BackgroundHeart failure (HF) is a common condition associated with substantial cost, morbidity, and mortality. Because results of clinical trials in the acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) setting have been mostly neutral, loop diuretics remain the mainstay of treatment.HypothesisLoop diuretic use may be associated with unfavorable outcomes.MethodsA MEDLINE literature search was performed to identify articles relating to heart failure and loop diuretics. The current evidence on the risks and benefits of loop diuretics for the treatment of ADHF is reviewed.ResultsLoop diuretics are associated with symptomatic improvements in congestion, urine output, and body weight, but have shown no long‐term mortality benefit. Loop diuretics, especially at high doses, are associated with worsened renal function and other poor outcomes.ConclusionsLoop diuretics still prove useful in HF treatment, but risk‐benefit analysis of these agents in the treatment of ADHF requires a well‐designed prospective study. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A single cup of coffee consumed within one hour before drawing blood resulted in statistically, but not clinically, significant differences in TC and HDL-C (black coffee) and triglycerides (coffee with creamer and sugar).

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for development of coronary heart disease. Proper diagnosis and adequate treatment are vital to reducing morbidity and mortality associated with elevated serum lipid levels. The amount of literature in this area is overwhelming. To aid practitioners and educators in organizing this large body of information, we compiled key articles, guidelines, and consensus papers relative to the treatment of dyslipidemias. Research articles were chosen based on the significance of findings, relevance to practice, quality of research, and timeliness; recent articles were given priority over earlier ones unless they demonstrated groundbreaking findings.

Neuroexcitatory effects of hydromorphone may occur at relatively low doses in patients without renal dysfunction. Early recognition and intervention are required to achieve resolution of these symptoms and prevent further sequelae to the patient.