Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Family Practice for April 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.
Metabolic ‘Map’ May One Day Help Predict Obesity Risk
THURSDAY, April 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say they have successfully linked certain byproducts of digestion to the risk of excess body fat. The findings were published in the April 29 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
Low Health Literacy Ups Mortality Risk Post Heart Failure Admission
THURSDAY, April 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with low health literacy hospitalized for acute heart failure have an increased mortality risk, according to a study published online April 29 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Collaborative Program Reduces Unnecessary C-Section Rates
THURSDAY, April 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fewer pregnant women had cesarean section births in Canadian hospitals that took part in a C-section review program, a new study reports. The findings were published in the April 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Investigational MenB Vaccine Can Protect Individuals in Outbreak
THURSDAY, April 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An investigational serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine seems to have protected vaccinated individuals from the disease during an outbreak, according to a study published online April 27 in Pediatrics.
Age-, Sex-Specific Thresholds Should Guide Statin Therapy
THURSDAY, April 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of age- and sex-specific cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk thresholds could improve the sensitivity and specificity of statin treatment recommendations, according to a study published in the April 28 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Intensive T1DM Control Greatly Lowers Odds of Ocular Surgery
THURSDAY, April 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Intensive management of type 1 diabetes can reduce the risk of having a diabetes-related ocular surgery by nearly 50 percent, according to a new report. Results of the study were published in the April 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Cognitive Therapy for Insomnia Reduces Pain in Knee OA
THURSDAY, April 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and insomnia, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is efficacious and deceases clinical pain, according to a study published in the May issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Sodium Nitrate, Citric Acid Effective for Anogenital Warts
THURSDAY, April 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with anogenital warts, high-dose topical treatment (sodium nitrite, 6 percent, with citric acid, 9 percent) is more effective than placebo, according to a study published online April 29 in JAMA Dermatology.
COPD May Increase Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is already the third leading cause of death in the world, and the condition might also raise a patient’s odds for sudden cardiac death, according to a new study published online April 28 in the European Heart Journal.
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Experimental HIV Vaccine Could Boost Efficacy of HAART
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Preliminary research suggests that an HIV vaccine in development can ramp up the body’s immune system, boosting the response to highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The study findings were published online April 29 in Retrovirology.
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FDA Approves Kybella for Reducing Submental Fat
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Kybella (deoxycholic acid) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat moderate-to-severe submental fat.
Vena Cava Retrievable Filters No Help in Pulmonary Embolism
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with acute, symptomatic pulmonary embolism, the use of retrievable vena cava filters with anticoagulation does not offer any benefit over anticoagulation alone, according to a study published online April 28 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Most Adult Acne Antibiotic Course Durations Follow Guidelines
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The majority of oral antibiotic course durations for adult acne follow guidelines, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Long-Term Post-CABG Mortality Increased With Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have increased long-term risk of death after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), with higher risk among those with T1DM, according to a study published in the April 28 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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WHO Offers Evidence-Based Folate Concentration Guidelines
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Evidence-based folate concentration guidelines for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) have been developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), according to a report published in the April 24 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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AAP: Guidelines Updated for Lice Infestation Among Children
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Outbreaks of head lice in children can be effectively treated without banning infected children from school, new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) say. The guidelines were published online April 27 in Pediatrics.
FDA Approves First Generic Abilify
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The first generic versions of the atypical antipsychotic drug Abilify (aripiprazole) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Breastfeeding Linked to Better Breast Cancer Outcomes for Mom
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women who breastfeed their babies and later develop breast cancer are less likely to have the cancer return or be terminal than women who do not breastfeed, new research shows. The study was published online April 28 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Colon Cancer Risk Markers Appear Within Two Weeks of Diet Change
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Westernization of the diet induces changes in biomarkers of colon cancer risk within two weeks, according to research published online April 28 in Nature Communications.
Buprenorphine Given in ER Benefits Opioid Dependent
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A comparison of three treatments for opioid dependence indicates that patients given buprenorphine in the emergency department do better than those given only referrals. The research was published in the April 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Hydroxyurea Underutilized for Patients With Sickle Cell
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Less than one-quarter of sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients who should have been taking hydroxyurea within a year of their last pain crisis actually were taking the medication, according to research from a national database. These findings were published in a research letter in the April 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Microneedle Patch Could Offer Alternative Mode of Vaccination
TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A microneedle patch may be an easier, safer, and more convenient way to vaccinate more people worldwide against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases, new research suggests.
Worse Working Memory in Women Versus Men Post Mild TBI
TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New research from Taiwan uncovers more evidence that women may have a more difficult time recovering their memory after concussions. The study appears online April 28 in Radiology.
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Physician Compensation Up for Most Specialties
TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physician compensation has gone up for almost all specialties, according to a 2015 report published by Medscape.
Capsule Colonoscopy Deemed ‘Adequate’ Alternative
TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In an average-risk screening population, capsule colonoscopy seems adequate for patients who cannot undergo colonoscopy or who had incomplete colonoscopies, although additional research is needed to improve capsule detection, according to a study published in the May issue of Gastroenterology.
CDC: Surveillance System Can Help Reduce Health Care Injuries
TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A surveillance system for health care facilities can be used to identify and help reduce the number of preventable injuries among health care personnel, according to research published in the April 24 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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HHS: New Recommendation for Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water
TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. government has decreased its recommended level of fluoride in drinking water for the first time in a half-century.
