Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Nursing for February 2015. 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.
AMA: Key Steps for Minimizing Liability Risk in Telemedicine
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Key steps should be taken to minimize the potential risk of liability resulting from use of telemedicine, according to an article published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Distinct Immune Changes Seen in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Sx
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) appears to be linked to specific changes in a person’s immune system, particularly increased amounts of chemical messengers that regulate immune responses, researchers report. The new study was published online Feb. 27 in Science Advances.
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CDC: Routine Procedures Lead to Two Cases of HCV Transmission
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Two cases of hepatitis C infection that occurred during routine surgeries highlight the need for hospitals to tighten infection control to prevent more transmissions, officials said Friday.
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Dr. Craig Spencer Speaks Out About His Ebola Experience
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many U.S. politicians and media outlets hyped the threat of U.S. cases of Ebola last year, according to a newly written personal account by Craig Spencer, M.D., M.P.H., the last American Ebola patient treated in the United States. He also believes that officials and the media unnecessarily maligned those who were risking their lives to combat the West African epidemic.
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Screening for DM at Dental Visit May Be Effective Strategy
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The dentist’s office may be a good place to screen people for diabetes, according to new research published online Feb. 25 in the American Journal of Public Health.
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Abdominal Obesity Ups Risk of Hip Fracture
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Abdominal obesity is associated with increased risk of hip fracture, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Longer Needles Recommended for Epinephrine Autoinjectors
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Given the increasing epidemic of obesity, epinephrine autoinjectors (EAIs) for anaphylaxis require longer needles to ensure intramuscular injection, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in Allergy.
CBT, Sertraline Insufficient in Diabetes and Depression
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with diabetes and depression, improvements in depression are seen with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or sertraline, with a significant advantage for sertraline, but glycemic control remains unchanged with both treatments, according to a study published online Feb. 17 in Diabetes Care.
Benefits/Risks Seen in Pregnancy Post Bariatric Surgery
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — After undergoing weight-loss surgery, women are significantly less prone to diabetes during pregnancy but twice as likely to deliver smaller-than-normal infants, according to a study published in the Feb. 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Struggle With Routine Tasks Predicts Adverse CHF Outcomes
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Heart failure patients who struggle to perform daily tasks are at increased risk for hospitalization and death, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in Circulation: Heart Failure.
Sleeping More Than Eight Hours a Night May Up Stroke Risk
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adults who sleep more than eight hours a night may face a higher risk of stroke, a new analysis suggests. The study was published online Feb. 25 in Neurology.
CDC: In U.S., Half Million C. Difficile Infections in 2011
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Almost half a million Americans were infected with the bacteria Clostridium difficile in 2011, and 29,000 died within a month of diagnosis, U.S. health officials say. The report is published in the Feb. 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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More Musculoskeletal Pain for Workers in Interventional Lab
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Health care workers who are involved in procedures utilizing radiation more often report experiencing work-related musculoskeletal pain, according to a study published in the March 3 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Shorter Hospital Stay Tied to Higher Mortality Post-Hip Fx
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Older patients with a broken hip are more likely to die after the fracture if they’re discharged from the hospital early, according to a study published Feb. 24 in The BMJ.
~4 Percent Increase in Primary Care Visits Expected With ACA
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The greater number of Americans with health insurance under the Affordable Care Act will lead to only a slight increase in the use of medical services, and the health system can cope with the added demand, according to a new report from The Commonwealth Fund.
Essential Role for Pediatricians in Care of Sexual Exploitation Victims
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pediatricians have a role to play in identification and treatment of victims of child sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), according to a clinical report published online Feb. 23 in Pediatrics.
Review: More Whole Grains, Less Coronary Heart Disease
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Higher dietary intake of whole grains may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), according to a meta-analysis published in the March 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Younger Women Hesitate to Raise ‘False Alarm’ in MI
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Younger women may ignore early warning signs of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a new study reveals. The finding could help explain why younger women have higher rates of death from AMI than men in their age group. The study was published online Feb. 24 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Characteristics of Tuberculosis Source Cases Identified
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In 26 U.S. tuberculosis outbreaks the initial source case-patients had long incubation periods and were characterized by substance abuse, incarceration, and homelessness, according to a study published in the March issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Disease.
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Suicide Deemed Public Health Concern in Genitourinary Cancers
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Suicide is a public health concern for patients with genitourinary cancer, especially bladder cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 17 in Cancer.
Remote Patient Monitoring Sector Increasing Rapidly
TUESDAY, Feb. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The remote patient monitoring sector is growing rapidly and could have a considerable impact on health care, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Even Short Term Use of NSAID With Anticoagulant Ill Advised
TUESDAY, Feb. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may raise the risk for myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and/or serious bleeding among MI survivors taking prescription anticoagulants, with no safe window period, according to new research. Bleeding risk rose even within the first three days of NSAID use, the team noted in a study published in the Feb. 24 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
CDC: Use of Long-Acting Birth Control on Rise in U.S.
