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Biomedical subjects

Caren McHenry Martin

Publications and source records attributed to Caren McHenry Martin.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

New frontiers for cardiac risk assessment: C-reactive protein.

Current theories of atherosclerotic plaque formation suggest that inflammation plays a key role in coronary heart disease. In an effort to augment current tools for cardiac risk assessment, researchers have found that levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) may play an important role in gauging an individual's risk for a cardiac event. While not currently recommended for mass population screening, measurement of CRP may play an increasing part in identifying at-risk patients and guiding pharmacologic intervention.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Pharmacists at the forefront: reducing medication errors.

Pharmacists are in a constant battle to prevent medication errors. It is something most pharmacists do not even realize they are doing every day. Some people call it "pharmacist radar." As pharmacists review charts, talk with patients and staff, and interact with prescribers, they are constantly filtering information about medications from numerous sources to ensure that something has not "slipped by" that might cause a medication error. Is that the right dose? Why did the prescriber choose that drug? Where has the facility been keeping that medication? These are just a few questions that are part of the internal dialogue swirling around in senior care pharmacists' heads as they try to ensure the highest level of care for patients.

Drug Prescriptions↗
PubMed2006

Vitamins for the elderly: from A to zinc.

Nutritional status can be affected by a number of factors associated with increased age. Changes in appetite, taste, and swallowing can impact the eating habits of the elderly individual. In addition, the lower energy requirement of the elderly patient necessitates that these nutrients be consumed in greater density. Because many older adults have chronic diseases that may be affected by diet, providing optimal nutrition is especially important, and adequate stores of essential vitamins and minerals may play a key role in disease prevention and in modulating disease progression.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Gender-specific pharmacology: implications for therapy.

Historically, research into drugs and diseases has assumed that beyond the reproductive system, gender differences did not exist or were not relevant. Interest in recognizing the importance of gender-based differences in pharmacology and disease has been fueled in recent years by an increasing amount of data revealing variations in drug efficacy and side effect profiles between the genders as well as differences in disease prevalence.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed2006

Understanding palliative care.

While most pharmacists and other health care practitioners are familiar with the programs and philosophy of hospice, they may lack a clear understanding of palliative care. Because myths and misconceptions about palliative care abound, a review of the definitions and components of palliative care can enhance the practice of all practitioners who care for patients with chronic diseases.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed2005

Religion and health: does religious activity improve health outcomes?

A majority of Americans believe in God and say that religion plays a major role in their lives. Several studies have found a potential link between religious activity and longevity, overall health status, and the ability to recover from an adverse health event. The high level of interest among patients and health care providers for incorporating religion into health care suggests the need for further investigation into the role of religion in health outcomes.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Unique problems of dementia in the younger patient.

While dementia is often thought of as a problem unique to the elderly patient, nearly one in ten patients with dementia is younger than 65. The etiologies of dementia in this population are varied, including a genetically inherited form of Alzheimer's disease, as well as dementia related to other problems such as Parkinson's disease, Down syndrome, and cerebrovascular disease. Health care practitioners may have difficulty diagnosing early onset dementia because the diagnostic tools and the disease manifestation differ from those of the elderly patient. In addition, treatment of early-onset dementia can also pose unique challenges related to the speed of progression of the disease, depression, and behavioral disturbances, which often plague younger patients with dementia.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Use of PEG tubes in the cognitively impaired patient: dispelling the myths.

Difficulty eating is one of the markers of end-stage dementia and poses difficult care decisions for family members and health care providers. In particular, family members often struggle with the decision of whether to provide artificial nutrition via feeding tube. While it is important that surrogate decision makers be provided with information on the risks and benefits of artificial nutrition, studies have shown that many health care providers are misinformed about the rationale for recommending a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. Current literature suggests that for the elderly patient with dementia there is little clinical evidence that artificial nutrition provides any benefit to the patient.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Water, water everywhere: dehydration in the elderly.

Dehydration is a common disorder in the frail elderly patient. Understanding the mechanisms by which fluid and electrolyte abnormalities occur, as well as the implications of specific laboratory values, is key to providing optimal diagnosis and treatment. Management of fluid abnormalities relies on gradual rehydration with the proper fluids to restore both fluid and electrolytes.

Journal Article↗