- The monoclonal antibody trastuzumab has revolutionized the treatment of HER-2-positive breast cancer, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
- Dual anti-HER-2 therapy has been shown to result in increased pathologic complete response (pCR) rates in patients treated in the neoadjuvant setting.
- pCR has been shown to be associated with a good prognosis and outcome in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
- Novel anti-HER-2 agents are currently being investigated in ongoing trials.
Latest Updates
Management of Acute Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Mechanical removal of acute venous thrombus with increased safety
- Selection of catheter-directed thrombolysis in patients with thrombotic iliofemoral DVT
- Protocols of pharmacomechanical thrombolysis
- Using intravascular ultrasonography to guide intraoperative therapy
- A recently published large database study of outpatient hand surgery procedures states that postoperative infection risk is less than 1%.
- Prophylactic antibiotics for elective procedures lasting less than 2 hours are not necessary.
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline are commonly used PO empiric antibiotics for hand infections due to the increased prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Pediatric Abdominal Emergencies
- Pediatric surgical emergencies occur at characteristic ages, and emergency physicians need to be aware of this on presentation.
- Diagnosis of incarcerated inguinal hernia is a clinical diagnosis.
- Ultrasonography is the initial imaging modality of choice for midgut volvulus, pyloric stenosis, intussusception, and appendicitis.
- Hydrostatic and pneumatic enema is the therapeutic method of choice for reduction of ileocolic intussusception.
- In children with suspected appendicitis, the application of a staged algorithm, including a scoring system and ultrasonography, can improve test characteristics.
Pediatric Upper Airway Obstruction
- Evidence that imaging (radiographs, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) should be reserved for selected patients
- Evidence that procedural intervention may not always be required in cases of peritonsillar and retropharyngeal abscesses
- Enhanced understanding of epiglottitis pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment
Pediatric Upper Airway Obstruction
- Evidence that imaging (radiographs, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) should be reserved for selected patients
- Evidence that procedural intervention may not always be required in cases of peritonsillar and retropharyngeal abscesses
- Enhanced understanding of epiglottitis pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment
Nonsurgical Management Options for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Review of the Current Evidence
- Despite any recent advances in pessaries, they remain the first-line therapy for pelvic organ prolapse.
- Most available studies regarding pessaries demonstrate ease of fitting, with favorable short-term and long-term outcomes.
- Recent randomized controlled trials have shown conflicting results regarding efficacy of pelvic floor muscle therapy
- Dietary fiber intake is a nutrient of concern, with intakes less than half of recommended amounts.
- Oats, barley, and psyllium have approved health claims in the United States for their ability to lower blood lipids.
- Recommended dietary fiber intakes are based on prospective studies and the relationship of fiber intakes to reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease.
- Foods high in dietary fiber, grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes should be increased in the diet to improve fiber intakes.
- Fiber supplements should be recommended on a case-by-case basis as there is wide variation in a patient’s response to additional fiber.
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