Episodes
Friday Jun 17, 2016
What’s the story, H. pylori? New regimens in the toolbox?
Friday Jun 17, 2016
Friday Jun 17, 2016
The list of regimens for Helicobacter pylori eradication is longer than ever. In recent years, American and European guidelines have recommended clarithromycin-based triple therapy or bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for primary treatment of H. pylori infection. However, increasing resistance to these regimens has forced us to consider alternative treatments, including but not limited to: the addition of probiotics, use of sequential regimens, and the inclusion of levofloxacin in the antibiotic cocktail. With all these choices, the clinician is left wondering what the best option is.
Friday Jun 03, 2016
PATHWAY-2: Does the road lead to spironolactone for resistant hypertension?
Friday Jun 03, 2016
Friday Jun 03, 2016
Resistant hypertension (RH) is frequently encountered in primary care practice and often presents a significant clinical challenge because limited evidence-based guidance exists. RH is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and death, and has been associated with a 50% increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease when compared to patients without RH. The American Heart Association defines RH as uncontrolled BP despite maximal treatment with a three-drug regimen, ideally including a diuretic. The exact prevalence of RH is unknown, but large randomized controlled trials suggest it affects one in five patients with elevated BP. Previous research findings suggest chlorthalidone, spironolactone, and eplerenone are all effective add-on therapies when BP remains uncontrolled with typical first line agents. The Pathway-2 study provides the first direct comparative evaluation of three different four-drug antihypertensive regimens.