Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Nursing for March 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.
Mobile Health App Use Continuing to Increase
TUESDAY, March 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number of mobile health apps is continuing to increase and doctors are embracing this trend, with more than one-third of physicians recommending their use in the past year, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
USPSTF: Evidence Lacking for Routine Iron Supplementation
TUESDAY, March 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Taking iron supplements during pregnancy doesn’t appear to significantly change any health outcomes for mother or infant, a new review shows. A second review — this one on infants and toddlers — found no evidence that iron supplements improved growth or development. The findings on pregnant women were released online March 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The findings on children were published online March 30 in Pediatrics.
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Small, Steady Decline in Cancer Rates in U.S. Over Past Decade
TUESDAY, March 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — America is making slow but steady progress against cancer, with a continuing decline in cancer deaths, according to a new report published online March 30 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The report was coauthored by experts from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. National Cancer Institute.
Staff Attitudes Impact Extended Treatment Time on Hemodialysis
TUESDAY, March 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Although most health care staff feel that extended treatment time on hemodialysis is beneficial, many nurses do not recommend it, according to a study published online March 16 in the Journal of Renal Care.
An Apple a Day May Keep the Pharmacist Away
MONDAY, March 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Apple eaters are less likely to need a prescription medicine, according to new research. The study was published online March 30 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Glyburide in Gestational DM Linked to Complications
MONDAY, March 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — When used to treat gestational diabetes, glyburide has been linked to a number of complications in the infant, according to a new study. The report was published online March 30 in JAMA Pediatrics.
AAP: Use Only Metric Dosing for Children’s Medications
MONDAY, March 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The best way to measure liquid medications for children is in metric milliliters, according to a committee from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Accidental medication overdoses send more than 70,000 children to U.S. emergency departments each year, according to background information with the statement, which was published online March 30 in Pediatrics.
AAP Opposes Random Drug Testing in Schools
MONDAY, March 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In a new report, the American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirms its stance against random drug testing in schools. The group suggests schools redirect their limited resources toward helping students avoid or overcome drug problems. The report was published online March 30 in Pediatrics.
Multiple, Inappropriate Meds Taken by Older Cancer Patients
MONDAY, March 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A pharmacist-led comprehensive medication assessment shows that a high number of older oncology patients use multiple and/or inappropriate medications. The findings were published online March 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Recommendations for Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Peds ER
MONDAY, March 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians should be trained in point-of-care ultrasonography, according to a policy statement published online March 30 in Pediatrics.
Diabetes May Predispose to More Advanced Breast Cancer
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women with diabetes may have an increased risk of being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, according to a new study published online March 17 in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.
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Discontinuing Statins for Terminally Ill May Improve QOL
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Discontinuing the use of cholesterol-lowering statins in terminally ill patients may improve their quality of life, according to a new study published online March 23 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Early Palliative Care Improves Survival in Advanced Cancer
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Early initiation of palliative care (PC) interventions improves survival and caregiver burden in advanced cancer, according to two studies published online March 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Physician/Pharmacist Model Can Improve Mean BP
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A physician/pharmacist collaborative model can improve mean blood pressure (BP), according to a study published online March 24 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Innovative Prototype Presented for Post-ICU Patients
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A collaborative care model, the Critical Care Recovery Center (CCRC), represents an innovative prototype aimed to improve the quality of life of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors, according to a report published in the March issue of the American Journal of Nursing.
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Three Alcoholic Drinks Daily Can Up Risk of Liver Cancer
THURSDAY, March 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People who have three or more alcoholic drinks per day could be raising their odds for liver cancer, according to a report from a panel of experts. On the other hand, the report, from the World Cancer Research Fund International, found “strong evidence” that drinking coffee might actually lower a person’s odds for liver cancer.
CDC: Hypertension-Related Deaths on the Rise in U.S.
THURSDAY, March 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The overall death rate from hypertension in the United States has increased 23 percent since 2000, even as the death rate from all other causes has dropped 21 percent, according to a March data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
AAFP Issues Comprehensive Breastfeeding Toolkit
THURSDAY, March 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new breastfeeding toolkit is available, which includes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) business case for why employers should support breastfeeding, according to a report published by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Prevalence of Subclinical Disease ID’d in African-Americans
THURSDAY, March 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — African-Americans have a moderately high prevalence of subclinical disease, which is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study published online March 12 in Diabetes Care.
