Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to D K Gittelman.
Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS) are much publicized topics these days. Because physicians are increasingly likely to be confronted with clinical situations involving euthanasia and PAS, they need to be aware of the history, public opinion, medical opinion and practice, and ethical and legal issues involved with euthanasia and PAS.
Battering means more than just physical assault. It means pain and injury from physical assault plus continuous psychological degradation, sustained fear, diminished power and control, and loss of identity and self-esteem. Women often feel trapped in violent relationships because of their partners' threats to kill them if they leave, and because police, medical, and social services systems often inadequately protect and help them. Battering is best understood as a continuous traumatic experience and, like many other forms of trauma, it takes a considerable psychological toll on its victims. Battered women are at risk for chronic physical and psychological health problems including PTSD, depression, chronic pain, and substance abuse. The high prevalence of battering, and its psychological and physical consequences, means that battered women present with a multitude of acute and chronic symptoms and are not easily identified. The most practical and effective way to identify battering is to routinely ask all women patients about it. Identification gives physicians a way to understand complex and confusing symptoms and an opportunity to help battered women undertake the difficult and dangerous process of leaving abusive partners. In addition, doctors, in collaboration with battered women patients and other professionals, can help develop comprehensive plans to reduce this complex public health problem.
Physicians should question their elderly patients and those who know their life-styles and habits best (ie, family, friends, caretakers) regarding use of over-the-counter medications. Salicylates are commonly used by the elderly, and long-term unsupervised use may lead to salicylate toxicity that can cause delirium. In the southern United States, BC and Goody's Headache Powders are widely marketed and used, and their overuse can produce salicylate intoxication.
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Bromocriptine, an ergot alkaloid dopamine agonist, is a recent common treatment for suppression of lactation in postpartum women. A case is presented of a postpartum woman prescribed bromocriptine for suppression of lactation who developed hypertension, headaches, blurry vision, seizures, and pituitary hemorrhage. Differential diagnosis and a literature review are considered.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.