Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine for January 2015. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Obama to Launch Personalized Medicine Research Initiative
FRIDAY, Jan. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In what could be a significant advance for personalized medicine, President Barack Obama will ask Congress to fund a research program aimed at developing treatments that would be tailored to a patient’s individual genes, the White House said Friday.
Colorectal Cancer Rates on Rise in Young Americans
FRIDAY, Jan. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Although the overall rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) has fallen in recent decades, new research suggests that over the last 20 years the disease has been increasing among young and early middle-aged American adults. Results of the study were published in the December issue of the Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology.
Recurrent Kidney Stones Linked to Arterial Calcium Deposits
FRIDAY, Jan. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Some people who develop recurring kidney stones may also have high levels of calcium deposits in their blood vessels, and that could explain their increased risk for cardiovascular disease, new research suggests. The findings were published online Jan. 29 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Heavy Drinking in Middle Age Rivals HTN, DM As Stroke Risk
FRIDAY, Jan. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People who average more than two drinks a day have a 34 percent higher risk of stroke compared to those whose daily average amounts to less than half a drink, according to findings published online Jan. 29 in Stroke.
Decreasing Serum Sodium Ups Liver Transplant Survival
FRIDAY, Jan. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For liver transplantation (LT) recipients with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores above 11, survival benefit increases with decreasing serum sodium values, according to a study published online Dec. 11 in Liver Transplantation.
Isolated Systolic High BP in 30s May Up Risk of Earlier Death
FRIDAY, Jan. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Isolated systolic high blood pressure in young adulthood is a predictor of cardiovascular disease mortality 30 years down the road, a new study suggests. The report was published in the Feb. 3 issue of Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Cancer Diagnosis Impacts Patient Adherence to Diabetes Rx
FRIDAY, Jan. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People with diabetes are less likely to take their diabetes medications if they’ve been diagnosed with cancer, researchers report. The findings were published online Jan. 28 in Diabetologia.
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CDC: Measles Cases in January Top Typical Load for Entire Year
FRIDAY, Jan. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The United States has seen more cases of measles in January than it usually does in an entire year, federal health officials said Thursday.
Topical Acne Gel Linked to Methemoglobinemia
FRIDAY, Jan. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of topical dapsone may have led to the development of methemoglobinemia, according to a case study published in the Jan. 29 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Cardiovascular, Cerebral Effect for Red Bull + Mental Stress
FRIDAY, Jan. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Red Bull consumption combined with mental stress correlates with increased blood pressure (BP) and heart rate, according to a study published in the Jan. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Cutting Added Fructose Could Reduce Diabetes-Linked Morbidity
FRIDAY, Jan. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Reducing consumption of added sugars, particularly added fructose, could reduce diabetes-related morbidity, according to an article published online Jan. 29 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
CDC: ~8 Percent of U.S. Adults Nonadherent Due to Rx Costs
THURSDAY, Jan. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nearly one in 10 American adults don’t take their medications as prescribed because they can’t afford to, according to a January data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
Liberals, Independents Found to Have Greater Longevity
THURSDAY, Jan. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Compared to people with conservative and moderate political ideologies, liberals were found less likely to die over the course of a 30-year review. But party lines did not determine life span, with Independents faring better than Republicans and Democrats, according to the research published online Jan. 28 in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.
Cost of Meds Contributes to Placebo Effect in Parkinson’s
THURSDAY, Jan. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Results of a small study suggest that Parkinson’s patients seem to improve if they think they’re taking a costly medication. The findings have been published online Jan. 28 in Neurology.
Following BP Guidelines Will Save Lives and Money
THURSDAY, Jan. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — If all Americans had their hypertension under control, 56,000 fewer cardiovascular events would occur each year. And 13,000 fewer people would die — without increasing health costs, according to research published in the Jan. 29 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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PCBs, Phthalates Linked to Earlier Menopause
THURSDAY, Jan. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers have found that menopause typically begins two to four years earlier in women with high levels of certain chemicals found in household items, personal care products, plastics, and the environment, compared to women with lower levels of the chemicals. The study was published online Jan. 28 in PLOS ONE.
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Results Appear Promising for Experimental Ebola Vaccine
THURSDAY, Jan. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Early results suggest an experimental Ebola vaccine triggers an immune response and is safe to use. The findings were published online Jan. 28 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Hepatitis A Hospitalizations Down From 2002 to 2011
THURSDAY, Jan. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — From 2002 to 2011 there was a decrease in the rate of hospitalizations for hepatitis A, according to a study published in the February issue of Hepatology.
FDA to Strengthen Approval Process for AEDs
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Automated external defibrillators installed and ready for use in many public spaces can save lives when needed, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that since 2005, it has also received 72,000 reports of the devices failing.
Sleeping Well in Middle Age May Pay Off Later in Life
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Sleeping well during middle age may be an investment that leads to better mental functioning later in life, a new review finds. The findings were published in the January issue of Perspectives on Psychological Science.
