Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pharmacy for December 2017. 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.
Tips Offered for Patient-Provider Opioid Tapering Talks
THURSDAY, Dec. 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Helping patients understand individualized reasons for opioid tapering and encouraging them to provide input into the process are key for patient-provider communications, according to a study published in the November issue of the Journal of Pain.
Guidelines Developed for Optimizing Treatment of HFrEF
THURSDAY, Dec. 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Guidelines have been developed to help optimize treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), according to an Expert Consensus Decision Pathway published online Dec. 22 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Out-of-Pocket Costs Correlate With Receipt of Cancer Care
THURSDAY, Dec. 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Across cancers, higher out-of-pocket (OOP) costs are associated with higher rates of oral prescription abandonment and delayed initiation, according to a study published online Dec. 20 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Three-Quarters Receiving ‘End of Life Option Act’ Drugs Take Them
THURSDAY, Dec. 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — About three-quarters of patients in California who receive End of Life Option Act (EOLOA) drugs ingest them and die, according to a research letter published online Dec. 26 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
More Than a Third of Patients Do Not Respond to Antiepileptics
THURSDAY, Dec. 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — More than one-third of patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy do not respond to treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), according to a study published online Dec. 26 in JAMA Neurology.
Effective Treatments Exist for Nausea, Vomiting of Pregnancy
THURSDAY, Dec. 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Early treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy can prevent complications, according to a Practice Bulletin published online Dec. 21 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Smoking Cessation Drug Tied to Increased Cardiovascular Risk
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Individuals taking varenicline for smoking cessation appear to be at increased risk of cardiovascular but not neuropsychiatric events, according to a study published online Dec. 20 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Reducing Tx May Harm Safety in Early HPV+ Oropharyngeal Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)+ stage I or II oropharyngeal cancer, deintensification of treatment from chemoradiotherapy to one modality may compromise safety, according to a study published online Dec. 15 in Cancer.
Rituximab Effective for Lupus-Associated Cytopenia
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Rituximab treatment seems effective for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-associated immune cytopenias, with an overall initial response rate of 86 percent, according to a study published online Dec. 16 in the American Journal of Hematology.
Calcium, Vitamin D Don’t Seem to Reduce Fracture Risk in Seniors
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For community-dwelling older adults, supplementation with calcium, vitamin D, or both does not reduce the incidence of fractures, according to a review published in the Dec. 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
L. reuteri DSM17938 Effective for Colic in Breastfed Infants
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 is effective for breastfed infants with colic, according to a meta-analysis published online Dec. 26 in Pediatrics.
Hepatitis B Vaccination Often Missed Among HIV Patients
TUESDAY, Dec. 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — More than one-third of adult U.S. HIV patients miss opportunities to initiate hepatitis B vaccination, according to a study published online Dec. 26 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
FDA Removes Boxed Warning From Certain Asthma Medications
TUESDAY, Dec. 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — New evidence regarding safety is spurring the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to remove a Boxed Warning from certain inhaled medications used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Plasma Volume Changes May Mediate Effects of Empagliflozin
TUESDAY, Dec. 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The reduction in risk of cardiovascular (CV) death with empagliflozin is most mediated by changes in hematocrit and hemoglobin, according to research published online Dec. 4 in Diabetes Care.
Swelling, Infection Most Common Side Effects of Injectable Fillers
THURSDAY, Dec. 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The most common adverse events associated with injectable fillers are swelling and infection, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.
Varenicline Linked to Reduction in Heavy Drinking in Men
THURSDAY, Dec. 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Varenicline is associated with reduced heavy drinking among men and with increased smoking abstinence, according to a study published online Dec. 20 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Obesity Tied to Greater Asthma Impairment in Preschoolers
THURSDAY, Dec. 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For preschool children, overweight/obesity is associated with more asthma symptom days and exacerbations among those not treated with a daily controller, and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are associated with significant improvements among overweight/obese preschoolers, according to research published online Dec. 19 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Findings Support Comprehensive Approach for Seniors With Cancer
THURSDAY, Dec. 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Addressing persistent symptoms, managing comorbidities, promoting leisure-time physical activity, and addressing financial challenges are key in optimizing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults with cancer, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in Cancer.
