[General internal medicine : 2017 scientific breakthroughs in ambulatory care]

Bariatric surgery improves glycemic control in obese patients with diabetes type 2. Dual antiplatelet therapy can be maintained beyond 12 months after a myocardial infarction. Levothyroxine is not beneficial among patients ≥ 65 years that have subclinical hypothyroidism. Prophylactic anticoagulation in lower limb immobilisation should be reserved only for patients with a high risk of thromboembolism. A diagnosis of asthma should be initially confirmed by a spirometry if clinically suspected. A proton pump inhibitor is indicated for patients ≥ 65 years that are treated with aspirin. Beta-lactams should not be avoided in patients with a previous history of non-severe allergy. General internists overestimate harms and benefits of common medical tests and treatments.