Real-Time Mobile App Can Improve Sun Protection
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A smartphone application providing real-time advice about sun protection offers some improvement in sun protection behaviors, according to two studies published online Jan. 28 in JAMA Dermatology.
Benefits Package Important for Attracting, Retaining Staff
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An appropriately-targeted benefits package is crucial for attracting and retaining employees, according to an article published Jan. 22 in Medical Economics.
Leptin May Mediate Knee-Related Osteoarthritis
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The inflammatory adipokine leptin may have a mediating effect on the relationship between body weight and knee osteoarthritis (OA) in older adults, according to research published in the January issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Many Seniors Not Reporting Falls to Physician
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Millions of Americans aged 65 and older fall every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But, fewer than half tell their doctor, according to a news release issued by the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Current Smoking Reduces Survival in Prostate Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Current smoking reduces odds of survival in prostate cancer, according to a new study published online Jan. 27 in BJU International.
Postmenopausal Weight Loss or Gain Ups Risk of Fracture
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The risk of fractures increases with both weight gain and loss in older women, according to a new study published Jan. 27 in The BMJ.
Daily Blueberry Consumption May Reduce Blood Pressure
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1-hypertension, daily blueberry consumption may reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness, according to a study published online Jan. 7 in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Meta-Analysis Compares Tx for Inducing Remission in Crohn’s
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For adult patients with Crohn’s disease, adalimumab and infliximab + azathioprine are most effective for induction and maintenance of remission, according to a meta-analysis published in the February issue of Gastroenterology.
MRI-Targeted Prostate Biopsy May Yield Better Results
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Prostate biopsies that combine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology with ultrasound appear to give men better information regarding the seriousness of their cancer, according to a new study published in the Jan. 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Women With PCOS Hospitalized More Often
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk for a number of serious health problems, according to research published online Dec. 22 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Chlorhexidine Bathing Doesn’t Cut Health Care-Linked Infections
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For critically ill patients, chlorhexidine bathing does not reduce health-care-associated infections, according to a study published in the Jan. 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Cumulative Use of Anticholinergic Medication Tied to Dementia
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Higher cumulative use of anticholinergics may increase the risk of dementia, according to a new study published online Jan. 26 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Many Breast Cancer Patients Lack Knowledge of Their Disease
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many women with breast cancer lack basic knowledge about their disease, such as their cancer stage and other characteristics, according to a study published online Jan. 26 in Cancer.
Duration of Hyperlipidemia in 30s/40s Impacts CHD Risk
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People at age 55 who’ve lived with 11 to 20 years of high cholesterol show double the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) compared to people who age with only one to 10 years of high cholesterol, and quadruple the risk of people who had low cholesterol levels. These findings were published online Jan. 26 in Circulation.
Difficulty Falling Asleep Linked to Higher Risk of Hypertension
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic insomniacs who regularly take longer than 14 minutes to fall asleep appear to be at a significantly increased risk for hypertension, according to research published online Jan. 26 in Hypertension.
Benefit of Noninvasive Tests in Non-MI Chest Pain Questioned
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients seen in emergency departments solely for chest pain not due to myocardial infarction, noninvasive screening tests for coronary heart disease do not appear to benefit the prediction of future cardiovascular events, a new study suggests. The report was published online Jan. 26 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
FDA Approves Generic Form of Nexium
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The first generic version of Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults and children ages 1 and older.
Provider Demographics Affect Pain Treatment Decisions
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pain management treatment decisions may be impacted by a health care provider’s demographic characteristics, according to a study published in the January issue of Pain Medicine.
Glucose Breath Test Positivity Up in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The positive rate of the glucose breath test is higher in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn’s disease, than in healthy controls, according to a study published online Jan. 22 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
How Does DPP-4 Inhibition Affect Liver Function?
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibition may attenuate hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance induced by the Western diet (WD) through hepatic lipid remodeling and modulation of hepatic mitochondrial function, according to research published online Jan. 20 in Diabetes.
Impact of Intensive Lifestyle Change on CV Burden Studied
TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Intensive lifestyle modifications, the cornerstones of atherosclerotic disease management, are associated with a decrease in coronary and carotid atherosclerotic burden, according to a review published in the Jan. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Most PCPs Consider Advanced Imaging of Value to Patient Care
MONDAY, Jan. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Most primary care providers (PCPs) consider advanced medical imaging to be of considerable value for patient care, according to a study published online Jan. 25 in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.
Natpara OK’d to Treat Low Blood Calcium in Hypoparathyroidism
MONDAY, Jan. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Natpara (parathyroid hormone) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to control hypocalcemia among people with hypoparathyroidism.
