Question Of The Day

Routine testing in an elderly female with previous thyroid ablation therapy and appearing clinically euthyroid results with a dramatically elevated TSH along with elevated free T4 and free T3. She has been on a stable dose of levothyroxine for years and feels well. What dietary…

A recent study reported an association between the use of anti-oxidants and what outcomes in individuals receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer? As part of a larger study, patients randomly assigned to one of several treatment schedules of doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel were queried on their…

In a review of the English literature of fatalities from serotonin syndrome from 1981-2020, which diagnostic criteria, Sternbach’s or the Hunter criteria, were met the most frequently? Sternbach’s (38/56, 68%) vs Hunter (14/56, 25%) only 8/56 (14%) had clonus documented. Rigidity and spasticity were noted…

In a review of the English literature of fatalities from serotonin syndrome from 1981-2020, most fatalities had an onset of serotonin syndrome ≤ or > 24 h? Roughly 60% had symptoms ≤ 24 hours and 50% died ≤ 24 hours. Sanjay Prakash, Chaturbhuj Rathore, Kaushik…

In a review of the English literature of fatalities from serotonin syndrome from 1981-2020, the most common symptom was? Fever. The mean temperature was 41.6°C (range 38.3-43.5) Sanjay Prakash, Chaturbhuj Rathore, Kaushik Rana & Anurag Prakash (2021) Fatal serotonin syndrome: a systematic review of 56…

The above compound is the primary psychoactive ingredient from which spice?   Myristicin is a serotonergic compound in nutmeg https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/4276

Despite its touted benefits, what high risk behavior may lead to suppressed host-defense functions in the context of respiratory viral infections? Electronic cigarettes A recent study comparing nonsmokers, cigarette smokers and e-cigarette smokers concluded e-cigarette use altered nasal live-attenuated influenza virus (LAIV)-induced immune responses, including…

Co-ingestion of what xenobiotic is associated with an increased risk of MALA when compared with metformin ingestion alone?   Acetaminophen co-ingestion In a retrospective observational cohort study of ED patients presenting with acute drug overdose, acetaminophen co-exposure was associated with over a 24-fold increased risk…

Using methamphetamines with opioids has been nicknamed “Goofball.” In a study of patients with opioid used disorder presenting to the Emergency Department, greater than 50% of the cohort with a urine screening positive for an amphetamine-type substance were white men who never married; were unemployed;…

This drug combination was recently studied for methamphetamine use disorder?   Naltrexone and Bupropion. In a recent randomized, placebo controlled study, injectable naltrexone 380 mg every 3 weeks) plus oral bupropion XL 450 mg daily was given to patients with methamphetamine use disorder. Trivedi MH…