Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Infectious Disease for April 2017. 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.
Meeting Organizers Overlooking Qualified Female Scientists
FRIDAY, April 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Invited speakers at medical conferences tend to be disproportionately male, a disparity that can be addressed by actively preparing lists of potential speakers, according to a study published online April 18 in Nature Immunology.
Distinct Bacterial Taxa in ME/CSF Subgroups With/Without IBS
FRIDAY, April 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Distinct bacterial taxa are seen in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) subgroups, defined by the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a study published online April 27 in Microbiome.
Risk Factors in Six Areas Tied to Physician Burnout
THURSDAY, April 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Physician burnout factors include control, whether there is time to deliver excellent care, and whether the workplace is fair, according to a presentation at the Medical Group Management Association/American Medical Association 2017 Collaborate in Practice Conference, held April 9 to 11 in Chicago.
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Single-Payer Health System Bill Moves Forward in California
THURSDAY, April 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A proposal to replace private insurance with government-funded health care for all moved forward in California on Wednesday as Democrats on the Senate Health Committee voted to advance the measure.
EHR Documentation May Help in Harm Reduction Initiatives
THURSDAY, April 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Electronic health record (EHR) documentation can be used to reduce preventable harm in hospitals, according to a study published online April 27 in Pediatrics.
CDC: Opioid-Related Mortality Rate Might Be Underestimated
WEDNESDAY, April 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The prescription drug abuse epidemic in the United States might be associated with a higher mortality rate than has been reported previously, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention presented April 24 at the Epidemic Intelligence Service conference in Atlanta.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks Accurately Detect TB
WEDNESDAY, April 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Deep learning with deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) can result in accurate detection of tuberculosis (TB) on chest radiographs, according to a study published online April 25 in Radiology.
HBV Reactivation Is Concern With DAA Tx in HBV-HCV Coinfection
TUESDAY, April 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation (HBV-R) is a safety concern for patients with HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection receiving direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), according to a study published online April 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Mortality in CAP
MONDAY, April 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can predict 30-day mortality for elderly adults with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), according to a study published online April 13 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Next Seven Great Achievements in Pediatric Research Predicted
FRIDAY, April 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The next seven great achievements in pediatric research are presented in an article published online April 21 in Pediatrics.
Case Report Describes Adverse Reaction to Clindamycin
FRIDAY, April 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — In a case report published online April 17 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis secondary to clindamycin therapy is described.
CDC: Salmonella Infection Prevalence Down in 2016
THURSDAY, April 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health officials have made progress against Salmonella infections, according to research published in the April 21 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
First-Void Morning Urine Not Necessary for CIN2+ Detection
THURSDAY, April 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — There is no advantage in testing morning first-void urine over later samples for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (CIN2+) detection using human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, according to a study published online April 9 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Risk Up for Some Populations
THURSDAY, April 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Individuals in certain occupations and in certain populations may be more at risk of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, according to research published in the May issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Chagas Disease Presents Public Health Challenge in the U.S.
WEDNESDAY, April 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by the triatomine bug, is a public health concern in the United States, according to the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi).
Potential Benefits, Risks of OpenNotes Discussed
WEDNESDAY, April 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The benefits of sharing notes with patients include improved patient engagement and empowerment, while potential risks may include more phone calls, questions, and increased documentation time, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Dexamethasone Found to Be of Little Benefit in Acute Sore Throat
WEDNESDAY, April 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A single dose of oral dexamethasone only offers modest benefit in the treatment of acute sore throat, according a study published in the April 18 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Researchers Warn of Epilepsy in Zika-Infected Infants
WEDNESDAY, April 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Beyond its known links to birth defects and other issues, the Zika virus may also trigger cases of epilepsy in infants, according to a viewpoint piece published online April 17 in JAMA Neurology.
Long-Term Eye Health at Risk in Infants Born With Zika Infection
TUESDAY, April 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Zika virus may lead to lifelong vision impairment in affected infants, according to research published online April 13 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
No Proof Azithromycin Ups Odds of Ventricular Arrhythmia
TUESDAY, April 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Azithromycin doesn’t appear to increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, according to a study published online April 18 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Increase in Prostate Needle Biopsy-Linked Infection in N.Y.
TUESDAY, April 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Infectious complications after prostate needle biopsy increased from 2011 to 2014 across New York State, according to a study published in the April issue of The Journal of Urology.
Doctors Need to Be Mindful of What They Post on Social Media
MONDAY, April 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Young doctors often have unprofessional or offensive content on their Facebook profiles, according to a study published online April 9 in BJU International.
Anthrax Cases Linked to Use of Vintage Shaving Brushes
MONDAY, April 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — During and after the First World War, there was an increase in anthrax cases associated with use of new shaving brushes, which were made of imported horsehair, according to research published in the May issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases.