Studies Highlight Tools for Diagnosis of COPD
MONDAY, Jan. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Two studies published in the January/February issue of the Annals of Family Medicine evaluate the tools available for diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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Early Alert Intervention Cuts Heart Failure Readmission
MONDAY, Jan. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An electronic medical record system, designed to identify patients who have been discharged from heart failure hospitalization and present in the emergency department, can prevent readmissions, according to a study published in The American Journal of Medicine.
Viruses Implicated in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
MONDAY, Jan. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Viruses may play a role in inflammatory bowel diseases, including the two most common types, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, according to a new study published online Jan. 22 in Cell.
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High Penicillin Prescribing Could Build Reservoirs of Resistance
MONDAY, Jan. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — High penicillin G prescribing may lead to an altered level of resistance in the commensal viridans group streptococci (VGS) population, which may be important in subsequent horizontal gene transfer events, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Premature Death Risk Up for Stroke Survivors Living Alone
MONDAY, Jan. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Stroke survivors — especially men — who live alone are at increased risk for premature death, a new study suggests.
Higher Cardiovascular Risk Seen With Eczema
FRIDAY, Jan. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adults with eczema may also have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, according to a study published online Jan. 8 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Moderate Changes in Lipids With Tocilizumab/Tofacitinib in RA
FRIDAY, Jan. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), moderate changes in lipids are observed after treatment with tocilizumab or tofacitinib, according to a review published in the January issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
CDC: Opioid Rx Prevalent in Reproductive-Aged Females
FRIDAY, Jan. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Too many women of childbearing age take prescription opioids, putting any unborn babies at risk, U.S. health officials said Thursday. The report appears in the Jan. 23 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
5 Percent of Seniors Discharged From ER Admitted Within Days
FRIDAY, Jan. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nearly 5 percent of older Medicare beneficiaries seen in the emergency department have a hospital inpatient admission within seven days after discharge, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
ASCO Reports Biggest Clinical Cancer Advances for 2015
FRIDAY, Jan. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The biggest clinical cancer advances for 2015 have been identified in an annual report from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, published online Jan. 20 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Smaller Goals to Start Could Boost Activity in Sedentary
FRIDAY, Jan. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Current targets call for 150 minutes of weekly exercise — or 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week — to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although these standards don’t need to be abandoned, they shouldn’t be the primary message about exercise for inactive people, experts argue in two separate analyses published Jan. 21 in The BMJ.
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Self-Management Program Cuts Depressive Symptoms in Diabetes
FRIDAY, Jan. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with diabetes, a self-management-oriented group program (Diabetes Motivation Strengthening [DIAMOS]) is associated with reductions in depressive symptoms, according to a study published online Jan. 20 in Diabetes Care.
May Be Room for Improvement in U/S Transducer Hygiene
FRIDAY, Jan. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For endoluminal procedures relying on barrier protection to avoid contamination, permeability of materials may not always be considered, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound.
Prophylactic Antimicrobials Overused in Urologic Surgery
FRIDAY, Jan. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Utilization patterns indicate that antimicrobial prophylaxis is overused for urological surgeries in the community practice setting, according to research published in the February issue of The Journal of Urology.
More Variation in Costs Than Outcomes of PCI in VA System
FRIDAY, Jan. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, the variation in one-year risk-adjusted mortality is smaller than variation in risk-standardized costs, according to a study published in the Jan. 27 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Overuse of Abx for Travelers’ Diarrhea Creating Superbugs
THURSDAY, Jan. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The overuse of antibiotics to treat travelers’ diarrhea may contribute to the spread of drug-resistant superbugs, a new study suggests. The findings were published online Jan. 21 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Very Low Yield for Imaging of Both Legs in Suspected DVT
THURSDAY, Jan. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), systematic imaging of both legs has a very low yield, according to a study published online Jan. 20 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
High Levels of Formaldehyde Seen in E-Cigarette Vapor
THURSDAY, Jan. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — E-cigarette vapor can contain cancer-causing formaldehyde at levels up to 15 times higher than regular cigarettes, according to a letter published in the Jan. 22 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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More Diverticulitis in Areas With Low-UV Light Exposure
THURSDAY, Jan. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Lower ultraviolet (UV) light is associated with increased rate of diverticulitis admissions, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in JAMA Surgery.
PCPs Can Use U/S to Rationalize Tx in Acute Shoulder Pain
THURSDAY, Jan. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with acute shoulder pain, ultrasound imaging can be used by primary care physicians to rationalize treatment, according to a study published in the January/February issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Reviews Summarize Efficacy of Depression Tx in Primary Care
THURSDAY, Jan. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers have summarized and clarified what is known about depression treatment in primary care. The reports have been published in the January/February issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Physicians Rank the Best EHR Systems of 2014
THURSDAY, Jan. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physicians have ranked electronic health record (EHR) systems based on five key performance areas, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Metabolic Syndrome May Raise Death Risk Postangiography
THURSDAY, Jan. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For postangiography patients, metabolic syndrome is associated with increased mortality, especially in patients with stable angina, according to a study published in the Feb. 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Prolonged Sitting Is Health Hazard, Despite Exercise
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Regular exercise doesn’t erase the higher risk of serious illness or premature death that comes from sitting too much each day, a new review reveals. The research is published in the Jan. 20 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Prone Sleep Position Tied to Higher Mortality in Epilepsy
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Prone sleeping may boost risk of sudden death in epilepsy, with higher risk for patients younger than 40, new research suggests. The findings were published online Jan. 21 in Neurology.
Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Ups Appointment Availability
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Increased Medicaid reimbursement to primary care providers is associated with improved appointment availability, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
FDA Approves New Drug to Treat Plaque Psoriasis
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Cosentyx (secukinumab) to treat adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
Cardiovascular Risks of Pneumonia May Linger for Years
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Older patients hospitalized with pneumonia appear to have an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from coronary heart disease for years afterward, according to a new study published in the Jan. 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Stem Cells May Help Reverse Multiple Sclerosis Disability
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A therapy that uses patients’ own stem cells may be able to reverse some of the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS), a preliminary study suggests. The findings were published in the Jan. 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Acupuncture Viable for Pain Relief After Joint Replacement
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Acupuncture is a feasible adjunct therapy for short-term postsurgical pain management in total joint replacement, according to a study published online Jan. 13 in Pain Medicine.
Routine Oral Anticoagulants May Not Benefit All With A-Fib
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Benefit from routine anticoagulation therapy to reduce risk of ischemic stroke may be unlikely in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1, according to a study published in the Jan. 27 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Incidence of PE Hospitalizations Rises From 2001 to 2010
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of hospitalizations for pulmonary embolism (PE) increased from 2001 to 2010, and a pattern of seasonal variation can be seen in PE hospitalizations, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Tonsillectomy May Benefit Tonsillitis-Associated Psoriasis
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with recalcitrant psoriasis associated with episodes of tonsillitis, tonsillectomy may be an option that can result in improvement in psoriasis, according to a review published in the February issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Roux-en-Y Surgery Can Reverse Insulin Treatment in T2DM
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) strongly predicts insulin cessation after surgery in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (I-T2D) patients, independent of weight loss, according to a study published online Jan. 8 in Diabetes Care.
Therapy Dogs May Help Patients Persevere With Cancer Treatment
TUESDAY, Jan. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for cancer may get an emotional lift from man’s best friend, a new study suggests. The findings have been published in the January issue of the Journal of Community and Supportive Oncology.
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Ablation Effectiveness Quotient Predicts Clinical Success
TUESDAY, Jan. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) who undergo AF ablation (AFA), a high ablation effectiveness quotient (AEQ) correlates with freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT), according to a study published online Jan. 15 in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.
Collaboration Between Med Students Cuts Diagnostic Errors
TUESDAY, Jan. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For fourth-year medical students, working collaboratively is associated with a reduction in diagnostic errors, according to a research letter published in the Jan. 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Docs Should Negotiate Health Care Payer Contracts
TUESDAY, Jan. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The terms in health care payer contracts are not immutable, and contracts should be negotiated, according to an article published Jan. 9 in Medical Economics.
A Drink a Day May Keep Heart Failure at Bay
TUESDAY, Jan. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Having a drink each day might help lower a middle-aged person’s odds for heart failure, according to a new study published online Jan. 20 in the European Heart Journal.
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A Dash More Salt Than 1,500 mg Seems to Lower Mortality Risk
TUESDAY, Jan. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A study of adults aged 71 to 80 indicates that daily consumption of 2,300 mg of salt didn’t increase deaths, cardiovascular disease, stroke, or heart failure over 10 years. The report was published online Jan. 19 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
AHS: Research Informs New Migraine Rx Guidelines
TUESDAY, Jan. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers have reviewed recent scientific literature and concluded that a number of classes of drugs are effective for treating acute migraine. The study, published in the January issue of Headache, will form the basis of new American Headache Society guidelines for the treatment of migraine.
Few Patients Fill High-Intensity Statin Rx After CHD Discharge
TUESDAY, Jan. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Only about a quarter of Medicare beneficiaries fill a high-intensity statin prescription after discharge from hospitalization for a coronary heart disease (CHD) event, according to a study published in the Jan. 27 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Physicians Hit Barriers in Making Cancer Referrals
TUESDAY, Jan. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many physicians report encountering barriers when referring cancer patients to specialty care, according to research published in the Jan. 1 issue of Cancer.