Perception of Crisis Mode Tied to Patient Info Exchange Issues
THURSDAY, March 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hospital staff members who perceive their unit is trying to do too much too quickly are more likely to also perceive problems in exchanging patient information across units, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Greater Use of Antibiotics Tied to Higher Odds of Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Repeated use of certain antibiotics may increase a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes, new research suggests. The study was published online March 24 in the European Journal of Endocrinology.
FDA Approves New Treatment for Anthrax
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Anthrasil, Anthrax Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat patients with inhalational anthrax in combination with appropriate antibacterial drugs.
Short Hospital Stays Don’t Impair STEMI Outcomes in Seniors
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For older patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), outcomes are similar for discharge after 48 hours versus four to five days, according to a study published in the March 31 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Outcome Not Affected by Family Presence During Resuscitation
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There are no significant differences in outcomes or processes of care for U.S. hospitals with policies allowing for family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) compared with hospitals without this policy, according to a study published online March 24 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Newly Identified Diabetes Up With Medicaid Expansion
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medicaid expansion is associated with an increase in diabetes diagnosis, according to a study published online March 23 in Diabetes Care.
Ongoing Mentoring Will Help New Nurses Speak Up
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For new nurses, learning to speak up requires ongoing mentoring, according to a study published online March 5 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
Perceived Inefficiencies Rife in Primary Care
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Primary care practices have multiple perceived inefficiencies in activities that occur pre-visit, during visits, and post-visit, according to an article published in the March-April issue of Family Practice Management.
Male Nurses Still Paid More Than Females in the United States
TUESDAY, March 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Male nurses in the United States make more than females, and the pay gap has not narrowed in 25 years, according to a research letter published in the March 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Exercise Improves Men’s Sexual Function Regardless of Race
TUESDAY, March 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Men who exercise the most have higher sexual function scores, regardless of race, according to research published online March 20 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
2015 Diabetes Standards Focus on Individualized Tx Approach
TUESDAY, March 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Therapeutic decisions for diabetes should be individualized, considering factors such as ethnicity and cardiovascular risk, according to an ideas and opinions piece published in the March 24 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Doctors May Not Be Informing of Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
TUESDAY, March 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Doctors are not telling a majority of their patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s that they have the degenerative brain disease, a new report by the Alzheimer’s Association indicates.
One in Nine Needs Emergency Revisit for Kidney Stones
TUESDAY, March 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The need for repeat high-acuity care affects one in nine patients discharged from initial emergency department visits for kidney stones, according to a study published online March 16 in Academic Emergency Medicine.
Rotational Instrument Delivery OK for Fetal Malposition
TUESDAY, March 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Neonatal outcomes are no worse with rotational instrumental delivery than with cesarean delivery for persistent fetal malposition, according to a study published in the March issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Shoulder Dystocia Maneuvers Not Tied to Neonatal Harm
MONDAY, March 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A variety of shoulder dystocia maneuvers are not associated with neonatal morbidity after adjusting for duration, according to a study published in the March issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Balance Compromised in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
MONDAY, March 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) have greater maximum and range of separations of their center of mass from their center of pressure, according to a study published online March 12 in Diabetes Care.
Hormone Therapy Not Detrimental to Women on Statins
MONDAY, March 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hormone therapy is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality in women treated with statins, according to a study published in the April issue of Menopause.
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Electronic Solutions Underway for Rx Prior Authorizations
FRIDAY, March 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Efforts are underway to offer technological solutions to the burdens associated with prior authorizations, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
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Gaining Just 5 Kilograms Greatly Ups T2DM Risk After GDM
THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), baseline and most recent body mass index (BMI) and weight gain after GDM correlate with increased long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online March 18 in Diabetologia.
