Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Geriatrics for September 2020. 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.
COVID-19-Related Hospital Death Up With Psychiatric Diagnosis
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with any prior psychiatric diagnosis have an increased risk for COVID-19-related hospital death, according to a research letter published online Sept. 30 in JAMA Network Open.
Hospital Admissions Not Related to COVID-19 Fell in Early 2020
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Non-COVID-19 hospital admissions decreased considerably with the onset of COVID-19, with declines generally similar across patient demographic subgroups from February to April 2020, according to a report published online Sept. 24 in Health Affairs.
Disparities in CVD Burden Increasing Between Richest, Poorer
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There are substantial and increasing disparities in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among the highest-resource group and the remainder of the U.S. population, according to a study published online Sept. 25 in JAMA Network Open.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Linked to Increased T2DM Risk
TUESDAY, Sept. 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Regular use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online Sept. 28 in Gut.
Lockdown Tied to Worsening of Musculoskeletal Conditions
TUESDAY, Sept. 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Early stages of the U.K. COVID-19 lockdown had negative consequences for people with musculoskeletal conditions, according to a letter to the editor published online Sept. 22 in Rheumatology: Advances in Practice.
New FDA Applications for Opioids Often Based on Short Trials
TUESDAY, Sept. 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — New drug applications (NDAs) for prescription opioids for pain have been based on pivotal trials of short or intermediate duration, often in narrowly defined pain populations, according to a study published online Sept. 29 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Private Health Plans Pay Hospitals 247 Percent of Medicare
MONDAY, Sept. 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — During 2018, prices paid to hospitals by privately insured patients averaged 247 percent of what Medicare would have paid, according to a study from the RAND Corporation.
Hydroxychloroquine Tied to Heart Problems Prior to Pandemic
MONDAY, Sept. 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Real-world, pre-COVID-19 adverse events data show hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ) are associated with cardiovascular adverse events (CVAEs), according to a study published online Sept. 22 in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
HRRP Tied to Decrease in 30-Day Readmission Rates for COPD
THURSDAY, Sept. 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), implementation of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) is associated with a reduction in 30-day readmissions but may increase mortality, according to a study published online Sept. 1 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Guidelines Updated for Managing Dyslipidemia to Cut CVD Risk
THURSDAY, Sept. 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a synopsis of the 2020 updated clinical practice guideline from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Defense, published online Sept. 22 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, recommendations are presented for the management of dyslipidemia to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
Clinical Practice Guideline Synopsis
Evidence Review (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Cognition-Enhancing Supplements May Contain Unapproved Drugs
THURSDAY, Sept. 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Supplements marketed to improve memory and cognitive function frequently contain unapproved drugs, often at supratherapeutic dosages, according to a study published online Sept. 23 in Neurology: Clinical Practice.
Acute Kidney Injury Ups Risk for Death in COVID-19 Patients
THURSDAY, Sept. 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is associated with a significantly higher risk for in-hospital death, according to a study published online Sept. 19 in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
COVID-19 Risk in Assisted Living Similar to Nursing Homes
THURSDAY, Sept. 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Individual-level risk factors associated with an increased risk for COVID-19 in assisted living (AL) facilities are the same as those seen in nursing homes, according to a study published online Sept. 21 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Heavy Sugar-Sweetened Drink Intake Decreasing Overall in U.S.
THURSDAY, Sept. 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Overall, heavy sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake is declining among adults and children, according to a study published online Sept. 24 in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
As Flu Season Approaches, Clinicians Brace for Potential ‘Twindemic’
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Flu shots may be more important than ever this year, as COVID-19 presents new challenges for clinicians and communities this flu season. HD Live! spoke with Nadia Eltaki, M.D., director of clinical operations at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., to discuss how clinicians can potentially lessen the potential for an overlapping superinfection, or “twindemic.”
Metformin May Slow Cognitive Decline in Seniors With T2DM
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For older adults with type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline is slower and dementia risk reduced for those receiving metformin, according to a study published online Sept. 23 in Diabetes Care.
USPSTF Finds Evidence Lacking for Vitamin D Screening
TUESDAY, Sept. 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the current evidence is inadequate to recommend screening for vitamin D deficiency in asymptomatic adults. This finding forms the basis of a draft recommendation statement published online Sept. 22 by the USPSTF.
Draft Evidence Review
Draft Recommendation Statement
Comment on Recommendation Statement
Loneliness a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
TUESDAY, Sept. 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Loneliness is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online Sept. 15 in Diabetologia.
Rates of Recurrent MI Declined Among U.S. Women and Men
TUESDAY, Sept. 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — From 2008 to 2017, there were decreases in the rates of recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), recurrent coronary heart disease (CHD) events, heart failure hospitalization, and all-cause mortality in both men and women, according to a study published online Sept. 21 in Circulation.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Tied to Later Atherosclerotic CVD
TUESDAY, Sept. 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), particularly hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and low birth weight, may be risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in older women, according to a study published online Sept. 16 in JAMA Cardiology.
Impact of Psoriasis Explored for Hospital Outcomes of Acute MI
MONDAY, Sept. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Myocardial infarction (MI) events may occur earlier in life in patients with psoriasis, which in turn may affect hospital outcomes, according to a study published online Sept. 11 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Inverted U-Shaped Link Seen for Sleep Duration, Cognitive Decline
MONDAY, Sept. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is an inverted U-shaped association between sleep duration and global cognitive decline, according to a study published online Sept. 21 in JAMA Network Open.