Interruption of Apixaban Doesn’t Impact Bleeding in A-Fib
THURSDAY, Dec. 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing catheter ablation for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF), both uninterrupted and minimally interrupted apixaban are associated with a very low rate of thromboembolic events, according to a study published online Dec. 20 in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.
Financial Strain, Stress High Among Colorectal CA Survivors
THURSDAY, Dec. 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Four in 10 colorectal cancer survivors report cancer-related financial stress or strain, which is significantly associated with low health-related quality of life, according to a study published in the January issue of Diseases of the Colon & Rectum.
Pioglitazone Associated With Lower Blood Leptin in Diabetes
THURSDAY, Dec. 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Compared to placebo, pioglitazone is associated with significantly lower blood leptin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a meta-analysis published online Dec. 1 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
Methotrexate, Azathioprine Seem Safe Long-Term for Dermatitis
THURSDAY, Dec. 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Methotrexate and azathioprine appear to be effective and safe as maintenance treatments in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis for up to five years, according to research published online Dec. 13 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Herpes Zoster Risk Not Up in Systemically Treated Psoriasis
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with psoriasis, the risk of herpes zoster (HZ) is not significantly increased for systemically treated patients or for those receiving biologics versus nonbiologics, according to a research letter published online Dec. 20 in JAMA Dermatology.
Cisatracurium Ups Some ARDS Outcomes Versus Vecuronium
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Among patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cisatracurium does not improve mortality versus vecuronium but is associated with improvements in other outcomes, according to a study published online in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Switching Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Beneficial After ACS
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Switching dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) from aspirin plus ticagrelor or prasugrel to aspirin plus clopidogrel after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) provides benefits regardless of initial platelet reactivity, according to a study published in the Dec. 26 issue of JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.
Oral Care Guidelines Can Improve Quality of Oral Health Care
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Development and implementation of standardized oral care treatment and referral guidelines can improve the overall quality of oral health practice for older sub-acute patients, according to a study published online Dec. 13 in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research.
DPP-4 Inhibitor Has Dissociated Effects on β-Cell Function
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For healthy adults and individuals with well-controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D), a single dose of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin is associated with increased standardized insulin secretion, with no impact on β-cell glucose sensitivity, according to a study published online Dec. 11 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Microneedling Plus TCA Peel Performs Well in Acne Scarring
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Microneedling combined with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling is more effective than microneedling by dermaroller plus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or microneedling alone for treatment of acne scarring, according to a study published online Dec. 10 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Two Cases of Progressive Cutaneous Anthrax Described
TUESDAY, Dec. 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Two cases of cutaneous anthrax which started on the right forearm and progressed are described in a case report published online Dec. 12 in the International Journal of Dermatology.
Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics Best for Children With Acute RTIs
TUESDAY, Dec. 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For children with acute respiratory tract infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics are not associated with better clinical or patient-centered outcomes compared with narrow-spectrum antibiotics, according to a study published in the Dec. 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Tumor-Treating Fields Aid Survival With Glioblastoma
TUESDAY, Dec. 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The use of the tumor-treating fields (TTFields) treatment modality, in addition to maintenance chemotherapy, significantly improves survival in patients with glioblastoma, according to a study published in the Dec. 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Special Precautions Not Advised for Flu Vaccine in Egg Allergic
TUESDAY, Dec. 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) are safe for individuals with egg allergy of any severity, according to a practice parameter update published online Dec. 19 in the Annals of Asthma, Allergy & and Immunology.
Cancer Therapies May Trigger Aging Phenotypes in Survivors
TUESDAY, Dec. 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Cancer therapies have direct effects on telomere length, epigenetic modifications, and microRNA, which can mimic phenotypes of aging, according to a review published online Dec. 18 in ESMO Open.