TUESDAY, Feb. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The use of long-acting birth control methods such as intrauterine devices or contraceptive implants jumped five-fold between 2002 and 2011, according to a report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics as a February data brief.
Bouts of Intense Anger Greatly Up Heart Attack Risk
TUESDAY, Feb. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Intense anger or anxiety greatly increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI), according to a new study published online Feb. 23 in the European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care.
Centralized Reminder System Could Increase Vaccination Rates
TUESDAY, Feb. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A centralized statewide reminder system for immunizations may be a more reliable way to increase overall vaccination rates than reminders from a doctor’s office, according to a report published online Feb. 23 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Water Used to Mix Baby Formula Plays Role in Arsenic Level
TUESDAY, Feb. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The water used to mix baby formula plays the biggest role in whether formula-fed babies are exposed to increased levels of arsenic, according to a new study. The findings were reported online Feb. 23 in Environmental Health Perspectives.
Undiagnosed/Untreated HIV Implicated in Most New Cases
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Undiagnosed and untreated people with HIV may be responsible for more than nine out of 10 new infections, according to research published online Feb. 23 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Dishwasher Use May Increase Risk of Allergies in Children
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hand washing dishes instead of using a machine to wash dishes may reduce children’s risk of developing allergic conditions, such as asthma or eczema, according to a new study. The findings were published online Feb. 23 in Pediatrics.
Frequent Sauna Use Linked to Heart Health Benefits in Men
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Men who use saunas frequently may be less likely to die from heart disease, according to research published online Feb. 23 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
New AAP Diet Recommendations Stress ‘Whole Food’ Diet
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize the importance of introducing children to a wide variety of whole foods — from fruits and vegetables, to whole grains and nuts, to fish and low-fat dairy. And to do that, parents need to make the foods palatable, according to the authors of a policy statement published online Feb. 23 in Pediatrics.
High Fracture Risk Could Indicate Periodontal Disease Too
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Postmenopausal women who are at high risk for fractures may also be at increased risk for gum disease, according to a study published in the January issue of Menopause.
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CDC Investigating Newly Discovered Tick-Borne Virus
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An otherwise healthy man in Kansas became infected with a newly discovered type of virus after he was bitten by ticks, and he died of a related illness 11 days later, health official reported Friday. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team noted that the newly identified virus is a novel member of the genus Thogotovirus, which has been linked to transmission by ticks and mosquitoes in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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Chikungunya Virus Infection Can Mimic Rheumatoid Arthritis
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The mosquito-borne chikungunya virus causes joint pain and swelling similar to rheumatoid arthritis, which can make diagnosis difficult, according to research published online Jan. 20 in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Not Linked to Cardiac Arrhythmia
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In critically ill patients, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is not associated with cardiac arrhythmia, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Variation in Clinical Practice Guidelines for Febrile Infants
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Emergency department clinical practice guideline (CPG) recommendations contribute to observed practice variation in febrile infants, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
No Temporal Change in Incidence of Amniotic Fluid Embolism
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of and risk factors for amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) have not changed over time, according to a study published online Feb. 12 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Noncancer Pain Patients Commonly Use Benzodiazepines
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) patients who use benzodiazepines (BZDs) daily frequently have multiple comorbid mental health conditions and higher rates of emergency health care use, according to a study published in the February issue of Pain Medicine.
Patients Say Cost Matters Greatly in Choosing Doctor
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number one determining factor for selecting a doctor is whether the physician is in-network, according to a report published by Vitals.
Patterns of Childhood Growth May Trigger Type 2 Diabetes
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Certain trajectories of body mass index (BMI) during childhood may increase risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) later in life, according to research published online Feb. 14 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Measles Can Lead to Ophthalmic Complications
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In the midst of the current resurgence of measles across the United States, ophthalmologists are warning that even before the telltale skin rash appears, the infection typically shows up in the eyes. In rare cases, measles can trigger long-term vision problems and even blindness.
FDA: People With Peanut Allergy Should Avoid Cumin Products
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A huge recall of products that contain cumin spice possibly contaminated with peanut has been ongoing in the United States since December, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning people with peanut allergy to avoid cumin and all products that contain cumin.
Radiation Therapy Most Common Treatment for Prostate Cancer
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New research suggests that a wait-and-watch approach for prostate cancer isn’t being used often enough, and that more men are being treated than may be necessary. The study appears online Feb. 19 in JAMA Oncology.
Americans Living Longer Post-Cancer, but Disparities Remain
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Survival rates are improving for many people with cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, liver, and colon or rectum, especially for those diagnosed at younger ages, according to research published online Feb. 19 in JAMA Oncology.
Ebola Transmitted Via Cough Possible, Not Likely
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Based on prior evidence, health workers dealing with Ebola primarily have worried about disease transmission from a patient’s blood, vomit, and feces, all of which contain high levels of virus as symptoms progress, but health care workers also might need to worry about a patient’s cough, authors speculate online Feb. 19 in mBio.
