‘Interpreting Key Trials’: Doing what we do best
A key CCJM mission is to quickly translate the results of important trials into practical clinical advice.
J.D. CLOUGH

Appropriate use of DNR orders: A practical approach
A procedure and rationale for resolving conflict and reaching consensus about end-of-life care.
G.J. AGICH and A.C. ARROLIGA

  Brief answers to specific clinical questions

 How should patients taking the discontinued diabetes drug troglitazone be managed?
The newer insulin sensitizers appear safe, but monitoring for hepatotoxicity is still warranted.
S.S.K. REDDY

 When do you x-ray ankle sprains 405 in patients with ankle injuries?
Many are sprained, but few are fractured.
T. PHILBIN and B.G. DONLEY

Cancer genetics for the clinician: Recommendations on screening for BRCA1and BRCA2 mutations
The discovery of cancer-related genes raises difficult questions for clinicians and patients.
B.A. CLARK

Genetic testing for risk of breast and ovarian cancer: Is it right for you?

Transesophageal echocardiography: First-line imaging for aortic diseases
Because transesophageal echocardiography is fast, portable, and widely available, it is ideal for diagnosing potentially catastrophic diseases of the aorta.
F. YALÇIN, J.D. THOMAS, D. HOMA, and F.A. FLACHSKAMPF

Alpha-blockers and congestive heart failure: Early termination of an arm of the ALLHAT trial
Current guidelines for treating high blood pressure need to be changed, in light of surprising findings from a major study.
D.G. VIDT

   INTERPRETING KEY TRIALS ................................................................................... 

Acute respiratory distress syndrome: Low-stretch ventilation improves survival
By setting the respirator to deliver smaller volumes of air than traditionally used, we can decrease the mortality rate by one fifth.
H.P. WIEDEMANN and A.C. ARROLIGA

Effective treatment of Alzheimer diseaseand its complications
Prompt and careful treatment can improve the quality of life for Alzheimer patients.
M.R. HANSON and N. GALVEZ-JIMENEZ