New Treatment for a Deficiency in Iron-Supplement Thera...
October 1, 2013 - Clinical By: Davidta Brown, Staff Editor – For the estimated 7.5 million individuals in the United States living with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), there is now a new alternative to iron supplements or time-consuming, repetitive infusions. On July 25, 2013, the FDA approved ferric carboxymaltose injection (Injectafer®) for the treatment of IDA, especially in patients who… |
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New Drug to Treat HIV-1 Hits the Market...
October 1, 2013 - Clinical , Featured By: Ada Seldin, Staff Editor – On August 12,2013, a new weapon against HIV-1 infection was added to the existing armada. Dolutegravir, the third integrase strand transfer inhibitor to attain FDA approval, targets a protein essential to HIV replication. HIV-1 is the predominant type of HIV virus, the other being HIV-2, which is endogenous to… |
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After 15 Years, First New Recombinant Coagulation Facto...
October 1, 2013 - Clinical By: Tamara Yunusova, Senior Staff Editor – After a lengthy fifteen-year hiatus in recombinant drug approvals, FDA-approved Recombinant Coagulation Factor IX (Rixubis) has mounted to the forefront of Hemophilia B drug therapy. The recombinant coagulation factor gained orphan drug approval on June 26, 2013 for routine prophylaxis, control of bleeding episodes, and perioperative management in… |
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Ketoconazole No More...
October 1, 2013 - Featured , In the News / Politics By: Hayeon Na, Co-Copy Editor [Content-Focused] – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on July 26th that oral dosage forms of ketoconazole (Nizoral®) should no longer be prescribed as first-line therapy for any fungal infections.1 The label and indication for oral ketoconazole were updated, and a new medication guide was added. Other dosage forms… |
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Canagliflozin (Invokana®): New Type 2 Diabetes Drug...
October 1, 2013 - Clinical By: Sang Hyo Kim, Staff Editor – On March 29th 2013, the U.S Food and Drug Administration approved canagliflozin (Invokana®), a new form of a diabetic drug for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.1 Canagliflozin is in a new class of medications called sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and is the only oral, once-daily… |
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Hope For Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia...
October 1, 2013 - Featured , In the News / Politics By: Ada Seldin, Staff Editor – Emily Whitehead, a 7-year-old girl who fought off relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), has captured the hearts and prayers of the masses. Her story is an inspiration to those battling any disease with a poor prognosis and particularly holds promise for the 15% of children with ALL resistant to… |
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Meet the Dean: Interview with Dean DiGate...
October 1, 2013 - Featured , Professional Advice / Opinions By: Katharine Cimmino, Editor-in-Chief and Erica Dimitropoulos, Senior Staff Editor – Just last month, St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences kindly welcomed a new Dean into our family, Dean Russell J. DiGate. Dean DiGate is a highly experienced educator and academic leader. He attended the University of Rochester, where… |
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BRAIN Initiative: Mapping the Human Brain...
October 1, 2013 - Featured , In the News / Politics By Erica Dimitropoulos, Senior Staff Editor – If you were in charge of government spending, how would you allocate our funds? Would you put more money into public schools? Restructure the healthcare system? How about a multi-billion dollar project to remap the brain? A few months ago, President Obama announced his plans to invest in… |
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An Interview with Dr. Barile: Professor, Reseacher, and...
September 1, 2013 - Professional Advice / Opinions By: Katharine Cimmino, Editor-in-Chief & Bharat Kirthivasan, Co-Copy Editor – Frank A. Barile Ph.D. is a Professor of Clinical and Applied Toxicology at St. John’s University. He is also a St. John’s University alumnus, having received a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science, an M.S. in Toxicology, and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology. At St. John’s University, Dr.… |
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HIV Test: Making a Difference...
September 1, 2013 - In the News / Politics By: Sang Hyo Kim, Staff Editor – On June 27, 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), AIDS.gov, and other national and local entities organized the 19th annual National HIV Testing Day. On this day, the theme of “Take the Test, Take Control” was employed to spread awareness of testing and prevention methods… |
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Novel Virus, Standard Vigilance...
