Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drop-to-Drop Variation Seen With Fingerprick Blood
FRIDAY, Feb. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There is drop-to-drop variation in blood component measures from fingerprick blood that is greater than variation in drops of venous blood, according to a study published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Pathology.
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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.
Quality of In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Varies Among Hospitals
FRIDAY, Feb. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Hospital process composite performance measures of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) care vary between U.S. hospitals and are associated with outcome, according to a study published online Feb. 24 in JAMA Cardiology.
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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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.
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.
Drinking Coffee May Slow Progression of Liver Disease
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Regular coffee consumption seems to delay disease progression in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and increase long-term survival following liver transplantation, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Researchers Say Pancreatic Cancer Is Four Separate Diseases
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Scientists who discovered that pancreatic cancer is at least four separate diseases say their findings could lead to improved treatments for the disease.
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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Research Suggests Nurses May Be Unaware of VAP Guidelines
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Intensive care unit nurses’ may have inadequate knowledge of evidence-based guidelines for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) prevention, according to an Iranian study published online Feb. 4 in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine.
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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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.
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.
Plasma Branched-Chain Amino Acids Linked to Insulin Sensitivity
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Plasma branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are associated with insulin sensitivity (SI) and metabolic clearance rate of insulin (MCRI), according to a study published online Feb. 19 in Diabetes Care.
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.
Women Have Lower Mortality Than Men at One Year After TAVR
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), women have lower mortality than men at one year, according to a study published online Feb. 23 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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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.
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.
Periodontitis Linked to Higher Mortality in Kidney Disease
TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Periodontitis is associated with increased mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to research published online Feb. 18 in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
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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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.
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.
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.
New Mutations Help Predict Survival in RARS-T
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — New mutations have been identified with next-generation sequencing (NGS) in refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (RARS-T), which are prognostic for survival, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in the American Journal of Hematology.
Chewing Gum Improves Colonoscopy Preparation
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Chewing gum relieves discomfort associated with ingestion of the polyethylene glycol solution for colonoscopy preparation, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
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.
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.
ACC Releases 2016 Lifelong Learning Competencies
FRIDAY, Feb. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has released a report outlining lifelong learning competencies for general cardiologists. The report was published online Feb. 19 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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T2DM-Related Genetic Variants Predict All-Cause Mortality
FRIDAY, Feb. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Type 2 diabetes (T2D)-related genetic variants predict all-cause mortality, even after adjustment for body mass index (BMI), according to a study published online Feb. 16 in Diabetes Care.
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.
Three Classes of Antibiotic-Associated Encephalopathy ID’d
FRIDAY, Feb. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Antibiotic-associated encephalopathy (AAE) can be classified into three unique clinical phenotypes, according to research published online Feb. 17 in Neurology.
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.
Pulmonary Artery Pressure-Guided Tx Cuts Hospitalizations
THURSDAY, Feb. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Ambulatory pulmonary artery (PA) pressure-guided management of heart failure patients is more effective in reducing heart failure hospitalizations than management of patient clinical signs/symptoms alone, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in JACC: Heart Failure.
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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.
Geriatric Events in Cancer Surgery Common in Elderly
THURSDAY, Feb. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Geriatric events are common among elderly patients who undergo major surgery for cancer, according to research published online Feb. 16 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Psoriasis Does Not Worsen Total Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), neither psoriatic arthritis (PsA) nor cutaneous psoriasis (PsC) are risk factors for poor outcomes, according to a study published in the February issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
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.
CPX Testing Predicts Mortality in Heart Failure With Reduced EF
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Variables measured during a cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) test can predict and discriminate mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), according to a study published in the Feb. 23 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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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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Vitamin E Neuroprotective Against Cisplatin Ototoxicity
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Vitamin E supplementation can reduce cisplatin (CDDP)-induced ototoxicity, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in Head & Neck.
Albuminuria Predicts Cardiovascular Outcome After PCI
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — An elevated urinary albumin excretion rate can predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention, according to a study published in the March 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
ESAs Don’t Improve Quality of Life in Anemia of CKD
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) do not improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a review published online Feb. 16 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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NAFLD Linked to Unfavorable Metabolic Profile in T2DM
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an unfavorable metabolic profile, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Diabetes Care.
Guidelines Developed for Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Evidence-based recommendations have been developed for treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). The guidelines were published in the February issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
Little Progress Made in Preventing New-Onset Epilepsy
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A long-term study shows that little progress has been made in the prevention of epilepsy in Finland over the past 40 years. The findings were published online Feb. 15 in JAMA Neurology.
