Exploring the science of healthcare delivery No abstract available

Treating patients with opioid use disorder No abstract available

Overview of breast cancer Each year, more than 250,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Although overall mortality for breast cancer patients has declined, it is still the second most common cause of cancer death in women. This article provides an overview of nonmetastatic breast cancer in women, including general features, diagnostic considerations, and treatments for the most common breast cancer subtypes.

Updated concepts in the diagnosis and management of community-acquired pneumonia Pneumonia accounts for about 1 million hospitalizations each year in the United States. It is the number one cause of death from infectious disease and eighth leading cause of death in the United States. This article reviews recent updates in best practices for diagnosing and managing pneumonia in the ED or primary care practice. Despite developments in the diagnosis of pneumonia, vital signs and chest examination findings can and should guide clinical management. Chest radiography is routinely used to diagnose pneumonia. However, a negative chest radiograph should not replace clinical impression. In immunocompetent patients with community-acquired pneumonia, the CURB-65 decision rule has a role in identifying high-risk patients, including those who will require ICU admission and a critical care intervention.

CME POST-TEST No abstract available

STEMI in a patient with mirror-image dextrocardia ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a potentially life-threatening diagnosis that cannot be missed on ECG interpretation. However, ECG interpretation may not be straightforward in patients with dextrocardia. This case report discusses the presentation of a patient with situs inversus with dextrocardia who was found to have an acute inferior MI, and how this anatomical change results in an atypical ECG and clinical presentation.

Using buprenorphine to treat patients with opioid use disorder The US opioid epidemic is a complex problem that has resulted in legislative actions to make treatment more accessible to patients. Physician assistants (PAs) have taken an active role in expanding their scope of practice to keep up with treatment needs. This article describes opioid use disorder in the United States, treatment gaps, safe treatment with buprenorphine, and PA prescriptive authority.

Recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition characterized by recurrent painful abscesses usually limited to the intertriginous areas. Global prevalence has been estimated at up to 4% of the population. The exact pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa is yet to be elucidated; however, recent research has shown that the disease occurs under the influence of multiple genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Repeated insults result in sinus tract formation and disfigurement, which can have a significant psychosocial effect on patients. A wide range of treatments are available but none are curative. A combination antibiotic regimen is considered first line, and research into the use of biologics has been promising. Early recognition and treatment is paramount to achieving a better prognosis and improving patient quality of life.

What is the role of triple inhaled therapy in COPD? Triple inhaled therapy for maintenance of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) consists of an inhaled corticosteroid, long-acting muscarinic antagonist, and long-acting beta2-agonist. Recent clinical studies evaluating triple therapy found a reduction in COPD exacerbations compared with other combination therapies. This article discusses the role of triple therapy in treating patients with COPD.

Rabies No abstract available