ moods. Getting enough quality sleep seemed to help keep depressive symptoms at bay in adult patients, and the results were even more impressive for married patients – although there is no word on their spouse’s take on it. Children with sleep apnea were the subject of a second article, with improvements in brain function following treatment. Based on their results, the authors of the study called for earlier diagnosis and treatment of the disorder, so that affected children might recover in a speedier fashion.
The latest American Family Physician offers practical advice on treating the common cold in both children and adults, and the article includes an overview of ineffective therapies as well – a handy list of what to avoid. The diagnosis and treatment of more serious conditions, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are covered as well. The evaluation of chronic dyspnea is detailed in this issue, too. Another new journal this week is the July American Journal of Emergency Medicine. One paper examines whether overcrowding in the ED leads to blood culture contamination, thereby delaying diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as bacteremia. There is also a review highlighting the dangers of misdiagnosing imported malaria, and an exploration into the received wisdom that Friday the 13th is a particularly busy day for the ED. While on the whole the analysis found it was business as usual, there was an odd rise in penetrating trauma admissions. Issues surrounding the diagnosis of pneumonia were also examined.
The Clinics are hosting a number of new articles in press; forthcoming in Gastroenterology Clinics are articles on celiac disease, as well as papers on diarrhea caused by carbohydrate malabsorption and circulating agents. Special considerations for the immunocompromised patient are described as well. There is also a new issue up this week – the July PET Clinics. The focus of this edition is the imaging of bone diseases, including a look at newer tools and techniques, such as 18F NaF PET/CT screening for benign bone diseases, as well as the same approach to malignant diseases. The use of such scanning in routine clinical practice is also discussed.
Check back next week for more of what’s new on MD Consult.
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