Causality in medical science with particular reference to heart disease and atherosclerosis
Article Abstract:
Causality in medical science is important for the treatment and prevention of diseases. This may be easy to determine for infections since the physician just has to identify the pathogenic organism. The 'causa vera' or specific cause of diseases is more difficult to determine for chronic diseases such as arthritis and for those syndromes mislabeled as disease such as congestive heart failure. The multicausal concept as applied to these entities is self-defeating since it precludes proof of the role of one factor and deters testing of various hypotheses.
Publication Name: Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0031-5982
Year: 1992
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Fashions in pathogenetic concepts during the present century: autointoxication, focal infection, psychosomatic disease, and autoimmunity
Article Abstract:
The pathogenetic concepts on autointoxication and focal infection, which developed in the 20th century, are discussed. Autointoxication by intestinal bacteria was emphasized in clinical medicine by surgeon William Arbuthnot Lane, who was convinced that various human ailments stem from constipation. Physicians Frank Billings and E.C. Rosenow believed that treatment of focal infection should be prioritized since it causes many systemic illnesses. Evolving concepts on psychosomatic and autoimmune diseases are also discussed.
Publication Name: Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0031-5982
Year: 1992
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THE PLACEBO EFFECT: MOCKING OR MIRRORING MEDICINE?
Article Abstract:
The placebo effect, defined as a change in a patient's condition resulting from something other than the pharmacological or physiological properties of a remedy, is examined in terms of its therapeutic potential. In the final analysis it is up to the patient and the physician as to how they will implement it in the healing process.
Publication Name: Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0031-5982
Year: 1999
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