Naltrexone decreases heavy drinking rates in smoking cessation treatment: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: There is mixed support for the efficacy of the opioid antagonist naltrexone in the treatment of nicotine dependence. One potential unexplored mechanism underlying naltrexone's effects in smoking cessation may be in its ability to reduce alcohol consumption. METHODS: Alcohol consumption and liver enzyme levels (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase) were examined in a sample of 78 nonalcoholic social drinking smokers (34 naltrexone, 44 placebo) enrolled in a double-blind randomized clinical trial of naltrexone in smoking cessation. Naltrexone or placebo began 3 days prior to the quit date (25 mg daily) and continued for 8 weeks (50 mg daily). All participants received nicotine patches and behavioral counseling up through 4 weeks after the quit date. RESULTS: Naltrexone significantly reduced weekly heavy drinking rates. This effect was associated with greater nausea and pill taking adherence within the naltrexone group. Within heavy drinkers, naltrexone also directionally improved smoking quit rates compared with placebo. Liver enzyme levels did not differ during treatment with naltrexone compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Naltrexone may reduce the frequency of heavy drinking in nonalcoholics attempting to quit smoking. Further, naltrexone may preferentially improve smoking quit rates within heavy drinkers who smoke, and further investigation in larger sample sizes is warranted.

Catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Tunneled, cuffed, double-lumen catheters are commonly used for long-term venous access in hemodialysis patients. Complications of these catheters, including catheter-related infection, are a major cause of morbidity and resource utilization in the hemodialysis population. Treatment of catheter-related bloodstream infections includes the use of antibiotics and evaluation of the need for catheter removal or exchange. Measures to prevent catheter-related infections include use of an aseptic technique and antiseptic cleaning solution, elimination of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage, topical exit site application of antibiotics, use of antibiotic lock solutions, and use of catheters and cuffs coated or impregnated with antimicrobial or antiseptic agents. This review article will provide an update on the prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of catheter-related infections in the hemodialysis population.

Musculoskeletal exam and joint injection training for internal medicine residents.

We developed a musculoskeletal education intervention for internal medicine residents consisting of lectures, anatomic models, and a joint injection clinic. Written tests, observed musculoskeletal exams, and self-confidence scales were administered to 27 internal medicine residents before and after the intervention. Improvement was found in observed physical exam and self-reported confidence levels in performing knee injections. Confidence in shoulder injection skills improved, but remained low. Improved scores on written examination, though statistically significant, were not educationally significant. This single-institution pilot study demonstrates that a simple educational program results in improved knee and shoulder examination skills and confidence in performing knee injections.