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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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.
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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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.
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.
Risk of Reoperation Up With Perianal Lesions in Crohn’s
MONDAY, Feb. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with Crohn’s disease, the risk of reoperation is increased for those with perianal lesions, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
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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Factor VII-Antithrombin Complex Predicts Mortality in CAD
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Activated factor VII-antithrombin complex (FVIIa-AT) levels correlate with increased mortality risk in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a study published online Jan. 27 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
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.
Sedatives Appear to Be Safe in Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome, treatment with high-dose intravenous sedatives is not associated with excess morbidity or mortality, according to a study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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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).
Rate of Missed Adenomas >5 mm Similarly Low for BBPS 2, 3
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The rate of missed adenomas larger than 5 mm is similarly low for men with Boston Bowel Prep Scale (BBPS) scores of 2 or 3, according to a study published in the February issue of Gastroenterology.
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.
Caplacizumab Shows Potential for Treating Acquired TTP
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Caplacizumab, an anti-von Willebrand factor humanized single-variable-domain immunoglobulin (Nanobody), shows potential in the treatment of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), according to research published in the Feb. 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Novel Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Genospecies ID’d
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A novel Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies has been identified, which causes Lyme borreliosis, according to research published online Feb. 5 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
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.
Registered Nurse Staffing Linked to Mortality in NHS Trusts
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Registered nurse (RN) staffing is associated with reduced mortality in acute hospital National Health Service (NHS) trusts in England, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in BMJ Open.
Task-Oriented Rehab Not Superior for Motor Stroke
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with motor stroke and primarily moderate upper extremity impairment, a structured, task-oriented rehabilitation program is not superior to occupational therapy, according to a study published in the Feb. 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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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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.
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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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.
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.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism May Not Up VTE Recurrence Risk
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In the elderly, subclinical hypothyroidism is not associated with significantly increased risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (rVTE), according to research published online Jan. 27 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
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.
Allergies, Asthma, Eczema Tied to Lower Risk of Glioma
FRIDAY, Feb. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients with respiratory allergies, asthma, and eczema may be less likely to develop a glioma, according to a study published in the February issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
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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Histopathologic Findings Described for MERS-CoV Autopsy
FRIDAY, Feb. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The main histopathologic findings of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection are diffuse alveolar damage in the lungs and evidence of chronic disease in other organs, according to research published online Feb. 5 in The American Journal of Pathology.
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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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.
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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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.
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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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).
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.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroscopy Feasible in Obesity
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For selected patients with obesity, minimally invasive endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) delays gastric emptying, induces early satiation, and reduces body weight, according to a study published online in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
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.
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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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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Axonal Injury in Brain Trauma Tied to β-Amyloid Burden
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Imaging studies suggest that the development of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be related to the presence of axonal damage, according to research published online Feb. 3 in Neurology.
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.
Benefits for Women With Women-Only Cardiac Rehab
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Women-only cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs may confer behavioral and psychosocial advantages for women, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.
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.
Infection Risk Up Before Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of primary chronic immune thrombocytopenia (cITP) is 2.30/100,000 person-years, and incidence is associated with increased risk of infections within the five years before cITP diagnosis, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Intubation Duration for COPD Unchanged by Acetazolamide
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Acetazolamide does not differ from placebo in effect on the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to research published in the Feb. 2 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Neutral Long-Term Effect for Intensive Glycemic Control
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — During long-term follow-up, the impact of a four-year period of intensive glycemic control has a neutral effect on death and nonfatal cardiovascular events, according to a study published online Jan. 28 in Diabetes Care.
Office Visits Before Screening Colonoscopy Raise Costs
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Despite the availability of open-access colonoscopy in the United States, about one-third of colonoscopies for colon cancer screening and polyp surveillance are preceded by a visit to a gastroenterology office, according to a research letter published in the Feb. 2 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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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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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.
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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Considerable Global Variation in Colorectal Cancer Incidence
TUESDAY, Feb. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variation in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates, with the rates correlating with human development levels, according to a study published online Jan. 27 in Gut.
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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Lower Risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy With Iodixanol
TUESDAY, Feb. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Iodixanol is associated with lower risk for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) versus low-osmolar contrast media (LOCM); and among those receiving LOCM, the greatest risk reduction is seen for N-acetylcysteine and statins plus N-acetylcysteine, according to two reviews 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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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