September 1, 2013 - Featured , In the News / Politics By: Davidta Brown, Staff Editor – When the seasons transition from winter into spring every year, healthcare providers brace for a shift into a time of increased sneezes, requests for cough medication, and vaccinations, otherwise known as flu season. The rounds of illness that pass each year are usually more of an annoyance than a… |
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Children, Codeine, and Cytochrome P-450...
September 1, 2013 - Clinical , Featured By Davidta Brown, Staff Editor – For post-operative pain treatment, few drugs are as trustworthy, as tried-and-true, as codeine. Prescriptive confidence in the analgesic has promoted its use in children recovering from uncomplicated surgeries, but the spate of injuries and deaths of young children who had been given codeine after undergoing adenotonsillectomies has provoked a… |
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A Close Concurrence on Certolizumab (Cimzia®)...
September 1, 2013 - Clinical , Featured By: Sang Hyo Kim, Staff Editor – This year, on July 23rd, FDA advisers voted 7 to 6, with one abstention, in favor of approving the drug certolizumab (Cimzia®) for the indication of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). axSpA is a chronic imflammatory condition that includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spndyloarthristis (nr-axSpA).1,2 axSpA, AS and… |
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iPod, iPad, iPhone… iLimb...
August 1, 2013 - Featured , In the News / Politics By: Sang Hyo Kim, Staff Editor – There is a new invention called “i-limb ultra revolution,” which allows amputees to control their prosthetic hands with an Apple® app called “Bioism.” Designed by Touch Bionics in the United Kingdom, the new prosthetic hand has five individually powered fingers, including a powered rotating thumb and an auto-grasp… |
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New Findings Regarding Cardiovascular Adverse Events wi...
August 1, 2013 - Clinical , Featured By: Aleena Cherian, Co-Copy Editor [Graphics-Focused] – Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurological behavior characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactive behavior, resulting in a wide range of emotional, functional, and neurocognitive impairments.1,2 First line therapy for ADHD consists of stimulant medications together with non-pharmacologic interventions, and has been shown to improve… |
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Drugs and Diseases: The Survival Manual...
August 1, 2013 - Professional Advice / Opinions By: Beatrisa Popovitz, Staff Editor – You may have heard the countless horror stories passed on by upperclassman of how D&Ds seep into the crevices of our brains and take over our psyches to inevitably make us breathe, sleep, and speak pharmacy. Stressing out over exams and investing what may seem like all of your… |
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Superbug Makes Super Waves in Hospitals Across America...
July 1, 2013 - In the News / Politics By: Beatrisa Popovitz, Staff Editor – For the past decade, antibiotic resistant bacteria have been a growing concern in healthcare. Over the last few months, there has been a great deal of media attention surrounding strains of drug resistant bacteria in hospitals across the United States. Most recently, there has been an increased effort to… |
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Solving the HCV Enigma: Current and Future Drug Therapy...
July 1, 2013 - Clinical , Featured By: Tamara Yunusova, Senior Staff Editor – Approximately 3.2 million Americans have chronic hepatitis C infection.1 While acute cases are not common, rates of chronic hepatitis C continue to surge due to the recent discovery of the virus in 1989 and consequently, the establishment of a test screening for HCV antibodies in 1992.1 HCV has… |
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Angelina Jolie’s Double Mastectomy: What it Reveals A...
July 1, 2013 - Professional Advice / Opinions By Sang Hyo Kim, Staff Editor – Angelina Jolie, the actress recognized for her charismatic beauty, revealed to the New York Times that she had undergone double mastectomy, the surgical removal of the breasts. Because her mother died of ovarian cancer at 56, when Jolie learned that she had a mutation in her BRCA1 gene,… |
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Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Heather Mavronicolas Forges the ...
July 1, 2013 - Featured , Professional Advice / Opinions By: Tasnima Nabi, Content-focused Co-Copy Editor – The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has officially launched a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program and accepted applications for Fall 2013. Public Health has become an increasingly important area of study over the years as our country experiences rising numbers of chronic disease, health care… |
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Helping Solve the Cruel Mystery...