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Dietary Omega-3 Supplements Improve ADHD Symptoms
FRIDAY, March 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is associated with improvement in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms for children with ADHD and typically developing children, according to a study published online March 19 in Neuropsychopharmacology.
Intervention Improves Hand Hygiene Compliance in Nurses
FRIDAY, March 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A multifaceted intervention can improve hand hygiene compliance among emergency nurses and technicians, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Emergency Nursing.
Tool May Predict Short-Term Progression to Type 1 Diabetes
FRIDAY, March 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers have developed a new tool that may predict short-term glycemic progression to type 1 diabetes (T1D). The findings were published online March 10 in Diabetes Care.
CDC: Decline in TB Rates in the United States Slowing Down
THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — As health officials in Kansas struggle with an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) at a local high school, federal officials reported Thursday that the annual decline in U.S. cases is slowing. The report was published in the March 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Over Two Dozen Test Positive for TB at Kansas High School
THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More than 300 students and staff at Olathe Northwest High School were tested last week after a reported case of tuberculosis (TB) at the school. The testing identified 27 more people with TB infection, the Kansas City Star reported.
In-Clinic Health Coaching Improves Cardiometabolic Health
THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Health coaching by medical assistants can help improve hemoglobin A1c and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol control, according to a study published in the March/April issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Patient Status at ICU Discharge, Not Timing, Predicts Survival
THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU), patient status, particularly the presence of limitations of medical therapy (LOMT) orders, strongly predicts mortality, according to a study published online March 2 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Antipsychotics May Up Risk of Premature Death in Dementia
WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Antipsychotic drugs used to treat the delusions, hallucinations, agitation, and aggression that occur in many people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia may increase the risk of premature death more than previously thought, a new study suggests. The study was published online March 18 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Breastfeeding Linked to Improved IQ at Age 30
WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Breastfeeding is associated with improved performance in intelligence tests at age 30, according to a study from Brazil published in the April issue of The Lancet Global Health.
Workplace Suicides Up Sharply Since 2007
WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Since 2007 there has been a sharp increase in workplace suicides, with certain occupations at higher risk, according to a study published online March 16 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Interventions Up Blood Culture Ordering in Pediatric Pneumonia
WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Interventions can increase blood culture ordering in children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), with no effect on length of stay (LOS), according to a study published online March 16 in Pediatrics.
WBC, Neutrophil Counts Predict Stroke Risk in Older Asian Men
WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Higher total white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts are independent predictors of stroke in older Japanese-American men, according to a study published online March 4 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Lack of Agreement for Meds Reconciliation Responsibilities
WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There is a lack of agreement among clinicians about who is responsible for specific roles in the medication reconciliation process, according to a research letter published in the March issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
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Jyoti Meditation Program Effective for Chronic Neck Pain
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An eight-week jyoti meditation program is effective for patients with chronic neck pain, according to a study published in the January issue of The Journal of Pain.
Diet Soda Intake Tied to Belly Fat in Older Adults
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Increasing diet soda intake (DSI) is tied to greater abdominal obesity in older adults, according to a study published online March 17 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
More Than 16 Million Americans Have Gained Coverage Under ACA
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The Obama Administration reported Monday the largest drop in the number of Americans without health insurance since the Johnson administration expanded health coverage through Medicare and Medicaid 50 years ago.
Cancer Odds Up 40 Percent in Obese Women
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Obesity takes a huge toll on health, and a new British study finds that obese women have a 40 percent higher risk for cancer than thinner women.
Review: No Blood Pressure Lowering Effect for Vitamin D
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Vitamin D supplementation is not associated with a reduction in blood pressure, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published online March 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Face-to-Face Handoff Doesn’t Improve Patient Outcomes
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There are no significant improvements in patient outcomes associated with face-to-face handoff of patients admitted to general medical services at a large academic tertiary referral hospital, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Australian Health Council Says No Evidence Homeopathy Works
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The team at Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council reviewed 225 studies and concluded that homeopathy is no better than placebo, ABC News reported.
MMR Vaccination Rates Might Be As Low As 50 Percent
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates are estimated at between 50 and 86 percent among the population exposed to the recent measles outbreak, according to a research letter published online March 16 in JAMA Pediatrics.