Viral Load at Delivery in ~13 Percent of Women Taking HAART
MONDAY, Jan. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Among women who initiate highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) during pregnancy, 13.1 percent have detectable viral load (VL) at delivery, according to a study published online in the Jan. 20 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Electronic Alert Cuts Proportion of IV Proton Pump Inhibitors
MONDAY, Jan. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An electronic alert triggered on order of intravenous (IV) proton pump inhibitors (PPI) can decrease the proportion of IV PPIs ordered, according to a research letter published online Jan. 19 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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n-3 Fatty Acids Cut Nonesterified Fatty Acid, T2DM Link
MONDAY, Jan. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) are associated with type 2 diabetes, and the association is modified by n-3 FA levels, according to a study published online Jan. 8 in Diabetes Care.
Many Americans Taking Meds Not to Be Mixed With Alcohol
MONDAY, Jan. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A substantial number of Americans who drink also take medications that should not be mixed with alcohol, new government research suggests. The findings were published online Jan. 16 in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.
Obesity More Expensive to Treat Than Smoking
MONDAY, Jan. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Annual health care expenses are substantially higher for smokers and the obese, compared with nonsmokers and people of healthy weight, according to a report published online Dec. 24 in Public Health. In fact, obesity is actually more expensive to treat than smoking on an annual basis, the report author concludes.
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Mindfulness Intervention De-Stresses Cancer Survivors
MONDAY, Jan. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A brief mindfulness-based intervention has a positive short-term effect on psychological and behavioral measures as well as proinflammatory signal markers in younger breast cancer survivors, according to a study published online Dec. 23 in Cancer.
BMI and Waist Circumference Are Frequently Discordant
MONDAY, Jan. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are frequently discordant, generally because of variability in visceral adiposity (VAT) within BMI categories, according to a study published in the Feb. 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Rx Adherence Lower for Patients New to Diabetes Therapy
MONDAY, Jan. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Factors associated with adherence to medications for treatment of diabetes include experience with diabetes therapy and related costs, thus efforts to reduce out-of-pocket costs may result in higher adherence, according to research findings published online Jan. 8 in Diabetes Care.
Supplements Curb Isotretinoin-Associated Triglyceride Increase
MONDAY, Jan. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with preexisting hypertriglyceridemia, ω-3 fatty acid (ω-3FA) supplementation stabilizes the expected increase in triglycerides during isotretinoin therapy, according to research published in the January issue of JAMA Dermatology.
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Prostate Cancer Mortality Benefit Seen for Family Hx-Based Screens
FRIDAY, Jan. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Screening white men with a family history of prostate cancer appears to be associated with a decrease in prostate cancer-specific mortality, according to a study published in the January issue of The Journal of Urology.
Cold Effects on Skin in Raynaud’s Impacted by Age, BMI
FRIDAY, Jan. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP), cold-induced decrease in skin temperature is related to age and body mass index (BMI), according to a study published in the January issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Most Docs Work 40 to 60 Hours Per Week
FRIDAY, Jan. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physicians work long hours, with most working 40 to 60 hours per week and a considerable proportion working 61 to 80 or more hours per week, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
CRP/ESR Disagreement Common in Infection, Inflammation
FRIDAY, Jan. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with suspected infection or inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP)/erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) disagreement is common, according to a study published online Dec. 31 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Sputum Biomarkers May Help ID Malignant Lung Nodules
FRIDAY, Jan. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An experimental test which checks sputum for three microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers of lung cancer was able to distinguish early-stage lung cancer from noncancerous nodules the majority of the time, according to findings published in the Jan. 15 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.
Unhealthy Dietary Behaviors Linked to Functional Dyspepsia
FRIDAY, Jan. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Unhealthy dietary behaviors are associated with refractory functional dyspepsia (RFD), according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Digestive Diseases.
Four-Times Daily ASA More Effective in Post-CABG Patients
FRIDAY, Jan. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, four-times daily acetyl-salicylic acid (ASA) seems more effective than once-daily 81 mg or 325 mg ASA, according to a study published online Dec. 27 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Review: Venlafaxine May Be Effective for Fibromyalgia Tx
FRIDAY, Jan. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Venlafaxine seems to be effective for the treatment of fibromyalgia, although studies are limited by small sample size and methodological concerns, according to a review published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
CDC: This Year’s Flu Vaccination Offers 23 Percent Protection
THURSDAY, Jan. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — This season’s influenza vaccine reduces the risk of needing medical care because of the flu by only 23 percent, according to research published in the Jan. 16 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Impact of Medical Scribes on EHR Advancement Discussed
THURSDAY, Jan. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The increasing use of medical scribes should not be a replacement for improving electronic health records (EHRs), according to a viewpoint piece published online Dec. 15 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Epidemic of Rx Opioid Abuse May Be Waning in U.S.
THURSDAY, Jan. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. epidemic of prescription opioid medication abuse may be starting to reverse course, according to new research. The findings, published in the Jan. 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, suggest that recent laws and prescribing guidelines aimed at preventing abuse are working to some degree.
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Insulin Resistance Ups Breast Cancer Risk Regardless of BMI
THURSDAY, Jan. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — After menopause, unhealthy insulin levels may predict breast cancer risk even more than excess weight, new research suggests. The study was published in the Jan. 15 issue of Cancer Research.
