Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Family Practice for February 2016. 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.
Analysis Reveals ‘Female Libido’ Pill May Not Be Worth It
MONDAY, Feb. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Flibanserin (Addyi), the “female libido” pill, appears to cause many serious side effects while failing to increase the desire for sexual activity, according to a review published online Feb. 29 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Air Pollution Tied to Adverse Effect on Metabolic Parameters
MONDAY, Feb. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Short-term exposure to air pollutants adversely affects glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and blood lipid concentrations in Mexican-American populations, according to a study published online Feb. 11 in Diabetes Care.
Car Crash Risk May Nearly Double in Patients With Syncope
MONDAY, Feb. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with a history of syncope may be almost twice as likely as others to get into a car crash, according to a study published online Feb. 29 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
FDA Adds Boxed Warning Requirement to Essure Device
MONDAY, Feb. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A new boxed warning is needed on the Essure implantable birth control device, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a guidance released Monday. The FDA also said Essure maker Bayer needs to conduct a study to assess the “risks of the device in a real-world environment.”
CDC Issues Advice for Travel to Rio 2016 Summer Olympics
MONDAY, Feb. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In a media statement issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, advice relating to health and safety is offered for those planning to attend the 2016 Summer Olympic Games and the 2016 Paralympic Games, both of which are being held in Rio de Janeiro.
FDA Approves Emergency Use of CDC Test for Zika Virus
MONDAY, Feb. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a diagnostic tool for Zika virus that will be distributed to qualified laboratories, according to a media statement issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
No Increase in Depression for Supported Transgender Children
MONDAY, Feb. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Transgender children who have socially transitioned and are supported to live openly as the gender “opposite” their natal sex do not have elevations in depression, and have only slightly elevated anxiety, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in Pediatrics.
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Risk Higher in Younger Children for Tonsillectomy Complications
MONDAY, Feb. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Although many pediatric patients undergo tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A) in ambulatory settings, an inpatient setting may be safer for younger children who are at higher risk of complications, according to research published in online Feb. 25 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Algorithms Valid for Black Adults
MONDAY, Feb. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Current cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk algorithms are valid for black adults, according to a study published online Feb. 24 in JAMA Cardiology.
Drug-Induced Liver Injury From Chinese, Western Meds Varies
MONDAY, Feb. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and Western medicine (WM) have different effects as causes of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), according to a study published online Feb. 20 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
CDC: Zika Found in Nine U.S. Pregnancies
FRIDAY, Feb. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Five of nine pregnancies among U.S. women who were infected with the Zika virus have resulted in adverse outcomes, according to research published in the Feb. 26 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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PTSD, Depression Common After Stem Cell Transplant
FRIDAY, Feb. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A considerable proportion of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) meet the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression at six months after the procedure, according to a study published in the March 1 issue of Cancer.
Irritable Bowel Self-Management Strategies Sustainable
FRIDAY, Feb. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Comprehensive self-management (CSM) strategies are sustainable for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a study published in the February issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Some Women Lack Interest in Sex With New Contraceptive
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Almost one-quarter of women report lacking interest in sex at six months after initiating a new contraceptive method, compared to over 40 percent of women using no contraceptive method, according to a study published in the March issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Anxiety Tied to Ischemia During Exercise Testing for Women
FRIDAY, Feb. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For women without history of coronary artery disease (CAD), those with anxiety are more likely to exhibit ischemia during exercise testing than those without anxiety, according to a study published in the February issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
After-Hours CTs on the Rise in Some Emergency Departments
FRIDAY, Feb. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The number of after-hours computed tomography (CT) scans referred by Australian emergency departments increased substantially from 2011 to 2013, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology.
Dispositional Mindfulness Tied to Improved Glucose Regulation
FRIDAY, Feb. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Dispositional mindfulness seems to be associated with improved glucose regulation, according to a study published in the March issue of the American Journal of Health Behavior.
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Preemies Have Lasting Risk for Anesthesia Adverse Events
FRIDAY, Feb. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Preterm children have an increased risk of developing sedation/anesthesia adverse events, which continues up to age 23 years, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in Pediatrics.
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No Evidence for Benefits of ‘Vaginal Seeding’
FRIDAY, Feb. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The increasingly common practice of “vaginal seeding” in infants born by cesarean section is not without risks, according to an editorial published online Feb. 23 in The BMJ.
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Decreases in Readmission Rates From 2007 to 2015
FRIDAY, Feb. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — From 2007 to 2015 there were decreases in readmission rates for targeted and nontargeted conditions, according to a study published online Feb. 24 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Research Links Zika Virus to Hydrops Fetalis, Fetal Demise
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Zika virus may be associated with hydrops fetalis and fetal demise, according to a case report published online Feb. 25 in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
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Active Mind May Delay Alzheimer Symptoms, but Not Disease
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Intellectual enrichment (high education and high midlife cognitive activity) has effects on biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in older adults, according to a study published online Feb. 24 in Neurology.
