Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Nursing for December 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.
Perinatal Mortality Higher for Planned Out-of-Hospital Birth
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Planned out-of-hospital birth is associated with higher perinatal mortality and with increased odds of some adverse neonatal outcomes compared with planned in-hospital birth, according to a study published in the Dec. 31 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Alcohol Binge Damage May Be Worse Than Previously Thought
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic drinking combined with binge drinking may be more destructive than previously thought, according to an animal study published online Nov. 20 in Biomolecules.
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Characteristics of Compression Stockings May Impact Compliance
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients after deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the most important characteristics of elastic compression stocking (ECS) therapy are risk reduction of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and ability to put on the ECS without assistance, according to a study published online Dec. 16 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Improves Outcomes for MRSA
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients receiving antimicrobial injections targeting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program that includes daily review of prescriptions is associated with improved clinical outcomes, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Metformin Looks Promising in the Treatment of Preeclampsia
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Metformin reduces soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (sENG) secretion from primary human tissues, and reduces endothelial dysfunction, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Timing of DTaP Vaccine Not Tied to Food Allergies at Age 1 Year
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Timing of the diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccination is not tied to child food allergies; however, children with delayed DTaP have less eczema, according to a study published online Dec. 28 in Allergy.
Researchers Call for Retraction of Nitroglycerin-Bone Density Study
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Some authors of a published study that claimed nitroglycerin might boost bone density in older women have asked that the study be retracted, saying the lead researcher falsified data in the report. The research was first published in February 2011 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The request for a retraction appeared online Dec. 28 on the journal’s website.
Notice of Retraction
Pre-Op VTE Prophylaxis Safe in Major Cancer Surgery
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Preoperative anticoagulation can safely be given to certain patients before major cancer surgery, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Study Strengthens Evidence for Mycoplasma genitalium As STI
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is prevalent in more than 1 percent of the sexually-experienced British population, with no infections detected in those reporting no previous sexual experience, according to a study published online Nov. 3 in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
Eating Potatoes on a Regular Basis May Up Risk of T2DM
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Greater potato consumption is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a study published online Dec. 17 in Diabetes Care.
Thyroid CA Patients Report Poor QOL, Despite Good Prognoses
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Thyroid cancer survivors report lower quality of life than people who survive other cancers, according to research published in the Dec. 17 issue of Thyroid.
Breast CA Detection Comparable for Ultrasound, Mammography
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Ultrasound and mammography appear equally likely to detect breast cancer, according to research published online Dec. 28 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
After Nonfatal Overdose, Most Patients Prescribed More Opioids
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with a nonfatal opioid overdose are almost always prescribed opioids after overdose, according to a study published online Dec. 29 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Second Cancer Risk Persists for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Survivors
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivors have an increased risk of a second cancer, with risk still elevated at 35 years or more after treatment, according to a study published in the Dec. 24 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Optimism May Improve Outcomes Post Acute Coronary Syndrome
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) optimism is associated with greater physical activity and lower rates of cardiac readmission at six months, according to a study published online Dec. 8 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Cohesive Care Team Ups Health Benefit of EHR Use in Diabetes
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Electronic health record (EHR)-related health improvement is greater for patients with diabetes cared for by primary care teams with higher cohesion, according to a study published online Dec. 10 in the American Journal of Managed Care.
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Patients Can Safely Self-Administer IV Antibiotics at Home
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients can be taught to safely self-administer long-term intravenous antibiotics at home, without the help of a health care worker, according to research published online Dec. 15 in PLOS Medicine.
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Efficacy of Azithromycin in Chlamydia Remains High
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Azithromycin is not noninferior to doxycycline for treatment of urogenital chlamydia infection among adolescents; however, the efficacy of both types of treatment is high, according to a study published in the Dec. 24 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Higher Hospital Prices in U.S. ‘Monopoly Markets’
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Prices at hospitals in monopoly markets are 15 percent higher than those at hospitals in areas with at least four providers, according to research published recently at the Health Care Pricing Project website.
Treating Hypertension Beneficial Regardless of Baseline Pressure
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Blood pressure lowering treatment reduces the risk of major cardiovascular disease events, with reductions seen regardless of starting blood pressure, according to research published online Dec. 23 in The Lancet.