PCSK9 Inhibitors Cut LDL Cholesterol, CVD Risk
TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new class of cholesterol medication could sharply cut low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients who don’t fare well on statins, a new research review confirms. The findings were published online April 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
High Sodium Intake Does Not Appear to Raise BP in Teen Girls
TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Consuming higher-than-recommended amounts of salt appears to have no ill effect on teenage girls’ blood pressure, according to new research published online April 27 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Higher CV Risks Seen for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Survivors
TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physicians and patients should be aware of the persistently increased risk of cardiovascular diseases throughout life after Hodgkin’s lymphoma, according to a report published online April 27 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
AAP Advises Doctors on How to Identify Child Abuse
TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has just released new guidance to help primary care doctors recognize the signs of child abuse. The clinical report was published online April 27 in Pediatrics.
Lasting Mortality Risk Increase With Hyperglycemic Crises
TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — During the first six years of follow-up, geriatric patients with diabetes have a higher mortality risk after hyperglycemic crisis episode (HCE), according to a study published in the May issue of Diabetes Care.
Cost of Multiple Sclerosis Rx Soaring, Even for Older Meds
MONDAY, April 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The cost of multiple sclerosis (MS) medications in the United States is rising five to seven times faster than the normal rate of drug inflation, according to a study published online April 24 in Neurology.
Benefits of Moderate Drinking Differ According to Race
MONDAY, April 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Moderate drinking appears to offer greater health benefits to whites than to blacks, according to a study published online April 23 in the American Journal of Public Health.
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Office Visits Common Before Suicide Attempt
MONDAY, April 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many people who attempt suicide have a health care visit in the weeks or months beforehand, which suggests health visits may provide opportunities for suicide prevention, researchers report in a new study published in the May issue of Medical Care.
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Early Benefits for Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine in Canadian Teens
MONDAY, April 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccination for young girls is associated with reduced incidence of dysplasia and anogenital warts (AGW), according to a study published online April 27 in Pediatrics.
AAP: Updated Guidelines on Newborn Hospital Release
MONDAY, April 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has just released updated guidelines for judging whether or not a newborn is ready for hospital discharge. The guidelines are published online April 27 in Pediatrics.
Over Half of Middle-Age, Older Americans Take Daily Aspirin
MONDAY, April 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Slightly more than half of middle-aged adults and seniors in the United States take aspirin daily, with most taking it for primary prevention, according to survey findings published in the May issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Cigar Smoking Poses Much the Same Danger As Cigarettes
MONDAY, April 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Smoking cigars carries the same health risks as smoking cigarettes, according to a new review published online April 24 in BMC Public Health.
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Hemoglobin Glycation Index IDs Harms, Benefits of T2DM Tx
MONDAY, April 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The effect of intensive versus standard type 2 diabetes treatment varies according to the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI: observed hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] − predicted HbA1c), according to a study published online April 17 in Diabetes Care.
CDC: Expanding EMS Naloxone Use Will Save Lives
FRIDAY, April 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Allowing more emergency medical service (EMS) workers to administer the prescription drug naloxone could reduce the number of overdose deaths caused by opioids, according to research published online April 23 in the American Journal of Public Health.
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National Health Alert Issued Over HIV Outbreak in Indiana
FRIDAY, April 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — With opioid abuse now linked to 142 cases of HIV in rural Indiana, U.S. health officials are alerting other states to watch for clusters of HIV and hepatitis C among injection drug users.
Focus on Calories Versus Quality of Food Misdirected
FRIDAY, April 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — All calories are not created equal and some foods are not as bad for weight management as many believe, according to new research published online April 8 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Anxiety, Depression, PTSD Common After Acute Lung Injury
FRIDAY, April 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Most acute lung injury (ALI) survivors have symptoms of general anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during 24 months of follow-up, according to a study published in the March issue of Critical Care Medicine.
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Exercise Can’t Fix the Damage of a Bad Diet
FRIDAY, April 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Although physical activity is important for health, a healthy diet is essential for weight loss — and regular exercise will not make up for a poor diet, according to an editorial published online April 22 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Challenging Jobs Could Protect in Frontotemporal Dementia
FRIDAY, April 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Having a challenging job may help people live longer after developing frontotemporal dementia, according to a small study published online April 22 in Neurology.
CRC Screening Among Older Adults Often Inappropriate
FRIDAY, April 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Older adults with limited life expectancy (LE) frequently receive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
VNN1 Gene Potentially Useful Biomarker in Childhood Asthma
THURSDAY, April 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say they’ve identified a gene that affects whether children with asthma respond to corticosteroids. The study was published online April 21 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Doctors May Be Caught Off Guard by Antibiotic Shortages
THURSDAY, April 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Between 2001 and 2013, there were shortages of 148 antibiotics. And the shortages started getting worse in 2007, according to a report published online April 22 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Self-Reported Health Predicts Survival in Breast Cancer
THURSDAY, April 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For older women with breast cancer, low self-rated health (SRH) and limited walking ability predict worse all-cause survival at five and 10 years, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
SAMHSA: Heroin Use Stabilizing in U.S., but Still Too High
THURSDAY, April 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Levels of heroin use in the United States have stabilized but are still high, according to an April 23 report from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Prednisolone, Pentoxifylline Little Use in Alcoholic Hepatitis
THURSDAY, April 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Prednisolone and pentoxifylline are associated with limited and no benefits, respectively, for severe alcoholic hepatitis, according to a study published in the April 23 issue of the The New England Journal of Medicine.
DMV Program Can Generate Additional Organ Donors
THURSDAY, April 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A brief, web-based training program for department of motor vehicles (DMV) employees that educates them about organ and tissue donation can increase the likelihood of customers registering as organ donors, according to research published in the May issue of the American Journal of Transplantation.
Concomitant Metformin, GERD Meds Up Vitamin B12 Depletion
THURSDAY, April 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Concomitant use of metformin and histamine H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors has the potential to induce vitamin B12 depletion and neuropathy, according to research published in the April issue of Clinical Diabetes.