CDC: Increase in Hypothermia Deaths Over Past Decade
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More people are dying from hypothermia in the United States, according to research published in the Feb. 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Fast-Replicating HIV Strains Damage Immune System Earlier
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fast-replicating strains of HIV damage the immune system in the very early stages of infection, resulting in quicker disease progression, according to a study published online Feb. 17 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Cancer Prevalence Low in Power Morcellation Fibroid Removal
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The use of power morcellation to remove fibroids in the uterus can end up spreading bits of hidden cancerous tumors throughout the abdomen, but a new study suggests the likelihood is low. Researchers called the findings, reported online Feb. 19 in JAMA Oncology, “reassuring.”
Researchers Question Benefits of Treadmill Desks
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new study may dampen some of the enthusiasm about treadmill desks. Researchers found that the desks are expensive, challenging to incorporate into an office setting, and may do little to boost meaningful activity levels. Findings from the study were published recently in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
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Phthalates in First Trimester May Affect Male Fertility
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — When expectant mothers are exposed to phthalates during the first trimester, their male offspring may have a greater risk of infertility later in life, a new study suggests. The report was published online Feb. 18 in Human Reproduction.
Lack of Sleep Tied to Increased Levels of Free Fatty Acids
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New research helps explain why getting too little sleep might boost diabetes risk. The study was published online Feb. 19 in Diabetologia.
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Better Informed Women Less Likely to Want Mammogram
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Educating women about the possibility of overdiagnosis from mammography screening may make some of them less likely to get the test, new research suggests. The study was published online Feb. 17 in The Lancet.
HealthDay/Harris Poll: Americans Still Divided Over ACA
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The Affordable Care Act remains one of the most significant — and controversial — achievements of President Barack Obama’s presidency. And Americans remain deeply divided over the health-care reform law that was signed by Obama five years ago, a HealthDay/Harris Poll released Thursday found.
Duodenoscopes Infected With CRE at UCLA Med Center
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Endoscopes that were used to perform digestive procedures between October and January were contaminated with carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae, California hospital officials said Thursday.
Varicella Zoster Linked to Giant Cell Arteritis
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New research links the varicella zoster virus to giant cell arteritis. The study was published online Feb. 18 in Neurology.
‘Remission’ Replaces ‘Functional Cure’ in HIV Case
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — All babies born with HIV should receive the same rapid medical response as the young Mississippi girl born with the virus who suffered a disappointing relapse last July, despite the fact that the virus later reappeared, according to a letter published in the Feb. 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Household Movement Benefits Elderly With Mobility Issues
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For older adults with physical impairments, simply reducing sedentary time benefits heart health, according to a study published online Feb. 18 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Propranolol Effective for Infantile Hemangioma
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Propranolol (Inderal) appears to be effective in treating infantile hemangiomas, according to research published in the Feb. 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Breast Milk Consumption Trending Among Body Builders
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Some bodybuilders are drinking human breast milk in the mistaken belief it will give a boost to their muscles.
Health Highlights: Feb. 18, 2015
Unhealthy Outpacing Healthy Eating in Most World Regions
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Although people around the world are eating more healthy foods, that positive trend has been outpaced by a rising consumption of unhealthy foods, according to research published in the March issue of The Lancet Global Health.
Fear of Discrimination Keeps Many LGBT Med Students Silent
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fear of discrimination is a major reason why about one-third of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) medical students stay “in the closet,” new research finds. The study was published online Feb. 16 in Academic Medicine.
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Doctors, Pharmacists Least Likely Health Pros to Divorce
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Doctors appear less likely to get divorced than most other health care professionals, according to research published online Feb. 18 in The BMJ.
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Research Finds No Cancer Link With Pimecrolimus
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pimecrolimus (Elidel) cream used to treat eczema in children does not appear to increase the risk of cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 18 in JAMA Dermatology.
New Sleep Guidelines Issued by National Sleep Foundation
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For the youngest and oldest, the National Sleep Foundation has new guidelines on what constitutes a good night’s rest. The new guidelines were developed by a panel of 12 experts who examined the findings of 320 studies, and were published online in Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation.
Fatigue, Distraction Play Role in Risk of Low Back Pain
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Significant risk factors for low back pain include fatigue, manual labor involving awkward positions, and being distracted during an activity, according to research findings reported online Feb. 9 in Arthritis Care & Research.
Article Emphasizes Importance of Apology in Medical Error
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Apology laws, which prohibit certain statements or expressions of sympathy by a physician from being admissible in a lawsuit, are unnecessary if physicians understand the importance of saying sorry and offering accountability after an error, according to an article published Feb. 4 in Medical Economics.
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Seasonal Flu Vaccine Can Offer Cross-Protection Against H7N9
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Seasonal influenza vaccines trigger immune system protection against the H7N9 influenza virus, according to a study published online Feb. 17 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
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Data Lacking to Support Childhood Naps Above Age 2
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Children over 2 years old who nap during the day tend to go to bed later and get less sleep than those who give up napping, according to research findings published online Feb. 17 in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.
