Common SSRI Reduces Mental Stress–Induced Myocardial Ischemia

A commonly prescribed antidepressant can do more than just keep depression and anxiety under control. It also may be effective in reducing a heart condition brought on by mental stress. Here is what a new study found out about escitalopram and mental stress–induced myocardial ischemia.

A Third of PPI Users May Have No Signs of GERD

A significant percentage of patients filling prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors may not even have gastroesophageal reflux disease. That’s according to a presentation at a gastroenterology conference where researchers called for more objective testing before long-term use of the medications. Here are the details.

Vitamin C Doesn’t Significantly Improve Uric Acid Levels in Patients With Gout

Will taking Vitamin C help patients with gout? Earlier studies had raised that possibility by finding that the supplements reduced urate levels in healthy individuals with hyperuricemia but without gout. Find out what a new study had to say on that issue.

COPD Re-Exacerbation No Greater on
Short-Course Steroids

Despite guidelines calling for longer treatment periods, a new study has found that a 5-day course of glucocorticoids is noninferior to the conventional 14-day course in avoiding COPD re-exacerbation in hospitalized patients. How did the 6-month outcomes compare between the two groups of study subjects?