Home Internal Medicine March 2016 Briefing – Internal Medicine

March 2016 Briefing – Internal Medicine

Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine for March 2016. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.

Pioglitazone Linked to Increased Risk of Bladder Cancer

THURSDAY, March 31, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes newly treated with antidiabetic drugs, use of pioglitazone is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, with duration-response and dose-response correlations, according to a study published online March 30 in The BMJ.

Guidelines Updated on Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Tx in CAD

THURSDAY, March 31, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines has updated the recommendations regarding duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The updated practice guideline was published online March 29 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Early Menopause Estradiol Tx Cuts Atherosclerosis Advance

THURSDAY, March 31, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Oral estradiol therapy is associated with less progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women when therapy is initiated early in menopause, according to a study published in the March 31 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

No Benefit for Longer-Term Antibiotic Tx in Lyme Disease

WEDNESDAY, March 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Longer-term antibiotic treatment does not improve health-related quality of life compared with shorter-term treatment among patients with persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease, according to a study published in the March 31 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Entry Receptor for Zika Virus Identified in Brain, Retina

WEDNESDAY, March 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The candidate viral entry receptor for Zika virus, AXL, is highly expressed by cells in the developing human cortex and retina, according to an experimental study published online March 30 in Cell Stem Cell.

Many Don’t Know Key Facts About Zika Virus Transmission

WEDNESDAY, March 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Many individuals are unaware of the exact nature of Zika virus transmission, according to a report published online March 29 by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Improper Prescribing Common at Hospital Discharge of Seniors

WEDNESDAY, March 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More than one in three older adults are given at least one potentially inappropriate prescription (PIP) at the time of hospital discharge, according to a study published March 21 in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.

Burden of Hep C Virus Substantial Despite Oral Antiviral Therapy

WEDNESDAY, March 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and associated disease is projected to remain considerable even in the era of oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), according to a study published online March 25 in Hepatology.

>3% of Preterm Births Attributed to Exposure to Particulate Matter

WEDNESDAY, March 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More than 3 percent of preterm births (PTBs) nationally can be attributed to exposure to particulate matter <2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), according to a study published online March 29 in Environmental Health Perspectives.

Endometriosis Tied to Elevated Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

TUESDAY, March 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis is associated with increased subsequent risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), according to a study published online March 29 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Antipsychotics Not Effective for Delirium in Hospitalized Patients

TUESDAY, March 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Antipsychotic medications do not appear to be effective for preventing or treating delirium in adult medical or surgical inpatients, according to a review published online March 23 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

AMA Addresses Elements of Team-Based Care Model

TUESDAY, March 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The elements of a team-based care model are described in a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Tailored Intervention by PCPs Slightly Cuts Depression

TUESDAY, March 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — An intervention based on personal predictors of risk for depression implemented by primary care physicians (PCPs) provides a modest reduction in the incidence of major depression compared to usual care, according to a study published online March 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

ACP Addresses Skyrocketing Costs of Prescription Medications

TUESDAY, March 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American College of Physicians (ACP) has developed recommendations in order to address the escalating cost of prescription drugs, according to a position paper published online March 29 in the Annals in Internal Medicine.

Full Text

Sex Hormones, Inflammation Affect Asthma in Obese Women

TUESDAY, March 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Sex hormones and systemic inflammation may be mediating the obese-asthma phenotype, according to a study published online March 23 in Allergy.

Intensive Glucose Control Offers Lasting Reduction in Risk of ESKD

TUESDAY, March 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, intensive glucose control has long-term benefits for preventing end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), according to a study published online March 22 in Diabetes Care.

Morning Home Blood Pressure Predicts Stroke, CAD Events

MONDAY, March 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Morning home blood pressure (HBP) is a robust predictor of stroke and coronary artery disease (CAD) events, according to research published in the April 5 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

CDC: Tips Anti-Smoking Ad Campaign Still Having Impact

MONDAY, March 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Three years into the campaign, ads targeting smoking are still having a significant impact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet May Cut Hip Fracture Risk

MONDAY, March 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced risk of hip fracture, according to a study published online March 28 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

How Can We Fix the Wage Gap Among Female Physicians?

MONDAY, March 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Women doctors can address the gender wage disparity by understanding the reasons why they earn less, according to a report published in Medical Economics.

Standard Precautions Advised in Labor & Delivery to Prevent Zika

MONDAY, March 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Standard Precautions should be used in all health care settings, including labor and delivery, in order to minimize the potential risk of transmission of Zika virus to health care personnel or other patients, according to research published in the March 25 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Full Text

2011 Criteria Facilitate Diagnosis of Long QT Syndrome

MONDAY, March 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The 2011 criteria improve diagnosis of long QT syndrome (LQTS), according to a study published online March 23 in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Delayed Diagnosis of Acromegaly Reported in Elderly Woman

MONDAY, March 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In a letter to the editor published in the March issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, delayed diagnosis of acromegaly is described in an elderly woman who initially presented with cutis verticis gyrata (CVG).

