Should brexpiprazole be used in the treatment of patients with behavioral disturbance in Alzheimer disease?

Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) reduces unwanted agitation behaviors in patients with Alzheimer disease, but its benefit over placebo is minimal and may not be clinically noticeable. With its high cost and potential for numerous adverse effects, its use should be reserved for when more established antipsychotic agents have been ineffective.

Read more: Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) for the Treatment of Agitation Associated With Alzheimer Disease [STEPS]; November 2024

Can antimüllerian hormone be used to diagnose PCOS?

According to the International PCOS Network guidelines, antimüllerian hormone levels in adults can be used as an alternative to ultrasonography to identify polycystic ovaries, which is one of the criteria for diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To confirm a diagnosis of PCOS, two of the following criteria must be met: clinical or biochemical evidence of hyper-androgenism, ovulatory dysfunction, or ultrasound findings of polycystic ovaries or elevated antimüllerian hormone levels.

Read more: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Assessment and Management Guidelines [Practice Guidelines]; November 2024

Is ultrasound guidance necessary for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with injected corticosteroids?

Carpal tunnel injection can be performed with a landmark- or ultrasound-guided injection technique, but the ultrasound technique is more effective in improving symptom severity over 12 weeks.

Read more: Injections of the Hand and Wrist: Part II. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Intersection Syndrome, Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury, and de Quervain Tenosynovitis; October 2024

Can medication be used to treat pyogenic granulomas in children?

Although treatment of pyogenic granuloma in children is predominantly surgical, topical beta blockers (eg, timolol, propranolol) with occlusion can be effective.

Read more: Diagnosing Common Benign Skin Tumors; October 2024

Are psychological interventions a safe and effective treatment for depression and anxiety in patients with coronary heart disease or heart failure?

According to a Cochrane review, compared with no psychological intervention, psychological interventions are safe and effective for improving depression, anxiety, and mental health–related quality of life at 6 to 12 months in patients with coronary heart disease or heart failure.

Read More: Psychological Interventions for Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease or Heart Failure [Cochrane for Clinicians]; December 2024

When should urinalysis be performed for patients with suspected urinary tract infections?

Urinalysis should be performed in most patients with dysuria to determine the cause, especially in patients with suspected recurrent or complicated urinary tract infections, or to prevent repeat visits and repeat courses of antibiotics.

Read more: Dysuria: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis in Adults; January 2025