Increase in Child Asthma Has Ceased Overall, but Not for Poor
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — From 2001 to 2009 there was an increase in childhood asthma prevalence, which plateaued and then started to decline in 2013, according to a study published online Dec. 28 in Pediatrics.
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Modifiable Factors Affect Racial Differences in Lung Cancer
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Racial/ethnic variation is evident in lung cancer incidence and mortality among postmenopausal women, but other factors may have an influence, according to a study published online Dec. 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Empirical Treatment More Cost-Effective for Onychomycosis
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with suspected onychomycosis, empirical treatment with terbinafine is more cost-effective than confirmatory testing, according to a study published online Dec. 23 in JAMA Dermatology.
Better Info Needed in Transfer From Peds to Adult Care for T1DM
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For young adults with type 1 diabetes transitioning from pediatric care to adult endocrinologists, information transfer seems to be inadequate, according to research published online Dec. 17 in Diabetes Care.
Kangaroo Care Cuts Mortality in Low Birth Weight Newborns
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is associated with improved neonatal outcomes among infants of any birth weight or gestational age, according to a review published online Dec. 23 in Pediatrics.
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ACOG: New Recommendations for Cervical Cancer Screening
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In a practice bulletin published in the January issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, new recommendations are presented for cervical cancer screening and prevention.
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Both Smoking Bans and Cigarette Taxes Deter Smokers
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Comprehensive cigarette bans are most effective at limiting smoking among casual users, but high taxes may have the most impact on people who smoke more than a pack a day, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in the American Journal of Public Health.
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Safety of Midwife-Attended Home Births Studied
TUESDAY, Dec. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For expectant mothers who plan to give birth with midwife assistance, home birth could be a safe option for those with low-risk pregnancies, according to a study published in the Dec. 21 issue of CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Group Prenatal Care Beneficial for Young Mothers, Infants
TUESDAY, Dec. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Young mothers and infants could receive significant health benefits from group prenatal care, according to research published online Dec. 21 in the American Journal of Public Health.
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FDA Lifts Ban on Blood Donations by Men Who Have Sex With Men
TUESDAY, Dec. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Men who have sex with men who have abstained from sex for one year will now be allowed to donate blood in the United States. The new policy, announced Monday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, reverses a three-decades-old ban on donations from this group of men that traces back to the start of the AIDS epidemic.
Few Get Rx to Help Quit Smoking After COPD Hospitalization
TUESDAY, Dec. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A minority of patients discharged with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receive pharmacologic treatment for tobacco use, and treatment is not associated with smoking cessation, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Specific, Consistent ICD-10 Coding Key to Timely Payments
TUESDAY, Dec. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In order to prevent denials, it is important to code correctly within the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), with specificity matching documentation, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Periodontal Disease Linked to Increased Breast Cancer Risk
MONDAY, Dec. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Periodontal disease is associated with increased risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women, according to research published online Dec. 21 in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Affordable Care Act Has Improved Access to Care, Affordability
MONDAY, Dec. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of the Affordable Care Act has improved access to care and affordability of care for many adults, according to a study published in the December issue of Health Affairs.
Pay-for-Performance to PCPs May Improve Disease Management
MONDAY, Dec. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pay-for-performance (P4P) measures have an overall positive effect on disease management, according to a review published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine.
Ultrasound Can Determine Fetal Sex in First Trimester
MONDAY, Dec. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Ultrasound can be used to determine the sex of a fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy, according to a study published online Dec. 11 in the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound.
Increase in Alcohol Tax Linked to Reduction in Gonorrhea Rates
MONDAY, Dec. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Introduction of an increase in alcohol beverage sales tax is associated with a reduction in gonorrhea rates, according to research published online Dec. 9 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Mindfulness Practice Cuts Stress in Low-Income School Children
FRIDAY, Dec. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For low-income students at public schools, a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program can improve psychological functioning and moderate the negative effects of stress, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in Pediatrics.