Abridged Standards of Care for Diabetes Developed for PCPs
THURSDAY, April 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An abridged version of the 2015 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes has been produced for primary care physicians. The condensed guidelines were published in the April issue of Clinical Diabetes.
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Asthma Meds Ups ER Use
THURSDAY, April 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of asthma medications is associated with increased emergency department utilization among commercially insured patients, according to a study published online April 16 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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One in 10 AMI Patients Have Unrecognized Incident Diabetes
THURSDAY, April 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — One in 10 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients without a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) have underlying DM, according to research published online April 21 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Increasing Number of Children Present With DKA in T1DM
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A growing number of American children and teens with type 1 diabetes are experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the time of their diagnosis, according to research published in the April 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on child health.
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ACP Supports Ban on Flavoring, Ads for E-Cigarettes
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration should ban flavorings and television advertisements for e-cigarettes, according to a position paper released by the American College of Physicians (ACP) and published in the April 21 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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EHR Data Mining Helps With Quality Improvement
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Electronic health records (EHRs) are a valuable source of data that can be mined to help practices with quality improvement performance, according to a study published in Medical Economics.
Impact of Sodium, Potassium Intake Varies With BP
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In normotensive young adults, an increase in sodium/potassium ratio correlates with an increase in atrial filling fraction, while in individuals with prehypertension or hypertension it is related to an increase in left ventricular (LV) mass, according to a study published in the May 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Parent Training Program Can Improve Child Behavior in Autism
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Training programs for parents can help improve the behavior of children with autism, according to a study published in the April 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on child health.
More Reassurance Against MMR-Autism Link
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Yet another study finds no evidence that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine raises the risk of autism — even among children who are at increased genetic risk. The latest research was reported in the April 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on child health.
Mindfulness-Based CBT Found As Effective As Antidepressants
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is as effective as antidepressant medication in preventing a recurrence of depression over a two-year period, according to research published online April 20 in The Lancet.
High-Dose Oral Insulin Promising for Prevention of T1DM
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In a small, preliminary study, high-dose insulin capsules safely induced what appears to be a protective immune response in children at high risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The study findings were published in the April 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on child health.
Eating Disorders Common in Girls With Type 1 Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For girls and young women with type 1 diabetes, eating disorders are common and persistent, according to a study published online April 17 in Diabetes Care.
Additive Effect for Calorie Limit, Exercise on Glucoregulation
TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Calorie restriction (CR) and exercise (EX)-induced weight loss have additive benefits on glucoregulation, according to a study published online April 15 in Diabetes Care.
Sports Participation Seems Safe for Children With LQTS
TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There is no evidence of cardiac events or deaths occurring in treatment-compliant genotype-positive long QT syndrome (LQTS) pediatric patients who participate in sports, according to research published in the March 1 issue of JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.
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EHR Decision Support Ups Radiologic Test Appropriateness
TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Computerized clinical decision-support (CCDS) capabilities of electronic health records may improve appropriate use of diagnostic radiologic test ordering and reduce test use, according to a review published in the April 21 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
CPAP Tied to Improved A-Fib Outcomes for Those With OSA
TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with both atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea are less likely to have a recurrence of atrial fibrillation if they use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, a new report says. The results were published in the March 1 issue of JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.
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AHA Issues Guidelines for Adults With Congenital Heart Dz
TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued guidelines for health care providers treating patients older than 40 with congenital heart disease. The guidelines were published online April 20 in Circulation.
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‘Westernization’ May Drive Disease Via Microbiome
TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In a discovery that could eventually shed light on some diseases that plague modern society, a tribe in a remote part of the Amazon jungle in Venezuela appears to have microbiomes with the highest diversity of bacteria and genetic functions ever found.
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USPSTF Revisits Mammography Guidelines
TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women in their 40s should talk with their doctors and then decide for themselves whether they need regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer before age 50, according to draft U.S. federal health guidelines.
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Statins Tenuously Cost-Effective for Primary Prevention in Seniors
TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For U.S. adults aged 75 to 94 years, primary prevention with statins appears to be cost-effective, but even small increases in geriatric-specific adverse effects could offset the cardiovascular benefit, according to a study published in the April 21 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Regular Walking Can Boost Quality of Life With Prostate CA
TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Engaging in a regular walking regimen can improve well-being for men with prostate cancer, according to new research published online April 16 in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship: Research and Practice.
Changing Opioid Rx Formulations May Help Curb Abuse
TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Opioids that have features that make them hard to abuse may be linked to a drop in both the number of prescriptions and overdoses of these drugs, according to a new study published online April 20 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Strategies Successful for Helping Children Swallow Meds
TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — At least five different strategies may help children swallow pills and capsules more easily, according to research published online April 20 in Pediatrics.
Guidance Offered for Managing Conflict With Patients
MONDAY, April 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Good communication is key to managing conflict with patients, according to an article published April 1 in Medical Economics.
Wide Variation in NICU Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns
MONDAY, April 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Antibiotics appear to be overused in many neonatal intensive care units, new research suggests. The findings were published online April 20 in Pediatrics.
Antibiotic-Glucocorticoid Eardrops Found Superior in Acute Otorrhea
MONDAY, April 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For children with tympanostomy tubes who develop otorrhea, antibiotic-glucocorticoid eardrops are clinically superior and cost less than oral antibiotics or initial observation, according to a study published online April 20 in Pediatrics.