Race, Ethnicity Appear to Affect Lupus Prognosis in U.S.
THURSDAY, Jan. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In the United States, Asian and Hispanic patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have lower death rates than whites, blacks, or Native Americans with the disease, according to a study published online Jan. 15 in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Fewer Surgeries for Patients With Advanced Colorectal Cancer
THURSDAY, Jan. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fewer U.S. colorectal cancer patients who are diagnosed in the final stages of their disease are having what can often be unnecessary surgery to have the primary tumor removed, researchers report. These patients are also living longer even as the surgery becomes less common, although their general prognosis is not good, according to the study published online Jan. 14 in JAMA Surgery.
Sedentary Lifestyle Worse for Health Than Obesity
THURSDAY, Jan. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Being sedentary may be twice as deadly as being obese, a new study suggests. However, even a little exercise — a brisk 20-minute walk each day, for example — is enough to reduce the risk of an early death by as much as 30 percent, the British researchers added. The report was published online Jan. 14 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
FDA: Stimulation Device Approved to Treat Obesity
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new electrical stimulation device designed to control obesity by targeting the nerve pathways between the brain and stomach that regulate hunger and fullness has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Rates of Hospital-Acquired Infection on the Decline
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Rates of many types of hospital-acquired infections are on the decline, but more work is needed to protect patients, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.
Guidance Offered for Ethical Referrals Within ACOs
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For accountable care organizations (ACOs), referrals within the ACO can be ethical as long as their selection is influenced in a manner that is transparent, with appropriate metrics and the right incentives, according to a perspective piece published in the Jan. 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Working Long Hours? Beware Risky Alcohol Consumption
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Working long hours may raise the risk for alcohol abuse, according to a new study of more than 300,000 people from 14 countries. The report was published online Jan. 13 in The BMJ.
Rationale for Overriding Best Practice Alerts Highly Diverse
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A wide range of physician-reported rationales drive overrides of best practice alerts (BPAs) for blood product transfusions, according to research published in the January issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Obesity Up in Past Decade, but Diabetes Incidence Stable
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Trends show that diabetes incidence has stayed higher in recent decades than it was in the 1970s, although in the past decade, diabetes incidence remained steady despite the ongoing trend of rising adiposity, according to research published online Dec. 31 in Diabetes Care.
Providers Urged to Address Patient Fears in Chronic Fatigue
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Easing fears that exercise may worsen symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome is crucial in efforts to prevent disability in people with the condition, according to research published online Jan. 13 in The Lancet Psychiatry.
Community Efforts Saved Lives, Cut Costs in Maine
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Over four decades (1970 to 2010), a community-wide program in rural Franklin County, Maine, dramatically cut hospitalizations and deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke, researchers report in the Jan. 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Asthma Linked With ~40 Percent Higher Risk of OSA
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adults with asthma face an increased risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea, new research reveals. The findings have been published in the Jan. 13 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association.
Benefit of Carotid Stenting in Elderly Called Into Question
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Mortality risk in older Medicare patients who undergo carotid artery stenting is high, according to a report published online Jan. 12 in JAMA Neurology.
Research Funding Wanes in the United States, Grows Globally
TUESDAY, Jan. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — America now spends about $117 billion a year on medical research, which is about 4.5 percent of the nation’s total health care expenses, researchers report in the Jan. 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Major Risks of Long-Term Opioid Rx Deemed Dose-Dependent
TUESDAY, Jan. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The long-term effectiveness and harms of opioids for chronic pain are unclear, although the evidence supports a dose-dependent risk for serious harms, according to a review published online Jan. 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Lung Cancer Incidence Down at Higher Altitudes
TUESDAY, Jan. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For every 3,300-foot rise in elevation, lung cancer incidence fell by 7.23 cases per 100,000 people, according to research published online Jan. 13 in PeerJ.
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Uninsured Visits to Community Health Centers Down Post-ACA
TUESDAY, Jan. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There was a 40 percent drop in uninsured visits to community health centers in states where Medicaid was expanded during the first half of 2014, when compared to the prior year, while Medicaid-covered visits to those clinics rose 36 percent, according to new research. The findings were published in the January/February issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Over 10 Percent of Patients Taking Aspirin Inappropriately
TUESDAY, Jan. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers found that of 68,808 U.S. adults prescribed aspirin long-term, 11.6 percent probably should not have been because their odds of suffering a heart attack or stroke were not high enough to outweigh the risks of daily aspirin use. The findings were published in the Jan. 20 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Guidelines Presented for Clinical Documentation in 21st Century
TUESDAY, Jan. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Guidelines have been developed for clinical documentation and interrelated issues. The position paper has been published online Jan. 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Moderately Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer in T2DM
TUESDAY, Jan. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The risk of colorectal cancer is moderately increased in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to research published online Dec. 31 in Diabetes Care.