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Acral Pigmented Lesions More Common on Darker Skin
FRIDAY, Dec. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People with darker skin are about one-third more likely to have acral pigmented lesions on their palms and soles, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Over Half of U.S. States Ill Prepared for Disease Outbreaks
FRIDAY, Dec. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More than half of U.S. states are poorly prepared to respond to infectious disease outbreaks, according to a new report released Dec. 17 by the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Marijuana Use Outpaces Smoking in High School Seniors
FRIDAY, Dec. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For the first time, more U.S. high school seniors are smoking marijuana than tobacco, according to the results of a survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health.
Many Patients With Diagnosed OSA Not Receiving Treatment
FRIDAY, Dec. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many patients with diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are not being treated, with only 42 percent reporting adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment, according to research published in the November issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Nursing Conditions Tied to Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survival
FRIDAY, Dec. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Better work environments and decreased patient-to-nurse ratios on medical-surgical units are associated with higher odds of patient survival after an in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), according to a study published in the January issue of Medical Care.
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FDA Approves LifeVest Wearable Defibrillator for Children
THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The LifeVest wearable defibrillator has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for children at risk for cardiac arrest who can’t have a defibrillator implanted. The device is already approved for adults.
Prevalence of Diabetes, Diabetic Nephropathy Up in U.S. Children
THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For the commercially-insured pediatric population in the United States, the prevalence of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy increased from 2002 to 2013, according to a study published online Dec. 17 in Diabetes Care.
Contraceptive Provision Rates Low for Teen Girls on Teratogens
THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The rates of contraceptive provision for adolescents prescribed teratogens are low, according to a review published online Dec. 16 in Pediatrics.
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ART Conception Tied to Increased Odds of Maternal Morbidity
THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For singleton pregnancies, conception with assisted reproductive technology (ART) is associated with increased risk of severe maternal morbidity, according to a study published in the January issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Greater Effort Needed to Prevent Epilepsy-Related Mortality
THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The importance of preventing epilepsy-related mortality is highlighted in an article published online Dec. 16 in Neurology.
Ultrasound Can Read Weight of Fetuses With FGR in Obese Moms
THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Sonographic (US) examination can accurately estimate fetal weight, even in overweight and obese women with singleton pregnancies affected by fetal growth restriction (FGR), according to research published in the January issue of the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound.
Lack of Sleep Affects Mood, Cognition in Anesthesiologists
THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Partial sleep deprivation following a night-call shift affects anesthesiologists’ total mood status and their cognitive skills, according to a study published in the January issue of Pediatric Anesthesia.
Roughly Half of U.S. Hospitals Require Staff Flu Vaccination
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The majority of U.S. hospitals don’t require health care providers to get a seasonal flu vaccine, according to a study published online Nov. 27 in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
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Industry Outpacing NIH in Funding Research
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There’s been a sharp rise in the number of industry-funded clinical trials and a significant decline in those financed by the U.S. government in recent years, according to findings published in the Dec. 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Risk of CV Events Up After Shingles Diagnosis in Seniors
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Stroke risk appears to more than double in the first week following a shingles diagnosis, with myocardial infarction (MI) risk also climbing, though not by quite as much, according to research published online Dec. 15 in PLOS Medicine.
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Distribution of Opioid Prescribing ID’d for Different Providers
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The top 10 percent of Medicare prescribers account for more than 50 percent of opioid claims, compared with almost 80 percent for the top 10 percent of the California Workers’ Compensation providers, according to a research letter published online Dec. 14 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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PT Beats Surgery for Quick Relief of Carpal Tunnel Pain
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For women with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), physical manual therapies are similarly effective to surgery in the medium and long term, and may be more effective in the short term, according to a study published in the November issue of The Journal of Pain.
Postpartum Lifestyle Program Cuts Weight Retention in GDM
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A diabetes prevention program (DPP)-derived lifestyle intervention is beneficial for addressing postpartum weight retention for women with gestational diabetes mellitus, according to a study published online Dec. 9 in Diabetes Care.
Omalizumab Highly Effective for Severe Allergic Asthma
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Omalizumab appears to be highly effective for the management of severe allergic asthma, according to a review of “real-life” effectiveness studies published online Dec. 8 in Allergy.