Age, Creatinine, Ejection Fraction Predict Post-MI Survival
MONDAY, April 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A simple age, creatinine, and ejection fraction (ACEF) score can predict one-year mortality risk in myocardial infarction 30-day survivors who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, according to a study published in the May 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Attending Physicians, Residents Similar in Opioid Rx Monitoring
MONDAY, April 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Both residents and attending physicians are only partly compliant with national opioid prescribing and monitoring guidelines, according to a study published in the March issue of Pain Medicine.
Obesity Raises Prostate Cancer Risk Even Higher for Black Men
MONDAY, April 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Compared to white men, black men appear to have up to four-fold greater risk of developing prostate cancer as their body mass index (BMI) increases, according to a study published online April 16 in JAMA Oncology.
Salt Pills Fail to Substantially Benefit Endurance Athletes
MONDAY, April 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Taking salt pills does little to boost the performance of endurance athletes, new research shows. The study was published recently in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.
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Synthetic Pot Sends Hundreds to ERs in Past Month
FRIDAY, April 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In the past month, more than 300 people in Alabama and Mississippi have sought emergency care after using synthetic marijuana, according to health officials.
Recent Substance Abuse Found in Nearly One in 10 Workers
FRIDAY, April 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nearly one in 10 full-time workers in the United States have had a recent substance abuse problem, according to an April 16 report from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Allergy Season Predicted to Be One of the Worst, but Shorter
FRIDAY, April 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Experts are predicting that this allergy season may be one of the worst in years.
Higher Altitude Linked With Lower Rates of ADHD
FRIDAY, April 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The effects of higher altitude may reduce the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a new study suggests. The research was published online March 25 in the Journal of Attention Disorders.
CDC Details Mosquito-Borne Virus-Linked Death in Tennessee
FRIDAY, April 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers have characterized a La Crosse virus isolate from the brain of a child who died of encephalitis-associated complications in eastern Tennessee in 2012.
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Apremilast Effective for Oral Ulcers in Behçet’s Syndrome
FRIDAY, April 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with Behçet’s syndrome, the oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor apremilast is effective for treating oral ulcers, according to a study published in the April 16 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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A-Fib Recurrence Common Five Years After Ablation
FRIDAY, April 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and systolic heart failure who undergo ablation have AF recurrence at five years, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.
Clinician-Referred Exercise Program Beneficial in Prostate CA
FRIDAY, April 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For men with prostate cancer, clinician referral to and participation in an exercise program has a positive impact on mental health, according to a study published online April 15 in Cancer.
Suboptimal Prescribing Attitudes Could Signal Personal Distress
FRIDAY, April 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medical students in personal distress may be more likely to have suboptimal attitudes about self-prescribing and personal responsibility for reporting impaired colleagues, according to a study published in the April issue of Academic Medicine.
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FDA Approves Corlanor for Chronic Heart Failure
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Corlanor (ivabradine) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat chronic heart failure, the agency said in a news release.
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Apple HealthKit App Facilitates Doctor-Patient Communication
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The latest version of Apple’s operating system iOS 8 allows physicians to connect with patients in many ways using the HealthKit app that collects user health and fitness data, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
More Evidence Implicates Inflammation in Lyme Neuro Dz
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Anti-inflammatories may help prevent many neuropathologic effects of Lyme neuroborreliosis, according to an experimental study published online April 16 in The American Journal of Pathology.
Combination Approach Could Help Rule Out PE in Primary Care
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — To help rule out pulmonary embolism, general practitioners (GPs) can use the Wells rule for pulmonary embolism in combination with either a qualitative point-of-care (POC) D-dimer test or a quantitative D-dimer test, according to a study published online April 6 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Aerosolized Measles Vaccine Inferior to Subcutaneous Vaccine
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — With respect to seropositivity, aerosolized vaccination against measles is inferior to the subcutaneous vaccine, according to a study published in the April 16 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Snoring, Sleep Apnea Linked to Dementia, but CPAP Helps
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) may be more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at younger ages than those without SDB, a new study suggests. The report was published online April 15 in Neurology.
Synthetic Drug ‘Flakka’ Causes Hallucinations, Fits of Rage
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A potent new designer drug called “flakka” is making headlines across the United States, driving many users into fits of screaming rage accompanied by vivid hallucinations.
Modified Timolol Agent Effective for Infantile Hemangiomas
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new modified timolol-based cream seems effective for infantile hemangiomas (IHs), according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of Dermatology.
Ethical Implications for Looking Up Applicants on Facebook
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Looking up students on Facebook and other social networking sites (SNS) is associated with ethical concerns, according to a perspective piece published in the March issue of the Journal of Graduate Medical Education.
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Prolonged ADT Ups Diabetes, CVD Risk for Older Men
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For men diagnosed with prostate cancer aged older than 70 years, prolonged androgen deprivation therapy is associated with increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, especially among those with comorbidities, according to a study published in the April issue of The Journal of Urology.
Fish Oil Supplementation Tied to Lower Atherothrombotic Risk
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fish oil supplementation (FOS) is associated with atherothrombotic risk reduction in suspected coronary artery disease (sCAD), according to a study published in the May 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Many Cataract Patients Undergo Unnecessary Pre-Op Testing
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many patients still undergo routine preoperative testing before cataract surgery despite recommendations against it, according to a study published in the April 16 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Medicare Spending Down in Year One of Pioneer ACO
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medicare spending is down in year one of the Pioneer accountable care organization (ACO) program, according to a study published online April 15 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Acetaminophen Appears to Blunt Emotional Response
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Acetaminophen may do more than simply dull pain — it may also dull positive and negative emotions, new research indicates. The study was published online April 10 in Psychological Science.
Depression, Diabetes Both Tied to Increased Dementia Risk
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Depression and diabetes both appear to significantly raise the risk of dementia, according to new research. The findings were published online April 15 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Response to Parental Concerns of Autism Found Lacking
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The behavior of health care providers is likely a very important factor in delayed autism identification, according to new research published online April 14 in The Journal of Pediatrics.