Primary Care Crucial for Preventing New HIV Infections
TUESDAY, Dec. 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Primary care providers will play an important role in preventing the next wave of HIV infections, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Gingko Biloba Extract Found Effective in Acute Ischemic Stroke
TUESDAY, Dec. 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For acute ischemic stroke, Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) in combination with aspirin alleviates cognitive and neurological deficits, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in Stroke and Vascular Neurology.
Pre-Op Liraglutide Cuts Post-Op Plasma Glucose in T2DM
TUESDAY, Dec. 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing non-cardiac surgery, premedication with liraglutide is associated with reduced median plasma glucose one hour postoperatively, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in Anaesthesia.
Rx Discrepancies Common in Hospital Discharge Summaries
TUESDAY, Dec. 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For older patients discharged from a regional hospital, there are frequently discrepancies between the electronic discharge summaries and the National Inpatient Medication Chart (NIMC) or discharge prescription, according to a study published online Dec. 13 in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research.
Intensive BP Goals Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Events
TUESDAY, Dec. 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Intensive blood pressure lowering may similarly decrease cardiovascular events in both patients with and patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to a study published online Dec. 6 in Diabetes Care.
Subcutaneous Galcanezumab May Help Prevent Episodic Migraines
MONDAY, Dec. 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Monthly subcutaneous injections of galcanezumab are efficacious in prevention of episodic migraine headaches, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in JAMA Neurology.
No Magic Bullet for Preventing Late-Life Dementia
MONDAY, Dec. 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The evidence of benefit for different types of interventions to prevent late-life dementia is limited, according to four reviews published online Dec. 18 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text – Review 1 (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract/Full Text – Review 2 (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract/Full Text – Review 3 (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract/Full Text – Review 4 (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Probiotics, Chewing Gum Found Ineffective for Pharyngitis
MONDAY, Dec. 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Neither probiotics nor xylitol-based chewing gum cuts the severity of symptoms associated with pharyngitis, according to a study published in the Dec. 18 issue of CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Counseling Linked to Reduction in Vaccine Exemption Rates
MONDAY, Dec. 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of Washington state’s Senate Bill 5005 (SB5005), which requires counseling and a signed form from a licensed health care provider to obtain a vaccine exemption, was associated with a decrease in exemption rates and an increase in vaccine coverage for vaccines required for school entrance, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in Pediatrics.
Microbiome Intervention With Niacin Aids Insulin Sensitivity
MONDAY, Dec. 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A targeted microbiome intervention, accomplished through microencapsulated delayed-release niacin, beneficially affects insulin sensitivity in humans, according to a study published online Dec. 6 in Diabetes Care.
Long-Term Macrolide Use Linked to Resistant P. Acnes
MONDAY, Dec. 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Long-term oral macrolide administration may increase macrolide-resistant Propionibacterium acnes, according to a study published online Dec. 13 in the Journal of Dermatology.
Anaphylaxis Is Rare Complication of Pregnancy
MONDAY, Dec. 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Anaphylaxis is a rare complication of pregnancy, with an estimated incidence of 1.6 per 100,000 maternities, according to a study published online Nov. 29 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Ulixertinib Is Active in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors
FRIDAY, Dec. 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The ERK1/2 kinase inhibitor ulixertinib is active and safe for patients with advanced solid tumors, according to a study published online Dec. 15 in Cancer Discovery.
Flu Vaccine Expected to Protect Against Most U.S. H3N2 Viruses
FRIDAY, Dec. 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A novel bioinformatics approach can predict vaccine effectiveness for the influenza season, and indicates that the current vaccines are likely to be effective against H3N2 flu viruses in the U.S. 2017/2018 flu season, according to research published online Nov. 29 in F1000 Research.
Pharmacist Participation in Medical Homes Aids Outcomes
FRIDAY, Dec. 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A program that integrates clinical pharmacists into established primary care medical home practices helps patients achieve better disease management for high blood pressure (HBP) and diabetes mellitus (DM), compared to usual care, according to a study published recently in the Journal of International Medical Research.