Varenicline May Help Smokers Not Yet Ready to Quit
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Varenicline (Chantix) can boost the likelihood that cigarette smokers who aren’t ready to stop cold turkey will cut down gradually, a new study suggests. The research appears in the Feb. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
CDC: Biggest Rise in Recent Measles Cases in Illinois
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number of measles cases in the United States has reached 141 patients in 17 states and the District of Columbia, federal health officials reported Tuesday.
Many Women Not Receiving Recommended Radiation Tx
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many American women with locally-advanced breast cancer do not receive recommended radiation therapy after mastectomy, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Post-Electrophysiology Mortality Usually Not Related to Procedure
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Half of major complications within 30 days of electrophysiology (EP) procedures occur after discharge, but the majority of deaths are not directly related to the procedure, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.
Cancer Survivors Need Healthful Lifestyle Advice
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Clinical interventions should be implemented to help cancer survivors make lifestyle behavior changes, according to research published online Feb. 13 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Methylprednisolone Use Cuts Treatment Failure in Pneumonia
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia and high initial inflammatory response, methylprednisolone use is associated with decreased treatment failure, according to a study published in the Feb. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Fondaparinux Found to Effectively Treat NSTEMI
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In a new study, patients who received fondaparinux to treat non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) had a lower risk of major bleeding and death compared to patients who received low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). The findings were published in the Feb. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Cardiovascular Health Calculators Overestimate Actual Risk
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Four of five widely used formulas may overestimate people’s risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by as much as 154 percent in some cases, according to research published in the Feb. 17 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. That includes the most recently developed risk calculator, unveiled alongside new treatment guidelines in 2013 by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA).
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Increasing Dietary Fiber Leads to Other Healthy Changes
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A simple high-fiber diet can provide health benefits while being easier to stick with than a diet calling for multiple changes in eating habits, according to research published in the Feb. 17 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Young Adult Sore Throat Could Be Due to F. Necrophorum
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fusobacterium necrophorum is responsible for one in five sore throats in young adults, a new study suggests. The report was published in the Feb. 17 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Moderate Exercise Twice Weekly Lowers CV Risk in Women
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Even a few bouts of moderate exercise each week can cut a middle-aged woman’s odds for coronary heart disease (CHD), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and stroke, according to new research, and exercising more frequently or strenuously may not provide greater reductions in cardiovascular risk. The findings were published online Feb. 16 in Circulation.
Observation Increasingly Used in Younger Men With Prostate CA
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Observation is increasingly being used among men with low-risk prostate cancer who are young and healthy enough for treatment, according to a study published in the March issue of The Journal of Urology.
Wide Variation in Hospital Tx Patterns for Metastatic CRC
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), there is wide variation in hospital treatment patterns, according to a study published online Jan. 29 in Cancer.
High Deductible Plans Factor Into Physician-Patient Relationship
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In an environment where patients are increasingly aware of the costs of health care, physicians need to be prepared to address these issues with their patients, according to an article published Feb. 4 in Medical Economics.
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Medical Journals Should Not Be Swayed by Fear of Libel Lawsuits
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fear of corporate defamation lawsuits should not prevent medical journals from investigating corporate products, according to a perspective piece published online Feb. 16 in Pediatrics.
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Certain Macrolides Linked With Higher Risk of Pyloric Stenosis
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New research supports previous findings that erythromycin can increase the risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). The research also indicates that azithromycin is associated with a higher risk of IHPS when given to infants under 6 weeks old. The findings were published online Feb. 16 in the Pediatrics.
Hot Flashes Linger Long After Final Menses in Many Women
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More than half of women experience menopause-related hot flashes and night sweats for seven years or more, according to research published online Feb. 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Mindfulness Program Helps Seniors Sleep Better
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Mindfulness meditation may help older adults get a better night’s sleep, according to a study published online Feb. 16 in the JAMA Internal Medicine.
At Least 4 to 5 Percent Weight Loss Needed to Cut Diabetes Risk
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For Japanese men with visceral fat accumulation and hemoglobin A1C (A1C) of 5.6 to 6.4 percent, minimization of the risk of diabetes requires a minimum of 4 to 5 percent weight loss, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
More Rapid Refeeding Protocol Seems Safe in Anorexia Nervosa
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Refeeding patients with anorexia nervosa to achieve more rapid weight gain can be safe and effective in a hospital-based protocol, according to a study published online Jan. 27 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Productivity Growth in U.S. Hospitals During 2002 to 2011
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — During 2002 to 2011, U.S. hospitals experienced productivity growth in treating Medicare patients with heart attack, heart failure, and pneumonia, according to a study published in the February issue of Health Affairs.
Antipsychotic Rx Often Relates to Non-Approved Indications
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For individuals with dementia living in nursing homes, the provider’s rationale for use of antipsychotic drug therapy frequently relates to indications for which these drugs are not approved, according to a study published online Jan. 30 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Use of Nondrug, Nonsurgical Options Low in Hip, Knee OA
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Usage of nondrug, nonoperative interventions in community-dwelling individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) is low, according to research published in the February issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
Milk Protein Detected in Some ‘Cow’s Milk-Free’ Baked Goods
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Some bakery products sold as free of cow’s milk may not be safe for those with milk allergies because they still contain milk protein, according to research published online Feb. 4 in Allergy.