AMA Announces End of Sustainable Growth Rate Formula
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Recently adopted legislation has repealed the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Statin Use Inversely Linked to Pancreatic Cancer Risk
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Statin use is inversely associated with pancreatic cancer risk, with evidence of a sex-specific risk reduction, according to a study published in the April 15 issue of Cancer.
Divorce Tied to Increased Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People who divorce face a higher risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than those who remain married, but remarriage may not be the remedy, at least not for women, according to a new study published online April 14 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Anticoagulation Both Over- and Under-Prescribed in A-Fib
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — As many as one-quarter of people with atrial fibrillation who have a low risk of stroke are prescribed anticoagulation unnecessarily, a new study contends. The findings were published in a research letter online April 13 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Lansoprazole Worsens Asthma Control in Poor Metabolizers
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Children with poor metabolizer phenotype based on CYP2C19 have worse asthma control after six months of lansoprazole treatment, according to a study published online April 6 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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Concomitant, Sequential Tx Similar for H. pylori Eradication
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, concomitant therapy (CT) is equivalent to sequential therapy (ST), and hybrid therapy offers similar efficacy to CT, according to research published online April 13 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
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Survey Looks at Patient Attitudes Regarding Informed Consent
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Most U.S. adults would prefer to be asked for permission to participate in studies assessing usual medical practices, according to a study published online April 14 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Gestational Diabetes May Increase Risk of Autism
TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Gestational diabetes may increase the risk a child will develop autism, according to research published in the April 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Pharmacist Support Boosts Anticoagulation Adherence
TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The intervention of a local pharmacist could help improve adherence to newer anticoagulants, according to research published in the April 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Security Breaches of Health Records Up Over Past Decade
TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Breaches in data security exposed more than 29 million health records to potential criminal misuse between 2010 and 2013, according to a new study. Security breaches involving hacking have nearly doubled in recent years, rising to 8.7 percent in 2013 compared with 4.7 percent in 2010, according to the study, published as a research letter in the April 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Placebo Response May Depend on Individual DNA
TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The strength of the placebo effect may depend on particular DNA, according to a report published online April 13 in Trends in Molecular Medicine.
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USPSTF Review: T2DM Screening Doesn’t Cut Mortality
TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Type 2 diabetes screening is not associated with improved mortality rates after 10 years of follow-up, according to a U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) review published online April 14 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Aspirin Use Not Found to Benefit Prostate Cancer Mortality
TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Aspirin use does not appear to reduce the risk of mortality associated with prostate cancer, according to research published in the April issue of The Journal of Urology.
Effects of n-3 PUFAs on Insulin Sensitivity Unclear
TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), do not appear to have clinically meaningful effects on peripheral or hepatic insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant adults without diabetes, according to research published online April 7 in Diabetes Care.
Teledermatology Implications for Incidental Skin CA Detection
TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An in-person skin examination is important for detection of incidentally-identified skin malignancies, according to a review published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Visit-to-Visit LDL-C Variability Predicts Cardiac Event Risk
TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Visit-to-visit variability in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can independently predict cardiovascular events in individuals with coronary artery disease, according to a study published in the April 21 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Confidentiality Shortcomings With EHR Use for Parents, Teens
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Electronic health records (EHRs) and personal health records (PHRs) require significant modifications in order to meet the confidentiality requirements of specific populations, including parents and adolescents, according to a perspective piece published online April 13 in Pediatrics.
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Gratitude Linked With Better Outcomes in Heart Patients
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Higher levels of gratitude are associated with better mood, better sleep, less fatigue, and less inflammation in heart failure patients, according to a study published in the March issue of Spirituality in Clinical Practice.
Single-Dose Injection Rx Ups Bone Density in Frail Elderly
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Frail, older women may only need a single dose of the osteoporosis drug zoledronic acid (Reclast) to build bone strength, a new study suggests. But greater bone density did not translate into fewer fractures among these high-risk women, who were living in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities during the study. The research was published online April 13 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
HPV4 Vaccine Cost-Effective for OPC Prevention in Teen Boys
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV4) vaccine appears to be cost-effective for the prevention of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) among 12-year-old males, according to a study published online April 13 in Cancer.
Peritoneal Drainage, Laparotomy Cuts Mortality in NEC
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), peritoneal drainage followed by laparotomy is associated with reduced mortality but increased costs compared with peritoneal drainage alone, according to a study published online April 13 in Pediatrics.
NSAID-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease Prevalent With Asthma
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Among people with asthma, the prevalence of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is about 9 percent, and asthma morbidity is increased among those with NERD, according to a review published online April 8 in Allergy.
Mortality Up With Spontaneous Bleeding After PCI
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), spontaneous bleeding is associated with increased risk of death, comparable to that associated with myocardial infarction (MI), according to a study published in the April 14 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Adverse Ocular Effects From Aesthetic Facial Tx Rare
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adverse ocular effects from aesthetic facial procedures are infrequent, according to a review published online March 19 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Only High Exercise Levels Tied to Better Erectile, Sexual Function
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — High weekly exercise levels are tied to better erectile/sexual function in men, whereas exercise at lower levels is not, according to a study published online March 20 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Study Highlights Third-Line Treatment Options for T2DM
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Treatment escalation options have different efficacy following failure of exenatide or glimepiride added to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to a study published online April 1 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Most Hospitalists Would Not Order Inpatient Mammography
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Most hospitalists feel that they should not be involved in breast cancer screening, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Exercise Cuts Pain Interference From Diabetic Neuropathy
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Aerobic exercise may help reduce perceived pain interference resulting from diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), according to a brief research report published online March 20 in Pain Medicine.