Prevalence of Diabetes Tops 20 Percent Among U.S. Veterans
THURSDAY, Dec. 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The overall prevalence of diabetes among U.S. veterans was 20.5 percent in 2013 to 2014, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
Making Insurers Participate in Marketplace Could Cut Volatility
THURSDAY, Dec. 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Requiring insurers that participate in Medicare or Medicaid to also participate in Marketplaces in the same geographic area could improve access to insurance, according to a study published in the December issue of Health Affairs.
Recent Change in Spectrum of HIV-Linked Kidney Disease
THURSDAY, Dec. 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The spectrum of HIV-associated kidney disease has changed with the improvement of therapy for HIV infection, according to a review article published in the Dec. 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Bivalent Meningococcal B Vaccine Safe, Immunogenic
THURSDAY, Dec. 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A bivalent meningococcal B vaccine targeting factor H-binding protein (MenB-FHbp) elicits bactericidal responses against diverse meningococcal B strains after two and three doses in adolescents and young adults, according to a study published in the Dec. 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Ocular Safety Profile of Novel Oral Antithrombotics Explored
THURSDAY, Dec. 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Prasugrel carries no increased ocular risk compared with clopidogrel, and dabigatran and rivaroxaban may reduce risk compared with warfarin, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Foley Catheter Plus Oxytocin Does Not Speed Delivery
THURSDAY, Dec. 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The use of a transcervical Foley catheter plus oxytocin does not shorten the time to delivery in women with prelabor rupture of membranes compared with oxytocin alone, according to a study published online Dec. 7 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Stricter Short-Term Glycemic Control May Increase Remission
THURSDAY, Dec. 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Stricter glycemic control during short-term intensive insulin therapy for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients is associated with a higher likelihood of remission at one year, according to a study published online Nov. 30 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
Gabapentin Doesn’t Cut Time to Pain Cessation After Surgery
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing surgery, gabapentin does not reduce the time to pain cessation, but can increase the rate of opioid cessation, according to a study published online Dec. 13 in JAMA Surgery.
In Utero Methylphenidate Exposure Tied to Heart Defects
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Intrauterine exposure to methylphenidate is associated with a small increase in the risk of cardiac malformations, according to a study published online Dec. 13 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Hydroquinidine Cuts Serious Arrhythmic Events in SQTS
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Treatment with hydroquinidine (HQ) prolongs the QT interval in patients with short QT syndrome (SQTS) and reduces the occurrence of life-threatening arrhythmic events (LAE), according to a study published in the Dec. 19 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Amount of Opioids Prescribed After Hospital Discharge Varies
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For postoperative patients there is considerable variation in the amount of opioids prescribed at hospital discharge, according to research published online Dec. 13 in JAMA Surgery.
Measuring Quality of Life Important With Diabetes Tx
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with diabetes report worse quality of life (QoL) with more intensified treatment, according to a study published in online Nov. 28 in Diabetes Care.
Findings Support Individualized Glycemic Control in T2DM
TUESDAY, Dec. 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An individualized approach to glycemic control in type 2 diabetes is likely to reduce costs and improve quality of life, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
FDA OKs Nucala for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
TUESDAY, Dec. 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Nucala (mepolizumab) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first drug to treat adults with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a rare autoimmune disease that leads to vasculitis.
USPSTF Recommends Against Hormone Tx Post Menopause
TUESDAY, Dec. 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against use of hormone therapy for preventing chronic conditions in postmenopausal women. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published in the Dec. 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Recommendation Statement
Evidence Report
Editorial 1
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Omalizumab Ups Efficacy of Multifood Oral Immunotherapy
TUESDAY, Dec. 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Omalizumab improves the efficacy of multifood oral immunotherapy among pediatric patients with multifood allergies, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
Pediatric Oncologists Willing to Consider Medical Marijuana
TUESDAY, Dec. 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The absence of standards is an important barrier to pediatric oncologists recommending medical marijuana (MM), despite their willingness to do so, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in Pediatrics.
