Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Geriatrics for June 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.
Poll Finds Seniors Struggling With Drug Costs Don’t Seek Help
FRIDAY, June 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Many older Americans who have difficulty paying for their medications don’t seek help in finding more economical options, according to the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging.
Depression Contributes to Health Decline Seen in Cancer Caregivers
FRIDAY, June 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Depression is known to be linked to worsening physical health, and this may be especially true for cancer caregivers, according to a study published online June 29 in Cancer.
Dutasteride Associated With Metabolic Safety Concerns
FRIDAY, June 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Dutasteride for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia may induce imbalance in metabolic function, according to a study published online June 21 in Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation.
Higher IQ in Childhood Associated With a Longer Life
THURSDAY, June 29, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A high IQ in childhood is associated with lower risk of mortality due to coronary heart disease and stroke, cancers related to smoking, respiratory diseases, digestive diseases, injury, and dementia, according to a study published online June 28 in The BMJ.
Doctors Urged to Take Care With Electronic Communications
THURSDAY, June 29, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Care should be taken when conveying electronic messages to patients, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Health of the Nation Presented in 40th Annual CDC Report
THURSDAY, June 29, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The health of the United States is summarized in the 40th annual report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Even Low Levels of Pollution Raise Mortality Risk for Seniors
THURSDAY, June 29, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Air pollution may shorten the lives of American seniors, even in areas where levels fall below national safety standards, according to a study published in the June 29 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
ACA Health Insurance Expansion Tied to Fewer Cardiac Arrests
THURSDAY, June 29, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A dramatic decrease in cardiac arrest has occurred among Oregon residents who gained access to health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), according to a study published online June 28 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Rx Changes, Counseling, Regular Visits Can Cut Opioid Deaths
WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Three simple steps could decrease opioid-related mortality by about a third, according to a report published online June 26 in Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
PPIs Not Found to Raise Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) don’t appear to increase the risk of dementia, as has been previously suspected, according to a study published online June 7 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
FDA Seeks to Increase Number of Generic Drugs on Market
WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — New measures to increase the number of generic prescription drugs available to Americans have been taken by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Dissolvable Microneedle Patch for Flu Vaccine Found Safe, Effective
WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An experimental flu vaccine patch with dissolving microneedles appears safe and effective, according to research published online June 27 in The Lancet.
Number of Hospitalizations for Heart Failure Declining
WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The number of Americans hospitalized for heart failure has dropped substantially since 2002, but blacks still face higher risks, according to a study published online June 27 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Preadmission Functional Impairment Ups Medicare Costs
WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For community-dwelling older adults, preadmission functional impairment is associated with greater Medicare costs for post-acute care, according to a study published online June 22 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Persistent Mental Distress Ups Mortality in Heart Patients
TUESDAY, June 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The cumulative burden of psychological stress increases mortality risk in patients with stable coronary heart disease, according to a study published online June 26 in Heart.
Physician Attitude Important Factor in Patients Switching PCP
TUESDAY, June 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Factors associated with patients switching physicians include physicians’ attitude, design and comfort of a facility, and communication, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Better Outcomes for Cardiology Care in Newly Diagnosed A-Fib
TUESDAY, June 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF), cardiology care is associated with improved outcomes versus primary care, according to a study published in the July 4 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Use of ICD Codes Only Can Underestimate Falls in ER
TUESDAY, June 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Identifying individuals in the emergency department who have fallen based on diagnosis codes alone underestimates the rate of falls, according to research published online June 21 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
More Racial Disparity With Medicare Advantage
MONDAY, June 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Medicare Advantage is associated with more racial disparity than traditional Medicare for hospital readmissions, according to a study published online June 21 in Health Affairs.
Review Spotlights Optimal Care of T2DM + Osteoporosis
MONDAY, June 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Optimal management of coexisting type 2 diabetes (T2D) and osteoporosis should consider the scientific evidence, according to a review published online June 21 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
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Similar Skin Cancer Incidence Seen With Teledermatology
MONDAY, June 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of skin cancer is similar for patients evaluated by store-and-forward (SAF) teledermatology or face-to-face (F2F) consultation, according to a study published online June 20 in the International Journal of Dermatology.
Higher Fish Intake Appears to Reduce RA Symptoms
MONDAY, June 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Eating fish at least twice a week may significantly reduce the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study published online June 21 in Arthritis Care & Research.
Review Links Conjugated Linoleic Acid Supplementation to CRP
FRIDAY, June 23, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation is associated with an increase in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, according to a review and meta-analysis published online May 29 in Cardiovascular Therapeutics.
