Articles related to CASE STUDY

This case study applies the newly revised CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain to a patient with chronic neck pain. The patient, Joanna, is a 78-year-old woman who has undergone two neck surgeries and experiences worsening pain. Her pain ranges from 6 to 7 on average and can increase up to 8. She has tried various non-pharmacologic modalities, such as heat, ice, TENS, physical therapy, and massage therapy, but insurance limitations and cost have hindered her access to these treatments. Considering Joanna’s medical history, physical therapy and topical analgesics are identified as potential options. However, due to limitations and contraindications with other medications, the only feasible options for her are low-dose acetaminophen and topical analgesics. As a result, initiating a low-dose opioid therapy is considered appropriate, in addition to low-dose acetaminophen, OTC menthol and methyl salicylate cream, and a referral to physical medicine and rehabilitation. Before initiating opioids, the patient’s risk of side effects, including overdose, addiction, constipation, and hypogonadal axis suppression, should be discussed. Joanna’s Risk Index for Overdose or Serious Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression (RIOSORD) score indicates a risk class of 4 out of 7, with a 15% estimated probability of an opioid-induced respiratory depression event […]

The article discusses the benefits of using the Waterlase iPlus all-tissue dental laser from Biolase in root canal treatments. The author, an endodontist, shares their experience with traditional root canal treatment methods and how adopting the dental laser has improved their practice. They present two cases to illustrate the difference in treatment outcomes. The first case was treated without the dental laser, using traditional tools and techniques. The second case, treated with the dental laser, showed improved results, including better disinfection, reduced side-directed tenderness, and more conservative cleaning and filling of canals. The author emphasizes that the dental laser provides enhanced dentin debris removal, better management of complex canal configurations, and improved healing times. They conclude that investing in a dental laser has greatly improved their endodontic practice and expanded treatment capabilities.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ahmed Siddiqi wanted to find a better approach to postoperative monitoring – one that came closer to direct, continuous visibility of patient progress during recovery – while reducing the burden on patients and the management team. His new digital care solution enabled his team to provide long-term remote patient monitoring while directly communicating with all patients. The platform’s remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) module helps the team meet the minimum engagement and data submission requirements to be eligible for RTM coverage.

Only 5 to 10 percent of Alzheimer’s cases are diagnosed in people under the age of 65. However, a BCBS report shows that from 2013 to 2017, there was a 200 percent increase in Alzheimer’s diagnoses in people ages 30 to 64. This case reports the youngest patient yet diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

The current study is the largest case series (49 patients [50 eyes]) of retinal toxicity caused by a specific compounded formulation of triamcinolone-moxifloxacin to date. Patients were referred to Texas Retina Associates in Dallas after cataract surgery and were identified through an EMR system query up to 24 months after their initial presentation. This article describes the clinical presentation, course, and outcomes of a toxic posterior segment syndrome (TPSS) outbreak.

A reflective case study highlights this author’s take on papillary thyroid cancer, which has high survivability but cannot be considered “good.” Telling patients they have good cancer is dismissive and minimizes the patient experience associated with this diagnosis. When caring for patients with papillary thyroid cancer, this commonly used statement is contradictory. Providers of all specialties must consider the psychological and physiological effects that papillary thyroid cancer has on patients. It is critical to practice improving news delivery through effective and empathetic communication.