June 1, 2013 - Featured , In the News / Politics By: Erica Dimitropoulos, Senior Staff Editor – Lupus is highly unpredictable and occurs without warning; there is no known cause and no known cure. It affects over 1.5 million Americans, 90% of whom are women between the ages of 15 – 44.1 No two cases of lupus are alike, making it a very difficult disease… |
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Disclosure of Clinical Research Funding: Can Ignorance ...
May 1, 2013 - Professional Advice / Opinions By: Bharat Kirthivasan, Co-Copy Editor [Content-Focused] – Most people would prefer that a research paper be mandated to disclose its source of funds. For example, if a publication effusively supports a certain drug, we want to know if its parent company is footing the bill. Transparency allows research to be viewed in light of its… |
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Regulation of Low to Moderate Risk Medical Devices by t...
May 1, 2013 - Featured , Professional Advice / Opinions By: Hayeon Na, Co-Copy Editor [Content-Focused] – On March 22, 2013, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) aired an episode of “Need to Know” on the safety of low to moderate risk medical devices. The episode closely followed the lawsuit of patient Linda Gross who has pelvic organ prolapse and was advised by her doctor to undergo… |
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College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Hosts Year-End ...
May 1, 2013 - Events By: Tasnima Nabi, Senior Staff Editor – On May 2nd, St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences hosted the “Pre-Finals Relax, Refresh, Recharge Luncheon” on the Great Lawn. The event took place from 12:00 pm till 3:00 pm, with an array of activities. Students were able to picnic on the Great Lawn with… |
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FDA Approves New Drug ‘Tofacitinib’ for Rheumatoid ...
April 1, 2013 - Clinical , Featured By: Erica Dimitropoulos, Senior Staff Editor – Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful and often debilitating autoimmune disease characterized by symmetric polyarthritis, most commonly of the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints, elbows, knees, ankles, and spine.1 Its clinical manifestations vary, from a slowly progressing onset of fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort to a sudden and worsening destruction… |
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Breaking the Mold...
April 1, 2013 - Professional Advice / Opinions By Beatrisa Popovitz, Staff Editor, Why does that pharmacist have to be two and a half feet higher than everybody else? Who the hell is this guy? “Clear out everybody I’m workin’ with pills up here. I’m taking pills from this big bottle and then I’m gonna put them in a little bottle! That’s my… |
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Merck Settles Lawsuits Over Vytorin...
April 1, 2013 - In the News / Politics By: Tasnima Nabi, Staff Editor – Merck & Co. will pay $688 million to settle two lawsuits filed in December 2008 over their patent-protected statin, Vytorin®. The suits state that Merck and Schering-Plough delayed releasing the results of their ENHANCE study to avoid a decrease in revenue.1 Vytorin® is a combination drug of simvastatin and… |
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U.S. v Caronia: Misdemeanor or Constitutional Right?...
March 1, 2013 - Featured , In the News / Politics By: Tamara Yunusova, Staff Editor – On December 3, 2012, the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals became the first court in the nation to authorize off-label drug promotion under the First Amendment. The heavily-disputed ruling, which is headed for further appeal, will have far-reaching implications for pharmaceutical companies and drug regulation policy. In a… |
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College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Collaborates...
February 1, 2013 - In the News / Politics By: Tasnima Nabi, Associate Student Editor – St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has collaborated with the Union Square Academy of Health Sciences (U. S. A.) to prepare high school students for the pharmacy profession. This partnership is one of the many projects of the “Urban Pharmaceutical Care, Research and Education Institute,”… |
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A Look at Primary Medication NonAdherence and How it ca...
February 1, 2013 - Featured , In the News / Politics By: Erica Dimitropoulos, Assistant Student Editor – Although clinical trials can affirm the efficacy and advantages of all marketed medications, it is obvious that patients cannot benefit from a drug that they choose not to take. Therefore, promoting medication adherence is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve treatment outcomes. In order… |
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Varizig® for Chickenpox Symptoms...