CDC: Flu Season Continues to Be Mild; Vaccine Is Effective
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — This flu season continues to be mild, while the flu vaccine is working better than the one used last season, with an overall efficacy of 59 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Public Reporting of Hospital Readmissions Hasn’t Cut Rates
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure, and pneumonia, the release of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) public reporting of hospital readmission rates has had no impact on 30-day readmission trends, according to a study published in the March 1 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Zolpidem Use Linked to Motor Vehicle Collisions in Elderly
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Zolpidem users, especially women and individuals aged ≥80 years, have higher rates of motor vehicle collisions (MVCs), according to a study published online in Sleep Medicine.
Point-of-Sale Education Needed for Cannabis Tourists
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The rates of emergency department visits possibly related to marijuana use have increased disproportionately for out-of-state visitors compared with Colorado residents, according to a research letter published in the Feb. 25 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Suggestions for Optimizing Practice Feedback Effectiveness
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In an article published online Feb. 23 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, 15 suggestions are presented to optimize the effectiveness of practice feedback.
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Early Weaning Linked to Reduced Risk of Atopic Dermatitis
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Early weaning at age 4 to 5 months is associated with reduced risk of atopic dermatitis, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in Allergy.
No Benefit From Aspirin Prior to Coronary Artery Surgery
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Preoperative aspirin does not lower risk of death or thrombotic complications among patients undergoing coronary artery surgery, according to research published in the Feb. 25 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Normative Cardiac Data Identified for NBA Athletes
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In a study published online Feb. 24 in JAMA Cardiology, researchers provide normative cardiac data for a group of National Basketball Association (NBA) professional athletes.
First Rapid Test for Zika Virus Detection Developed in Texas
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The first rapid detection test for the Zika virus has been developed by teams at two Texas hospitals.
CDC: 14 Potential New Cases of Zika Sexually Transmitted
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Fourteen U.S. cases of possible sexual transmission of the Zika virus are now under investigation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the agency announced on Tuesday.
Authors Urge Caution Before Adopting New Systolic BP Goals
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A small reduction as the primary composite outcome may not justify the increased adverse events and costs associated with an intervention targeting systolic blood pressure (BP) less than 120 mm Hg, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online Feb. 23 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Macrolide Antibiotics Not Linked to Ventricular Arrhythmia
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For older adults, macrolide antibiotics are not associated with a higher risk of ventricular arrhythmia within 30 days compared with nonmacrolide antibiotics, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Lower 25-OH D Tied to Adverse Pathology in Full Prostatectomy
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For men with localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D) insufficiency/deficiency is associated with increased odds of adverse pathology, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Benzodiazepine Prescriptions Rose From 1996 to 2013
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Benzodiazepine prescriptions and overdose deaths increased considerably from 1996 to 2013, according to a study published online Feb. 18 in the American Journal of Public Health.
Prednisolone Deemed Safe, Effective First-Line Acute Gout Rx
TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with acute gout, prednisolone has similar analgesic effectiveness to indomethacin, according to a study published online Feb. 23 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Recommendations Developed for CRC Screening in Primary Care
TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations have been developed for colorectal cancer screening in primary care. The guidelines were published online Feb. 22 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
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Mind-Body Intervention Can Improve Function, Pain in LBP
TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A mind-body intervention can improve short-term function and current and most severe pain for elderly patients with chronic low back pain (LBP), according to a study published online Feb. 22 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
ACOG: Vaginal Estrogen Can Be Used for Breast Cancer Survivors
TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of vaginal estrogen should be carefully considered by women with a history of estrogen-dependent breast cancer, according to a Committee Opinion published in the March issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Bariatric Surgery Tied to Drop in Heart Failure Exacerbations
TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Bariatric surgery to promote substantial weight loss is linked to reduced rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for heart failure exacerbations among obese patients with the condition, according to research published in the March 1 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Intralesional Cryosurgery Feasible for BCC in Elderly
TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Intralesional cryosurgery is feasible for treating basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the lower extremities in elderly patients, according to a study published in the March issue of the International Journal of Dermatology.
Low Risk of Recurrent VTE for Upper Extremity DVT, SVT
TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients with upper extremity deep and superficial vein thrombosis (UEDVT and UESVT) have low risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) but high mortality, according to a study published online Feb. 11 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
4vHPV Type Prevalence Down After Vaccine Introduction
TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has correlated with a reduction in quadrivalent HPV (4vHPV) type prevalence among females aged 14 to 19 and 20 to 24 years, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in Pediatrics.