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Propranolol Seems Prophylactic Against Infantile Hemangiomas
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Propranolol seems to be prophylactic against infantile hemangiomas, according to a case report published online March 16 in Pediatrics.
HCPs Lack Knowledge and Awareness of Sex Trafficking
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Health care providers demonstrate significant knowledge gaps regarding sex trafficking (ST), according to research published online March 16 in Pediatrics.
Real-Time Decision Support Tool Aids ER Pneumonia Patients
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For emergency department patients with pneumonia, a real-time electronic clinical decision support tool could be beneficial, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.
Handoff Tool Alone Insufficient to Handle Nighttime Clinical Issues
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A handoff tool, which has been widely adopted in hospitals, seems not to be sufficient for addressing nighttime clinical issues, according to research published in the March issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Hospitalist Continuity Doesn’t Appear to Greatly Affect AEs
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Measures of hospitalist physician continuity do not show a consistent or significant association with the incidence of adverse events (AEs), according to research published in the March issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Any Kidney Disease to Be Seen As Relevant in Pregnancy
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic kidney disease (CKD) during pregnancy puts women and their babies at risk for certain types of problems, even if the disease is at an early stage and the mother-to-be has normal kidney function, according to a study published online March 12 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Coalition Calls for Increased Colorectal Cancer Screening
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Boosting older adults’ colorectal cancer screening rates to 80 percent by 2018 would lead to 21,000 fewer deaths from the cancer each year in the United States by 2030, according to research published March 12 in Cancer.
Emotional Intelligence Peaks in Middle Age
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — While some thinking skills begin to decline as one ages, researchers found that others don’t peak until middle age or even later. The study will appear in an upcoming issue of Psychological Science.
Getting Heard May Be Key to Getting New Job
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Your voice may be the key to landing a new job, researchers report in an upcoming issue of Psychological Science.
Patients Say Pain Control Is Key to Quality of Care in Hospitals
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Management of pain is an important component in improving the quality of care in hospitals from a patient’s perspective, according to research published in the March issue of Pain Practice.
New Model Proposed for Hypersensitivity/Allergic Disease
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new model has been proposed for classification of hypersensitivity/allergic diseases ahead of the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), according to a position paper published online March 4 in Allergy.
HealthDay/Harris Poll: More Americans in Favor of Vaccination
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In the wake of the measles outbreak that has generated headlines for months, more Americans now say they have positive feelings toward childhood vaccinations, according to a new HealthDay/Harris Poll.
IOM: Raise Legal Age to 21 for Tobacco Purchase
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Raising the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 would save hundreds of thousands of lives and substantially reduce the number of smokers in the United States, a new report finds.
AMA, CDC Partner to Focus on Diabetes Prevention
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Reducing the number of Americans with type 2 diabetes is a new mission shared by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, officials said Thursday.
FDA Updates Recs for Cleaning of Reusable Med Devices
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued final recommendations for the cleaning and sterilization of medical devices used in invasive procedures. The updated rules, first proposed in 2011, were released in response to last month’s reports of seven serious infections and two deaths at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, which were caused by contaminated duodenoscopes.
Health Officials Warn of Blinding Cases of Syphilis on West Coast
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Health care providers on the West Coast need to look out for syphilis that can cause blindness, public health officials say.
Health Highlights: March 11, 2015
Powdered Alcohol Approved by U.S. Regulators
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — U.S. regulators have approved a controversial powdered alcohol product called Palcohol, which is meant to be mixed into drinks.
Health Highlights: March 11, 2015
Poll: Majority of Americans Interested in Genetic Testing
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A majority of Americans taking part in a new poll said they’d be interested in genetic testing to see if they or their children are at risk for serious illnesses. The findings were published online March 6 in Public Health Genomics.
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More Support for ‘Timing Hypothesis’ in HRT Use
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There’s yet another study looking at the potential dangers of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms, and this one supports the notion that the treatment may not help women’s hearts. The findings were published online March 10 in The Cochrane Library.