Children With Neuro Disorders Need Flu Vaccine, May Not Get It
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Children with neurological disorders such as epilepsy or cerebral palsy are at increased risk for complications from the flu, but are no more likely to receive a flu vaccine than other children are, a new U.S. study shows. The study, published online March 30 in Vaccine, was conducted with researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Medical Debt Burden Higher in Texas, Florida
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Significantly more adults in Florida and Texas struggle to pay medical bills or pay off medical debt over time compared with residents of New York and California, according to a new Commonwealth Fund report released Friday.
ACEi/ARB Use Lowers Incidence of Appropriate ICD Shock
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with cardiomyopathy, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) is associated with significantly lower incidence of appropriate implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) shocks, according to a study published in the April 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Many Doctors Haven’t Started Dealing With ICD-10 Revision
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Most physicians have barely begun to deal with issues relating to documentation associated with the transition to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Art Program Hones Med Students’ Visual Observation Skills
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An innovative interdisciplinary program, Art Rounds, is effective for improving medical and nursing students’ physical observation skills, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of Nursing Education.
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Exercise Dose, Intensity Don’t Impact Reduction in Liver Fat
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Reductions in liver fat or visceral adipose tissue (VAT) do not differ significantly with the dose or intensity of aerobic exercise, according to a study published online April 8 in the Journal of Hepatology.
Restless Leg Syndrome Common in Ankylosing Spondylitis
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is common in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), according to a study published recently in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Statin Use Found Beneficial in Hepatitis C Treatment
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV), statin therapy is associated with improved virologic response rates, as well as decreased liver fibrosis progression and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence, according to a study published online April 6 in Hepatology.
Maternal C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Tied to Pre-Eclampsia
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Levels of maternal plasma amino terminal propeptide of C-type natriuretic peptide (NTproCNP) may be useful in defining phenotypes associated with pre-eclampsia in late pregnancy, according to a study published online April 5 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Two New Strategies Show Promise in Treating Crohn’s Dz
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Two experimental therapies show promise in management of Crohn’s disease.
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Abstract – Stem Cells Translational Medicine
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Overweight/Obesity Linked to Reduced Risk of Dementia
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new study of nearly two million people suggests that those who are overweight or obese in middle age may be less likely to develop dementia than their normal-weight and underweight peers. The report was published online April 9 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
Three-Drug Combo Cream Effective for Melasma
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A cream formula containing 4 percent hydroquinone, 10 percent glycolic acid, and 0.01 percent hyaluronic acid is very effective in the treatment of melasma, according to a study published online April 6 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Cases of Melanoma Declining in U.S. Children
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of melanoma is falling among American children, according to a new study published online April 9 in The Journal of Pediatrics.
Higher Risk of Suicide Seen in Stroke Survivors
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Stroke patients are at significantly increased risk of suicide, especially during the first two years after the stroke, according to a new study published online April 1 in Neurology.
Migraine Medication Linked to Eating Disorders in Teens
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Topiramate (Topamax) used for migraine headaches has been linked to increased odds of eating disorders in some teens. The report was published online April 6 in Pediatrics.
Pharmacists Raise Concerns for Patient Access to Generic Drugs
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nearly all pharmacists have experienced upswings in the acquisition costs of generic drugs, with price spikes reported to be worse since 2013, according to a report published by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA).
Candy Twists Alternative to Glucola Drink for GDM Screening
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Candy twists can be used as an alternative to glucola beverage in gestational diabetes mellitus screening, according to a study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Dimethyl Fumarate Linked to Development of PML
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An active ingredient in some psoriasis and multiple sclerosis medications, dimethyl fumarate, has been linked to two cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), according to two letters published in the April 9 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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High Costs for False-Positive Mammograms, Overdiagnosis
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Mammography screening is associated with considerable costs linked to false-positive mammograms and breast cancer overdiagnosis, with national expenditure estimated at $4 billion annually, according to a study published in the April issue of Health Affairs.
Mindfulness Program Beneficial for Chronic Pain
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A mindfulness program appears to be beneficial for patients with chronic pain, according to a study published in the April issue of Pain Medicine.
Higher Risk of Heart Disease Seen With Shorter Stature
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Short people may be more likely to have coronary artery disease (CAD), and that increased risk could be linked to the genetics that also determine height, new research suggests. The study was published online April 8 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Potent HIV-1-Specific Antibody Shown to Suppress Virus
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Therapy with a human antibody appears to reduce levels of HIV in the blood for at least a month, preliminary research suggests. The findings were published in a research letter online April 8 in Nature.
Many Head and Neck Cancer Survivors Don’t Return to Work
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many head and neck cancer survivors do not return to work, according to a study published in the April issue of Head & Neck.
Less Depression Reported by Black Women
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Black women are much less likely to report suffering from depression than white women, a new study suggests. The findings were published online April 8 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Medicare Beneficiaries With Melanoma May Face Tx Delay
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Approximately 20 percent of Medicare patients with melanoma face delays in getting surgical treatment, according to a new study published online April 8 in JAMA Dermatology.
Internet-Based CBT Helps Women With Fear of Childbirth
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) program can improve attitudes among nulliparous women with severe fear of childbirth, according to a study published online March 27 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
CDC: Long-Acting Contraceptive Use Rising Among U.S. Teens
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The use of long-acting, reversible forms of contraception remains low among sexually active teen girls, though that trend seems to be changing, according to research published in the April 7 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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One Extra Stroke Risk Factor Ups Risk in Nonvalvular A-Fib
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The presence of one additional stroke risk factor is associated with a significant increase in event rates among nonanticoagulated low-risk patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (CHA2DS2-VASc = 0 [male], 1 [female]), according to a study published in the April 14 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Conventional, Religiously Integrated CBT Similarly Effective
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For individuals with major depression and chronic medical illness, conventional cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) and religiously integrated CBT (RCBT) have equivalent efficacy, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease.
