In Brief Among the thousands of US Service members wounded in Iraq, many have sustained multiple traumas and developed physical and mental injuries. The term "polytrauma" refers to concurrent injury to the brain and several body areas or organ systems that result in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial impairments. Although many therapeutic modalities are available for patients with polytrauma, only a few modalities simultaneously address global rehabilitation, including pain, vestibular impairment, and cognitive symptoms. The sport of surfing involves aspects of hydrotherapy, strength training, balance rehabilitation, and group supportive therapy. Recent adaptations have been made that allow those with severe injuries and missing limbs to learn how to surf. Many U.S. service members wounded in Iraq have suffered polytrauma—concurrent injuries to the brain and several body areas and organ systems resulting in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial impairments. Only a few therapeutic modalities simultaneously address global rehabilitation.The sport of surfing involves aspects of hydrotherapy, strength training, balance rehabilitation, and group supportive therapy. This case illustrates the potential of surfing as a multi-modal treatment for patients with polytrauma.
Changes in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were examined over a median of 12.8 years in a population of 361 community-dwelling postmenopausal women who had never received estrogen replacement therapy. In a linear regression model that took into account age, education, race, surgical versus natural menopause, use of birth control pills, and MMSE score at baseline, it was found that nulliparous women and women who went through menopause later in life had significantly less cognitive decline. These results suggest that greater lifetime exposure to endogenous estrogen may be associated with less age-related cognitive decline.
In this report we describe virtual reality graded exposure therapy (VRGET) for the treatment of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, we summarize the outcomes of a case study, from an Office Of Naval Research (ONR)-funded project of VRGET with an active duty female Seabee who completed three combat tours to Iraq. Details of the collaborative program involving this ONR-funded project at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) and Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (NHCP) are also discussed.
When the patent on fluoxetine expired in 2001, prices for it fell sharply and marketing decreased. We investigated how market share for fluoxetine changed with the introduction of the generic. Prescribing information was tracked at a military hospital where providers knew the cost of medication, but were not compelled to use the cheaper form. Market share for fluoxetine among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors was observed for the 64 months surrounding the introduction, and changes were examined by linear regression analysis. Results showed that in the 32 months before the introduction of the generic, fluoxetine maintained a relatively steady share of prescriptions. After the introduction of the generic, fluoxetine steadily lost market share over time. No significant relationship could be seen between drug company visits and gains for their individual products. Examination of all Department of Defense prescriptions for the 16 months surrounding the introduction of generic fluoxetine showed a similar drop in its market share.
The incidence of chronic heart failure has increased, with a corresponding increase in morbidity and mortality, and has made a substantial financial impact on our society. Improved therapy for heart failure has resulted in a significant prolongation of survival, a decreased number of hospitalizations, and an enhanced quality of life for many patients. It can reasonably be expected, therefore, that adherence to a rational medical regimen for these patients might decrease costs as well. Management of patients with severe heart failure begins with identifying the etiology and educating the patients and their families. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are the cornerstone of therapy but only after diagnostic tests are performed to establish the etiology and extent of myocardial dysfunction. Because cardiac transplantation is a therapeutic option for only a limited number of patients, other surgical and medical therapies have to be viewed as the mainstay of a treatment strategy.