Many Doctors Prescribe Opioids for Longer Than CDC Advises

FRIDAY, March 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — When doctors in the United States prescribe opioids for their patients, 99 percent of them hand out prescriptions that exceed the federally recommended three-day dosage limit, new research suggests.

Exercise May Not Benefit Lungs of Seniors With Mobility Issues

FRIDAY, March 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Structured physical activity does not improve respiratory outcomes in elderly adults with mobility limitations, but is linked with higher risk of respiratory hospitalization, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Medicare May Soon Cover Diabetes Prevention Program

FRIDAY, March 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Medicare could soon pay for a program aimed at diabetes prevention, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced this week.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide IDs Left Atrial Reverse Remodeling

FRIDAY, March 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Preprocedural serum atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels predict left atrial reverse remodeling after catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a study published online March 23 in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Patient Position, Timely Help Improve Inpatient Meal Intake

FRIDAY, March 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Timely mealtime assistance and patient positioning during the meal are tied to meal intake among hospital patients, according to a study published online March 21 in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

FDA Wants Generic Opioids to Be Abuse-Deterrent

FRIDAY, March 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Continuing their push to combat the nation’s epidemic of opioid abuse, U.S. officials on Thursday urged generic drug makers to take steps to redesign drugs such as hydrocodone and oxycodone to make them harder to abuse.

Low-Normal Sodium Deemed Major Risk for Mortality in Elderly

FRIDAY, March 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) – A slightly lower serum sodium concentration within the normal range is a major risk factor for mortality in elderly adults, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

CDC: Tuberculosis Decline in the United States Has Hit a Plateau

THURSDAY, March 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Two decades of progress toward eliminating tuberculosis (TB) in the United States has stalled, with incidence of the disease holding steady from 2013 to 2015, according to a report published in the March 25 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in conjunction with World TB Day.

Full Text

Diet High in Vitamin C May Help Delay Cataract Formation

THURSDAY, March 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — High intake of dietary vitamin C may help delay the onset of cataracts, according to research published online March 23 in Ophthalmology.

Genome Sequencing IDs Time of Zika’s Arrival in the Americas

THURSDAY, March 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Zika virus likely arrived in the Americas between May and December 2013, more than a year before it was first reported in Brazil, according to a study published online March 24 in Science.

Full Text

Esophageal Rupture Described After Drinking PEG Solution

THURSDAY, March 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Esophageal rupture can occur in association with colonoscopy preparation, according to a letter to the editor published in the March issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Financial Compensation May Encourage Kidney Donation

THURSDAY, March 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — If offered $50,000, nearly three out of five Americans would donate a kidney, according to survey results published online March 23 in JAMA Surgery.

Incretin-Based Drugs Don’t Up Heart Failure Hospitalization Risk

THURSDAY, March 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Incretin-based drugs are not associated with increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure, according to a study published in the March 24 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Distinct Demographics for Persistent A-Fib From Onset

THURSDAY, March 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) from the onset (PsAFonset) have distinct demographics and poorer clinical outcome, according to a study published online March 23 in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

ASCO Endorses European Guideline on Bladder Cancer

THURSDAY, March 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has endorsed the European Association of Urology (EAU) guideline on muscle-invasive (MIBC) and metastatic bladder cancer, according to a special article published online March 21 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Total Medical Costs of $16K for IFN-Based Antiviral Tx for HCV

THURSDAY, March 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The total medical costs associated with interferon (IFN)-based antiviral treatment among patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection average €14,559, with a mean cost of €38,514 per sustained virological response (SVR), according to a study published online March 18 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Geographic Variation in Heart Disease Mortality Over Time

THURSDAY, March 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — From 1973-1974 to 2009-2010 there were changes in the geographic patterns of heart disease mortality, according to a study published in the March 22 issue of Circulation.

SSRIs Do Not Appear to Increase Cardiovascular Risk

WEDNESDAY, March 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) don’t appear to raise cardiovascular risk among young and middle-age patients, according to research published online March 22 in The BMJ.

Full Text

Report of Bone Marrow/Liver Pathology Caused by Syphilis

WEDNESDAY, March 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A case of acquired syphilis leading to involvement of the bone marrow and liver is described in a report published online March 22 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Age, ICU LOS Can Stratify Patients Into Disability Groups

WEDNESDAY, March 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who survive one week or more of mechanical ventilation can be stratified into disability groups based on age and ICU length of stay, according to a study published online March 14 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibodies Show Promise in ACS

WEDNESDAY, March 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies may represent a promising treatment option for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), according to a review published online March 22 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Antipsychotics May Up Early Mortality Risk in Parkinson’s

WEDNESDAY, March 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Parkinson’s disease patients who are given antipsychotics to treat dementia and psychosis may be more likely to die early, according to research published online March 21 in JAMA Neurology.