Opioid-Related Constipation Tx Suboptimal in Pregnancy
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Conventional non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic options for the management of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in pregnancy are often ineffective or cause potentially troublesome adverse effects, according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Dose-Linked Pulmonary Complications After FFP Infusion
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — About 20 percent of patients administered fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to reverse warfarin anticoagulation develop pulmonary complications, with highest risk seen with more than three units of FFP, according to a study published online Dec. 8 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
USPSTF: Screen All Teens, Adults at Risk for Syphilis
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — All adults and teens at increased risk for syphilis should be screened for the sexually transmitted disease, a U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) draft recommendation says. The recommendation complements a 2009 task force recommendation that all pregnant women be screened for syphilis.
Draft Evidence Review
Draft Recommendation Statement
Comment on Recommendation
Uptake of ‘Western Lifestyle’ Tied to Rising Cancer Rates
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Better screening and lifestyle changes have helped to reduce the prevalence of common cancers in many high-income countries, but low- and middle-income countries are seeing those rates rise as they adopt unhealthy Western habits, according to a report published online Dec. 14 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Perceived Stress May Increase Risk of Cognitive Decline
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — High levels of perceived stress could be a risk factor for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published online Dec. 11 in Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders.
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Mental Disorders Associated With Chronic Pain in Teens
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Mental disorders seem to be associated with chronic pain in adolescents, according to a study published recently in The Journal of Pain.
Antidepressant Use in Pregnancy Tied to ASD Risk in Offspring
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Antidepressant use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy may increase the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring, according to research published online Dec. 14 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Neurotoxicity of Anesthesia in Children Needs to Be Addressed
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A recent survey of pediatric anesthesia programs at teaching institutions in the United States highlights the need for improvements in training, clinical practice, and communication related to neurotoxicity associated with general anesthesia in young children, according to research published in the January issue of Pediatric Anesthesia.
Salty Food Intake Tied to Acne Development
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Consuming salty foods may be a significant factor contributing to the development of acne, according to a study published online Dec. 9 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Improvements in RA Disease Activity With Bariatric Sx
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), bariatric surgery-associated weight loss correlates with lower disease activity, decreased serum inflammatory markers, and less RA-related medication use, according to a study published in the December issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
Plant-Based Diets Linked to Lower Mortality in CKD
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A diet high in plant protein intake is associated with lower all-cause mortality in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to research published online Dec. 10 in the American Journal of Kidney Disease.
Early Gestational Diabetes Tied to Poor Outcomes
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) early in pregnancy remains associated with poorer pregnancy outcomes, according to a study published online Dec. 8 in Diabetes Care.
Abuse of Prescription Drugs Ups Sexual Risks for Teens
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Teens who use abuse prescription drugs such as opioids are more likely to have sex or to participate in risky sexual behaviors, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in Pediatrics.
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Early Sexual Maturation Doesn’t Always Signal Onset of Puberty
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Children who develop certain signs of puberty at an early age are commonly referred to specialists for an evaluation, but this is often unnecessary, according to a new American Academy of Pediatrics report published online Dec. 14 in Pediatrics.
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Interaction Described Between Acenocoumarol, Levofloxacin
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More frequent monitoring may be required when patients are taking both acenocoumarol and levofloxacin due to the possibility of an adverse interaction, according to a case report published in the December issue of the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Early Chemo Less Likely to Help Black Breast Cancer Patients
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is less likely to benefit black women with breast cancer than those in other racial and ethnic groups, according to a study published online Nov. 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Moderate Drinking May Benefit Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Patients
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease who consume two to three alcoholic drinks a day may have a reduced risk of mortality compared to those who consume one or fewer drinks a day, according to a study published online Dec. 11 in BMJ Open.
CDC: U.S. Abortion Rate Hits Record Low
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. abortion rate has declined by more than one-third over the past two decades to a record low, according to a report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
New Model of Inpatient Care Can Improve Outcomes
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of a new model of care can improve outcomes of care in medical and surgical units, according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Paracentesis Underutilized in Patients With Cirrhosis, Ascites
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients admitted with diagnoses of cirrhosis and ascites, paracentesis is associated with decreased in-hospital mortality but is underutilized, according to a study published online Dec. 8 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Toxic Skin Effects Common With EGFR-TKI Use in NSCLC
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is associated with skin toxic effects, according to a research letter study published online Dec. 10 in JAMA Dermatology.