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Maternal Cardiac Dysfunction Precedes Recurrent Preeclampsia
TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Women with previous early preeclampsia have signs of diastolic dysfunction and different left ventricular characteristics in the nonpregnant state before a second pregnancy with recurrent preeclampsia, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in Hypertension.
Increase in Availability of Donor Human Milk Over Time in NICUs
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — During recent years there has been an increase in the availability of donor human milk (DHM) in hospitals, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in Pediatrics.
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Teen Weight, Height Linked to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Higher body weight and taller stature during adolescence are associated with increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), according to a study published online Feb. 22 in Cancer.
Combination Treatment for Acne May Be Best in Most Cases
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — An evidence-based guideline for the management of acne vulgaris has been published online Feb. 17 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Early Administration of β-Blockers Ups Survival in ACS
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), early administration of β-blockers is associated with increased short-term survival and improved left ventricular function, according to a study published in the March 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Guidelines Developed for Suspected Zika in Children
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — New guidelines have been developed for evaluation and testing of infants and children with possible Zika virus infection. The interim guidelines were published in the Feb. 19 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Birth Defects Not Up Significantly With Anti-TNFs in Pregnancy
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Birth defects are not significantly more prevalent among women receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents during pregnancy, according to a study published in the February issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Fever Not Associated With Primary Tooth Eruption
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Gum irritation, irritability, and drooling, but not fever, are the most frequent signs of primary tooth eruption, according to a meta-analysis published online Feb. 18 in Pediatrics.
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G-Pen May Aid Hypoglycemia With Type 1 Diabetes
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Mini-dose glucagon administered using a stable, ready-to-use G-Pen Mini glucagon may be an effective option for mild to moderate hypoglycemia in adults with type 1 diabetes, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Diabetes Care.
Quality of Life After DCIS Diagnosis Doesn’t Decline
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Quality of life (QoL) after a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis is generally comparable to that of similarly aged women without the diagnosis, according to a study published online Feb. 16 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Topical Rx Restores Testosterone Levels to Normal in Men
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Application of once-daily topical testosterone effectively restores normal testosterone levels in men, according to a study published in the March issue of The Journal of Urology.
Only Half of Kidney Stone Patients Compliant With Tx
FRIDAY, Feb. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Just over half of kidney stone patients are adherent to preventive pharmacological therapy, and adherent patients have lower levels of health care utilization, according to a study published in the March issue of The Journal of Urology.
Exercise May Offer Benefit in Adult, Juvenile Myositis
FRIDAY, Feb. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Exercise may benefit patients with adult and juvenile myositis, according to research published online Feb. 8 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Feedback From High-Profile Messenger Can Cut Antibiotic Rx
FRIDAY, Feb. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Feedback from a high-profile messenger can reduce antibiotic prescribing on a national scale, according to a study published online Feb. 18 in The Lancet.
Calcium Channel Blockers Lower Fasting Glucose in Diabetes
FRIDAY, Feb. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For adults with diabetes, calcium channel blocker (CCB) use is associated with lower fasting serum glucose levels, according to a study published online Jan. 15 in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.
Botulinum Toxin Ups Physical, Mental Health in Hyperhidrosis
FRIDAY, Feb. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with hyperhidrosis, botulinum toxin treatment is associated with significant improvements in mental and physical health, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in the Journal of Dermatology.
Masked HTN Common in CKD, Linked to Target Organ Damage
FRIDAY, Feb. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), masked hypertension is common and is associated with reduced kidney function and cardiovascular target organ damage, according to a study published online Feb. 18 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Mortality 18.5 Percent for Ebola Management in U.S., Europe
THURSDAY, Feb. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients with Ebola virus disease (EVD) who received care in the United States and Europe show mortality of 18.5 percent, according to a study published in the Feb. 18 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Testosterone Therapy Offers Modest Benefits for Older Men
THURSDAY, Feb. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Testosterone treatment may offer moderate benefit in improving sexual function in older men, but further research is needed to establish possible risks, according to research published in the Feb. 18 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Zika Virus ID’d in Amniotic Fluid From Two Pregnant Women
THURSDAY, Feb. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Zika virus has been identified in amniotic fluid of two pregnant women in Brazil whose fetuses have been diagnosed with microcephaly, according to a case study published online Feb. 17 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Intensive Diabetes Therapy Cuts CVD Incidence by 30 Percent
THURSDAY, Feb. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Participants who were taught intensive therapy for type 1 diabetes during the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) experienced clinically beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes at 30 years of follow-up, according to research published online Feb. 9 in Diabetes Care.
Letrozole Tied to Ovarian Function Recovery in Chemo
THURSDAY, Feb. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Some women aged 40 to 49 years with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who undergo chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea regain ovarian function with letrozole, according to a study published online Feb. 16 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Black Women Have Worse IVF Outcomes Versus White Women
THURSDAY, Feb. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Black women have worse in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes than white women, according to a review published in the February issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Tied to Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is independently associated with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, according to a study published online Feb. 17 in JAMA Dermatology.