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Limited Time Available to Review Sunshine Act Data
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physicians have only 45 days to review and dispute reports regarding their financial ties to drug and medical device manufacturers reported under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).
Model Predicts Cardiac Death After Life Support Withdrawal
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new model accurately identifies potential organ donors following cardiac death in neurocritical patients removed from life support. The findings were published online March 21 in the American Journal of Transplantation.
Websites Offer Poor Information About C-Section
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The quality and completeness of Internet information about cesarean sections is poor, according to a Brazilian study published in the April issue of BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Additional Attention to Modifiable Risks in DM Could Benefit Greatly
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For adults with diabetes, inadequately controlled risk factors account for a considerable proportion of cardiovascular events and death, according to a study published online in Diabetes Care.
Comparable Benefits for PT, Surgery in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
TUESDAY, April 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physical therapy may be just as good as surgery for older adults with lower back pain due to lumbar spinal stenosis, according to new research published in the April 7 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Case Report of Food Allergy Acquired Via Blood Transfusion
TUESDAY, April 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The case of an 8-year-old Canadian boy suggests that it’s possible, but still rare, for children to develop food allergies from blood transfusions. The report was published in the April 7 issue of CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
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Veterans Listing Non-Nuclear Family Member As Next of Kin
TUESDAY, April 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A considerable number of veterans list an individual as next of kin who is not a nuclear family member, according to a research letter published in the April 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Breast CA Patients Want, but May Not Get, Genetic Risk Discussion
TUESDAY, April 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Although many women with breast cancer are concerned about their genetic risk for other cancers — as well as their relatives’ risk for breast cancer — almost half of these patients don’t get information about genetic testing, according to a study published online April 6 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Risk of Cardiac Arrest During Sports Low for Fit Middle-Aged
TUESDAY, April 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physically active middle-aged men and women have little chance of experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) while participating in sports, according to a new study published online April 6 in Circulation.
Two Commercial Weight Loss Plans Come Out on Top
TUESDAY, April 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Only two out of 32 major commercial weight-loss programs marketed nationwide — Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig — can boast scientific evidence showing their clients maintain weight loss for at least a year, according to a new study published in the April 7 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Success Seen With Mini-Group Visits for Patients With Diabetes
TUESDAY, April 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Mini-group visits yield good results among patients with diabetes, according to a report published by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Med Students, Residents Rarely Perform Stethoscope Hygiene
TUESDAY, April 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Stethoscope hygiene is rarely performed by trainee physicians, according to a research letter published online April 2 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Hx of Depression Tied to Higher Risk of Gestational Diabetes
TUESDAY, April 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are more likely to have a history of depression, according to a study published in the March/April issue of the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing.
Semen Quality Linked to Fruit, Veggie Pesticide Residue
TUESDAY, April 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — High-pesticide residue fruit and vegetable intake correlates with poorer semen quality, according to a study published online March 30 in Human Reproduction.
More Vigorous Physical Activity May Offer More Benefits
MONDAY, April 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Middle-aged or older people who get at least some high-intensity exercise may reduce their chances of dying early by up to 13 percent, according to a new study. The findings were published online April 6 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Youth Guidelines Would Significantly Up Statin Rates
MONDAY, April 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — If all physicians followed new cholesterol guidelines aimed at children, almost half a million Americans aged 17 to 21 would be prescribed a statin, new research predicts. The study was published online April 6 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Lower Extremity Revascularization in Elderly Found Lacking
MONDAY, April 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Lower extremity revascularization in frail nursing home residents rarely improves their ambulatory status, according to a study published online April 6 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Online Human Milk Samples May Contain Cow’s Milk
MONDAY, April 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — About 10 percent of online human milk samples tested were contaminated with cow’s milk in a recent study published online April 6 in Pediatrics.
2014 Bronchiolitis Guidelines Focus on Avoiding Interventions
MONDAY, April 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The 2014 new and updated guidelines for management of bronchiolitis largely focus on tests or treatments to avoid, according to a perspective piece published online April 6 in Pediatrics.
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Lifestyle Interventions for Diabetes Yield Modest Results
MONDAY, April 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Lifestyle-based weight loss intervention trials in type 2 diabetes achieve modest reductions in weight and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, according to a meta-analysis published in the April issue of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Motivational Interviewing Aids Weight Loss in Primary Care
MONDAY, April 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Motivational interviewing can help patients lose weight in a primary care setting, according to a review published in the April issue of Obesity Reviews.
Three-Quarters of Children With ADHD Take Meds
FRIDAY, April 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Most children with special health care needs (CSHCN) with current attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) receive medication treatment or behavioral therapy, according to a study published online March 31 in The Journal of Pediatrics.
Article Highlights Legal Issues Linked to Physician Extenders
FRIDAY, April 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The use of physician extenders (PEs; mainly physician assistants and nurse practitioners) may bring added legal risks to a practice, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Sodium Content Too High in Over Half of Packaged Foods
FRIDAY, April 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More than half of packaged grocery store foods included in a new study contained too much added salt, U.S. health officials reported Thursday. The report was published April 2 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
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New Guidelines Could Up Care Access for Millions in Africa
FRIDAY, April 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Newborns and young infants in developing nations who have suspected severe bacterial infections can be effectively treated outside a hospital, three new studies suggest. The new studies were published online April 1 in The Lancet and The Lancet Global Health.
