Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Nursing 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.
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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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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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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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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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.
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.
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.
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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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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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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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
FDA: Counterfeit Botox Found in the United States
MONDAY, April 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Counterfeit Botox may have been distributed to doctors’ offices and medical clinics across the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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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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.
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.
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).
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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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.
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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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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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.
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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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.
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.
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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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.
Quality Improvement Intervention Cuts Lost OR Time
TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Significant reductions can be made in operating room (OR) time lost due to cancellation on the day of surgery (DoSC), according to a study published online April 13 in Pediatrics.
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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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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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
Improvement Seen in the Pediatric Readiness of ERs
MONDAY, April 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The pediatric readiness of U.S. emergency departments has improved, according to research published online April 13 in JAMA 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.
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.
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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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.
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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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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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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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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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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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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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.
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.
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.
Obesity Ups Respiratory Events in Peds Procedural Sedation
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Obesity is associated with increased odds of respiratory events and more frequent need for airway intervention in patients undergoing pediatric procedural sedation, according to a study published online March 27 in Pediatric Anesthesia.
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