ASCO Endorses Cancer Care Ontario Breast Cancer Guidelines

WEDNESDAY, March 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has endorsed the Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) recommendations on the role of patient and disease factors in selecting adjuvant therapy for early-stage breast cancer, according to a special article published online March 21 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

FDA Orders Enhanced Warning Labels on Opioid Pain Medications

TUESDAY, March 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that immediate-release opioid pain medications will get new boxed warnings about the dangers of misuse.

Mindful Meditation Technique May Help Ease Chronic Low Back Pain

TUESDAY, March 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) may be more effective than standard medical care for managing low back pain, according to a study published in the March 22/29 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Review Questions Influence of Alcohol Consumption on Life Span

TUESDAY, March 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Moderate alcohol consumption may not provide a survival benefit compared to abstaining, according to a new review published in the March issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

Full Text

Drug Combo Reduces Polyps in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

TUESDAY, March 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), treatment with a combination of sulindac and erlotinib is associated with significant reductions in the number and diameter of polyps, according to a study published in the March 22/29 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Stress Management Could Help Optimize Cardiac Rehab

TUESDAY, March 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The addition of stress management training can make cardiac rehabilitation programs more effective, according to a study published online March 21 in Circulation.

Sweat-Sensing Device Designed to Regulate Glucose Levels

TUESDAY, March 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — An experimental device uses a patch to monitor blood glucose levels via sweat, and delivers metformin through the skin with microneedles, according to findings published online March 21 in Nature Nanotechnology.

MODY1 Form of Diabetes May Require Alternate Treatment

TUESDAY, March 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients with maturity-onset diabetes of the young 1 (MODY1) are often misdiagnosed as having type 2 diabetes, but patients with MODY1 might benefit from therapies that target a specific pathway that appears to be essential to the function of insulin-secreting cells, according to an experimental study published online Jan. 20 in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Number of Seniors Mixing Medications, Supplements Rising

TUESDAY, March 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More seniors than ever are taking supplements alongside their medications, a practice that puts them at risk for dangerous drug interactions, according to research published online March 21 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Full Text 1 (subscription or payment may be required)
Full Text 2 (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Wrestling Wins for Most High School Athletic Skin Infections

TUESDAY, March 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Among U.S. high school athletes, the rate of skin infections is 2.27 per 100,000 athlete exposures, with the majority occurring in wrestlers, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

FDA Approves Anthim for Treating Inhalation Anthrax

MONDAY, March 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Anthim (obiltoxaximab) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat inhalational anthrax.

Risk of Parkinson’s Disease Increased for Rosacea Patients

MONDAY, March 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Rosacea is associated with an increased risk for Parkinson’s disease, according to research published online March 21 in JAMA Neurology.

FDA: Most Powdered Medical Gloves Should Be Banned in U.S.

MONDAY, March 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration wants to ban most powdered medical gloves, saying they pose serious health risks to patients and health care providers alike.

Physicians Respond to New CDC Opioid Guidelines

MONDAY, March 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physicians have responded to the new U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s clinical guidelines for prescribing opioids, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Physical Activity May Lower Mortality Risk in COPD Patients

MONDAY, March 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physical activity could improve survival of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after hospital discharge, according to research published online March 17 in ERJ Open Research.

Full Text

Worse Prognosis for Heart Failure Patients With Low Osmolality

MONDAY, March 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, low osmolality at discharge is associated with worse all-cause mortality and readmission, according to research published in the April 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.

Genotype Doesn’t Predict A-Fib in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

MONDAY, March 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC), genotype does not predict onset or severity of atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a study published in the April 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.

CDC: 116 Travel-Associated Zika Cases in U.S. So Far This Year

FRIDAY, March 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — During the first two months of this year, 116 U.S. residents have tested positive for infection with the Zika virus, and all but one were linked to travel to regions endemic for the virus. The findings were reported in the March 18 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Full Text

Acetaminophen May Not Be the Best Choice for Arthritis Pain

FRIDAY, March 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Acetaminophen isn’t an effective choice for osteoarthritis pain in the hip or knee, or for improving joint function, according to a report published online March 17 in The Lancet.

Millions in Health Costs Will Be Saved by Generic Gleevec

FRIDAY, March 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Using the generic version of the cancer drug Gleevec could save patients and insurers millions of dollars, according to a study published online March 4 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

MTHFR Polymorphism, Higher Homocysteine Up Cataract Risk

FRIDAY, March 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism and elevated homocysteine levels contribute to the risk of cortical cataract, separately and together, according to a study published online March 17 in JAMA Ophthalmology.