Cannabis Use Not Linked to Risk of Mood, Anxiety Disorders
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Cannabis use is not associated with increased risk of mood or anxiety disorders, but is associated with increased risk of several substance use disorders within the general population, according to research published online Feb. 17 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Review: Higher Concentration of PUFAs in Organic Meat
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Organic meat and milk have higher concentrations of total and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), according to two meta-analyses published online Feb. 16 in the British Journal of Nutrition.
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Interstitial Lung Abnormalities Linked to Increased Mortality
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Interstitial lung abnormalities correlate with increased risk of all-cause mortality, according to research published in the Feb. 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Outcomes Explored for ER Return Visit Hospital Admissions
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients with emergency department visits who are initially discharged and are then admitted at a return visit have better clinical outcomes that those hospitalized at the index emergency department visit without a return visit, according to a study published in the Feb. 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Delivery of Preventive Services to Infants Can Be Improved
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The reliability of delivering a bundle of preventive services to patients aged 0 to 14 months can be improved with innovative redesign, according to a study published online Feb. 17 in Pediatrics.
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Obesity Ups Mortality Risk in Critically Ill Children
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Being overweight or obese is linked to increased mortality in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), according to research published online Feb. 16 in Pediatrics.
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Many Med Schools Appear Unwelcoming Regarding Disability
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Most medical schools need to post, update, or clarify technical standards (TSs), required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), that detail what a school will do to accommodate a student with a disability, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in Academic Medicine.
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Ferritin, Transferrin Positively Linked to Type 2 Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Higher levels of ferritin and transferrin correlate with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among men and women, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Diabetes Care.
Thyroid Function Level Linked to Breast Cancer Risk
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Women with hyperthyroidism have increased breast cancer risk, while hypothyroidism is associated with decreased risk, according to a study published in the April 1 issue of the European Journal of Endocrinology.
USPSTF: Evidence Lacking for Routine Use of ASD Screening
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the evidence is currently insufficient to weigh the balance of benefits and harms of screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children for whom no concerns of ASD have been raised. These findings form the basis of a recommendation statement published in the Feb. 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Nonmedical Stimulant Use Up Among Adults, Not Teens
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Nonmedical stimulant use has increased among adults in recent years, according to a study published online Feb. 16 in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
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HIV Antigen/Antibody Combo Assay Can Detect Acute Infection
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — HIV screening using an antigen/antibody (Ag/Ab) combination assay can detect 82 percent of the acute HIV infections detectable by pooled RNA testing, according to a study published in the Feb. 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Computer-Assisted Stethoscope Can ID Respiratory Sounds
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A computer-assisted stethoscope can quickly and accurately identify respiratory sounds, according to a research letter published online Feb. 16 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Pain Relief With Individualized Acupuncture in Fibromyalgia
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — An individualized acupuncture protocol provides lasting pain relief for patients with fibromyalgia, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in Acupuncture in Medicine.
Continuous Oral Contraceptives Better After Endometriosis Sx
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients after surgery for endometriosis, a continuous oral contraceptive schedule seems better than a cyclic schedule, according to a review published in the February issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Proton Pump Inhibitors Linked to Increased Dementia Risk
MONDAY, Feb. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be tied to the development of dementia in the elderly, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in JAMA Neurology.
Fish Intake During Pregnancy Tied to Offspring Growth
MONDAY, Feb. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — High maternal fish intake during pregnancy is associated with elevated risk of rapid growth in infancy, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Zika Infection Confirmed in U.S. Resident Back From Costa Rica
MONDAY, Feb. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A case of Zika virus infection has been confirmed in a traveler who returned to the United States from Costa Rica, according to a research letter published online Feb. 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Financial Loss Incentives Most Effective for Exercise
MONDAY, Feb. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A loss incentive is most effective for increasing physical activity among overweight and obese adults, according to a study published online Feb. 16 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Hypoxia Challenge Test Can ID Fitness to Fly in Neonates
MONDAY, Feb. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Many infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) fail hypoxia challenge testing (HCT) and cannot be deemed fit to fly, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in Pediatrics.
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Net Returns Projected to Top Investment in Vaccines
MONDAY, Feb. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Projected immunizations are estimated to yield returns that are greater than costs in low- and middle-income countries during 2011 to 2020, according to a study published in the February issue of Health Affairs.
Unexpected Decline in TB Among Foreign-Born in the U.S.
MONDAY, Feb. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — An abrupt decline in the number of reported tuberculosis (TB) cases among foreign-born persons in the United States began in 2007, according to research published online Feb. 10 in PLOS ONE.
