EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 5 P.M., EST, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1998
February 15, 1998, Tip Sheet
Annals of Internal Medicine is published by the American College of Physicians (ACP), an organization of 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 on Feb. 15, 1998.
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Screening for Chlamydia Genitourinary Infection Is Cost Effective Compared to No Screening
A cost effectiveness analysis of three screening strategies for Chlamydia trachomatis genitourinary infection finds that screening by any coherent criteria provides cost savings compared to not screening and then treating the consequences of Chlamydia infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, treatment of male sex partners and infected infants. (Article, p. 277.)
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Annals Launches a New Series to Help Physicians Lead the Redesign of Health Care
A new series presents a knowledge base and skills for physicians to provide concerted, positive and capable leadership in improving heath care, a field until now primarily informed by economics. (Academia and Clinic, p. 289.) The first article in the series discusses interdependent medical systems in the office or hospital and outlines eight principles needed to diagnose system faults and design remedies. (Physicians as Leaders, p. 293.)
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Guidance for Treating and Counseling Persons with Recent Sexual Exposure to HIV
Evidence that antiretroviral treatment may prevent HIV infection after some exposures means that primary care physicians, emergency departments and sexually transmitted disease clinics will need to be prepared to evaluate, treat and counsel patients with recent sexual exposure to HIV. (Perspective, p. 306.) Authors discuss treatment options, counseling, follow-up and surveillance for HIV infection.
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Alendronate Prevents Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women Without Osteoporosis
The bisphosphonate alendronate prevents bone loss in postmenopausal women without osteoporosis, a new, dose-ranged study finds. (Article, p. 253.) A related editorial cautions that the need for treatment in this group of non-osteoporotic women is not clearly established, and the long-term effects of taking bisphosphonates is unknown. For women who are at high risk for osteoporosis and who cannot or will not take estrogen replacement however, the compound seems to offer more benefit than risk and appears to be a useful nonhormonal option. (Editorial, p. 313.).
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