Hostility Predicts Mortality in Acute Coronary Syndrome
MONDAY, Sept. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), hostility predicts all-cause mortality but not recurrence, according to a study published online Sept. 14 in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing.
Older Adults Experiencing More Loneliness During Pandemic
FRIDAY, Sept. 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Older adults are feeling more isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report published online Sept. 14 based on the results of the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging.
Lifestyle Changes May Aid Cognitive Abilities
FRIDAY, Sept. 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Improvements in lifestyle risk factors for dementia can lead to short-term improvements in cognition among community-dwelling adults experiencing cognitive decline, according to a study published online Sept. 9 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Elderly Social Isolation, Loneliness in COVID-19 May Lead to Cognitive Decline
THURSDAY, Sept. 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk for cognitive decline in seniors, according to Carla Perissinotto, M.D., geriatrician and associate chief for geriatrics clinical programs at the University of California in San Francisco, who recently spoke with HD Live! about the current challenges facing seniors in assisted living or nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transient Orthostatic Hypotension Common in Parkinson Disease
THURSDAY, Sept. 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Transient orthostatic hypotension (tOH) is common in Parkinson disease (PD), according to a study published online Sept. 16 in Neurology.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Tied to Worse Bone Health
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — History of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is independently associated with a higher risk for confirmed vertebral fracture, according to a study published online Sept. 9 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
Low-to-Moderate Drinking May Protect Cognition During Aging
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Low-to-moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with better global cognition scores among middle-aged and older adults, according to a study recently published in JAMA Network Open.
Handgrip Strength May Help Predict Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
TUESDAY, Sept. 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Handgrip strength (HGS) is independently associated with the risk for type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online Sept. 3 in the Annals of Medicine.
Depression Worsens Over Time in Caregivers of Partners With Dementia
MONDAY, Sept. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Depressive symptoms worsen over time for older caregivers of partners or spouses who are newly diagnosed with dementia, according to a study published online Aug. 29 in the Journal of Applied Gerontology.
Pneumothorax Reported as Complication of COVID-19
FRIDAY, Sept. 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Pneumothorax is being reported as a complication of COVID-19, and has higher incidence among men and lower survival among older patients, according to a study published online Sept. 9 in the European Respiratory Journal.
Widespread Avoidance of Medical Care Found Due to COVID-19 Concerns
THURSDAY, Sept. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There was widespread reporting of avoidance of medical care due to COVID-19-related concerns in June 2020, according to research published in the Sept. 11 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
NAMS Updates Guidance for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
THURSDAY, Sept. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a position statement from the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), published in the September issue of Menopause, updated recommendations are presented for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
Controlled BP Down Among U.S. Adults With HTN After 2013–2014
THURSDAY, Sept. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of controlled blood pressure (BP) among U.S. adults with hypertension increased from 1999-2000 to 2007-2008 then decreased after 2013 to 2014, according to a study published online Sept. 9 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Poverty-Stricken Adults More Likely to be Calcium-, Vitamin D-Deficient
THURSDAY, Sept. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake in older Americans is greatly influenced by ethnicity, sex, household income, and food security, according to a study recently published in PLOS ONE.
Median of 36 Days Found From COVID-19 Symptom Onset to Viral Clearance
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The median time from COVID-19 symptom onset to viral clearance is 36 days, according to a study published online Sept. 2 in BMJ Open.
USPSTF: Evidence Lacking for Screening Elders for Hearing Loss
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that current evidence is inadequate for assessing the balance of benefits and harms of hearing loss screening for older adults. This finding forms the basis of a draft recommendation statement published online Sept. 8 by the USPSTF.
Draft Evidence Review
Draft Recommendation Statement
Comment on Recommendation Statement
AKI Common in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19
TUESDAY, Sept. 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and is associated with increased in-hospital mortality, according to a study published online Sept. 3 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Anticholinergic Meds May Raise Risk for Cognitive Decline
FRIDAY, Sept. 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Anticholinergic medications (aCH) are associated with an increased risk for incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and cognitive decline in older adults, according to a study published online Sept. 2 in Neurology.
Severe Hypoglycemia May Up Fall Risk in Older Adults With T2DM
FRIDAY, Sept. 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Severe hypoglycemia is associated with a substantially higher risk for falls among community-dwelling adults with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the September issue of Diabetes Care.
Invasive Treatment Tied to Better Outcomes in Elderly With NSTEMI
THURSDAY, Sept. 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Invasive management is beneficial for patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) aged 80 years or older, according to a study published online Aug. 27 in The Lancet.
Dementia May Contribute to More Deaths Than Previously Thought
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. mortality burden associated with dementia may be underestimated by vital statistics, according to a study published online Aug. 24 in JAMA Neurology.
VA/DoD Issue Guideline for Diagnosis, Management of HTN
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a synopsis of the 2020 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/U.S. Department of Defense clinical practice guideline, published online Sept. 1 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, recommendations are presented for the diagnosis and management of hypertension.
Clinical Practice Guideline
Review (subscription or payment may be required)
Consensus Statements Issued for Adult Cochlear Implantation
TUESDAY, Sept. 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Consensus statements have been developed for cochlear implantation among adults with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL); the systematic review and accompanying consensus statements were published online Aug. 27 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
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