Providers Urged to Address Patients’ Post-Cancer Concerns
MONDAY, Jan. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many U.S. cancer survivors have unresolved physical and mental health issues long after being cured, according to a study published online Jan. 12 in Cancer.
Research Suggests Diabetes Overtreatment in Seniors
MONDAY, Jan. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many older people with diabetes may be exposed to potential harm because doctors are trying to keep overly tight control of their blood glucose levels, according to research published online Jan. 12 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
NIH: Insufficient Evidence for Opioid Use in Chronic Pain
MONDAY, Jan. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Evidence is insufficient for opioid use in chronic pain, according to a position paper published online Jan. 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Disney-Related Measles Outbreak Now Includes 3 States
MONDAY, Jan. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A measles outbreak linked to Disney theme parks in California included 19 people in three states as of Friday, according to health officials.
CDC Urging Flu Vaccination, Prompt Use of Antivirals
MONDAY, Jan. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Thousands of people are being hospitalized and 26 children have died from influenza so far, Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said during a Friday press briefing.
Many Patients With HCV ‘Lost’ in U.S. Health Care System
MONDAY, Jan. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many hepatitis C patients get “lost” in the U.S. health care system, according to a study published in Hepatology.
Obesity in Diabetes Shortens Life, Ups Health Care Costs
MONDAY, Jan. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Diabetes patients, particularly those who are obese, are at risk for many life years lost and high lifetime health care expenses, according to research published online Dec. 31 in Diabetes Care.
Gender of Provider May Impact Pain Management Practices
MONDAY, Jan. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Male and female general practitioners (GPs) prescribe analgesics to older patients in a similar manner but differ in their prescribing habits for antineuropathic pain drugs and symptomatic slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis, according to a study published online Dec. 17 in Pain Medicine.
Clinicians Increasingly Ordering Imaging for Headaches
MONDAY, Jan. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Clinicians are increasingly ordering advanced imaging and referring to other physicians for headache but less often providing counseling, according to a study published online Jan. 8 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
FDA Approves Novel Anticoagulant Savaysa
FRIDAY, Jan. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Savaysa (edoxaban) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism, and prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
AMA Reports on How Docs Use Their Free Time
FRIDAY, Jan. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association recently surveyed physicians to find what activities they pursue when not in the exam room.
CDC: Occupationally Acquired HIV Now Rare
FRIDAY, Jan. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Documented occupational acquisition of HIV has now become rare in the United States, according to research published in the Dec. 9 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Glucose Level in ER Could Aid Heart Failure Prognosis
FRIDAY, Jan. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The measurement of blood glucose levels in patients arriving at emergency departments with acute heart failure could provide useful prognostic information and help improve outcomes in these patients, according to new research published online Jan. 8 in the European Heart Journal.
Satellite Lesions Prognostic for High-Risk Zoster
FRIDAY, Jan. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with herpes zoster, satellite lesions are prognostic of high-risk disease, according to a study published online Dec. 30 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Strategies to Improve Skin Lesion Diagnosis Vary in Effectiveness
THURSDAY, Jan. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Various approaches are used to improve an individual’s ability to diagnose skin lesions, with varying effectiveness, according to a review published online Jan. 7 in JAMA Dermatology.
Education Intervention Ups Fruit, Vegetable Intake
THURSDAY, Jan. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A nutrition education intervention can increase fruit and vegetable intake among women with breast cancer, according to a study published in the January-February issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.
Novel Anticoagulants Rapidly Adopted Into Clinical Practice
THURSDAY, Jan. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Novel anticoagulants have been rapidly adopted into clinical practice, and their use is associated with increased health care costs, according to a study published in the November issue of The American Journal of Medicine.
California Measles Cases Linked to Disney Park Visits
THURSDAY, Jan. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Seven people in California and two in Utah with confirmed cases of measles likely contracted the illness during visits to Disney theme parks in December, according to California health officials.
In Glaucoma, High Blood Pressure May Hinder Rather Than Help
THURSDAY, Jan. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic hypertension may increase the risk of glaucoma, according to a study conducted in rats and published in the December issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.
USRDS: Kidney Disease on the Rise, but Patients Faring Better
THURSDAY, Jan. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Despite a rising incidence of kidney disease, rates of kidney failure and related deaths are declining in the United States, according to a new report.
Stroke Risk Up Post-Cancer Diagnosis
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cancer increases the risk of stroke independently of other stroke risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes, according to a study published online Jan. 7 in the Annals of Neurology.