Various Strategies Used by Patients With HIV, Chronic Pain
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For individuals with HIV and chronic pain, various pain self-management strategies are employed, including physical activity, cognitive and spiritual strategies, and substance use, according to a study published online Feb. 3 in Pain Medicine.
Electronic Beats Paper Record in Peds Trauma Resuscitations
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Electronic documentation produces more complete records of pediatric trauma resuscitations than paper documentation, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Emergency Nursing.
Patients Tend to Prefer Formal Physician Attire
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients often prefer physicians with formal attire and white coats, according to a systematic review published online Jan. 19 in BMJ Open.
Picky Eating Usually Transient Among Preschool Children
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Picky eating is usually a transient behavior in early childhood, according to a study published online Jan. 30 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Limited Evidence on Management of Dyslipidemia in HIV
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A detailed guide has been presented for clinicians who manage dyslipidemia in HIV-infected patients. The guide, based on and extrapolated from guidelines for the general population, has been published online Feb. 4 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Osteoporosis-Treated Adults Have Elevated Risk of Mortality
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women and men below age 70 who are treated for osteoporosis have an excess mortality risk, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
HRT Use, Even Short Term, Tied to Higher Risk of Ovarian CA
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women who use hormone therapy after menopause — even for just a few years — may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer, according to new research. The meta-analysis was published online Feb. 12 in The Lancet.
Cancer Patients Rarely Demand Unnecessary Treatment, Tests
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cancer patients rarely request unnecessary tests or treatments, according to a study published online Feb. 12 in JAMA Oncology.
Exposure to Gas, Dust, Fumes Ups Risk of Mite Sensitization
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Occupational exposure to gas, dust, and fumes (GDF) increases the risk of mite sensitization, and is associated with asthma and wheeze in those who are mite-sensitized, according to a study published online Jan. 30 in Allergy.
ASCO Endorses ACS Guideline for Prostate CA Survivor Care
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has endorsed the American Cancer Society (ACS) Prostate Cancer Survivorship Care Guidelines, according to a report published online Feb. 9 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Kidney Failure Risk in CKD Up With High-Acid, Meat-Rich Diet
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients struggling with chronic kidney disease who routinely consume meat-rich, highly-acidic diets may boost their risk for kidney failure, according to research published online Feb. 12 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Intervention Cuts Drug Prep Errors for Peroral Drugs
THURSDAY, Feb. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A newly developed intervention program tailored to hospitals can reduce the rate of inappropriately prepared solid peroral drugs for patients with feeding tubes, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Deaths Due to Smoking Underestimated in U.S.
THURSDAY, Feb. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — According to the U.S. Surgeon General, about 480,000 Americans die of smoking-related causes each year, but that figure may be closer to 540,000, researchers from the American Cancer Society report. The findings were published in the Feb. 12 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Maternal Smoking Linked to Shorter Fetal Telomere Length
THURSDAY, Feb. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Prenatal exposure to tobacco is associated with shorter fetal telomere length, according to research published in the February issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
MetS Prevalent Among Seniors at Risk of Mobility Disability
THURSDAY, Feb. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For older adults at high risk of mobility disability, metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent, according to a study published online Jan. 30 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Specific NSAIDs Increase Nonfatal Ischemic Stroke Risk
THURSDAY, Feb. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of specific nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diclofenac and aceclofenac, is associated with increased risk of nonfatal ischemic stroke, according to a study published online Jan. 22 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Mammography Rates Down Since 2009 USPSTF Guidelines
THURSDAY, Feb. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Since the publication of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for mammography in 2009, there has been a decrease in mammography rates among white, Hispanic, and Asian women, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Risk of Psychiatric Disorders Up for Children With T1DM
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Children with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, especially in the six months after diagnosis, according to a study published online Feb. 3 in Diabetes Care.
Human Breast Milk Effective for Infants With Atopic Dermatitis
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For infants with atopic dermatitis, topical application of human breast milk has the same efficacy as hydrocortisone 1 percent ointment, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in the International Journal of Dermatology.
Post-Op Infection Rate Low for Minimally Invasive Spine Sx
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing posterior transtubular microscopic assisted spinal surgery, the postoperative infection rate is very low, according to a study published in the Feb. 1 issue of Spine.
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Hepatitis B Screening Endorsed Pre-Immunosuppressive Tx
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — All patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapies should undergo routine screening for active or prior hepatitis B viral infection, according to research published in the February issue of Hepatology.
AMA: Use American Heart Month to Focus on Patients’ BP
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — As part of American Heart Month, physicians are encouraged to focus on patients’ blood pressure, according to a report from the American Medical Association (AMA).
Low Childhood Vitamin D Levels May Up Adult CVD Risk
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adults who had low vitamin D levels as children and teens may be more likely to have atherosclerosis, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Health Benefits of Moderate Drinking May Be Overestimated
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A review of 52,891 British people found little to no health benefit linked to alcohol consumption, once the results were adjusted for a range of personal, social, economic, and lifestyle factors. The findings were published Feb. 10 in The BMJ.