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Accuracy of Clinical Diagnosis in TIA Called Into Question
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The presence of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions is similar in patients clinically diagnosed with transient neurological attack (TNA) and transient ischemic attack (TIA), calling into question the accuracy of clinically diagnosing TIA, according to research published in the December issue of the Annals of Neurology.
Central Venous Pressure-Guided Hydration Beneficial in CKD, CHF
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) undergoing coronary procedures, central venous pressure (CVP)-guided hydration is associated with reduced risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), according to a study published online Dec. 9 in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.
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Herpes Zoster Risk in RA Up With Older Age, Prednisone Dose
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased herpes zoster (HZ) risk with older age and higher prednisone dose, according to a study published in the December issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
Seven Behaviors Suggested to Improve ‘Art of Medicine’
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Seven behaviors should be implemented to improve the art of medicine, which can help improve relationships with patients, according to an article published in Family Practice Management.
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Radiographs Not Picking Up Osteoarthritis in Hip
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — X-rays don’t detect hip osteoarthritis (OA) in many patients, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment, according to findings published online Dec. 2 in The BMJ.
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Lower RA Activity for Patients Seen at Practices With NPs, PAs
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have lower disease activity when seen at practices with nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs) versus rheumatologist-only practices, according to a study published in the December issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
Nitrates in Heart Failure May Harm More Than Help
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nitrates don’t improve quality of life or everyday activity levels as intended in patients with heart failure, according to research published in the Dec. 10 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Presence of Medical Students in ER Slightly Ups Length of Stay
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The presence of medical students in the emergency department is associated with increased length of stay (LOS) but the slight increase is not likely to be clinically relevant, according to a research letter published in the Dec. 8 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on medical education.
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Mindfulness Tx Aids Cancer-Linked Cognitive Impairment
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For breast and colorectal cancer survivors, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is associated with improvements in cognitive function, according to a study published online Nov. 19 in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship.
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Cognitive Therapy, Meds Equally Effective for Major Depression
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants could both be equally effective as stand-alone treatments for major depressive disorder, according to a review published online Dec. 8 in The BMJ.
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Excessive Testing May Be Compromising T2DM Care
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many Americans with type 2 diabetes may be getting unnecessary tests — and, in some cases, needless changes in medication, according to a study published online Dec. 8 in The BMJ.
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Nutraceuticals Alone or With Ezetimibe Aid in Dyslipidemia
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For statin-intolerant patients with dyslipidemia with ischemic heart disease treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, nutraceuticals alone or in combination with ezetimibe improve the lipid profile, according to a study published in the Dec. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Warfarin + Sulfonylureas May Increase Risk of Hospitalization
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Taking warfarin at the same time as glipizide or glimepiride may increase the risk of hospitalization, according to a study published online Dec. 7 in The BMJ.
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Live Attenuated Flu Shot Feasible for Children With Egg Allergy
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For young people with egg allergy, live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is well tolerated, with low risk of systemic allergic reactions, according to a study published online Dec. 8 in The BMJ.
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Expiratory Snoring Predicts COPD in Sleep Disordered Breathing
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with sleep disordered breathing (SDB), expiratory snoring predicts obstructive airway disorders, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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CDC: Fewer Americans Struggling With Medical Bills
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fewer American families are struggling to pay medical bills, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
ADT for Prostate CA Tied to Increased Alzheimer’s Risk
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer might dramatically increase a man’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a large-scale analysis of health data suggests. The study was published online Dec. 7 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit Feasible for Acute Stroke Care
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A mobile stroke treatment unit (MSTU) is feasible for providing acute stroke treatment, according to a study published online Dec. 7 in JAMA Neurology.
Review Compares Outcomes, Safety for Once-Weekly GLP-1RAs
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cardiometabolic outcomes and safety vary among different once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) treatments, according to a review published online Dec. 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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U.S. Health Care Spending Increased in 2014
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The expansion of insurance coverage and increases in retail prescription drug spending contributed to an increase in total national health care expenditures in 2014, according to a report published online Dec. 2 in Health Affairs.