ACOG: Shared Decision-Making Key to Breast Cancer Screening
FRIDAY, June 23, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Shared decision-making is being emphasized in new American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) mammography screening guidelines for women at average risk of breast cancer.
Practice Bulletin
Primary Care Pharmacy Model Attractive to Patients
FRIDAY, June 23, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients express preference for a pharmacy-driven model of primary care versus a pharmacy offering minimal primary care services, according to a study published online June 18 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Drug, Herb Interactions Frequent for Cancer Patients
FRIDAY, June 23, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with cancer frequently have herb-drug interactions (HDI) and drug-drug interactions (DDI), some of which have clinical consequences, according to research published online June 19 in the Journal of Oncology Practice.
1991-2014 Saw Minimal Change in Health Spending Per State
THURSDAY, June 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — From 1991 to 2014 there was minimal change in health spending by state, according to a study published online June 14 in Health Affairs.
Opioid Rx Too Often Given to Back Pain Patients With Depression
THURSDAY, June 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with low back pain who are depressed are more likely to be prescribed opioids, and to be prescribed higher doses, according to a study published online June 20 in PAIN Reports.
2006 to 2013 Saw Increase in ER Use for Herpes Zoster
THURSDAY, June 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — From 2006 to 2013 there was an increase in the number of emergency department visits for herpes zoster (HZ), according to a study published online June 21 in JAMA Dermatology.
Revisits After Discharge From Observation Up in Elderly
THURSDAY, June 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For Medicare beneficiaries age 65 years and older, hospital revisits frequently occur after discharge from observation stays, and have increased over time, according to a study published online June 20 in The BMJ.
Clonal Hematopoiesis Linked to Coronary Heart Disease
THURSDAY, June 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The presence of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is associated with coronary heart disease, according to research published online June 21 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Medical-Home Recognition Higher in Demonstration Sites
THURSDAY, June 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Demonstration sites, which are provided with care management fees and technical assistance to help them achieve the highest medical-home recognition, do have higher rates of medical-home recognition, according to a study published online June 21 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Head Positioning May Not Be Key to Acute Stroke Outcome
THURSDAY, June 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Head positioning does not appear to affect survival and recovery in acute ischemic stroke patients, according to a study published in the June 22 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Sharp Rise Among Women for Opioid-Related Hospitalizations
WEDNESDAY, June 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Opioid-related hospitalizations among women in the United States increased far faster than among men between 2005 and 2014, according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Early Loop Diuretic Tx Tied to Lower Mortality in Heart Failure
WEDNESDAY, June 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with acute heart failure, early treatment with loop diuretics is associated with lower in-hospital mortality, according to a study published online June 19 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Report Addresses Patient Refusal of Home Health Care Services
WEDNESDAY, June 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — About 6 to 28 percent of seniors refuse home health care offered when they are discharged from the hospital, according to a report from the United Hospital Fund and the Alliance for Home Health Quality and Innovation.
Causes of Serious Adverse Events in Nursing Homes Identified
WEDNESDAY, June 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Most serious adverse events in nursing homes are caused by medication errors, falls, delayed or inappropriate interventions, and missed nursing care, according to a study published online June 15 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
Education Can Promote Self-Management in CVD Conditions
WEDNESDAY, June 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Therapeutic patient education interventions can promote self-management in selected cardiovascular conditions, according to a scientific statement published online June 19 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
More Americans Using High-Doses of Vitamin D Supplementation
TUESDAY, June 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Rising numbers of Americans may be getting too much vitamin D via supplementation, according to a research letter published in the June 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Guidelines Address Peri-Op Care in Rheumatic Disease
TUESDAY, June 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Guidelines have been developed for perioperative management of antirheumatic drug therapy in patients with rheumatic diseases undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA); the guidelines were published online June 16 in Arthritis Care & Research.
Yoga Noninferior to Physical Therapy in Chronic Low Back Pain
TUESDAY, June 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Yoga may be as effective as physical therapy for pain relief and improved function in patients with chronic low back pain, according to a study published online June 20 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Age a Factor in Patients Leaving Hospital Against Medical Advice
TUESDAY, June 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Although patients aged 65 and older are four times less likely to leave the hospital against medical advice than adults under 65, race/ethnicity and poverty appear to increase this risk in elderly inpatients, according to a study published online June 19 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Marital Status Among Factors Tied to Gout Rx Adherence
TUESDAY, June 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with gout, higher levels of belief about medicines, presence of comorbidity, and being married appear to increase urate-lowering therapy adherence, according to a study published online June 15 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
Support for Financial Penalties Up With Emphasis on Patient Harms
TUESDAY, June 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Physicians who receive information about patient harms are more likely to support financial penalties targeting inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, according to a research letter published online June 20 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
AUA Reports on Nonneurogenic Chronic Urinary Retention
TUESDAY, June 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A white paper has been developed by the American Urological Association Quality Improvement and Patient Safety committee with respect to the diagnosis and management of nonneurogenic chronic urinary retention; the paper was published in the July issue of The Journal of Urology.
Risk of Cardiovascular Events Similar With, Without Diabetes
TUESDAY, June 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG), those with and without diabetes without coronary artery disease (CAD) have the same risk of death, cardiac death, and myocardial infarction, according to a study published online June 8 in Diabetes Care.
VKA Monotherapy Linked to Reduced MI, Stroke Risk in A-Fib
MONDAY, June 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), vitamin K antagonist (VKA) monotherapy is associated with reduced risk of first-time myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke compared with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) monotherapy, according to a study published in the June 20 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Hydrotherapy Plus Conventional Drugs Beneficial in RA
MONDAY, June 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), hydrotherapy in addition to conventional drugs is associated with improved antioxidant status, according to a study published online June 14 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
18 Percent Increase Projected in Primary Care Demand by 2023
MONDAY, June 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The demand for primary care physicians is projected to increase 18.0 percent between 2013 and 2023, according to a May report published by the Congressional Budget Office.
Older Age Needn’t Be a Barrier to Herniated Disc Surgery
MONDAY, June 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — People over age 65 shouldn’t avoid surgery for a herniated disc just because of their age, as they can benefit from the procedure as much as younger patients, according to a research letter published recently in JAMA Surgery.
Health Insurers Recruiting Former Pharma Reps to Cut Costs
FRIDAY, June 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Health insurers are recruiting former pharmaceutical company representatives to educate doctors and help save money on prescription medications, according to a report published June 8 in Kaiser Health News.
Recreational Activity-Linked Facial Fractures Up in Seniors
FRIDAY, June 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — From 2011 to 2015 there was an increase in facial fractures sustained from recreational activity among older adults, according to a study published online June 15 in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.
Comprehensive Audiologic Care Feasible in Free Clinic Model
FRIDAY, June 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Comprehensive audiology care can be provided in a free clinic model, allowing patients to be fitted with free hearing aids, according to research published online June 15 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Risk Factors Explain Most Heart Failure Risk in Incident A-Fib
FRIDAY, June 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Four modifiable factors account for most of the population attributable risk of heart failure among women with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a study published online June 14 in JACC: Heart Failure.
20 Percent of Hospital Patients Have Side Effects From Abx Rx
FRIDAY, June 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — About 20 percent of U.S. hospital patients who receive antibiotics experience side effects from the drugs, according to research published online June 12 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Replacing Saturated Fats With Healthy Fats Lowers CVD Risk
FRIDAY, June 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats can reduce cardiovascular disease risk as much as statins, according to a new American Heart Association (AHA) advisory published online June 15 in Circulation.
Horseback Riding May Improve Function in Late-Phase Stroke
FRIDAY, June 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Two unconventional therapies — horseback riding and music-and-rhythm therapy — can help stroke survivors regain lost mobility and balance years later, according to a study published online June 15 in Stroke.
AMA Endeavors to Increase Transparency of Rx Pricing
THURSDAY, June 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) is calling for more transparency in drug pricing amid rising costs that are putting some lifesaving medications out of reach for patients and communities.
Sedentary Lifestyle May Up Risk of Renal, Bladder Cancers
THURSDAY, June 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — New research adds to growing evidence that inactivity may be a significant risk factor for cancer, according to a report published online May 19 in Cancer Epidemiology.
Strategies Implemented to Cut Opioid ODs, Deaths in Maryland
THURSDAY, June 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Strategies are being implemented to reduce opioid overdoses and deaths in Maryland, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Nomogram Predicts Survival for Adults Undergoing CAC Scoring
THURSDAY, June 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A simple-to-use nomogram can predict five-, 10-, and 15-year survival among adults undergoing coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS), according to a study published online June 14 in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging.
Cutaneous Malignancies Can Mimic Seborrheic Keratosis
THURSDAY, June 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Of a sample of lesions deemed seborrheic keratoses clinically, 3.1 percent were histologically diagnosed as malignancies, according to research published online June 7 in the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology.
Antiplatelet Bleeding Risk Higher Than Expected for Older Patients
WEDNESDAY, June 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Long-term daily aspirin use is linked to a higher-than-expected risk of disabling or fatal bleeding in patients aged 75 and over, according to a study published online June 13 in The Lancet.
Glycation of Hemoglobin Differs by Race
WEDNESDAY, June 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Both biological and socioeconomic factors appear to play a role in higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) readings seen in black patients with diabetes, according to research published online June 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Sleep Apnea Linked to Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, June 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) and with progression to pre-/proliferative DR, according to a study published online June 8 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Case Report: Hyperammonemia to Be Considered in Cirrhosis Setting
TUESDAY, June 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Severe hyperammonemia, resulting from ammonia that accumulates in stored blood products, should be considered in the setting of cirrhosis, according to a case report published online June 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Olive Oil, Ibuprofen May Have Synergistic Effects
TUESDAY, June 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The combination of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and ibuprofen at a therapeutic dose is superior to the two compounds used separately, according to an experimental study published online June 7 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Beta-Blockers Cut Mortality for Patients in Sinus Rhythm
TUESDAY, June 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in sinus rhythm, beta-blockers reduce mortality regardless of pre-treatment heart rate, according to a study published in the June 20 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Retinal Ganglion Cell + Inner Plexiform Layer Loss Affects QoL
TUESDAY, June 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, structural macular retinal ganglion cell plus inner plexiform layer (RGC+IPL) loss is associated with vision-related quality of life, according to a study published online June 8 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Traditional Chinese Medicine May Benefit Some CVD Patients
MONDAY, June 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) might have a role to play in treating or preventing cardiovascular disease in the West, according to a review published in the June 20 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Medical Students Lacking Proficiency in BP Measurements
MONDAY, June 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Medical students frequently do not achieve mastery of the skills necessary for accurate measurement of blood pressure (BP), according to a study published online April 28 in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension.
Vitamin B6 Linked to Increased Risk of Hip Fracture
MONDAY, June 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Vitamin B6, but not vitamin B12, is associated with increased risk of hip fracture during extended follow-up, according to a study published online June 2 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
CDC: Kidney Disease Affects One in Seven Americans
MONDAY, June 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Thirty million American adults (one in seven) have chronic kidney disease — but many don’t know it, according to an analysis of data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Review: Depression Screening As Inpatient Important, Feasible
MONDAY, June 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Depression affects about one-third of hospital patients and could slow their recovery, according to research published recently in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
New Bill With Tort Reforms Will Protect Iowa Physicians
FRIDAY, June 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new bill with tort reforms to protect Iowa physicians will take effect July 1, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Type of Hospital Doesn’t Impact Thrombolysis Outcomes in Stroke
FRIDAY, June 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For older adults with acute stroke, treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is associated with similar outcomes, irrespective of hospital characteristics, according to a study published online June 2 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
FDA Requests Removal of Opana ER From Market
FRIDAY, June 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Sales of reformulated Opana ER should be halted in the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.
U.S. Leads in Income-Based Health Care Inequalities
THURSDAY, June 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The United States has larger income-related differences in perceptions of health and health care than other middle- and high-income countries, according to a report published in the June issue of Health Affairs.
Drop in Admission for Aspiration Pneumonia From 2002 to 2012
THURSDAY, June 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — From 2002 to 2012 there was a decrease in the incidence of admission for aspiration pneumonia, according to research published in the June 1 issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
Election Results Could Be Harming Americans’ Health
THURSDAY, June 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new analysis suggests that ballot box results may rob some of the American public of its health, driving up stress levels, disease incidence, premature births, and even premature deaths. The medicine and society article was published in the June 8 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Adverse Brain Outcomes Seen With Even Moderate Drinking
WEDNESDAY, June 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Moderate drinkers are more than three times as likely as abstainers to show abnormal levels of atrophy in the right hippocampus, according to a study published online June 6 in The BMJ.
Chronic Pain Tied to Increased Risk of Memory Loss
WEDNESDAY, June 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Chronic pain is associated with increased odds of mental decline and dementia, according to research published online June 5 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Health System Sees Success With E-Visits Via Patient Portal
WEDNESDAY, June 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patient portals can successfully offer access to physicians without office visits, according to a report published online May 30 by the American Medical Association.
Lifespan Up With Adoption of Four Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors
WEDNESDAY, June 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of four healthy lifestyle behaviors is associated with increased lifespan for men and women, according to a study published online May 31 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
CDC: Legionella Present in Hospital, Nursing Home Plumbing
WEDNESDAY, June 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Legionella has been found in the water systems of hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, putting the most vulnerable patients at risk, U.S. health officials said Tuesday.
CDC: High-Deductible Health Plan Use Rising Among Employers
WEDNESDAY, June 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — High-deductible health plans are becoming more common among U.S. adults with employer-sponsored health insurance coverage, according to a report issued June 6 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Inpatient Progress Note Content Often Cut and Pasted
WEDNESDAY, June 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Less than 20 percent of progress note content is entered manually by medical students, residents, and direct care hospitalists, according to a research letter published online May 30 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Combo of Several Meds at Smaller Doses May Boost HTN Care
TUESDAY, June 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Combining low doses of several different antihypertensive medications may be better than using a standard dose of just one drug, according to a review published online June 5 in Hypertension.
Family Can Improve Timely Detection in Nursing Home Care
TUESDAY, June 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Family members can be involved in the timely detection of changes in health among their family members living in nursing homes, according to a study published online May 30 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
Positive Clinical Effects Seen for Placebos Without Deception
TUESDAY, June 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Open-label placebos are associated with a positive effect compared with no treatment in a variety of clinical conditions, according to a review and meta-analysis published online May 30 in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine.
Venlafaxine Use Linked to Bone Turnover Markers in Older Adults
TUESDAY, June 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Depression treatment with venlafaxine is associated with increased levels of the bone resorption marker C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX), as well as decreased levels of the bone formation marker procollagen type 1 N-propeptide (P1NP), according to a study published online May 26 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Many Taking NOACs for A-Fib May Not Be Getting Right Dose
TUESDAY, June 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Nearly one in six Americans taking non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation may not be receiving the proper dose, according to a study published in the June 13 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Stroke Risk Elevated in Elderly Patients With Cirrhosis
TUESDAY, June 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Cirrhosis may raise older patients’ odds for a stroke, particularly hemorrhagic stroke, according to a study published online June 5 in JAMA Neurology.
Americans Are Getting Less Sodium From Packaged Food
MONDAY, June 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — As food manufacturers gradually cut amounts of salt in their products, consumers are now buying foods containing less sodium, according to a study published online June 5 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
U.S. Emergency Departments Commonly Overcharging Patients
FRIDAY, June 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Americans are routinely overcharged for emergency department care, and minority and uninsured patients are most likely to face this issue, according to a study published online May 30 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Costs Associated With U.S. Adult Bicycle Crashes Steadily Rising
FRIDAY, June 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Adult bike crashes cost an estimated $24.4 billion a year in the United States, with costs steadily rising by an average of $789 million per year, according to a study published online June 1 in Injury Prevention.
2011 to 2014 Saw Increase in Use of High-Intensity Statins After MI
FRIDAY, June 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — From 2011 to 2014 there was an increase in the use of high-intensity statins following hospitalization for myocardial infarction (MI), according to a study published in the June 6 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Cool Water Works As Well As Hot for Ridding Hands of Germs
FRIDAY, June 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For effective hand hygiene, water temperature matters less than time, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Food Protection.
Model Predicts Acute GI Bleeding in Anticoagulated Patients
FRIDAY, June 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients taking oral anticoagulants, a new model can predict acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, which is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, according to a study published online May 19 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Reducing SBP Targets Below Current Guidelines Cuts Risk
FRIDAY, June 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For adults with hypertension treated with antihypertensive medication, reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels to 120 to 124 mm Hg is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, according to a review published online May 31 in JAMA Cardiology.
Drug-Resistant Bacteria Seen in Many Nursing Home Residents
THURSDAY, June 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB), such as Escherichia coli, can be found in more than one-quarter of nursing-home residents, according to a study published in the May 1 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
Excess Weight Increases Costs Across Health Care Settings
THURSDAY, June 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Excess weight is associated with increased costs across health care settings, with the highest percentage increases seen in costs for medications, according to research published online May 22 in Obesity Reviews.
Medication Adherence Up With Refill Synchronization Model
THURSDAY, June 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An appointment-based model (ABM) which synchronizes medication refills to improve medication adherence is associated with improvement in medication-taking behavior, according to a review published online May 8 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
β-Blocker Use Not Linked to Reduced Mortality After AMI
THURSDAY, June 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — β-blocker use is not associated with reduced mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) without heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), according to a study published in the June 6 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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