Dialysis of Little Benefit to Elderly End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

FRIDAY, March 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Dialysis does not significantly improve survival for elderly patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), according to research published online March 17 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

Case Report: Ceftriaxone-Linked Renal Toxicity in Adult Male

FRIDAY, March 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A case of ceftriaxone-associated renal toxicity in an adult has been documented in a case report published online Feb. 23 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

Case Before Supreme Court May Expose Doctors to Large Fines

FRIDAY, March 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A case before a state supreme court could potentially expose physicians to large fines based on a legal technicality relating to what they should have known, rather than what they knew, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).

Duration of Estrogen Deficiency Linked to Fibrosis Risk in NAFLD

FRIDAY, March 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For postmenopausal women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), longer duration of estrogen deficiency is associated with increased odds of having more severe fibrosis, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in Hepatology.

Rate of Transmission of Clostridium difficile Quantified

FRIDAY, March 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Hospitalized patients with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) transmit C. difficile at a much higher rate than that of asymptomatic carriers and community sources, according to a report published in the April issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Predictions Made for Zika Arrival in U.S. Cities This Summer

THURSDAY, March 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Some major U.S. cities, including New York City and Los Angeles, could face outbreaks of the Zika virus this summer, according to a report published online March 16 in PLOS Currents: Outbreaks.

Full Text

Some Similarities in Expectations for Pain Patients, Physicians

THURSDAY, March 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There are some similarities in expectations and goals for pain patients and physicians, according to a study published online March 15 in Pain Practice.

Non-HIV-Related Kaposi Sarcoma in BRAFi-Treated Patient

THURSDAY, March 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In a case report published online Feb. 28 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, researchers document non-HIV-associated Kaposi sarcoma in a male patient with myasthenia gravis and metastatic melanoma treated with the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib.

Vitamin D May Help Avert Early Onset of Insulin Resistance

THURSDAY, March 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Early intervention with vitamin D in deficient individuals may help ward off early onset of insulin resistance, according to a study published online Feb. 18 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

Many Cases of MERS-CoV Are Health Care-Associated

THURSDAY, March 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS CoV) infections are frequently associated with health care settings, according to a report published in the April issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Full Text

Diabetes Management Program Doesn’t Cut Disparities in Care

THURSDAY, March 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A telephone-based disease management program delivered by a disease management vendor is ineffective in reducing racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes care, according to a study published online March 10 in Diabetes Care.

SCD Accounts for >30 Percent of CV Deaths After NSTE ACS

THURSDAY, March 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for more than 30 percent of cardiovascular deaths after non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS), according to research published online March 16 in JAMA Cardiology.

Spending on Prescription Meds Up About 5 Percent in 2015

THURSDAY, March 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Spending on prescription medications for insured Americans increased about 5 percent in 2015, with the increase half of that seen in 2014, the Associated Press reported.

Free Training Being Offered for Substance Use Disorder Tx

WEDNESDAY, March 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Free training is being offered to physicians in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines use of medication with counseling and other support for patients with substance use disorders, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.

CDC: Obesity Contributing to Hike in Asthma Rates Among Women

WEDNESDAY, March 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — As weight rises, so too does the risk for asthma, according to a March data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

Many A-Fib Patients Missing Out on Recommended Anticoagulation

WEDNESDAY, March 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Fewer than half of atrial fibrillation patients at highest risk for stroke are prescribed recommended anticoagulation, according to research published online March 16 in JAMA Cardiology.

Hospitalist Morale Index Is Validated Instrument

WEDNESDAY, March 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Hospitalist Morale Index is a valid instrument for assessing hospitalist morale, according to a study published online March 10 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.

FDA Safety Announcement Affected Bisphosphonate Use

WEDNESDAY, March 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A U.S. Food and Drug Administration safety announcement relating to atrial fibrillation risk associated with bisphosphonates correlated with a reduction in bisphosphonate use, according to a study published online March 11 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

Disruptive Patients Distract Docs, May Receive Compromised Care

WEDNESDAY, March 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Disruptive patients may get worse care from physicians, according to a study published online March 7 in BMJ Quality & Safety. The findings aren’t definitive because the researchers tested how physicians responded in fictional vignettes, instead of real-life encounters. Still, the results suggest that such patients distract physicians from doing their jobs.

Abstract 1
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract 2
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Basal Metabolic Rate Drops After CPAP Initiation in Sleep Apnea

WEDNESDAY, March 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is associated with a reduction in basal metabolic rate (BMR), according to a study published online March 1 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy Linked to MetS Components

WEDNESDAY, March 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) prevalence increases with an increasing number of components of metabolic syndrome, according to a study published online March 10 in Diabetes Care.