ICDs May Provide Little Benefit When Implanted Over Age 70
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may not benefit all patients to the same degree, as their effectiveness seems to diminish somewhat with the advancing age of the patient, according to a review published online Feb. 10 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality Outcomes.
Americans’ Complementary Health Approaches Changing
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Yoga is increasingly popular among U.S. adults and children, two new government surveys reveal. Both surveys, which were published Feb. 10 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), looked at the overall use of alternative or complementary medicine among Americans.
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Naps Counteract Negative Effects of Sleep Deprivation
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Brief daytime naps might protect against the harmful health effects of a poor night’s sleep, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Iron Supplements Speed Blood Donation Recovery
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Low-dose iron supplements speed blood donors’ recovery of iron and hemoglobin, new research shows. The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)-funded study was published in the Feb. 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Mercury From Seafood Tied to Higher Levels of Autoantibodies
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The mercury found in some seafood may be linked to autoimmune disorders among women of childbearing age, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in Environmental Health Perspectives.
IOM Proposes New Criteria, Name for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic fatigue syndrome, a debilitating illness affecting up to 2.5 million Americans, may soon get a new name and set of diagnostic criteria.
BP Meds Benefit Diabetes Patients, Even Without HTN
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new analysis indicates that people with type 2 diabetes are less likely to suffer myocardial infarctions, strokes, or early mortality when they take blood pressure medications — even if they don’t actually have hypertension. The study was published in the Feb. 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Mental Stress Adversely Affects MI Recovery in Younger Women
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In younger people with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stress may lead to a worse recovery and this may be of particular concern among women, a new study suggests. The report was published online Feb. 9 in Circulation.
Research Misconduct ID’d by FDA Often Unreported in Literature
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A review of U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspection reports between 1998 and 2013 revealed 57 clinical trials in which regulators had uncovered violations serious enough to earn the agency’s most severe classification — “official action indicated,” or OAI. The findings were published online Feb. 9 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Multidisciplinary Approach Successful in Chronic Back Pain
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medication combined with a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program can decrease disability and improve mental health in low back pain patients over several years, according to a study published online Dec. 26 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Eight Clinical Signs of Impending Death Identified
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say they have identified eight specific physical signs that strongly indicate impending death in patients with advanced cancer. The findings have been reported online Feb. 9 in Cancer.
Oxytocin in Labor Not Linked With Later ADHD in Child
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Augmentation of labor with the medication oxytocin does not seem to raise the risk of having a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Pediatrics.
HPV Vaccination Does Not Seem to Promote Unsafe Sex in Teens
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Getting vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) does not appear to increase unsafe sexual practices among teen girls, according to a new study published online Feb. 9 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Confidence Not Accurate Measure of Prescribing Competence
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For medical students, self-reported confidence in prescribing only weakly correlates with actual competence, according to a study published online Feb. 4 in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
AMA Provides Key Messages for Patients About Vaccination
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physicians should be prepared for questions about the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to an article published by the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA has offered advice for answering patient questions on vaccination.
Elevated Risk of Psychiatric Dx in Adults Born Very Premature
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People who were born very preterm may be at higher risk of anxiety disorders and certain other mental health issues, even into their 30s, a new study suggests. The findings, published online Feb. 9 in Pediatrics, give a picture of how preemies fare as they move through adulthood.
Residential Program Cuts CVD Risk Factors in Obese Youth
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Extremely obese adolescents in an intensive 10-month residential treatment program lost more weight than their counterparts, and appeared to reverse endothelial dysfunction that could lead to atherosclerosis, according to a new study published online Feb. 9 in Pediatrics.
Review: Some Nonpharmacologic Tx Effective in Peds GI Disorders
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Certain nonpharmacologic treatments are effective in pediatric abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP-FGIDs), according to a review published online Feb. 9 in Pediatrics.
Motivational Interviewing Can Help Reach Nonadherent Patients
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Motivational interviewing can be a useful approach for reaching noncompliant patients, according to an article published Jan. 22 in Medical Economics.
Soy Food, Isoflavone Intake Not Linked to Endometrial Cancer
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Soy food/isoflavone intake is not associated with endometrial cancer risk in Japanese women, according to a study published in the February issue of BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Implant, Hormonal IUD Effective Beyond FDA-Approved Duration
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The contraceptive implant and the 52-mg hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) seem to be effective beyond the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved duration, according to a study published online Feb. 4 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Measles Diagnosis for Five Infants at Illinois Day Care
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number of measles cases in the United States continues to climb, with Illinois health officials saying five infants who attend a suburban Chicago day care center are infected.
High Coffee Intake Linked With Lower Risk of Endometrial Cancer
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — High versus low intake of coffee is associated with a reduced risk for endometrial cancer, according to a new study published in the February issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Early Stroke Care Can Start With Paramedics
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — It’s possible for paramedics to deliver immediate drug treatment to stroke patients, new research suggests. The study, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), was published in the Feb. 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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U.S. Lyme Disease Costs Could Exceed $1 Billion Annually
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — With an estimated 240,000 to 440,000 new cases of Lyme disease diagnosed every year, the illness costs the U.S. health care system between $712 million and $1.3 billion annually, according to a study published online Feb. 4 in PLOS ONE.