Allopurinol Rx More Likely With Eligibility at Diagnosis
TUESDAY, Dec. 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Allopurinol prescribing is more likely if patients meet eligibility criteria at diagnosis, according to a research brief published in the November/December issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
FDA Approves Admelog for Diabetes
MONDAY, Dec. 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Admelog (insulin lispro), a short-acting form of insulin, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat patients aged 3 years and older with either type of diabetes.
Preconception Paternal SSRI Use Linked to ADHD in Offspring
MONDAY, Dec. 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Paternal use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) before conception is associated with increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring, according to a study published online Dec. 11 in Pediatrics.
Stair-Step Clomiphene Reduces Time to Ovulation in PCOS
MONDAY, Dec. 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The stair-step clomiphene protocol is associated with decreased time to ovulation for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a study published online Dec. 4 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
β-Cell Sensitivity to Glucose Impaired After Gastric Bypass
MONDAY, Dec. 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with prior Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GB) have blunted β-cell sensitivity to changes in glycemia, according to a study published online Nov. 20 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Few Patients, Providers Discuss Costs of Glaucoma Medications
MONDAY, Dec. 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Few patients have conversations with providers about the cost of glaucoma medications, according to research published in the December issue of Optometry and Vision Science.
Deceleration in Health Care Spending Growth in 2016
MONDAY, Dec. 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Health care spending growth slowed in 2016 following faster growth in 2014 and 2015, according to research published online Dec. 6 in Health Affairs.
Dopamine Receptor Antagonist Antipsychotic Tx Can Affect BP
FRIDAY, Dec. 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Use of dopaminergic antagonists and agonists can affect blood pressure (BP), according to a review published online Nov. 8 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
ORBIT Bleeding Risk Score Performs Best in A-Fib
FRIDAY, Dec. 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Four contemporary clinical bleeding risk scores are able to identify atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at risk for major bleeding and life-threatening bleeding, according to a study published online Nov. 7 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Novel Subcutaneous Furosemide May Be Option in Heart Failure
FRIDAY, Dec. 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A novel, pH-neutral furosemide formulation administered subcutaneously (SC) in outpatients with worsening heart failure appears to be safe and effective, according to a study published online Dec. 6 in JACC: Heart Failure.
No Increase in Seizure Incidence With Enzalutamide in mCRPC
FRIDAY, Dec. 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with at least one risk factor for seizure at baseline, treatment with enzalutamide is not associated with increased incidence of seizure, according to research published online Dec. 7 in JAMA Oncology.
Influenza Picking Up in U.S., Predominantly A(H3N2)
FRIDAY, Dec. 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Influenza activity was low during October 2017 but started increasing in November, with influenza A, predominantly A(H3N2), most commonly identified, according to research published in the Dec. 8 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Breast CA Risk Up With Recent Hormonal Contraceptive Use
THURSDAY, Dec. 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Women who currently use or who have recently used contemporary hormonal contraceptives may have an increased risk of breast cancer, although the absolute increase is small, according to a study published in the Dec. 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
VDT PACE Effective in Relapsed, Refractory Multiple Myeloma
THURSDAY, Dec. 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For heavily pre-treated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), bortezomib, dexamethasone, thalidomide, cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and etoposide (VDT PACE) regimen and its modifications (VDT PACE-like regimens [VPLRs]) are effective, according to a study published online Oct. 25 in the American Journal of Hematology.
Evidence-Based Guidelines Cut Postoperative Opioid Use
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of evidence-based guidelines can reduce opioid prescribing after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, according to a research letter published online Dec. 6 in JAMA Surgery.
FDA Approves Ozempic for Type 2 Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new once-weekly diabetes medication that lowers blood glucose and also helps patients lose weight has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
In CAD With GI Bleeding, Higher Mortality With Triple Therapy
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) and coronary artery disease (CAD), triple therapy is associated with increased risk of mortality at 90 days after adjustment for confounding variables, according to a study published online Nov. 20 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
CRP Levels Potentially Useful in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are frequently elevated in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), and these elevations are relevant and potentially useful in management of the condition, according to a study published online Nov. 12 in Allergy.
