A commentary.

Various topics regarding intravenous iron are pondered, especially some of the new data available that has not yet seemed to obtain the influence that the information deserves.

This episode mostly centers around oral iron replacement.

BNP use as a lab and therapeutic are discussed. The episode also explores the PARADIGM-HF trial and Neprilysin inhibition. The novel combination medication sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) for systolic CHF is evaluated in depth. Clinical tips for avoiding angioedema and other clinical pearls are provided.

If you think the seismic shift in U.S. healthcare is all a result of the Affordable Care Act, you may not be seeing a large part of the picture. This has become an era of "BIG MEDICINE" and that phenomenon is increasing through mergers and acquisitions. Some of these mergers are strategic, while others are defensive. Practical advice on how doctors and companies can improve their chances of merging successfully is provided. The lecture concludes with potential implications of the insurance-industry merger wave on patients and those working in the healthcare industry.

This episode offers some advice in thinking about the very difficult topic of pancreatic pseudocysts. Some philosophical waxing about pain control and some items not addressed in the previous episodes are also discussed.

Imaging, fluid resuscitation, fine needle aspiration, determining sterile vs infected necrosis, and suggestions from the guidelines are discussed.

This episode addresses some of the debates regarding nutrition timing in acute pancreatitis. Methods such as nasogastric, nasojejunal, and oral feeding are compared.

Treatments that include hydration, cinacalcet, calcitonin, bisphosphonate, denosumab, and other options are reviewed.