Article
Can recombinant growth hormone effectively treat idiopathic short stature?
- Author:
- Tim Von Fange, MD
- Todd McDiarmid, MD
- Leslie Mackler, MLIS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Yes, treatment can increase a child’s final height. Injections of recombinant human growth hormone (rGH) at least 3 times a...
Article
Does bed rest for preeclampsia improve neonatal outcomes?
- Author:
- Maria Linda Cabrera, MD
- Todd McDiarmid, MD
- Leslie Mackler, MSLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: No. strict bed rest in the hospital for pregnant women with preeclampsia does not appear to lower rates of perinatal...
Article
What is the most effective management of acute fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal?
- Author:
- Davis Vu, MD
- Todd McDiarmid, MD
- Marcy Brown, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: For acute Jones’ fractures in recreationally active patients, early intramedullary screw fixation results in lower failure...
Article
What is the addiction risk associated with tramadol?
- Author:
- Todd McDiarmid, MD
- Leslie Mackler, MSLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Tramadol (Ultram, generic and with acetaminophen in Ultracet) carries a risk of substance abuse (strength of recommendation...
Article
Is an outpatient workup safe for patients with a transient ischemic attack?
- Author:
- Melissa Franklin, MD
- Todd McDiarmid, MD
- Leslie Mackler, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: There is no compelling evidence that outpatient diagnostic workup of patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) is less...
Article
Do systemic corticosteroids lessen symptoms in acute exacerbations of COPD?
- Author:
- Todd McDiarmid, MD
- Leslie Mackler, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Systemic corticosteroids improve measures of dyspnea in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary...
Article
What medication best prevents migraine in children?
- Author:
- Heather Spry, MD
- Todd McDiarmid, MD
- Jill Mayer, MLIS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Propranolol, valproic acid, and amitriptyline are effective prophylaxis for migraine in children to varying degrees, are...
Article
Do glucosamine or chondroitin cause regeneration of cartilage in osteoarthritis?
- Author:
- David Priebe, MD
- Todd McDiarmid, MD
- Leslie Mackler, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: No direct evidence suggests glucosamine or chrondroitin cause regeneration of cartilage in osteoarthritis. Use of...
Article
Do antioxidants (vitamins C, E) improve outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease?
- Author:
- Josh O. Bloom, MD, MPH
- Todd McDiarmid, MD
- Caryn Scoville
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Antioxidant supplements of vitamins E and C do not reduce cardiovascular death in people with coronary artery disease....
Article
Are any oral iron formulations better tolerated than ferrous sulfate?
- Author:
- Todd McDiarmid, MD
- Diane E. Johnson, MLS
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: Ferrous salt preparations (ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate) are equally tolerable. (Grade of...
Article
How effective is doxazosin compared with chlorthalidone in the treatment of hypertension?
- Author:
- Peter G. Koval, PharmD
- Todd McDiarmid, MD
The ALLHAT Officers and Coordinators for the ALLHAT Collaborative Research Group. Major cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients randomized...