Program Aids Quality of Life for Older Adults With T2DM
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A community-based program improves quality of life and self-management in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and comorbidities, according to a study published online Nov. 27 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Remission of Type 2 Diabetes Feasible for Primary Care
TUESDAY, Dec. 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Intensive weight management implemented in primary care practices can result in remission of type 2 diabetes for almost half of patients, according to a study published online Dec. 5 in The Lancet.
Shortest Development Time for Breakthrough Status Drugs
TUESDAY, Dec. 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Drugs with breakthrough status have the shortest median development time, according to a research letter published in the Dec. 5 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
CVS-Aetna Merger Has Implications for Doctors’ Offices
TUESDAY, Dec. 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — CVS Health’s planned purchase of insurance giant Aetna, a $69 billion deal, was announced Sunday.
More Information – NYT
More Information – HealthDay
Antithrombotics Deemed Safe in Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
TUESDAY, Dec. 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing wide-awake carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery, antithrombotic (AT) agents may be safely continued, according to a research letter published online Nov. 29 in JAMA Surgery.
Link Between Diabetes, Antibiotic Use Called Into Question
TUESDAY, Dec. 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Previous findings that systemic use of antibiotics increases the risk of diabetes may actually be explained by clinical and lifestyle factors, according to a study published online Nov. 20 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Relevant Health Care Price Info Hard to Find Online
MONDAY, Dec. 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Overall, 17 percent of websites provide geographically relevant health care price estimates relating to specific interventions, according to a research letter published online Dec. 4 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Risk of Persistent Opioid Use a Concern for Youth After Surgery
MONDAY, Dec. 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Adolescents and young adults are at risk for persistent opioid use after surgery, and this represents an important pathway to consider in the epidemic of prescription opioid misuse, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in Pediatrics.
Nivolumab May Induce Successful Depletion of HIV Reservoir
MONDAY, Dec. 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Nivolumab treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer may induce successful depletion of HIV reservoir, according to a letter to the editor published online Dec. 1 in the Annals of Oncology.
Adherence to T2DM Treatment Varies Across Medication Classes
MONDAY, Dec. 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variation in adherence across medication classes for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a review published online Nov. 14 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
FDA Approves Biosimilar Ogivri for Breast, Stomach Cancers
FRIDAY, Dec. 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Ogivri (trastuzumab-dkst) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the nation’s first biosimilar drug to treat certain breast and stomach cancers, the agency said Friday in a news release.
ACC Guides Treatment of Bleeding With Oral Anticoagulation
FRIDAY, Dec. 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A decision pathway has been developed to guide management of acute bleeding in patients treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs); the decision pathway was published online Dec. 1 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Differences in Cancer Survival by Type of Insurance
FRIDAY, Dec. 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — From 1997 to 2014, improvements in cancer survival were mainly limited to patients with private or Medicare insurance, according to a study published online Nov. 30 in JAMA Oncology.
Storage in Dose Administration Aids Doesn’t Affect Warfarin
FRIDAY, Dec. 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The chemical stability of warfarin sodium tablets is not affected by repackaging into dose administration aids (DAAs), according to a study published online Nov. 16 in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research.
Lower Microbial Diversity in the Gut in Anorexia Nervosa
FRIDAY, Dec. 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Females with anorexia nervosa (AN) have lower gut microbial diversity, according to a study published online Nov. 13 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Fat Intake Influences HbA1c-Lowering Effect in DPP4i Therapy
FRIDAY, Dec. 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), fat intake may contribute to the deterioration of the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)-lowering effects in dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) monotherapy, according to a study published online Nov. 24 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
>40% of Cancers, Cancer Deaths Due to Modifiable Risk Factors
FRIDAY, Dec. 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An estimated 42.0 percent of all incident cancers and 45.1 percent of cancer deaths in the United States are attributed to potentially modifiable risk factors, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
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