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Mortality Risk of T1DM Higher for Women
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women with type 1 diabetes have a nearly 40 percent greater risk of dying from any cause and more than double the risk of dying from heart disease than men with type 1 diabetes, according to a report published online Feb. 5 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
Prompt, Aggressive BP Management Encouraged
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with systolic blood pressure higher than 150 mm Hg face increased risks without aggressive drug treatment started within a month and a half, according to research findings published Feb. 5 in The BMJ.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Linked With Earlier Surgical Menopause
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Menstrual abnormalities, endometriosis, pelvic pain, hysterectomy, and early/surgical menopause are all associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), according to research published online Feb. 2 in Menopause.
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Two Novel Genetic Variants for Breast Cancer Discovered
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Scientists say they have identified two new genetic variants that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Their findings are published online Feb. 4 in Human Molecular Genetics.
CDC: HIV-Related Mortality Disparities Persisting for Blacks
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of HIV-related mortality is still highest among blacks, and over half of all newly identified HIV-positive persons are black, according to two reports published in the Feb. 6 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Smartphone Accessory Could Help Detect HIV, Syphilis
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A smartphone accessory that can detect HIV and syphilis has been developed by Columbia University researchers. The findings were published in the Feb. 4 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
Contraception Info Given With Isotretinoin Rx Ups Safe Use
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say giving birth control information to women visiting dermatology clinics can help promote the safe use of isotretinoin. The study was published online Feb. 4 in JAMA Dermatology.
Perspective on Dr. Davidson: ‘Be Like Mike’
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The tragic shooting of surgeon Michael Davidson can be used as an opportunity to find meaning in tragedy, according to a perspective piece published online Feb. 5 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Prehospital Magnesium Sulfate Doesn’t Benefit Stroke Outcomes
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with suspected stroke, prehospital magnesium sulfate therapy is safe but does not impact the degree of disability at 90 days, according to a study published in the Feb. 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Low Adherence to Daily HIV Prophylaxis in High-Risk Women
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In a population of predominantly young, unmarried women in sub-Saharan Africa, daily adherence to oral or vaginal tenofovir-based formulations was low, and no regimen significantly reduced the risk of HIV-1 acquisition. The study was published in the Feb. 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Complication Rate Low for CNRA Lumbar Epidural Injections
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Complication rates for fluoroscopic-guided lumbar epidural steroid injections (LESIs) performed by certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are similar to physician rates cited in the literature, according to a study published online Jan. 27 in the Journal for Healthcare Quality.
Early Rehab Doesn’t Increase Adverse Events Post-CABG
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Early enrollment in cardiac rehabilitation does not increase major adverse event rates among patients who recently underwent open heart surgery, according to a study published in the Feb. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Meaning-Centered Group Therapy Beneficial in Advanced Cancer
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Meaning-centered group psychotherapy (MCGP) is effective for reducing psychological distress and improving spiritual well-being in patients with advanced cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Lung Cancer Now Leads Cancer Mortality in Developed Nations
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Lung cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the leading cancer killer of women in developed countries, reflecting changing smoking patterns among females worldwide, according to a new report published online Feb. 4 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Fewer Than Half of Ebola Pledges Have Reached Area in Need
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Only about 40 percent of the nearly $2.9 billion in international aid pledged to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa had reached the hard-hit countries of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone by Dec. 31, according to a report published Feb. 3 in The BMJ.
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Secondhand Smoke Exposure Down But Still Too High
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Although fewer Americans are smoking and more communities have smoke-free laws, 58 million nonsmokers are still being exposed to secondhand smoke, U.S. health officials said Tuesday. Findings from the new study were published in the Feb. 3 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Debunking Contraception Myths to Reduce Unintended Pregnancy
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — If more women had access to modern birth control methods and used them correctly, there would be 15 million fewer unwanted pregnancies in low- and middle-income nations each year, according to a study published online Feb. 3 in Human Reproduction.
Healthy Diet Independently Tied to Lower Risk of COPD
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A healthy diet might reduce the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), new research suggests. The study was published Feb. 3 in The BMJ.
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Flu Vaccination Rates for Nursing Home Staff Too Low
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Only about one in two U.S. nursing home workers receive an annual flu vaccination, according to a study published in the Feb. 1 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
One in Three Prefer Earlier Death to Daily Pill
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — One out of three adults would sooner face a shorter life span than take a daily pill to prevent cardiovascular disease, according to a new Internet survey published online Feb. 3 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Infection Most Common Readmission Reason Post-Surgery
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Infections are the most likely reason people end up back in the hospital after surgery, a new study finds. The report was published in the Feb. 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
AICR: Awareness of Key Cancer Risk Factors Alarmingly Low
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fewer than half of Americans are aware that some major lifestyle factors can affect their cancer risk, and many people worry about cancer-causing claims that aren’t backed by scientific evidence, according to a survey conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). The survey results were released Wednesday to coincide with World Cancer Day.