January 1, 2013 - In the News / Politics By: Steve Soman, Co-Editor-in-Chief – Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (Varizig®) was approved by the FDA on December 21st of 2012. The Canadian pharmaceutical company Cangene Corporation, which is owned in-part by Apotex Inc., markets the new product. The drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce “the severity of chicken pox… |
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The Opioid Debate: PROP and PROMPT Battle Away...
January 1, 2013 - Featured , In the News / Politics By: Tamara Yunusova – On Wednesday, July 25th a petition signed by the reform group Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing (PROP) called on the FDA to implement opioid label changes that would restrict Chronic Non-Cancer (CNCP) opioid treatment for patients with severe pain only. It wasn’t too long before another petition signed by PROP’s adversary,… |
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White House Petition Seeks to Recognize Pharmacists as ...
January 1, 2013 - Featured , In the News / Politics By: Mohamed Dungersi, Associate Student Editor – A recent We the People petition on the White House official website has reached the 25,000 signature threshold needed to trigger an official response. The petition tilted “Recognize pharmacists as health care providers”, was initiated by the current editor in chief of the Rho Chi Post, Steve Soman.1 … |
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Fungal Meningitis Outbreak: A Sobering Tragedy...
November 1, 2012 - In the News / Politics By: Mahdieh Danesh Yazdi, Associate Student Editor – For the past few weeks, we have heard about the terrible breakout of fungal meningitis from contaminated methylprednisolone acetate vials manufactured by the New England Compounding Center (NECC). Approximately 14,000 patients received medication from the contaminated lots. So far, over 400 cases have been reported and over… |
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Are You Prepared for RSV Season?...
November 1, 2012 - Clinical , In the News / Politics By: Mahdieh Danesh Yazdi, Associate Student Editor – Many of us have prepared for influenza season by receiving the flu vaccine. (If you have not, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist soon! Remember: even if you do not need it for your protection, get it for your patients’ well-being). However, for the youngest members… |
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Duloxetine’s Effect on Blood Glucose Levels...
October 1, 2012 - Clinical , Featured By: Neal Shah, Co-Editor-in-Chief – Duloxetine is a serotonin (5HT) and norepinephrine (NE) reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) introduced to the US market in 2004, indicated for the treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain.1 A chemical figure of duloxetine is shown [in the PDF].2 It was developed in an effort to mimic tricyclic antidepressant mitigation of neuropathic pain… |
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The Role of NMDA in Electroconvulsive Therapy and Other...
October 1, 2012 - Clinical , Featured By: Neal Shah, Co-Editor-in-Chief – Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a last-line procedure in the treatment of refractory depression, among other neuropsychological disorders.1 By inducing a seizure, neurotransmitters are released and the disease state may feature a modest mitigation in symptoms.1 Seizure medications such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates are prescribed to increase or heighten the seizure… |
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My Experiences at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital...
October 1, 2012 - Professional Advice / Opinions By: Addolorata Ciccone, Student Copy Editor – As a fifth-year pharmacy student researching and ranking advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) sites, I felt excited at the prospect of taking the knowledge and skills I obtained in the classroom and applying it to real world patients and scenarios. My years of work in community pharmacies were… |
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Antiplatelet Use Following Acute Coronary Syndromes...
September 1, 2012 - Clinical , Featured By: Addolorata Ciccone, Co-Copy Editor – Acute Coronary Syndromes Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a myocardial ischemia caused by obstruction of coronary arteries. ACS is stratified into three types, based on electrocardiogram (EKG) changes and the presence of cardiac biomarkers (e.g. troponin, creatinine phosphokinase, and myoglobin). To guide treatment plans, it is important to identify… |
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New Student Convocation Address...
September 1, 2012 - Professional Advice / Opinions By: Mohamed Dungersi, Associate Student Editor – The following address was delivered by one of our student editors on behalf of the students at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences as a welcome to St. John’s University to students of the classes of 2016 and 2018. Dean Zito, Administrators, Faculty Members, and students of… |
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Quick Update: Triptan Pharmacology...
