Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine 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.
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.
Lack of Adequate Sunlight May Up Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
THURSDAY, April 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People who live in regions with low sunlight may have a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, possibly because they don’t get enough vitamin D from the sun, new research suggests. The study appears online April 30 in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
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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.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Arteriovenous Fistula Use
THURSDAY, April 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Black and Hispanic patients are significantly less likely to initiate hemodialysis with arteriovenous fistula (AVF), compared with white patients, according to a study published online April 29 in JAMA Surgery.
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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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.
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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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.
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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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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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.
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.
Genetic Variations Could Hold Keys to Rheumatoid Arthritis Care
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Genetic variations may hold clues to rheumatoid arthritis — suggesting not only who will develop the condition, but also predicting its severity and a patient’s mortality risk, according to new research 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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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.
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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Motion-Tracking MRI May Help ID Stroke Risk in A-Fib
TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Motion-tracking magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the heart can help identify people with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are at high risk for stroke, a new study indicates. The study also calls into question the mechanism linking AF with higher stroke risk, says a team reporting the findings online April 27 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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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Shiitake Mushroom Intake Tied to Improved Human Immunity
MONDAY, April 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Regular consumption of Lentinula edodes (shiitake) mushrooms is associated with improved human immunity, according to a study published online April 11 in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
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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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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Post-Chemo Radiation May Not Be Needed in Early Hodgkin’s
THURSDAY, April 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with early Hodgkin’s lymphoma who have negative findings on positron-emission tomography (PET) after three cycles of chemotherapy, progression-free survival is similar with or without further radiation, according to a study published in the April 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Under and Over Imaging Suspected in Prostate CA Care
TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For men with nonmetastatic (M0) castration resistant prostate cancer who have a negative bone scan after diagnosis, factors associated with a second bone scan include higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA), shorter PSA doubling time, and faster PSA velocity; however, there may be under imaging in those at high risk and over imaging in those at low risk, according to a study published in the April issue of the The Journal of Urology.
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.
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.
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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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.
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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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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‘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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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.
Gene Variation May Impact Smoking Cessation Efforts
MONDAY, April 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A gene variation associated with smoking longer and getting lung cancer at a younger age has been identified by researchers. The study was published in the May issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
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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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.
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).
Higher Risk of Cardiac Arrest in Dialysis May Be Genetic
FRIDAY, April 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Genes may play a role in cardiac arrest risk among kidney patients who are on dialysis, new research suggests. The study was published online April 16 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
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.
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.
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.
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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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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Hydroxychloroquine May Reduce Hyperlipidemia Risk in Early RA
FRIDAY, April 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hydroxychloroquine appears to be associated with lower risk of hyperlipidemia in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a study published in the April issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
Hydration During PCI Cuts Risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy
FRIDAY, April 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hydration during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is associated with a reduction in the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), according to a study published in the May 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
Call for Gene Tests in Cancer to Include Normal Tissue
THURSDAY, April 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — If genetic tests are only done on cancer tissue, as many as half of patients may not receive the most appropriate treatment for their cancer, according to research published in the April 15 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
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.
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.
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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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.
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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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).
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.
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.
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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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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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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Nanotechnology Breath Test Could Help ID Gastric CA Earlier
TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A novel technology senses small changes in the levels of particular compounds in exhaled breath, and accurately identifies changes that signal the development of gastric cancer, according to a study published online April 13 in Gut.
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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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.
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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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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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Almost One in 10 Readmitted After Carotid Revascularization
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Almost one in 10 Medicare patients undergoing carotid revascularization are readmitted within 30 days, according to a study published in the April 14 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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).
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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Single-Dose Ebola Vaccine Effective in Nonhuman Primates
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A quick-acting, single-dose Ebola vaccine is safe and effective in nonhuman primates, and may lead to a new human vaccine, U.S. researchers reported Wednesday. The study was published online April 8 in Nature.
Older Blood May Be an Option for Cardiac Surgery Patients
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing cardiac surgery, using transfused red blood cells stored for 21 days or more is as good as using blood cells stored for 10 days or less, according to research findings reported in the April 9 issue of the New England Journal of 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.
Inexpensive Antihistamine Repurposed to Focus on HCV
THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Preliminary lab research suggests the antihistamine chlorcyclizine HCl that costs about 50 cents a pill has the potential to treat hepatitis C, offering an alternative to the newer medications that can sell for $1,000 a dose. The study appears in the April 8 issue of Science Translational 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.
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.
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.
MRI Could Be Useful Pancreatic Cancer Screen for High-Risk
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to screen people at high genetic risk for pancreatic cancer might help spot tumors early, according to new research. The findings were published online April 8 in JAMA Surgery.
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.
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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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.
Sedation Type Doesn’t Influence Diagnostic Yield in EBUS-TBNA
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The diagnostic yield of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is not influenced by the type of sedation used, according to a study published in the April 1 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
MRSA May Become More Aggressive With Smoke Exposure
TUESDAY, April 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Exposure to tobacco smoke prompts methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria to become even more aggressive, and makes it harder for the immune system to fight off the infection, according to a laboratory-based study published online March 30 in Infection and Immunity.
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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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.
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.
Nurse-Physician Collaboration Tied to Lower Infection Rates
MONDAY, April 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Collaborative relationships between nurses and physicians decrease rates of common health care-associated infections in intensive care units, according to a study published in the April issue of Critical Care Nurse.
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.
DPP-4 Inhibitors Not Tied to Pneumonia Hospitalizations
MONDAY, April 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors is not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia, according to a study published in the April issue of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
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.
HIV+ Patients Fare Better in Kidney Transplant Than Hep C+
FRIDAY, April 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients living with HIV have better outcomes following kidney transplantation than those infected with hepatitis C, or patients infected with both viruses, according to a study published online March 25 in Kidney International.
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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Review: Opioids Reduce Breathlessness in COPD
FRIDAY, April 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), opioids can improve breathlessness, but not exercise capacity, according to a review published online March 24 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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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.
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.
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.
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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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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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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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