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Opioids Tied to Higher Risk of Infections in Rheumatoid Arthritis
MONDAY, Feb. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The use of opioid analgesics may increase the risk of serious infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to research published in the February issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Most HPV+ OPSCC Recurrence, Toxicity Events Occur Early
MONDAY, Feb. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC), most of the disease recurrence and late toxicity events after treatment occur within six months, according to research published in the Feb. 15 issue of Cancer.
Texting Intervention Promotes Weight Loss in Prediabetes
MONDAY, Feb. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with prediabetes offered Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) classes, text message support can enhance weight loss, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Diabetes Care.
Lean Six Sigma Practices Speed Medical Report Dispatches
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Lean Six Sigma practices can improve the dispatch time of medical reports sent from a hospital to a primary care provider, according to research published online Feb. 8 in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
Beet Juice Aids BP, Aerobic Endurance With Heart Failure
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Beetroot juice (BRJ) improves submaximal aerobic endurance and blood pressure in elderly patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF), according to a small study published online Feb. 10 in JACC: Heart Failure.
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Few Want to Receive Skin Cancer Biopsy Results Face-to-Face
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with suspected malignant melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma, most patients are happy to receive biopsy results by letter or telephone, according to a research letter published online Feb. 8 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Use of Digoxin Down Among Patients With Heart Failure
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Only one-in-five patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) receive digoxin at discharge, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in JACC: Heart Failure.
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Dexamethasone No Help in HIV-Linked Cryptococcal Meningitis
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis, dexamethasone does not reduce mortality compared with placebo, according to a study published in the Feb. 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Fat, Carbohydrate Quality Impact Postprandial Blood Glucose
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 1 diabetes, fat quality influences postprandial blood glucose (PPG) response in the context of meals with high-glycemic index (HGI), according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Diabetes Care.
Vignette Highlights Management of Recurrent UTI in Older Men
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In a case vignette published in the Feb. 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, recommendations are presented for management of recurrent acute febrile urinary tract infections in older men.
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CDC: Number of Uninsured Persons in U.S. Down Since 2013
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The percentage of uninsured persons is decreasing in the United States, according to a report published by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Rates of BRCA Mutation Testing Increasing in Young Women
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Among young women with breast cancer, the rates of BRCA mutation testing are increasing, according to research published online Feb. 11 in JAMA Oncology.
Active Asthma Ups Risk of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Asthma is associated with increased risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and rupture, according to research published online Feb. 11 in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
Physicians Concerned By Increasing Cost of Generics
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pennsylvania physicians have called for state- and national-level medical associations to take an active role in addressing the issue of increasing generic drug prices, according to an article published by the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
CDC: Rate of Smoking 8.4 Percent at Any Time During Pregnancy
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The rate of smoking during pregnancy is about 8.4 percent, with greater prevalence among women aged 20 to 24 years, according to a Feb. 10 report published by the National Center for Health Statistics.
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Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide for Psychiatric Disorders Examined
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients receiving euthanasia or assisted suicide (EAS) for psychiatric disorders are mainly women and most have chronic, severe conditions, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Durable Response With Insulin Pump Therapy in T2DM
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Insulin pump therapy is more effective than multiple daily injections (MDI) for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Cardiovascular Fitness, Exercise BP Linked to Brain Volume
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Poor cardiovascular (CV) fitness and greater exercise blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) responses in middle age correlate with smaller brain volume later in life, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in Neurology.
Early Surgery Common for Uncomplicated Diverticulitis
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Elective colon resection is often performed after fewer than three previous episodes of uncomplicated diverticulitis, according to research published online Feb. 10 in JAMA Surgery.
Medical Homes Contributing to Decreasing Cost of Care
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model of care seems to be contributing to decreases in costs and improvement in patient care, according to a report from the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Multifaceted QI Intervention Cuts Lab Costs
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A multifaceted quality improvement initiative can cut laboratory costs in the hospitalist service of an academic medical center, according to a study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
ASCO Updates Biomarkers for Breast Cancer Tx Guidance
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American Society of Clinical Oncology has updated recommendations on the use of biomarkers to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy for women with early-stage invasive breast cancer. The clinical practice guideline was published online Feb. 8 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Maternal B12 Levels Impact Children’s Cardiometabolic Health
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Mothers’ vitamin B12 levels in early pregnancy may impact children’s cardiometabolic risk factors at age 5 years, according to a study published in the February issue of BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
CDC Reports Increasing Influenza Activity, Severe Illness
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Following reports of severe influenza illness, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging rapid antiviral treatment for very ill and high-risk patients with suspected influenza.
Hospital Cluster of H7N9 Influenza Infections Identified
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A hospital cluster of avian influenza A (H7N9) infection has been identified, according to a letter to the editor published in the Feb. 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Gastric Bypass Tied to Reduced Mortality for Obese >35 Years
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Gastric bypass surgery is associated with improved long-term survival for patients at all ages above 35 years, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in JAMA Surgery.
