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PCSK9 Inhibitors: Blockbusters or Bust?

Two new mAbs, alirocumab and evolocumab, have been approved to treat elevated cholesterol when added to maximally tolerated statin therapy in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This new class of drugs, the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, is considered to be the biggest breakthrough in cholesterol treatment since statins were approved 3 decades ago. But are they worth it?

Short-Course Dexamethasone for Asthma Exacerbations in Children

To treat acute asthma exacerbations in children, how about a single dose of dexamethasone and your done!  Sounds simple, easy, and convenient.  But is it too good to be true?

CVD Risk Scores - Are They Accurate?

How well do cardiovascular disease risk calculators really perform?  Do they over or underestimate risk?  Should we rely on them to make treatment decisions?

Folic Acid: A Simple Answer to a Very Large Problem?

Stroke is responsible for 1 in 19 deaths in the United States and is the leading cause of long-term disability.  Could something as simple and cheap as folic acid substantially reduce the risk of stroke?  The China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial examined this important question.

Dressed for Success? Professional Attire and Patient Perceptions

Every health professional takes an oath to service patients. To fulfill this covenant, patient trust must be earned. Without trust, patients are unlikely to share sensitive, personal information, hindering the provision of optimal care. Gaining trust is influenced by many factors. What influence does attire have on patients’ perceptions of their healthcare providers?

Insulin Delivery in Type 2 Diabetes: To Pump or Not to Pump?

The American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes (ADA/EASD) guidelines acknowledge that “CSII is a less commonly used and more costly alternative” to basal-bolus therapy in patients with T2DM.  The Opt2mise was a robust study intended to clarify the role of CSII in patients with T2DM.

Intensive Antiplatelet Therapy - Is Extended Therapy Worth It?

Our guests - Dr. Cortney Mospan and Dr. Augustus (Rob) Hough - critically examine the results of the DAPT and PEGASUS-TIMI 54 studies and explain how the results should be applied in practice.

Co-trimoxazole+RAAS Inhibitors: A Deadly Combination?

Could a commonly prescribed antibiotic, when combined with a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor, lead to sudden death?

Anticoagulation Bridge Therapy - Risks and Benefits Examined

The ORBIT-AF study raises questions about anticoagulation therapy bridging practices.  Do the risks outweigh the benefits?

Fish Oil for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Angling for something safer and less costly - fish oil!   But is it helpful for rheumatoid arthritis?