Key Disordered Eating Info Not Reaching Overweight Youth
FRIDAY, April 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Eating disorder education needs to reach overweight youth, according to a study published in the April issue of the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Contemporary PCI Outcome Predictors Defined
FRIDAY, April 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), predictors of outcome include previous anemia, previous chronic kidney injury, and previous moderate to severe left ventricular dysfunction, according to a study published in the April 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Bleach Exposure May Increase Risk of Infections in Children
FRIDAY, April 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Bleach exposure is associated with increased risk of respiratory and other infections in school-aged children, according to a study published online April 2 in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Pediatric Discoid Lupus Carries Significant Progression Risk
FRIDAY, April 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pediatric discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) carries a significant risk of progression to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a review published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Case Study: Iced Tea Habit Likely Led to Man’s Kidney Failure
THURSDAY, April 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — After conducting a kidney biopsy on a 56-year-old man with unexplained kidney failure, doctors discovered numerous oxalate crystals in his kidney tissue. Black tea is a significant source of oxalate, and the man acknowledged drinking 16 glasses of iced tea every day. The researchers reported the man’s case in the April 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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CDC: Multidrug-Resistant Shigellosis Spreading in U.S.
THURSDAY, April 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Travelers are bringing a drug-resistant strain of the Shigella sonnei bacteria to the United States and spreading it to other people, federal health officials warned Thursday. The report is published in the April 3 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Cardiovascular Disease Deaths Increasing Worldwide
THURSDAY, April 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Despite medical advances, new research indicates that more people are dying of heart disease and stroke worldwide than did a quarter century ago because the global population is growing, and growing older. The study is published in the April 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Fish Oil Could Possibly Interfere With Chemotherapy
THURSDAY, April 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fish oil supplements, and even certain fish, may hinder the effectiveness of chemotherapy, according to new research published online April 2 in JAMA Oncology.
Women Overweight in Youth May Face Higher CRC Risk
THURSDAY, April 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women who were overweight as children and teens may have a greater risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), no matter what their current weight, a new study cautions. The findings were published in the April issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Review: Vegan-Vegetarian Diets Seem Safe in Pregnancy
THURSDAY, April 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Vegan-vegetarian diets appear to be safe in pregnancy, according to a review published in the April issue of BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Sonographic Follow-Up May Be Adequate for Teen Breast Masses
THURSDAY, April 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Sonographically benign-appearing solid breast masses in adolescents may undergo sonographic follow-up based on combined criteria of size and volume change per month, according to a study published in the April 1 issue of the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine.
Most Childhood CA Survivors Battle Chronic Conditions
THURSDAY, April 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — About 70 percent of adults who survived cancer in childhood have a mild or moderate chronic condition, and nearly one-third have a severe, disabling, or life-threatening condition, according to a new study published in the April issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
DNA-Based Blood Test More Accurate in ID of Down Sx
THURSDAY, April 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A DNA-based blood test appears to be more effective in detecting possible Down syndrome in unborn children than other screening methods, researchers say. The findings have been published in the April 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Patients May Be Modifying Meds Due to Trouble Swallowing
THURSDAY, April 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Some patients experience difficulties swallowing and modify medication dosage forms, without necessarily consulting health professionals, according to research published in the March issue of the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research.
Methotrexate, Cyclosporine Least Costly Meds for Psoriasis
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Methotrexate and cyclosporine have the lowest monthly cost for treating psoriasis, according to a systematic review published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Association of Dermatology.
Misuse of Prescribed Opioids in One-Quarter
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Almost a quarter of opioids that are prescribed for chronic pain are misused, and the rate of addiction among patients hovers near 10 percent, according to a new review published in the April issue of PAIN.
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Legal Issues of Removing Patient From Practice Explored
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The legal and ethical responsibilities of removing a patient from practice are discussed in an article published March 16 in Medical Economics.
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New Guidelines Issued for BP Mgmt in Coronary Artery Disease
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Three leading groups of heart experts have issued updated guidelines that set blood pressure goals for people with coronary artery disease. The updated guidelines, from the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and the American Society of Hypertension, were published online March 31 in Hypertension.
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Acetaminophen Appears Lacking in Low Back Pain
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Acetaminophen does not appear to help ease lower back pain and offers little relief for the most common form of arthritis, according to a new report. The findings were published March 31 in The BMJ.
Outcomes No Worse for Macrolide-Resistant Pneumonia
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia, macrolide-resistance is not associated with worse outcomes, according to a study published online March 25 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Ob-Gyns Say Use Ultrasound First for Pelvic Symptoms
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Ultrasound should be the first type of imaging used to assess pelvic symptoms in women, a team of obstetricians and gynecologists write in an article published in the April issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Metformin Use Associated With Less CRC Risk in U.S. Population
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with diabetes in the United States, metformin use is associated with reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), according to a study published in the April 1 issue of Cancer.
Quality Improvement Intervention Cuts Tests Ordered
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of a multifaceted quality improvement intervention is associated with a decrease in the number of ordered laboratory tests, according to a study published online March 21 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Plasma B12 Levels Tied to Anorexia Nervosa Severity
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In patients with anorexia nervosa, plasma levels of vitamin B12 might be an early marker of liver dysfunction and are possibly related to more severe psychopathological aspects, according to a study published in the April issue of the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Serious Adverse Drug Reactions Still Occur With Bromocriptine
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can occur after bromocriptine use in lactation inhibition, most of which could be avoided, according to a study published online March 11 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Amiodarone Linked to Lowest Risk of Hospitalization in A-Fib
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For younger patients with atrial fibrillation, amiodarone is associated with the lowest risk of atrial fibrillation hospitalization, while dronedarone has the greatest risk, according to a study published online March 31 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
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