EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 5 P.M., EDT, SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 1997
June 15, 1997, Tip Sheet
Annals of Internal Medicine is published by the American College of Physicians (ACP), more than 100,000 physicians trained in internal medicine. The following highlights are not intended to substitute for articles as sources of information. For a copy of an article, call 1-800-523-1546, ext. 2656 or 215-351-2656. The full text of selected articles can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.acponline.org/journals/annals/annaltoc.htm
* * * Oral Vitamin K1 Corrects Excessive Anticoagulation
Despite early acceptance as an approved treatment for excessive anticoagulation, oral vitamin K1 is not used frequently. Low-dose oral vitamin K1 is a reliable, safe and inexpensive way to rapidly correct excessive anticoagulation, a study finds. (Brief Communications, p. 959.) A case series of 81 patients found that withholding one or two doses of warfarin and administering 2.5 milligrams of oral vitamin K1 rapidly corrects excessive anticoagulation in patients who do not have serious bleeding episodes and have an international normalized ratio of less than 10.0.
* * * Homelessness: Care, Prevention, and Public Policy (Perspectives, p. 973.)
* * * Medical Research and Health News Reporting
In July 1996 Annals published the results of a randomized, controlled trial about the effects of zinc gluconate lozenges on symptoms of the common cold. Editor Frank Davidoff, MD, examines important questions raised in the ensuing controversy over this study. (Editorial, p. 983.)
A report explores coverage of medical science in the general press, and suggests ways to improve health news reporting. The authors focus on sensationalism, biases and conflicts of interest, lack of follow-up and stories that are not covered. (Perspectives, p. 976.)
* * * Diagnosing Syncope
A paper for the American College of Physicians (ACP) Clinical Efficacy Assessment Project reviews literature on the diagnosis of syncope, a common, potentially dangerous, condition that can be difficult to diagnose. (Position Paper, p. 989.) The paper provides recommendations for a comprehensive and cost-effective approach to establishing the cause of this condition.
A physician recounts a personal experience of diagnosing syncope in a patient, possibly resulting in the patient enduring unnecessary procedures. (On Being A Doctor, p. 997.) # # #
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