Researchers reported that the former concern was not borne out in the trials and the latter should not be an issue because of the short-term use recommended in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. In their companion review, the authors outline the diagnosis and management of acute alcohol withdrawal, and recommend early treatment coupled with close and regular monitoring as effective ways to avoid prolonged withdrawal, sedation-related morbidity and wasted resources. Although physicians know that fetuses must never be exposed to the drug, patients are less aware of the risk of birth defects and may not take proper contraceptive safeguards.
Researchers report on four cases involving patients who became pregnant while taking the medication.
They suggest that young women taking the drug, particularly adolescents, should be referred for professional contraceptive counselling. Many recent reports and editorials have warned about increasing resistance to antibiotic drugs, but despite these warnings the prescribing of antibiotic drugs has not changed significantly in Canada over the last five years. In a study of rates of antibiotic prescription in Newfoundland, researchers examined the link between method of physician remuneration and prescribing practices. Leukotienes are naturally occurring compounds in the body that cause prolonged constriction of smooth muscle and have long been suspected to play a role in asthma. In a detailed review of these new agents, a researcher reported that although there are few published studies, the products seem almost as effective in the management of chronic asthma as low-dose inhaled corticosteroids.