Survey: U.S. PCPs Feel Ill-Prepared for Complex Care
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Compared to their international peers, doctors on the front lines of U.S. medicine feel they aren’t prepared to treat the sickest patients, according to the results of a survey published in the December issue of Health Affairs.
AAP: Screen All Children for Cholesterol, Depression, HIV
MONDAY, Dec. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — All children should be screened for high cholesterol, depression, and HIV, with some tests starting as early as age 9, according to new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics published online Dec. 7 in Pediatrics.
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Endurance Athletes May Suffer Dangerous Metabolic Effects
MONDAY, Dec. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Participation in the endurance competition known as the Ultraman is associated with dramatic alterations in body composition, muscle health, hormones, and metabolism, according to a study published online Nov. 11 in the European Journal of Applied Physiology.
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Guidelines Developed for Perinatal Hematologic Cancers
MONDAY, Dec. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Consensus guidelines have been developed for clinical management of hematologic malignancies during the perinatal period, according to a special article published online Nov. 30 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Breaking Up Prolonged Sitting Benefits Postmenopausal Women
MONDAY, Dec. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Breaking up prolonged sitting with standing or walking improves postprandial markers of cardiometabolic health in overweight/obese, dysglycemic, postmenopausal women, according to a study published online Dec. 1 in Diabetes Care.
Statin Treatment Linked to Reduced Risk of Cataracts
MONDAY, Dec. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Statin treatment is associated with reduced risk of incident cataract development, according to a study published in the Dec. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Low-Risk Prostate CA Patients May Not Be Monitored Properly
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many men with low-risk prostate cancer who choose active surveillance may not be followed as closely as they should be, according to a study published in the Dec. 1 issue of Cancer.
Higher TENS Dose May Ease Low Back Pain in Older Adults
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices may offer some relief for adults with chronic back pain, with higher-frequency, higher-intensity application more effective for older patients, according to research published in the December issue of The Journal of Pain.
Guidelines Promote Awareness, Use of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Guidelines for enhanced implementation, use, and delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) have been presented in a policy statement published in the Dec. 1 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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CDC: Too Few Taking Needed Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nearly half of American adults who should be taking cholesterol-lowering drugs don’t, according to research published in the Dec. 4 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Time to Tx Initiation Impacts Survival in Head, Neck Cancer
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, time to treatment initiation (TTI) impacts overall survival, according to a study published online Nov. 30 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Poor PCI Outcomes Up for Very Old With STEMI
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Very old patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have increased rates of PCI failure, bleeding complications, and mortality, but successful PCI still benefits mortality risk across all age groups, according to a study published in the Dec. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Glove-Related Hand Urticaria May Be Rising in Health Care Workers
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Health care workers are at high risk of glove-related hand urticaria, an occupational issue that may be increasing, according to a research letter published online Nov. 27 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
AMA: Case Before Supreme Court Threatens Patient Privacy
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A case before the Supreme Court is potentially threatening patient confidentiality, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).
False-Positive Mammogram May Hint at Breast Cancer Risk Later
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women who receive a false-positive result on a mammogram may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer later, according to research published online Dec. 2 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Non-Sleep Factors Also Key to SIDS Risk Reduction
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An infant’s sleeping environment is not the only factor to consider when it comes to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to research published online Dec. 2 in Pediatrics.
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IV Diuretics Deemed Safe in Outpatient Heart Failure Care
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Intravenous (IV) diuretics appear to be safe and effective for outpatient volume management in heart failure, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in JACC: Heart Failure.
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Evidence Doesn’t Support Monthly Labs With Isotretinoin
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Less frequent laboratory monitoring may be safe for patients receiving isotretinoin for acne as changes in mean values of several laboratory tests do not meet a priori criteria for high-risk, according to research published online Dec. 2 in JAMA Dermatology.