August 1, 2012 - Clinical By: Neal Shah, Co-Editor-In-Chief – Migraines can be “classic” or “common.” While all migraines feature unilateral, pulsating headaches, classic migraines feature an “aura” upon onset (whereas common migraines do not). Pharmacologic treatment of migraines generally includes serotonin agonists (triptans).1 Triptans are selective agonists of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B and 1D (5HT1B/1D) subtypes. By activating these receptors,… |
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Matching Challenge: Over-the-Counter Products...
August 1, 2012 - Puzzles By: Mohamed Dungersi, Associate Student Editor – Match the following herbal products with their correct description: A. This product has been used to treat liver disease, including hepatitis and cirrhosis. It has also been used as a protective agent after the liver was exposed to alcohol, acetaminophen, and carbon tetrachloride.B. This product is extracted from… |
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Indications for Dialysis: A Mnemonic And Explanation...
August 1, 2012 - Clinical , Featured By: Neal Shah, Co-Editor-in-Chief – Dialysis is the removal of substances from intravascular circulation by filtration.1 Typically, dialysis is ordered when kidney function declines to 10–15% of normal function.2 The National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) recommends that planning for dialysis begin when patients reach chronic kidney disease stage 4, which is… |
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The Unsung Heroes...
August 1, 2012 - Featured , Professional Advice / Opinions By: Steve Soman, Co-Editor-in-Chief – As Americans, we often admire the courage and sacrifice of the men and women serving our country in the armed forces. As members of the pharmacy community, we admire the professionalism and achievements of our colleagues making outstanding accomplishments in their respective practice settings. However, often I think we overlook… |
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The Role of N-Acetylcysteine in Contrast Induced Nephro...
August 1, 2012 - Clinical By: Neal Shah, Co-Editor-In-Chief – Contrast dyes enhance imaging for computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), and X-rays.1 Dyes usually consist of barium, iodine, or gadolinium, depending on the procedure.2 CT and X-ray scans often use iodine for systemic imaging and barium sulfate for GI imaging, whereas MR imaging primarily uses gadolinium.2 Gadolinium and iodine… |
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Matching Challenge: Over-the-Counter Products...
July 1, 2012 - Puzzles By Mohamed Dungersi, Associate Student Editor – Match the following herbal products with their natural source and reason for use: A. This product is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, primarily docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It is used to lower triglyceride levels, to lower high blood pressure, and for a variety of… |
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Artificial Saliva Agents in Xerostomia...
July 1, 2012 - Clinical , Featured By: Neal Shah, Co-Editor-in-Chief – Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, is an anti-muscarinic side effect of numerous medications. Antidepressants, analgesics, diuretics, and antihistamines have a high propensity to cause xerostomia.1 Xerostomia may also result from Sjogren’s syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and various chemotherapy agents.2 Traditionally, muscarinic agonists like pilocarpine have been used to reverse xerostomia.… |
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Understanding Diabetic Ketoacidosis...
July 1, 2012 - Clinical , Featured By: Mohamed Dungersi, Associate Student Editor – What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute complication of uncontrolled diabetes or hyperglycemia. It is usually observed in cases of extreme hyperglycemia (usually in excess of 500 mg/dl, though it can occur over 250 mg/dl).1,2 It is usually characterized by the presence of hyperglycemia,… |
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The Pathophysiology of Syndeham’s Chorea...
July 1, 2012 - Clinical , Featured By: Neal Shah, Co Editor-In-Chief – Dyskinesias are abnormal, involuntary movement disorders. Subsets of dyskinesias include choreas and atheosis. Chorea is irregular and sporadic contraction of muscles whereas athetosis involves a twisting and writhing of muscles. These two dyskinesias often occur together and are thus termed choreathetosis.1 Common conditions which feature choreatheosis are Huntington’s, and… |
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The Pathology of Pure Red Cell Aplasia...
July 1, 2012 - Clinical By: Neal Shah, Co Editor-In-Chief – Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA), also known as erythroblastopenia, is characterized by a suppression of erythrocytes in the bone marrow. It is a peculiar oddity that the bone marrow’s progenitor cells still differentiate into white blood cells and platelets.1 PRCA has idiopathic, viral, auto-immune, and genetic etiologies. Diamond-Blackfan syndrome… |