Single Paravertebral Blockade Seems Safe in Herpes Zoster
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with acute thoracic herpes zoster (HZ), a single paravertebral blockade seems safe and effective, according to a study published in the March issue of Pain Practice.
Clinical Trial Data Often Not Reported in Timely Manner
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers are not promptly reporting the results of clinical trials to ClinicalTrials.gov, according to an article published in the March 12 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Long-Term NSAID Use Beneficial in Knee Osteoarthritis
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with knee osteoarthritis, long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use is associated with improvements in symptoms and disease progression, according to a study published in the March issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Evidence Lacking for PT in Patients With Venous Leg Ulcers
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Further research is needed to understand the role of physical therapy in healing and quality of life (QOL) in patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs), according to a systematic review published in the March issue of JAMA Dermatology.
Patients With Multiple Conditions Need Early Outpatient Follow-Up
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The timeliness of outpatient follow-up after discharge matters most for patients with multiple chronic conditions and a greater than 20 percent baseline risk of readmission, according to research published in the March/April issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Physicians Should Plan Exit Strategy in Advance
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physicians should begin planning their exit strategy three to five years in advance, according to the American Medical Association.
Psychosocial Phone Counseling Aids Cervical Cancer Survivors
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A psychosocial telephone counseling (PTC) intervention can be beneficial for cervical cancer survivors, according to a study published online Feb. 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Age, Race May Affect Tx Decision Regret in Prostate Cancer
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Age, race, and other factors may influence treatment decisional regret among men with prostate cancer, according to research published online March 3 in Cancer.
Melatonin Use in Children Raises Safety Concerns
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Considerable safety concerns surround use of melatonin for children with sleep disorders, according to a review article published online Feb. 3 in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.
Exercise Perfusion CT Imaging IDs Coronary Stenosis
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients suspected of having hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis, exercise computed tomography (CT) myocardial perfusion imaging is feasible and accurate, according to a study published in the March issue of Radiology.
Stress + Depression = Deadly Combo in Heart Disease
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Coronary heart disease, depression, and stress can be a deadly combination, according to a new study published online March 10 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Hospitalizations After Sepsis Resolution Often Preventable
TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — When patients survive sepsis, it’s common for them to be readmitted to the hospital within a few months, but this can often be avoided, according to research published in the March 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Susac Syndrome Is Possibility in Cases of Acute Confusion
TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For young patients presenting with acute confusion, Susac syndrome should be considered, according to a case report published online Feb. 10 in the Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases.
Subthreshold Mania May Mean Bipolarity in High-Risk Youth
TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Subthreshold manic or hypomanic episodes may be a diagnostic precursor to bipolar disorder in the children of parents with bipolar disorder, according to research published online March 3 in The American Journal of Psychiatry.
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Limited Evidence Supporting Herbal Meds in GI Disorders
TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Limited evidence supports use of herbal remedies in gastrointestinal disorders, and the lack of quality control must be considered, according to research published in the March issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Article Details Decontamination Process After Ebola Care
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The Nebraska Biocontainment Unit (NBU) has implemented a thorough process for decontamination after treatment of patients with potential or confirmed Ebola virus disease (EVD), according to an article published in the March 1 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
Family Hx of Prostate CA May Increase Risk of Breast CA Too
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A family history of prostate cancer may be tied to a woman’s risk of breast cancer, according to a new study published online March 9 in Cancer.
Vegetarian Diet Tied to Reduced Risk of Colorectal Cancer
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A vegetarian diet might cut the risk of colorectal cancer by 20 percent, according to new research. For fish-eating vegetarians, the protective link is even stronger, according to a study published online March 9 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
FDA Approves New CPR Devices
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) system designed to increase the chance of survival in people experiencing cardiac arrest has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Reminders Improve Practices’ Quality-Assurance Testing
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Practices’ adherence to a quality-assurance program for point-of-care testing (POCT) devices can be improved with reminders, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
Cleaning Umbilical Cord With Chlorhexidine Lowers Mortality
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Using chlorhexidine to clean the umbilical cords of infants born outside of a hospital lowers infant infection and death rates in developing countries, according to a review published online March 5 in The Cochrane Library.