Incident A-Fib Linked to Shorter Disability-Free Survival

TUESDAY, March 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For older adults, incident atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with shorter disability-free survival, according to a study published online March 1 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

CDC Issues New Prescription Guidelines for Opioids

TUESDAY, March 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A new advisory, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stresses that doctors — especially primary care physicians — should try to avoid prescription of opioids whenever possible. Two research letters published online March 15 in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlight the scope of the opioid issue.

Suppression of Substance Abuse Claims Impacts Diagnoses

TUESDAY, March 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) policy suppressing substance abuse-related claims in the Medicare and Medicaid Research Identifiable Files correlated with an immediate reduction in inpatient diagnoses for conditions commonly co-occurring with substance abuse, according to a research letter published in the March 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Inhaled Xenon May Cut White Matter Damage in Cardiac Arrest

TUESDAY, March 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, inhaled xenon combined with hypothermia is associated with less white matter damage, as measured by fractional anisotropy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), according to a study published in the March 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Influenza Vaccine Safe for Patients in Hospital for Surgery

TUESDAY, March 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Surgery patients don’t have an increased risk for complications if they receive an influenza vaccine while in the hospital, according to a study published online March 15 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Mayo Clinic Has Established Model to Help Battle Burnout

TUESDAY, March 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In an effort to reduce burnout among physicians, the Mayo Clinic is initiating a model to raise camaraderie and increase collaboration, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).

PA32540 Safe for Patients at Risk of Aspirin-Linked Upper GI Events

TUESDAY, March 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For subjects at risk of aspirin-associated upper gastrointestinal (UGI) events, long-term PA32540 (enteric-coated aspirin 325 mg and immediate-release omeprazole 40 mg) appears to be safe, according to a study published in the April issue of Cardiovascular Therapeutics.

Abruptly Quitting Appears to Work Best for Smoking Cessation

TUESDAY, March 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Quitting cigarettes “cold turkey” beats a more gradual approach, according to research published online March 15 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Familial Hypercholesterolemia More Common Than Thought

TUESDAY, March 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Familial hypercholesterolemia affects about one in every 250 American men and women and significantly increases their risk for an early heart attack, according to a study published in the March 15 issue of Circulation.

More Variability in Overnight Insulin Requirements in T1DM

TUESDAY, March 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For individuals with type 1 diabetes, overnight insulin requirements are significantly more variable than daytime and total daily insulin requirements during closed-loop insulin delivery, according to a study published online March 10 in Diabetes Care.

Recommendations Issued for Myeloma-Tied Renal Impairment

TUESDAY, March 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations have been developed for the diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma-related renal impairment; the guidelines were published online March 14 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Risk Up in Obese Women on OCPs

MONDAY, March 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Obese women taking oral contraceptives may be nearly 30 times more likely to develop cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), compared with women of normal weight who don’t take birth control pills, according to a study published online March 14 in JAMA Neurology.

Guidance Offered for Negotiating Higher Rates From Payers

MONDAY, March 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Negotiations to increase payment from insurance companies can be extremely difficult, although it is possible to get a payment increase, according to a report published in Medical Economics.

FDA Gives Tentative Approval to Tests of Gene-Modified Mosquitos

MONDAY, March 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health officials on Friday gave tentative approval to a field test in the Florida Keys of mosquitoes genetically modified to help curb the spread of the Zika virus.

E-Consultations Can Improve Access to, Timeliness of Care

MONDAY, March 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Electronic consultation (e-consultation), an asynchronous, non-face-to-face consultation between a primary care physician and a specialist, can improve access to care and reduce wait times, according to a study published in the March/April issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.

Full Text

Few Care Management Processes Used for Depression

MONDAY, March 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — U.S. primary care practices use less than one care management process for depression, on average, according to a study published in the March issue of Health Affairs.

Antihyperglycemic Medication Prescribing Trends Are Changing

MONDAY, March 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Trends indicate a reduction in glyburide and thiazolidinedione prescriptions and increases in gliclazide and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor prescriptions among older adults with diabetes and chronic kidney disease, according to a study published online March 4 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

Serotonin Directly Implicated in Rheumatoid Arthritis

MONDAY, March 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Serotonin appears to be involved in autoimmune arthritis through Th17 immunity and bone resorption, according to an experimental study published online March 8 in The American Journal of Pathology.

Doctor Communication Supports Parents’ Beliefs About Antibiotics

MONDAY, March 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Clinician communication and prescribing behavior reinforce parents’ understanding of antibiotic treatment, according to a study published in the March/April issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.

Full Text

FDA Approves Xalkori for Rare Genetic Form of Lung Cancer

FRIDAY, March 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Xalkori (crizotinib) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with tumors that have a rare ROS1 gene mutation.

