Belize Medical And Dental Association

Researchers previously reported a benefit from 80 mg of atorvastatin daily in preventing recurrent cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events over 5 years after a first stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in the randomized, placebo-controlled, manufacturer-sponsored SPARCL trial (N Engl J Med 2006; 355:549). Now, the authors report subanalysis results. The 4731 participants had documented elevated LDL levels and stroke or TIA within the prior 6 months and no history or evidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). A handful of randomized patients were not included in the outcomes data for this report.

Even after all these years, a single dose of intramuscular penicillin G remains the preferred treatment for early-stage syphilis. The usual alternative, oral doxycycline, is problematic because several weeks of treatment are needed, and poor patient adherence can compromise efficacy.

Although intravenous (IV) lorazepam is considered first-line therapy for status epilepticus, this therapy is impractical for patients who do not have IV access. Diazepam can be administered either intravenously or rectally but is less effective and associated with a higher risk for respiratory depression. Midazolam — although not formally recommended for treatment of seizures — can be given via IV, intramuscular (IM), intranasal (IN), or buccal routes.

The Advisory Committee on Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs voted unanimously, 25 to 0, that drugmaker Novartis had "demonstrated substantial evidence of effectiveness of fingolimod for the treatment of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations."