Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Rheumatology for July 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.
Outbreak of Septic Arthritis Described in New Jersey
MONDAY, July 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — In a report published in the July 28 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, details are presented of an outbreak of septic arthritis associated with intra-articular injections at a New Jersey outpatient practice.
Gene Expression May Predict Response to Methotrexate in RA
FRIDAY, July 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), increased baseline gene expression of p21, caspase 3, and runt-related transcription factor (RUNX)2 in the peripheral blood may be associated with improved clinical response to methotrexate (MTX), according to a study published online July 25 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
2016 Saw Increase in Number of Physicians Since 2010 Census
THURSDAY, July 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Census reports have demonstrated an increase in the number of physicians and in the actively licensed U.S. physician-to-population ratio from 2010 to 2016, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Regulation.
Tocilizumab Effective for Treatment of Giant-Cell Arteritis
THURSDAY, July 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Tocilizumab (Actemra) combined with a 26-week prednisone taper is superior to either 26-week or 52-week prednisone tapering plus placebo with regard to sustained glucocorticoid-free remission in patients with giant-cell arteritis, according to a study published in the July 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Morphine Effects Similar to Placebo in Rheumatoid Arthritis
THURSDAY, July 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/fibromyalgia (FM) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), morphine has anti-hyperalgesic effects comparable to placebo, according to a study published online July 19 in PAIN Practice.
Greater Engagement for Patients Who Read Visit Notes
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Greater engagement is reported by patients who read notes and submit feedback, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
No Need for Obese Patients to Lose Weight Before THR, TKR
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Obese patients don’t need to lose weight before undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery, according to a study published online July 19 in the The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.
Average Increase in Physician Compensation 2.9% in 2016
MONDAY, July 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The AMGA 2017 Medical Group Compensation and Productivity Survey reports that 77 percent of physician specialties experienced increases in compensation in 2016, with an overall weighted average increase of 2.9 percent.
AMA Module Offers Help for Adding Pharmacist to Practice
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new American Medical Association (AMA) education module has been developed to help embed clinical pharmacists within a medical practice.
Perceived Physical Activity Level Predicts Mortality
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Perceived physical activity is associated with mortality, even after adjustment for actual physical activity, according to a study published online July 20 in Health Psychology.
Educational Intervention Doesn’t Up Hand, Stethoscope Hygiene
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An intervention including education is not associated with an increased rate of hand hygiene or stethoscope hygiene, according to a study published in the July 1 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
Reduction of Opioid Dose May Improve Pain, Quality of Life
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Reductions in opioid dosing might improve pain and function, as well as boost quality of life, according to a report published online July 18 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
High Court Rules Against Interstate Medical Liability
TUESDAY, July 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The Washington State high court has ruled against interstate medical liability, according to a report from the American Medical Association.
Patient-Centered Communication Could Help Reduce Burnout
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Better patient-physician communication can improve care and reduce burnout, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.
Organizational Changes Encouraged for Safer Prescribing
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Organizational changes are recommended by primary care physicians to support safer prescribing, according to a study published in the July/August issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Opioids Often Overprescribed in Patients Undergoing Surgery
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing common elective procedures, opioids are often overprescribed, according to a study published online July 10 in the Annals of Surgery.
Early Career Burnout Can Be Contagious Via Social Networks
FRIDAY, July 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For early career teachers (ECTs), social network members’ burnout levels are associated with increased burnout levels, according to a study published in the August issue of Teaching and Teacher Education.
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Errors in Opioid Prescribing for Adult Outpatients Common
THURSDAY, July 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For adults receiving opioid medication prescriptions, errors are common, and most often occur on handwritten prescriptions, according to research published recently in the Journal of Opioid Management.
Medicaid Enrollees Are Satisfied With Their Health Care
WEDNESDAY, July 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Medicaid enrollees are largely satisfied with their health care, and most are able to access the care they need when they need it, according to a research letter published online July 10 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Health Service Use Unchanged From 1996-1997 to 2011-2012
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Utilization of health services was largely unchanged from 1996-1997 to 2011-2012, but expenditures increased, according to a study published in the July/August issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
American Adults Without Health Insurance Rises by Two Million
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The number of American adults without health insurance has increased by about two million so far this year, according to a new Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index poll.
Patients Are Often Recording Doctor’s Visits
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients may be recording office visits, with or without permission, according to an opinion piece published online July 10 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Aids RA With Arthralgia
MONDAY, July 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) is beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis with arthralgia, according to research published online June 30 in PAIN Practice.
Market Competition Linked to Change in Generic Drug Prices
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Market competition levels are associated with changes in the price of generic drugs, according to a study published online July 4 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
AMA: Doctors Should Make Sure Their Online Info Is Accurate
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — In a technologically advanced society, physicians need to take advantage of the internet to reach patients and exercise caution in their online presence, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.
At-Risk Pain Patients Can Cut Opioid Use With Psychology Tools
WEDNESDAY, July 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Teaching coping skills may help reduce the risk that patients with chronic pain will become addicted to opioids, according to research published online June 28 in the Canadian Journal of Pain.
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