In episode 91, yet again we bring in Mike K and Tina K to help us out with some very useful clinical information surrounding the issue of bone density and osteoporosis. We look at studies from the BMJ (Bowel Medical Journal), one of Mike A’s favourite journal, and we all agree that simple models should be used and repeat BMDs are basically not needed. Unfortunately we also come to the realisation that in a similar fashion, Mike A and James are basically not needed for the podcast as they are too simple.

Show notes

1) Simple models vs more complex models – simple is just as good

Arch Intern Med 2009;169:2087-94

2) Repeat bone density – is it needed – likely not

BMJ 2009;338:b2266

Osteopor Int 2005;16:842-8

3) Only measure BMD once

Arch Intern Med 2007;167:155-60

4) An RCT of vertebroplasty for vertebral fractures

In episode 90, Mike and James solicit the mainly brilliant, but always delightful help of Mike Kolber and Tina Korownyk. We talk about what to do for the chronic pain that can be associated with Herpes zoster and we have a quick look at the old and new data surrounding the area of PPIs and platelet inhibitors. Mike and James cap off the podcast by deciding that Mike and Tina do a way better job than they do so they sell the podcast to the new duo for a brand name PPI and a generic cup of coffee.

Show notes

1) Chronic pain – dual therapy gabapentin plus nortriptyline

Lancet 2009;374:1252-61

2) Clopidogrel and PPIs

JAMA 2009;301:937-44

CMAJ 2009;180:713-8

Lancet 2009; 374: 989–97

Circulation 2009;120:2322-9

Circulation 2009;120;2310-2

COGENT

3) Duration of clopidogrel

N Engl J Med 2010;362:1374-82

In episode 89, Mike and James finish the Bruce Arroll trilogy, but, as with Star Wars we hope there will be more at a later date. We talk about herpes zoster, depression, anxiety, corns, warts and the benefits of making making house calls, phone calls and drugectomies. At the end of the podcast both Mike and James decide to make a house call to Bruces’s house when they go to New Zealand and hope they will get prescribed high doses of very decent wine.

Show notes

None as we really just talked about concepts and approaches and avoided evidence as much as possible.

In episode 88, James and Mike continue their conversation with Bruce Arroll from down under and cover a broad range of topics from smoking to antibiotics for acute bronchitis, warfarin, and spironolactone. At the end of the podcast Bruce and Mike decide that much of what James has to say is up and over the top.

Show notes

1) Stopping smoking benefit

Chest 2007;131:446–52

2) Low-dose aspirin in patients with stable cardiovascular disease

Am J Med 2008;121:43-9

3) Losartan – 50 vs 150 mg

Lancet 2009;374:1840-8

4) Antibiotics for COPD Acute Exacerbation

Cochrane 2006;2:CD004403

5) Many patients unaware of GI risk from NSAIDs

J Rheumatol 2005;32:2218-24

6) Spironolactone for resistant hypertension

AJH 2003;16:925–30

Journal of Hypertension 2007;25:891-4