Lixisenatide Doesn’t Affect Cardiovascular Risk in T2DM
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The addition of lixisenatide to usual care does not impact the rate of major cardiovascular events or other serious adverse events among patients with type 2 diabetes and a recent acute coronary syndrome, according to a study published in the Dec. 3 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Addition of Immunosuppression No Benefit in IgA Nephropathy
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, the addition of immunosuppressive therapy to intensive supportive care does not improve outcomes, according to a study published in the Dec. 3 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Social Impact for Untreated Infantile Hemangiomas
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For preteen children, involuted, untreated facial infantile hemangiomas (IHs) have a social impact, according to a study published online Nov. 19 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Survival Up for Patients With Stage IV Breast Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — American women diagnosed with advanced, stage IV breast cancer have a better chance of survival, and are surviving longer, compared to two decades ago, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in JAMA Surgery.
Levels of Ebola Virus in Blood Could Help Predict Mortality
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The levels of Ebola virus in a patient’s blood can strongly predict the mortality risk, according to a study published online Dec. 1 in PLOS Medicine.
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Preemies May Benefit From Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Delayed clamping of a preterm infant’s umbilical cord may lead to better motor function development, according to a study published online Nov. 4 in The Journal of Pediatrics.
Depression Ups Readmission Odds for COPD Exacerbation
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Depression is independently associated with increased risk of readmission for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study published online Nov. 24 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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Metformin Does Not Boost Glycemic Control in T1DM
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adding metformin to insulin therapy won’t boost glycemic control for overweight teens with type 1 diabetes, according to a study published in the Dec. 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Asthma Risk Up Slightly for Planned C-Section Children
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Children born by planned cesarean delivery appear to have slightly higher odds of developing asthma than those born through vaginal delivery, researchers report in the Dec. 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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CPAP, Mandibular Advancement Devices Both Help Lower BP
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and mandibular advancement devices (MADs) each produce a modest reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure rates in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, according to a meta-analysis published in the Dec. 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Burden, Costs of Gastrointestinal, Liver Disease Estimated in U.S.
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In the United States, the burden and associated costs of gastrointestinal (GI), liver, and pancreatic diseases are substantial, according to a report published in the December issue of Gastroenterology.
USPSTF: Insufficient Evidence for Visual Skin Cancer Screening
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has found that there is currently insufficient evidence to weigh the benefits and harms of visual skin cancer screening in adults. These findings form the basis of a draft recommendation statement published online Nov. 30 by the USPSTF.
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Transfusion, Mortality Link Varies With Hemoglobin Levels
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For critically ill patients, the impact of transfusion on mortality varies with hemoglobin (Hgb) levels and with the presence of comorbid heart disease, according to a study published in the Dec. 8 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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PrEP for Men at High Risk for HIV May Be Taken on Demand
TUESDAY, Dec. 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New research suggests that men at high risk for HIV can benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) taken before and after sex instead of every day. The study was published online Dec. 1 in the New England Journal of Medicine to coincide with World AIDS Day.
Higher Cigarette Taxes Linked to Lower Infant Mortality
TUESDAY, Dec. 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Each $1 per pack increase in the overall tobacco tax rate over the years 1999 to 2010 may have contributed to two fewer infant deaths each day, according to research published online Nov. 30 in Pediatrics.
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Having a Dog in the Home Can Ease Children’s Anxiety Levels
TUESDAY, Dec. 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The companionship of a dog may lower a child’s anxiety levels, according to study published online Nov. 25 in Preventing Chronic Disease.
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CDC: Cholesterol Levels Improving But More Work Needed
TUESDAY, Dec. 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — About one in every eight American adults continue to have high levels of total cholesterol, while even more have low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, according to a December data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
Parental Involvement Does Impact Risky Teen Behavior
TUESDAY, Dec. 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new analysis suggests that parents who set rules and keep tabs on their teenagers may have kids who are more cautious about sex. The meta-analysis was published online Nov. 30 in Pediatrics.
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Lower Patient Satisfaction With High Clinician Computer Use
TUESDAY, Dec. 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients in safety-net clinics, high computer use by clinicians is associated with lower patient satisfaction and differences in communication, according to a research letter published online Nov. 30 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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FACE-Q Scales Can Assess Patient Perspective of Rhinoplasty
TUESDAY, Dec. 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The FACE-Q rhinoplasty scales can be used to assess patient perspective of rhinoplasty outcome, according to research published online Nov. 25 in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.
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