Diabetes Patients More Susceptible to Staph Bacteremia

FRIDAY, March 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients with diabetes may be significantly more likely to develop community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (CA-SAB) than those without diabetes, according to a study published online March 10 in the European Journal of Endocrinology.

Evidence Links Agent Orange to Bladder Cancer, Hypothyroidism

FRIDAY, March 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There is stronger evidence of a link between the herbicide Agent Orange and bladder cancer and hypothyroidism among U.S. military personnel exposed to the chemical during the Vietnam War, a new Institute of Medicine report shows.

CYP3A7*1C Allele Linked to Cancer Mortality, Progression

FRIDAY, March 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The CYP3A7*1C allele appears to be associated with mortality and disease progression in specific cancers, according to a study published online March 10 in Cancer Research.

Elderly With Advanced CRC Often Get Costly, Unnecessary Tx

FRIDAY, March 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Expensive medications are being given far more often to elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, but they offer almost no benefit, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in Medical Care.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Analgesics Plus Exercise Therapy Feasible for Knee OA

FRIDAY, March 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A combined intervention of optimized analgesic prescription and exercise therapy is feasible and associated with significant reductions in pain and activity limitation in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and severe knee pain, according to a study published in the March issue of Arthritis Care & Research.

Allergen Components ID Latex-Induced Occupational Asthma

FRIDAY, March 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — High levels of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) reactivity to recombinant Hevea brasiliensis (rHev b) can diagnose natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy, according to a study published online March 4 in Allergy.

Triple-Handed Approach Eases Palpation of Ticklish Patients

FRIDAY, March 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A novel triple-handed approach allows for examination of lymph-node basins without eliciting a ticklish response, according to a letter to the editor published in the March 10 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Full Text

Five Strategies Employed to Help Promote Behavior Change

FRIDAY, March 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Five key strategies are employed by clinicians to help promote patient behavior change, according to a study published in the March/April issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.

Full Text

Ironman Competitors Susceptible to Hyponatremia

THURSDAY, March 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Long-distance triathletes who drink too much water during competition may end up with hyponatremia, according to a letter to the editor published in the March 10 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Full Text

CDC: Zika Poses Serious Threat to Puerto Rico

THURSDAY, March 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health officials issued an assessment Thursday of the continued spread of the Zika virus, which is already suspected of causing thousands of birth defects in Brazil and has made inroads into Puerto Rico.

Disclosure of Sexual Identity Linked to Receipt of HIV Testing

THURSDAY, March 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For rural men who have sex with men, disclosure of sexual identity is associated with increased uptake of HIV testing and hepatitis vaccinations, according to a study published in the March/April issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.

Full Text

Survival Benefit for Kidneys From Incompatible Living Donors

THURSDAY, March 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In what researchers are calling a possible “paradigm shift,” a new study shows kidney disease patients may live longer if they receive a transplant from an incompatible living donor rather than wait for a good match. The research was published in the March 10 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Zika Now Tied to Meningoencephalitis

THURSDAY, March 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The list of neurological disorders potentially associated with the Zika virus continues to grow, according to a letter to the editor and a perspective piece published online March 9 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Letter to the Editor
Perspective

Predictive Model Developed for In-Hospital Mortality in TAVR

THURSDAY, March 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A predictive model has been developed and validated for in-hospital mortality among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR); the findings were published online March 9 in JAMA Cardiology.

Study Raises Privacy Concerns for Health Care Apps

THURSDAY, March 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Privacy policies for health programs — or “apps” — designed for smartphones that share highly sensitive medical information between patients and doctors are lacking, and often are completely missing, according to a study published in the March 8 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Warfarin’s Intracranial Bleed Risk Higher Than Previously Reported

THURSDAY, March 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Warfarin treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation may raise the risk of traumatic intracranial bleeding by more than previously reported, according to a study published online March 9 in JAMA Cardiology.

Too Few Patients With Prediabetes Are Being Treated

WEDNESDAY, March 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A large number of Americans with prediabetes aren’t being treated for the condition, which suggests that doctors are missing opportunities to prevent diabetes, according to research published in the March-April issue of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.

CDC: U.S. Cancer Mortality Rate Continues to Fall

WEDNESDAY, March 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Overall rates of cancer and cancer mortality in the United States continue to decline, according to the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, a yearly report issued by the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Cancer Institute, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. The report was published online March 9 in Cancer.

Retail Clinics Do Not Decrease Health Care Spending

WEDNESDAY, March 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Retail clinic visits often represent new health care utilization and increased health care spending for low-acuity conditions, according to a study published in the March issue of Health Affairs.