AAFP: Educational Videos Created to Boost Adult Vaccine Uptake
FRIDAY, April 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A series of short videos focusing on increasing influenza, zoster, and pneumococcal vaccine uptake among adults have been created, according to a report from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Asymptomatic C. difficile Ups Risk for Other Hospital Patients
TUESDAY, April 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in hospitals increase infection risk in other patients, according to a study published in the April issue of Gastroenterology.
Direct-Acting Antivirals Approved for Children 12+ With HCV
MONDAY, April 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two drugs to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in children aged 12 and older.
Integrated E-Prescribing Can Cut Prescribing, Dispensing Errors
MONDAY, April 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An integrated electronic medication prescribing (e-prescribing) and dispensing system can reduce prescribing and dispensing errors, according to a study published online March 30 in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research.
MACRA Changes Government Approach to Doctor Payment
FRIDAY, April 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) has made fundamental changes to the government’s approach to physician payment, according to a March 27 policy brief published in Health Affairs.
U.S. Blood Banks Can Protect Blood Supply From Zika Virus
FRIDAY, April 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — U.S. blood banks are confident they have the tools to protect America’s blood supply from possible new Zika virus outbreaks during the upcoming mosquito season, according to research published in the March issue of Transfusion, a theme issue on Zika and other transfusion transmitted viruses.
CDC: Syphilis Rates Up Among U.S. Men Who Have Sex With Men
FRIDAY, April 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Syphilis rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) have increased significantly in the past two decades, according to research published in the April 7 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Intestinal Reovirus Infection May Be Cause of Celiac Disease
FRIDAY, April 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A common human intestinal reovirus may trigger some cases of celiac disease, according to a study published in the April 7 issue of Science.
CDC: Almost Half of U.S. Men, Women <60 Infected With HPV
THURSDAY, April 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Nearly half of American men and women under 60 have a genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, according to an April data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Risk Adjustment, Reinsurance Transfer Offer Financial Benefit
THURSDAY, April 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Risk adjustment and reinsurance transfer programs seem to have been effective for increasing revenues at the expense of claims costs, according to research published in the March issue of Health Affairs.
Long-Term Antibiotic Use May Up Risk of Colorectal Adenomas
WEDNESDAY, April 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Taking antibiotics for an extended period in early to middle adulthood might increase risk for colorectal adenomas, according to a report published online April 4 in Gut.
Second Opinion Yields Different Diagnosis for 1 in 5 Patients
WEDNESDAY, April 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — One-fifth of patients who sought a second opinion recently at a single academic medical center had received a different diagnosis from their primary care providers, according to a study published online April 4 in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
CDC: Birth Defects Seen in 1 in 10 U.S. Pregnancies Affected by Zika
WEDNESDAY, April 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — One in 10 pregnant U.S. women with confirmed Zika infection in 2016 had a baby with virus-related birth defects, according to research published in the April 4 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Ruling Out Penicillin Allergy by Testing Inpatients Saves Money
WEDNESDAY, April 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Inpatient penicillin allergy testing is effective for ruling out penicillin allergy, and results in increased prescription of penicillin and cephalosporin, according to a review published online March 29 in Allergy.
Doctors Must Be Wary of HIPAA Violations With Online Reviews
TUESDAY, April 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Physicians should be aware that responding to a negative health care review could potentially expose personal medical information, resulting in a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violation, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
New Antibiotic Tx Beneficial After Acute Lung Function Decline in CF
TUESDAY, April 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — New antibiotic therapy, especially inpatient treatment, is associated with greater likelihood of recovery after acute lung function decline in children with cystic fibrosis, according to a study published online March 21 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
Maternal Pertussis Vaccination Reduces Risk for Newborns
TUESDAY, April 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Infants are far less likely to develop pertussis if their mother received a tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster vaccination while pregnant, according to research published online April 3 in Pediatrics.
Variation in Occupational Influenza Vaccination Coverage
TUESDAY, April 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — There is variation in influenza vaccination coverage by industry and occupation, including among health care personnel and other occupational groups who may have first priority to receive influenza vaccination during a pandemic (tier 1), according to a study published in the April 1 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
Use of Health Literacy Tools Can Promote Shared Decision Making
MONDAY, April 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Use of health literacy tools is encouraged for facilitating shared decision making (SDM), according to an article published in the March issue of the AMA Journal of Ethics.
Vaccination Tied to Reduced Risk of Flu-Linked Pediatric Death
MONDAY, April 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Influenza vaccination is associated with reduced risk of laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated death in children, with overall vaccine effectiveness of 65 percent, according to research published online April 3 in Pediatrics.
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