Paternal, Maternal Depression May Up Asthma Risk for Baby
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A child may face an increased risk of asthma if the child’s mother or father experienced depression during the pregnancy or if the mother took an older antidepressant to treat her condition, new research suggests. The study findings were published online March 9 in Pediatrics.
Educational Intervention Can Cut Inappropriate PPI Prescriptions
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A monthly educational intervention paired with a web-based quality improvement tool is feasible for increasing the proportion of inappropriate proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescriptions discontinued at hospital discharge, according to a study published online Feb. 24 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
More Otologic Symptoms, Hearing Loss for HIV-Infected
FRIDAY, March 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Otologic symptoms and hearing loss are more common among patients with HIV than uninfected controls, according to a study published online March 5 in JAMA Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery.
Extended Pre-Cessation Bupropion Helps Smokers Quit
FRIDAY, March 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Extended pre-quit bupropion is associated with reduced smoking behavior during the pre-quit period and improved short-term abstinence rates, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
Psychotherapy for Child Anxiety Offers Long-Term Benefits
FRIDAY, March 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Successful cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for an anxiety disorder in childhood is associated with lasting protection against suicidal ideation, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
National Hospital Rating Systems Rarely in Agreement
FRIDAY, March 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — National hospital rating systems are rarely in agreement, according to a study published in the March issue of Health Affairs.
FDA Launches First App to Identify Drug Shortages
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A mobile phone application (app) has been released to identify current drug shortages, resolved shortages, or discontinuations of drug products, according to a press release published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Post-Occupational Exposure Ebola Vaccination Shows Promise
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An experimental Ebola vaccine may have prevented the disease in a doctor who was at high risk of infection, according to a new report. The findings were published online March 5 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
One-Third of U.S. More Than Hour Away From Stroke Center
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — One-third of Americans can’t be transported by ambulance to a stroke center within one hour, according to research published online March 4 in Neurology.
Coping With Stress May Be As Key to Heart Health As Exercise
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Teens who have trouble coping with stress may face an increased risk for future coronary heart disease that even exercise can’t erase, a new study suggests. The report was published online March 4 in Heart.
Statins Tied to Decreased Insulin Sensitivity, Secretion
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Statin drugs may significantly increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a new study from Finland suggests. The findings were published March 4 in Diabetologia, the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.
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Study Examines Palliative Care in Cardiac Intensive Care Units
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Increased palliative care education and training among clinicians who are involved in cardiac critical care could benefit care, according to a study published in the March 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Six Months of Valganciclovir in CMV Provides Long-Term Benefit
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For neonates with symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), six months of valganciclovir does not improve hearing in the short term, but is associated with improved outcomes in the long term, according to a study published in the March 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Major Health, Cost Burden for U.S. Patients With Eczema
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adults with eczema have a major health burden with significantly increased health care utilization and costs, according to study published online March 4 in JAMA Dermatology.
40% of Transplant Surgeons Report Emotional Exhaustion
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many transplant surgeons in the United States suffer symptoms of burnout, according to research published in the March issue of the American Journal of Transplantation.
CDC: Heroin Overdose Mortality Nearly Tripled 2010 to 2013
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The age-adjusted rate for deaths involving opioid analgesics has leveled in recent years; however, the rate for deaths involving heroin has almost tripled since 2010, U.S. health officials reported Wednesday.
Many PCPs Not Using Rx Drug Monitoring Programs Routinely
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Most primary care physicians are aware of state prescription drug monitoring programs, and more than half report using one, according to research published in the March issue of Health Affairs.