Adventitial Cystic Disease Mimics Deep Venous Thrombosis

WEDNESDAY, March 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Adventitial cystic disease of the common femoral vein can be mistaken for deep venous thrombosis, according to a case report published online March 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Vitamin D Not Beneficial for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

WEDNESDAY, March 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Vitamin D supplements don’t appear to relieve pain or slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis in patients with low levels of the vitamin, according to a study published in the March 8 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

PTSD Symptomatology Linked to Increased Risk of RA

WEDNESDAY, March 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology is associated with the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in women, according to a study published in the March issue of Arthritis Care & Research.

Physicians’ Contracts Can Affect Patients, Professionalism

WEDNESDAY, March 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Problematic clauses in physicians’ contracts can impact patient care and professionalism, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online March 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Video Game-Based Cognitive Rehab Program Beneficial in MS

WEDNESDAY, March 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A video game-based cognitive rehabilitation program is associated with changes in thalamocortical functional connectivity (FC) among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study published online March 8 in Radiology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

CPAP Improves Glycemic Control in Patients With T2DM, OSA

WEDNESDAY, March 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes, use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for six months is associated with improved glycemic control and insulin resistance, according to a study published online Feb. 24 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Research Offers Clues to Impact of Lupus on Immune System

TUESDAY, March 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Scientists have gained new insight into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which they hope will lead to new therapies, or help guide current treatment choices. The research was published online March 8 in Immunity.

Full Text

USPSTF Urges Screening for Adults at High Risk of Latent TB

TUESDAY, March 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in adults at increased risk. These findings form the basis of a draft recommendation statement, published online March 8 by the USPSTF.

Evidence Review
Recommendation Statement
Comment on Recommendations

Slow Gait After Acute MI Linked to Mortality, Readmission

TUESDAY, March 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — At one month after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), many older adults have slow gait, which is associated with increased risk of death or readmission at one year, according to a study published online March 1 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Opportunities for Healthy Diet, Exercise Influence Behaviors

TUESDAY, March 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Practical opportunities for healthy diet and activity are associated with intentions, achieved behaviors, and body mass index (BMI), according to a study published in the March/April issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Body Fat May Be Bigger Health Danger Than Body Size

TUESDAY, March 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Body mass index (BMI) may not accurately reflect a person’s body composition, or be a good indicator of health, according to research published online March 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Low Testosterone Predicts Mortality in Advanced Liver Disease

TUESDAY, March 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For men with advanced liver disease, sarcopenia and low testosterone predict mortality, with better prediction for low testosterone, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Review IDs Care Gaps for Teens With Chronic Conditions

TUESDAY, March 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patient-related determinants of care gaps have been identified in adolescents with chronic conditions; the findings were published online March 3 in Pediatrics.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Dietary Glycemic Index Linked to Lung Cancer Risk

MONDAY, March 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Dietary glycemic index (GI) is associated with lung cancer risk, according to a study published in the March issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Risk of Chronic Conditions Up for Retinoblastoma Survivors

MONDAY, March 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Retinoblastoma (Rb) survivors have increased risk of chronic conditions, according to a study published in the March 1 issue of Cancer.

Heavy Coffee Consumption May Lower Risk of Multiple Sclerosis

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Individuals who consume about six cups of coffee a day are almost one-third less likely to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) than non-drinkers, according to research published online March 3 in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

Bloodstream Infection Outbreak in Wisconsin Linked to 18 Deaths

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The source of a bacterial bloodstream infection linked with the deaths of 18 people in Wisconsin is being sought by federal, state, and local health officials.

Daily Low-Dose Aspirin May Reduce Risk of Some Cancers

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Taking low-dose aspirin every day may lower the overall risk of cancer by 3 percent, mostly due to larger reductions seen in risk for colon and gastrointestinal tumors, according to research published online March 3 in JAMA Oncology.

CDC: Hospitals Making Progress Against Antibiotic Resistance

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Although U.S. hospitals are making gains in the fight against some antibiotic-resistant bacteria, too many patients are still affected in health care facilities, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More Chest Pain for Women Undergoing PCI With DES

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Women undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with new generation drug-eluting stents (DES) have a higher prevalence of clinically relevant chest pain, according to a study published online March 2 in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Mutations in ANGPTL4 Linked to Coronary Artery Disease

THURSDAY, March 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Mutations in the angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) gene are associated with coronary artery disease, according to two studies published online March 2 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

U.S. Bans E-Cigarettes on Commercial Flights

THURSDAY, March 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Electronic cigarettes have been banned from commercial flights, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday.

Google Pledges $1 Million to Help Fight Zika Virus

THURSDAY, March 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A $1 million donation to fight the spread of the Zika virus and an offer to help analyze data to predict the spread of the mosquito-borne disease was announced by Google.