Incidence of Dementia Down in Framingham Heart Study
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of dementia decreased over three decades among participants in the Framingham Heart Study, according to research published in the Feb. 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Decrease in Number of New HIV Diagnoses Among Black Women
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The number of new HIV diagnoses among black women decreased from 2012 to 2014, and there was an increase in the percentage with early linkage to medical care, according to research published in the Feb. 5 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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No Need to Avoid Statins in Hep C Compensated Cirrhosis
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Statin use is associated with decreased risk of cirrhosis decompensation and death in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related compensated cirrhosis, according to research published in the February issue of Gastroenterology.
Low Vitamin D Linked to Dry Eye Syndromes
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Vitamin D deficiency is associated with dry eye and impaired tear function, according to a study published in the January issue of the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Recurrent Erythema Seen With H. cinaedi Bacteremia
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Recurrent superficial cellulitis-like erythema is associated with Helicobacter cinaedi (H. cinaedi) bacteremia, according to a case report published online Jan. 30 in The Journal of Dermatology.
Cola Intake Increases Exposure of Erlotinib
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Cola intake leads to a clinically relevant and statistically significant increase in the bioavailability of erlotinib during esomeprazole treatment, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Higher Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease in ‘Healthy’ Obese
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk of development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), even in patients who are metabolically healthy, according to research published online Feb. 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Hawaii County Declares State of Emergency Over Dengue Fever
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A spreading dengue fever outbreak led Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi to declare a state of emergency on Monday. He said the move was needed to reduce mosquito populations and protect people from mosquito bites, CBS News reported.
Health Highlights: Feb. 9, 2016
Tasering Found to Cause Short-Term Cognitive Impairment
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Being shocked by a Taser stun gun can cause short-term cognitive impairment similar to dementia, according to a new study.
Behavioral Interventions Can Cut Inappropriate Antibiotic Use
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of certain behavioral interventions can reduce the rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing during ambulatory visits for acute respiratory tract infections, according to a study published in the Feb. 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Admission to VA or Non-VA Hospitals Impacts Outcome
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For older men, mortality and readmission for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure, and pneumonia vary with admission to Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA hospitals, according to a study published in the Feb. 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Ocular Issues Seen in Some Born With Zika-Linked Microcephaly
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Ocular abnormalities may occur in infants born with microcephaly that seems to be linked to infection with the mosquito-borne Zika virus, according to research published online Feb. 9 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Decline in Severity of Metabolic Syndrome for U.S. Teens
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For U.S. adolescents, metabolic syndrome (MetS) severity decreased from 1999 to 2012, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Pediatrics.
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CBT May Work As Well As Meds in Major Depressive Disorder
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For adults with major depressive disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressants have similar efficacy, according to a clinical guideline published online Feb. 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Variation in Hospice Visits in Last Two Days of Life
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variation in hospice visits by professional staff in the last two days of life, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Postpartum Hemorrhage Up With Specific Antidepressants
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Exposure to serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in late pregnancy is associated with increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage, according to a study published in the March issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Auricular Acupressure Helps With Postpartum Insomnia
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Auricular acupressure is an effective alternative complementary therapy for postpartum women with insomnia, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
CDC Emergency Operations Ctr Moving to Level 1 Activation
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is moving to Level 1 activation to enhance its response to the Zika virus outbreak.
Sepsis Tied to Higher Post-Discharge Mortality Risk
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Sepsis survivors have a substantially increased risk of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events after discharge, according to a study published online Jan. 25 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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AMA Highlights Issues Relating to Medical Liability Reform
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Medical liability reforms are likely to be advanced and challenged in 2016, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Three-Fold Increased Suicide Risk After Concussion
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The risk of suicide is increased after concussion, particularly after concussions on weekends, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Variable Impact of USPSTF Guidance Against PSA Screen
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The effect of the 2012 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations against prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for all men had a differential effect on urologists and primary care providers (PCPs), according to a research letter published online Feb. 8 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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USPSTF Issues Final Recs on Youth Depression Screening
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for major depressive disorder (MDD) in children aged 12 to 18 years, but the evidence is currently inadequate to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for younger children. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published online Feb. 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Folic Acid Consumption in First Trimester Linked to GDM Risk
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Folic acid (FA) consumption in the first trimester is associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), according to research published online Jan. 28 in Diabetes Care.