Anemia Linked to Adverse Outcomes in Atrial Fibrillation
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with atrial fibrillation receiving anticoagulant treatment, the presence of anemia is associated with increased risk of thromboembolic events, bleeding complications, and mortality, according to research published online Feb. 13 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Nurse Follow-Up by Phone Cuts Problems Post Orthopedic Sx
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A program of phone follow-up by nurses can reduce problems that discharged patients may experience after undergoing orthopedic surgery, according to research published online Feb. 23 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
Use of Anticholinergic Meds May Up Pneumonia Risk for Elderly
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of anticholinergic medications may increase risk of pneumonia in the elderly, a new study suggests. The findings were published online March 2 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Sedative Pre-Anesthesia Doesn’t Increase Patient Satisfaction
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new study questions the need for giving a sedative to surgical patients before anesthesia is administered. The report was published in the March 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Study Challenges Management of Benign Thyroid Nodules
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Benign thyroid nodules are common, and research suggests they don’t need to be monitored as closely as current guidelines recommend. The findings were published in the March 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Both High and Low Intensity Exercise Benefit Weight, Waist
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For people who are obese and sedentary, any exercise can help trim abdominal fat, but it may take a bit more effort to get other health benefits, a new study suggests. The findings were published in the March 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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In Vitro Fertilization Birth Rates Continue to Rise
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nearly 2,000 more infants were born with the help of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 2013, compared with 2012, according to a new report from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology.
Higher Coffee Consumption Tied to Less Coronary Calcium
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Drinking three to five cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of developing coronary atherosclerosis, which in turn might reduce the risk for heart attack or stroke, a new study suggests. The report was published online March 2 in Heart.
Acetaminophen Risks May Be Underestimated
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Acetaminophen may not be as safe as previously thought, with larger doses and long-term use linked to increased risk of health problems, a new report contends. The findings were published online March 2 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Severe Obesity in Youth Even Riskier Than Thought
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Extremely obese children — such as those at least 100 pounds overweight — are in deeper trouble in terms of cardiovascular disease risks than doctors have thought, new research suggests. The study appears online March 2 in JAMA Pediatrics.
ACP Issues Recommendations for Management of Pressure Ulcers
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations have been developed for the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, and published as two American College of Physicians (ACP) clinical practice guidelines in the March 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Age-Specific Causal Link for Adiposity, CV Risk Factors
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adiposity has an age-specific causal effect on cardiovascular risk factors, according to research published online Feb. 23 in Diabetes.
Excessive Blood Tests Could Raise Heart Surgery Morbidity
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The high number of blood tests done before and after heart surgery can sometimes lead to excessive blood loss, possibly causing anemia and the need for a blood transfusion, new research suggests. Results of the study were published in the March issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Treadmill-Based Fitness Score Can Predict 10-Year Survival
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A fitness risk score based on exercise stress testing is highly predictive of 10-year survival in adults free from established heart disease, according to a study published in the March issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Tracking Growth Can Facilitate Earlier ID of Celiac in Children
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Growth monitoring programs may help identify children with celiac disease, according to a new study published in the March issue of JAMA Pediatrics.
U.S. Nurse Who Contracted Ebola Sues Employer
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An American nurse who contracted Ebola is suing her employer.
Health Highlights: March 2, 2015
Nuts, Including Peanut Butter, May Improve Longevity
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Eating nuts, including peanuts and peanut butter, may increase longevity, new research suggests. The study is published online March 2 in JAMA Internal Medicine and was funded by the U.S. National Cancer Institute.
Majority of Doctors Yield to Parents’ Vaccine Delay Requests
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Doctors commonly get requests from parents to delay young children’s vaccinations — and often give in, according to the results of a new U.S. study. The findings, published online March 2 in Pediatrics, come at a time of rising concerns about “under-vaccination.”
High Prevalence of HCV in Baby Boomers Presenting to ER
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of unrecognized chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is high among baby boomers presenting to the emergency department, according to a study published online Jan. 28 in Hepatology.
Mitral Valve Repair Could Improve Mental Health
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) have less depression and anxiety after they undergo surgical repair, according to research published in the March issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Cannabis Linked to Increased Risk of Cerebrovascular Events
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cannabis seems to be linked to cerebrovascular events, according to research published online Feb. 19 in Stroke.
Suicidal Ideation Prevalent in Patients With Fibromyalgia
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Suicidal ideation is prevalent among patients with fibromyalgia and is strongly associated with mental health, according to a study published in the February issue of Pain Practice.
Hospital Design Has Little Effect on Patient Satisfaction
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hospital design has little effect on patient satisfaction, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
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