Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Tests—A Summary and Comparison

A comparison of current serologic tests for syphilis shows that treponemal tests are preferable to reagin tests in detecting specific antibodies, but that reagin tests are best for determining the response to treatment. The newly developed fta-absorption technique is suggested as a reliable, inexpensive test for treponemal antibodies.     

HYPERVENTILATION SYNDROME—A Clinical and Physiological Evaluation

There is a chronic hyperventilation syndrome which is much more common, of greater medical significance and far more difficult to diagnose than the better-known acute hyperventilation attack. This chronic syndrome tends to mimic grave organic disease with which it frequently is associated or superimposed.Studies on 250 patients with chronic hyperventilation patterns revealed the rapidity with which biochemical and physiological changes can occur and the characteristics of the resultant symptoms and signs, with particular reference to the heart and lungs.Once the diagnosis is suspected and appropriately confirmed, it is possible to “cure” over 70 per cent of such patients by means of simple therapeutic measures.     

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology – Clinical Practice Guidelines for Developing A Diabetes Mellitus Comprehensive Care Plan – 2015 — Executive Summary

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice are systematically developed statements to assist healthcare professionals in medical decision making for specific clinical conditions. Most of the content herein is based on literature reviews. In areas of uncertainty, professional judgment was applied. These guidelines are a working document that reflects the state of the field at the time of publication. Because rapid changes in this area are expected, periodic revisions are inevitable. We encourage medical professionals to use this information in conjunction with their best clinical judgment. The presented recommendations may not be appropriate in all situations. Any decision by practitioners to apply these guidelines must be made in light of local resources and individual patient circumstances.Abbreviations: A1C = hemoglobin A1c AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists ACCORD = Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes ACE = angiotensin-converting enzyme ADA = American Diabetes Association AER = albumin excretion rate ApoB = apolipoprotein B ARB = angiotensin II receptor blocker ASCVD = atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease BEL = best evidence level BMI = body mass index CDC = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDE = certified diabetes educator CGM = continuous glucose monitoring CKD = chronic kidney disease CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure CPG = clinical practice guideline CSI = continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion CVD = cardiovascular disease DPP-4 = dipeptidyl peptidase 4 DSME = diabetes self-management education DSPN = distal symmetric polyneuropathy EL = evidence level ESRD = end-stage renal disease FDA = U.S. Food and Drug Administration FPG = fasting plasma glucose GDM = gestational diabetes mellitus GFR = glomerular filtration rate GLP-1 = glucagon-like peptide 1 HBV = hepatitis B virus HDL-C = high-density lipoprotein cholesterol HR = hazard ratio ICU = intensive care unit IFG = impaired fasting glucose IGT = impaired glucose tolerance ISF = insulin sensitivity factor LDL-C = low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-P = low-density lipoprotein particles MDI = multiple daily injections MNT = medical nutrition therapy NPH = neutral protamine Hagedorn OGTT = oral glucose tolerance test OSA = obstructive sleep apnea PG = plasma glucose POC = point-of-care PPG = postprandial glucose PTH = parathyroid hormone Q = clinical question R = recommendation RAAS = reninangiotensin-aldosterone system RCT = randomized controlled trial SFN = small-fiber neuropathy SGLT2 = sodium glucose cotransporter 2 SMBG = self-monitoring of blood glucose T1D = type 1 diabetes T2D = type 2 diabetes TZD = thiazolidinedione     

ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY IN HEART DISEASE—A Summary of the Literature

Considerable experience by many independent workers with the use of anticoagulants in the treatment of certain types of heart disease has shown that such therapy reduces significantly the incidence of thromboembolic complications and, largely through this effect, the morbidity and mortality rate from heart disease of these types.This is certainly established in acute coronary occlusion with myocardial infarction and in those instances of rheumatic heart disease with auricular fibrillation in which repeated embolic phenomena have occurred. The case for the administration of the anticoagulants in congestive heart failure is less secure, although there is no doubt that the number of thromboembolic complications is reduced by use of them.The administration of the anticoagulants requires considerably more exacting attention than does the administration of the majority of therapeutic agents in use commonly today. Hence, it is suggested that the use of anticoagulants in heart disease be restricted to those instances in which the indications are clear and facilities are compatible with the efficient and safe use of the drug, whether Dicumarol or heparin.     

CARDIAC INJURY IN BODILY TRAUMA—A Clinical Study

Involvement of the heart in bodily trauma occurs in a variable incidence. It is most frequently observed secondary to chest injuries. Because generalized bodily trauma can produce cardiac damage, the examination of the cardiovascular system is indicated and justified in cases of bodily injury.