‘Battlefield’ Blood Transfusion Deemed More Beneficial
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A blood transfusion containing equal parts plasma, platelets, and red blood cells is the most effective treatment for someone who is in immediate danger of exsanguination, compared to a blood mix containing a larger amount of red blood cells, according to research published in the Feb. 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Many Scientifically Inclined Prefer Certain Religious Accounts
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Perspectives on science and religion are complex, with many scientifically inclined individuals preferring certain religious accounts, according to an article published in the February issue of the American Sociological Review.
Tips Provided for Transitional Care Management Code Usage
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In an article published Dec. 18 in Medical Economics, information is provided on transitional care management (TCM) codes and how to implement a process to use these codes.
Review: Hormonal Rx Not Indicated As Acne Monotherapy
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hormonal therapy is recommended for treatment of acne in patients who do not respond to standard therapies, according to a review published online Jan. 27 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Two Pneumococcal Vaccines Advised for Seniors
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adults 65 and older need two pneumococcal vaccines to better protect them from sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia, according to a revised vaccination schedule from the 2015 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The new recommendations were published in the Feb. 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Younger Patients With Diabetes More Often Skipping Visits
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — One in every five young American adults with diabetes hasn’t seen a doctor in the past six months, according to a February data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
New Guidelines Issued for Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For the one in six Americans with allergic rhinitis, new treatment guidelines have been issued by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. The recommendations for those ages 2 and up appear in the February issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Work-Related Asthma Underdiagnosed
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Only 15 percent of working adults with asthma discuss with their doctor how their jobs might affect their breathing, even though nearly half have asthma that is possibly work-related, according to a study published in the February issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. The researchers also found that doctors often don’t bring up the topic with patients.
Guidelines for VTE Prophylaxis, Treatment in Cancer Unchanged
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The 2014 recommendations for the prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer are unchanged from 2013, according to an article published online Jan. 20 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
A Little Jogging Goes a Long Way
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A little jogging is good for your health, researchers say, but too much might not be. The findings were published in the Feb. 10 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Nutritional Supplements Can Improve Pressure Ulcer Healing
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For malnourished adult patients, specific nutritional supplements (arginine, zinc, and antioxidants) are associated with improved pressure ulcer healing, according to a study published in the Feb. 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Many Americans Suffering in Final Year of Life
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For a growing number of Americans, the final year of life is marked by pain, depression, and other distressing symptoms, according to a study published in the Feb. 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Pregnancy Outcomes Similar for Adult, Child Kidney Transplant
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pregnancy outcomes are similar for women who have received a kidney transplant, whether they were a child or an adult when they got their transplant, according to a new study published in the February issue of JAMA Pediatrics.
Too Many Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients on IV Fluids
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Potentially harmful intravenous (IV) fluids are being given to too many patients with severe heart failure, according to a new study published in the Feb. 1 issue of JACC: Heart Failure.
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Non-Pharmacological Options Efficacious in Treating Delirium
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Non-pharmacological alternatives for the treatment of delirium are available and beneficial, according to a review published online Feb. 2 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Medicaid Expansion Tops Savings Versus Marketplace
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medicaid expansion is associated with greater reductions in out-of-pocket spending for previously uninsured low-income adults than Marketplace exchange coverage with premium tax credits and generous benefits, according to a report published in the January issue of Health Affairs.
Spironolactone + TMP-SMX May Up Risk of Sudden Death
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Taking spironolactone alongside the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole can cause blood potassium to rise to potentially life-threatening levels, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Patient Engagement Can Cut Costs, Improve Outcomes
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patient engagement initiatives can decrease costs without sacrificing quality care, according to an article published Jan. 22 in Medical Economics.
Medication Issues Behind One in 12 Pediatric ER Visits
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — At one Canadian children’s hospital, medication-related problems accounted for one in 12 emergency department visits over a year. And about two-thirds of those incidents were preventable, the researchers concluded. The findings have been published online Feb. 2 in Pediatrics.
Estrogen May Lessen Cognitive Effects of Lead Exposure
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Estrogen and estradiol may help protect against lead’s harmful effects on the frontal areas of the brain, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Environmental Health.
Maternal Depression Up at Four Years Postpartum
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Maternal depression is more common at four years postpartum than at any point during the first 12 months postpartum, and is more likely among women with only one child at four years postpartum, according to a study published in the February issue of BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Few Newborns Have Early Well-Child Visit
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Only 15 percent of newborns with an estimated gestational age of ≥34 weeks have a well-child visit (WCV) within the recommended time frame, and these visits correlate with a reduction in the rate of readmissions, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in Pediatrics.
Nursing Students Offer Insight Into Aged Care Career Choice
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nursing students provide valuable insights into aged care, with equal numbers for and against pursuing a career in aged care, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
Patients With Psoriasis Less Likely to Be Physically Active
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with psoriasis are less likely to engage in physical activity, especially those with more severe disease, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Dermatology.
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