Experts Discuss Pros and Cons of Maintenance of Certification
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The pros and cons of the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) are discussed in two articles published in the Jan. 8 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Intensive Management Lengthens Lifespan in T1DM
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus can reduce their overall risk of premature death by conducting multiple blood glucose tests throughout the day and constantly adjusting insulin levels to hit very specific blood glucose targets. These findings are published in the Jan. 6 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Infections in ICU Up Five-Year Mortality for Elderly
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Elderly people who develop infections while in an intensive care unit (ICU) are at increased risk of dying within five years after their hospital stay, according to a study published in the Jan. 1 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
Sulfonylurea Rx Ups Testosterone Levels in Men With T2DM
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For middle-aged men with type 2 diabetes, sulfonylurea treatment is associated with improvements in total testosterone levels and testosterone secretion index values, according to a study published online Dec. 15 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
Low Risk of Statin-Linked Hepatic Injury in Liver Disease
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic liver disease, statin initiation is associated with low overall incidence of hospitalization due to severe hepatic injury, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Mandatory Gastro Consult Boosts Care in Decompensated Cirrhosis
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis (DC), a gastroenterology mandatory consultation (MC) can improve the quality of care, according to a study published online Dec. 30 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Rotating Shift Work May Be Hazardous to Health
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Working rotating night shifts (at least three nights spent working each month, in addition to days and evenings worked in the month) may pose a threat to an individual’s health, a new study suggests. The findings were published online Jan. 6 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Article Highlights Top Technology Challenges for 2015
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The introduction of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) audits, meaningful use 2, and the burdens of technology are the top four technological challenges for physicians in 2015, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Diet Advice for CA Prevention: More Veggies, Less Alcohol
TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Eating a plant-based diet and limiting alcohol intake may help lower the risk for obesity-related cancers, according to research published online Jan. 6 in Cancer Causes & Control.
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Variation in Ability to ID Inappropriate Nuclear Stress Test
TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There is modest inter-rater reliability for the 2009 Appropriate Use Criteria for nuclear stress testing and inter-rater variability in identification of inappropriate tests, according to a study published online Jan. 6 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Bariatric Surgery May Extend Life for Severely Obese Adults
TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Bariatric surgery appears to prolong life for severely obese adults, according to a new study published in the Jan. 6 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Injections for Knee Arthritis Most Effective for Pain Relief
TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Using data from 137 studies, researchers have concluded that all of the widely used arthritis treatments provide more relief from knee pain over three months than do placebo pills. The findings are published in the Jan. 6 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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CDC: Outpatient Visits for Flu-Like Symptoms Up
TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The current flu season, already off to a rough start, continues to get worse, with 43 states now reporting widespread flu activity and 21 child deaths so far, U.S. health officials said Monday.
‘July Effect’ Has No Impact on Quality of Care in Stroke
TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers investigating the so-called “July effect” found that when recent medical school graduates begin their residency programs every summer in teaching hospitals, this transition doesn’t reduce the quality of care for patients presenting with ischemic stroke.
Excessive Kidney Concerns Prevent Metformin Use in T2DM
TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Concerns about safety of metformin in renal impairment may be unnecessarily preventing its use in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), according to a research letter published online Jan. 5 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Diet Rich in Whole Grains May Reduce Overall, CVD Mortality
TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Each 1-ounce serving of whole grains can reduce a person’s overall risk of mortality by 5 percent, and risk of mortality due to cardiovascular disease by 9 percent, according to findings published online Jan. 5 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
ACS Reports 22 Percent Drop in Cancer Mortality Over 20 Years
TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Progress in the war against cancer has triggered a 22 percent drop in U.S. deaths over the past two decades, translating to about 1.5 million lives saved, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society.
For ER Patients, Self-Reported Drug Ingestion History Poor
TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients presenting to the emergency department, self-reported drug ingestion histories are poor when confirmed by urine comprehensive drug screen (CDS), according to a study published in the January issue of The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Survival Advantage of ADT+RT in Prostate CA Extends to Older Men
MONDAY, Jan. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Androgen-deprivation therapy with radiotherapy (ADT plus RT) is associated with a survival advantage over ADT alone for older men with locally advanced or screen-detected high-risk prostate cancer, according to a study published online Jan. 5 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Health Care-Linked Infections Up Costs in Cardiac Surgery
MONDAY, Jan. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are strongly linked to hospital costs, length of stay, and readmission, according to research published in the Jan. 6 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Article Highlights Top Management Challenges for 2015
MONDAY, Jan. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Considerable challenges are projected to impact practice management in 2015, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Review: SSRI Use Ups Risk of Upper GI Bleeding
MONDAY, Jan. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use is associated with increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), according to a meta-analysis published in the January issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Oncologists Not Discussing Supplement Use With Patients
MONDAY, Jan. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fewer than half of oncologists bring up the subject of herbs or supplements with their patients, with many doctors citing their own lack of information as a major reason why they skip the conversation, according to research published in the Dec. 20 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Low Prevalence of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea Suggests Overscreening
MONDAY, Jan. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For urban women aged 25 years and older, the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is low, and women may be overscreened, according to a study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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