Glanzmann\u27s thrombasthenia: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and current and emerging treatment options

Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia (GT) is a genetic platelet surface receptor disorder of GPIIb/IIIa (ITG αIIbβ3), either qualitative or quantitative, which results in faulty platelet aggregation and diminished clot retraction. Spontaneous mucocutaneous bleeding is common and can lead to fatal bleeding episodes. Control and prevention of bleeding among patients with GT is imperative, and remains challenging. Local measures, including anti-fibrinolytic therapy, with or without platelet transfusions, used to be the mainstay of therapy. However, in recent years the use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has increased significantly, with excellent response rates in treating and preventing hemorrhage among GT patients. Gene therapy and stem cell transplantation offer a potential cure of this disease, but both are costly and remain experimental at this point. This manuscript offers a comprehensive review of our understanding of GT and the available treatment options

Improving the psychiatric interview in the physician assistant behavioral medicine curriculum: A novel approach

Given the rising number of patients in the United States with mental health disorders, physician assistant (PA) students must develop the psychiatric history taking and mental status examination skills necessary to assess these patients. The purpose of this study was to enhance the PA didactic behavioral medicine course by incorporating clinical psychology students as standardized patients, and to assess the effectiveness of this on students\u27 perceived ability to perform psychiatric evaluations

Who should receive extended infusion beta-lactam therapy?

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria challenges a clinician\u27s ability to fight life-threatening infections. Administering beta-lactams via extended infusion may improve patient outcomes. This article discusses the underlying principles of this therapeutic approach and when it may be appropriate