Kalpana Ganesan

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis associated with hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia

We report the rare case of a 43-year-old African-American man with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis associated with hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia. Both serum potassium and serum phosphate levels returned to normal after supplementation with only potassium. We consider the unusual condition of hyperthyroid-related hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia to have contributed to the acute paralysis in this patient.

Racial Differences in Preventive Practices of African‐American and Hispanic Women

OBJECTIVES: To compare the use of preventive practices of Hispanic‐ and African‐American women aged 50 and older.

Safety and efficacy of digital rectal examination in patients with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE:Digital rectal examination (DRE) is often ignored or deferred in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of DRE in patients with AMI.METHODS:This was a prospective, comparative, stratified study in an inner-city teaching hospital. A total of 480 patients from intensive care and telemetry units were stratified into three groups. Group I included 160 patients with AMI in whom a DRE was performed and electrocardiographic (EKG) recordings were obtained. Group II included 155 patients with AMI in whom DRE was not done, but EKG recordings were made. Group III consisted of 165 patients without AMI in whom DRE was performed and EKG recordings were obtained. Sustained arrhythmias and vital signs were measured.RESULTS:None of the patients developed sustained arrhythmias and there was no change in vital signs. DRE resulted in the detection of several clinically significant findings.CONCLUSION:DRE was found to be safe in our stable patients with AMI.

Hormone replacement therapy use in urban older women attending meal sites: associations with sociodemographic and health characteristics and use of preventive services.

OBJECTIVE: To examine sociodemographic, health and preventive health practices associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use in urban community‐dwelling older women.

Original ContributionsSafety and efficacy of digital rectal examination in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Safety and efficacy of digital rectal examination in patients with acute myocardial infarction