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Thyroid Cancer Risk Up Following Breast Cancer and Vice Versa
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The likelihood of developing breast or thyroid cancer as a secondary malignancy is increased following diagnosis of the other cancer, according to a review published in the February issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion ID’d After Phendimetrazine Use
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A case of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) two days after phendimetrazine use has been documented and published online Feb. 4 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
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Patients More Satisfied With Care From Hospitalists
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More patients report satisfaction with overall care in a nonteaching hospitalist service than in a general medicine teaching service, according to research published in the February issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Childhood ADHD Linked to Increased Obesity in Females
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with increased obesity in females, according to a study published online Feb. 4 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Influenza Infection Tied to Increased Risk of A-Fib
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Influenza infection is associated with increased odds of atrial fibrillation (AF), which can be reduced through vaccination, according to a study published online Feb. 1 in Heart Rhythm.
CDC: Fewer Blacks Consistently Retained in HIV Care
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Fewer blacks are consistently retained in HIV care compared with other racial/ethnic groups, according to research published in the Feb. 5 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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PCPs Have Important Role to Play in Senior Visual Health
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Primary care physicians (PCPs) can play an important role in preserving visual health and maximizing quality of life (QOL) for elderly patients with visual loss, according to a review published online Jan. 30 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Knee Instability Increases Risk of Falls in Older Adults
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Symptoms of knee instability, such as knee buckling, are associated with increased risk of falls in older adults, according to research published online Feb. 8 in Arthritis Care & Research.
Doctors Offer Suggestions for Electronic Health Records
FRIDAY, Feb. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physicians recently met in Seattle to discuss the difficulties and benefits associated with electronic health records (EHRs) in a third town hall meeting on the subject, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.
Planned Parenthood Exclusion Cuts Contraceptive Provision
FRIDAY, Feb. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Exclusion of the Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas is associated with a reduction in the provision of contraception, according to a study published online Feb. 3 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
CDC: New Zika Warning for Pregnant Women, Sex Partners
FRIDAY, Feb. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pregnant women with a male sexual partner who has traveled to, or lives in, an area affected by active Zika virus transmission should refrain from sex or use condoms during sex until the pregnancy is over, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised on Thursday.
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Five-Year Mortality, Costs Up for ICU Survivors
FRIDAY, Feb. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Intensive care unit (ICU) patients surviving to hospital discharge have higher five-year mortality and hospital resource use than hospital controls, according to a study published online Jan. 27 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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No Eczema Benefit to Partially Hydrolysed Whey Formula
FRIDAY, Feb. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A partially hydrolysed formula containing a specific mixture of oligosaccharides does not prevent eczema in high-risk infants, according to a study published online Jan. 27 in Allergy.
Seven Tips Provided for Optimizing Practice Revenue
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Business operations data represent a relatively untapped resource for optimizing practice revenue, and can indicate areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
App Can Up Adherence to Exercise in Diabetes
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A mobile phone application that provides personalized feedback to patients with type 2 diabetes can increase adherence to physical activity and improve glycemic control, according to a study published online Jan. 28 in Diabetes Care.
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Routine Amoxicillin Use of No Benefit in Acute Malnutrition
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Routine use of amoxicillin does not improve nutritional recovery from uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition in children, according to research published in the Feb. 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Minimal Benzodiazepine Exposure May Up Dementia Risk
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients with minimal exposure to benzodiazepine have a slightly increased risk of dementia, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in The BMJ.
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Blood Donors at Risk for Zika Infection Asked to Hold Off
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American Red Cross on Wednesday asked potential blood donors who have traveled to areas where Zika infection is active to wait 28 days before giving blood.
Therapist-Guided, Internet-Based CBT Superior for BDD
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Therapist-guided, Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD-NET) is superior to online supportive therapy, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in The BMJ.
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Safety Issues Raised in Key Trial Supporting Rivaroxaban Use
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of a faulty device in a regulatory drug trial has raised questions relating to rivaroxaban use, according to a feature article published online Feb. 3 in The BMJ.
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Better Follow-Up Needed After Positive Fecal Blood Tests
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Characteristics of individuals and health care systems may contribute to the differences in follow-up after a positive fecal blood test, according to research published online Feb. 3 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
High Rate of Clopidogrel Non-Adherence After DES Placement
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing drug-eluting stent placement, there is a high rate of clopidogrel nonadherence, according to a study published in the Feb. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Video Games Offer Educational Methods for Med Students
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Video games can play a role in medical education, offering new methods for teaching medical students, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Patient-Centered System Recommended for Medical Billing
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Simplification, consolidation, and real time point-of-care information could address the inefficiencies in the medical billing system, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online Feb. 2 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Self-Reported Penicillin Allergy May Actually Be Chronic Urticaria
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients who self-report penicillin allergy might actually have chronic urticaria, according to a study published online Jan. 9 in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Antenatal Metformin Cuts Maternal Weight Gain in Obese
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For obese women, metformin administration during pregnancy is associated with reduced maternal weight gain, without reducing median neonatal birth weight, according to a study published in the Feb. 4 issue the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Physicians Should Actively Address Tackling in Football
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physicians should take a more active stand against tackle football, according to a perspective piece published in the Feb. 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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ACIP Approves 2016 Adult Immunization Schedule
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has approved the recommended adult immunization schedule for 2016. The recommendations are published as a clinical guideline in the Feb. 2 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Less Than Half of U.S. Infants Fully Vaccinated for Influenza
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Although full influenza vaccination coverage is increasing among children aged 6 to 23 months, less than half of children in the United States were fully vaccinated in the 2011 to 2012 influenza season, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in Pediatrics.
