Internal Medicine Alert – September 30, 2022

Treatment of Acute Vertigo

Treating acute vertigo with an antihistamine was more effective than benzodiazepines for acute symptoms. However, there was no difference between the two medications in terms of resolution within one week or one month.

An Unhealthy Gut Microbiome May Cause Colorectal Cancer

An E. coli variant found in the Western diet was associated with a higher incidence of colorectal cancer.

Predicting the Tolerability of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Advanced Heart Failure

An analysis of the sacubitril/valsartan run-in period for chronic, advanced heart failure patients showed 18% could not tolerate the lowest dose, usually because of hypotension or renal dysfunction. Investigators identified six predictors of non-tolerance, which may help clinicians choose the best candidates.

Appropriate Management of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Among patients with arch and descending thoracic aorta aneurysms followed over a mean of 20 months, aneurysm-related mortality was predicted by the size and growth rate of the aneurysms, along with age and sex.

Remaining Questions in Syphilis Treatment

Eight leading experts on sexually transmitted diseases convened to discuss key questions in the management of syphilis in adults with and without HIV infection based on a systematic review of the literature. More than 3,000 articles were screened, and the discussion focused on 95 relevant publications and three main topics.

Betibeglogene Autotemcel Suspension (Zynteglo)

The FDA has approved the first cell-based gene therapy to treat adult and pediatric patients with beta-thalassemia who require regular blood transfusions.