Annual Visit Rate for Obesity Is 49 Visits Per 1,000 Persons

THURSDAY, March 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In 2012 there were 11 million visits to health care providers for obesity, with variation in visit rates by age and sex, according to a March data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

Full Text

Recurrence Risk Estimator Valid for Acute Ischemic Stroke

THURSDAY, March 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Recurrence Risk Estimator (RRE) score is valid for identifying the risk of recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke, according to a study published online Feb. 29 in JAMA Neurology.

High Mole Count Doesn’t Always Indicate Higher Melanoma Risk

THURSDAY, March 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients with melanoma often have few typical nevi (TN), and no atypical nevi (AN), according to a study published online March 2 in JAMA Dermatology.

Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Superior for Abscess

THURSDAY, March 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole results in a higher clinical cure rate of uncomplicated abscesses than placebo, according to a study published in the March 3 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

ADA Issues Recs for Management of Diabetes in Primary Care

THURSDAY, March 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — New recommendations have been developed for diabetes, focusing on areas of importance for primary care providers. The clinical guideline was published online March 1 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text

Red Ginseng, Vitamin C May Increase Immune Cell Activity

THURSDAY, March 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Red ginseng and vitamin C enhance immune cell activation and suppress viral infection in mice, according to an experimental study published online Feb. 21 in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.

FDA: Guidance to Help Prevent Donor-Related Zika Infection

WEDNESDAY, March 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued new guidance for reducing the potential transmission risk of Zika virus from human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps).

SCOTUS: States Can’t Force Health Care Data Release

WEDNESDAY, March 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Supreme Court has ruled against state efforts to collect health care data from insurance plans.

Type 1 Diabetes Linked to Increased Risk of Certain Cancers

WEDNESDAY, March 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with type 1 diabetes appear to have a higher risk for cancers of the stomach, liver, pancreas, endometrium, ovary, and kidneys, but a reduced risk for prostate and breast cancers, according to research published online Feb. 29 in Diabetologia.

Full Text

Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide Noninferior to Insulin Glargine

WEDNESDAY, March 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, a fixed ratio of insulin degludec/liraglutide is noninferior to continued titration of insulin glargine, according to a study published in the March 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Spouse Education Level May Impact Choice for Rural Practice

WEDNESDAY, March 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physicians who are married to a highly-educated spouse are less likely to work in rural underserved areas, according to a study published in the March 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Case of Hepatitis E Transmission Via Plasma Exchange

WEDNESDAY, March 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A case of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has been reported in a kidney transplant recipient, according to a research letter published online March 1 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Pre-Visit Questionnaire Can Help ID Common Vestibular Diagnoses

WEDNESDAY, March 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of a vestibular intake questionnaire can predict common vestibular diagnoses, prior to clinical assessment, according to research published online Feb. 25 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

Metabolic Syndrome Tied to Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment

WEDNESDAY, March 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and MCI progression to dementia is increased in association with metabolic syndrome (MetS), according to a study published online Feb. 29 in JAMA Neurology.

Dementia Incidence Higher Than CHD in Very Elderly

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For adults aged 80 years or older, the incidence of dementia is greater than that of coronary heart disease (CHD), according to a study published in the March 8 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

USPSTF: Evidence Lacking for Visual Acuity Screening in Seniors

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has concluded that the evidence is currently inadequate to weigh the benefits and harms of primary care screening for impaired visual acuity in older adults. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement, published in the March 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Recommendation Statement
Evidence Review
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Supportive-Care Hospital Visits Linked to Better Outcomes

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Hospital supportive-care visits from a primary care physician result in lower risks of adverse patient outcomes, according to a study published online Feb. 23 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.

High Levels of Exercise May Be Cardiotoxic

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Emerging evidence suggests that there may be some cardiotoxicity associated with exercise, according to a review published online Feb. 24 in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

Prostate Cancer Tied to Higher Colorectal Cancer Risk

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The risk of colorectal cancer is increased after a diagnosis of prostate cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in Cancer.

IVCF Use Up in Older Patients With Pulmonary Embolism

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The use of inferior vena caval filters (IVCFs) for pulmonary embolism (PE) increased from 1999 through 2010, according to research published in the March 8 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

AAN: Stroke Risk Up With Daylight Saving Transitions

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The transition to daylight saving time (DST) is associated with a transient increase in the risk of ischemic stroke, according to a study scheduled for presentation at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, to be held from April 15 to 21 in Vancouver, Canada.

Zika Infection Linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Zika virus infection may be associated with incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome, according to a study published online Feb. 29 in The Lancet.

Many Do Not Share Personal Genetic Testing Results With PCP

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Many individuals who undergo direct-to-consumer (DTC) personal genomic testing (PGT) do not share the results with their primary care provider (PCP), according to research published online March 1 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Copyright © 2016 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.