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Tips Presented for Encouraging Treatment Adherence
TUESDAY, Feb. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Tips for increasing patient adherence to treatment plans include patient engagement and addressing barriers to adherence, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Mercury From Seafood Not Tied to Brain Neuropathology
TUESDAY, Feb. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Seafood consumption is associated with increased brain levels of mercury, but these levels are not associated with brain neuropathology, according to a study published in the Feb. 2 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
2016 Childhood Immunization Schedule Released
TUESDAY, Feb. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The 2016 recommended immunization schedule for children and adolescents has been approved, according to a policy statement published online Feb. 1 in Pediatrics.
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Echo Underused During Critical Cardiovascular Hospitalizations
TUESDAY, Feb. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Despite increasing rates of use, echocardiography (echo) may be underused during critical cardiovascular hospitalizations, according to a study published in the Feb. 9 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Pelvic Exams Common Among Healthy Older Women
TUESDAY, Feb. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Obstetrician-gynecologists report commonly performing external and speculum examinations in asymptomatic older women, according to a study published online Jan. 25 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Researchers Say JNC8 Recs May Put Some Patients at Risk
TUESDAY, Feb. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For people 60 and older, the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC8) in 2014 recommended raising the blood pressure level at which doctors prescribe treatment from 140 to 150 systolic blood pressure. But individuals with systolic blood pressure of 140 to 149 have a 70 percent increased risk of stroke compared to people with lower blood pressure, according to research published online Feb. 1 in Hypertension.
Few Adults Discuss Subjective Memory Complaints With Doctors
TUESDAY, Feb. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Few adults aged 45 years or older with subjective memory complaints (SMCs) report discussing these with a health care professional, according to a study published online Jan. 28 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
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Novel Vaccine Platform Shows Promise for HIV-1
TUESDAY, Feb. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Two HIV-1 vaccines, which include adenovirus and an HIV-1 envelope A insert, elicit significant immune responses in healthy adults without HIV infection, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Opioids Don’t Ease Disability in Neuropathic Pain
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Taking prescription opioids doesn’t improve movement or reduce disability for patients with neuropathic pain, according to a study published recently in Pain Medicine.
Errors During Delivery Rarely Cause Newborn Brain Damage
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Few cases of severe brain damage in newborns are due to errors made during delivery, according to a new, small study published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of Perinatology.
Partial Restoration of Microbiomes for C-Section Infants
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Exposure to maternal vaginal fluids at birth can partially restore vaginal microbiomes for cesarean section-born infants, according to a study published online Feb. 1 in Nature Medicine.
Mobile Texts May Up Adherence to Meds for Chronic Illness
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Mobile telephone text messaging may be a promising new way to improve adherence to medications for chronic diseases, according to research published online Feb. 1 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Increasing Weight Loss From Mid- to Late-Life May Identify MCI Risk
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Increasing weight loss from midlife to late life may be a marker for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to a study published online Feb. 1 in JAMA Neurology.
Higher Fiber Intake in Youth Tied to Lower Breast Cancer Risk
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Higher fiber intake during adolescence and early adulthood correlates with reduced breast cancer risk, according to a study published online Feb. 1 in Pediatrics.
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CDC Issues Guidance to Stop HCV Transmission in Hemodialysis
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In order to prevent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients undergoing hemodialysis, current infection control practices should be assessed and any gaps addressed, according to a health advisory published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Patients and Families Highlight Value of Nurse Practitioners
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients and their families believe that teams in acute and primary care are more effective when they include nurse practitioners, according to research published online Jan. 27 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
Many Physicians Show Tendency to Undertreat With Statins
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Some clinical departments tend to undertreat when prescribing statins, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Palliative Care Lacking for Chronic Lung Disease Patients
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Among patients who die in the intensive care unit (ICU), patients with chronic lung diseases receive fewer elements of palliative care than cancer patients, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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Fasting Glycemia Screening Is Alternative to 75-g GTT for GDM
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Screening for gestational diabetes with fasting glycemia seems to be an acceptable alternative to universal screening with the complete 75-gram glucose tolerance test, according to a study published online Jan. 25 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Comorbidity Affects Fitness-to-Drive Recs in Parkinson’s Disease
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Comorbidities in Parkinson’s disease patients impact physicians’ fitness-to-drive recommendations, according to a study published online Jan. 25 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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