Home Family Practice January 2016 Briefing – Family Practice

January 2016 Briefing – Family Practice

Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Family Practice for January 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.

Demand for Medical Office Space High and Increasing

FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Demand for medical office space for ambulatory care is at a high point and looks likely to continue increasing, according to an article published in Forbes.

Soy Foods May Blunt Reproductive Harm From BPA

FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Soy intake may modify the association between bisphenol A (BPA) and fertility in women undergoing assisted reproduction, according to research published online Jan. 27 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

FDA Warns of Lead Poisoning Risk From Cosmetic Clay

FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A beauty clay sold at major retail outlets may put users at risk for lead poisoning, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Friday.

High Level of Tenofovir Resistance for Those With HIV

FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — HIV resistance to the antiretroviral drug tenofovir (Viread) is common, according to a study published online Jan. 28 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Many Flavored E-Cigarettes Contain Benzaldehyde

FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Most flavored electronic cigarettes contain benzaldehyde, which has been shown to cause irritation of the respiratory airways in animal and occupational exposure studies, according to a research letter published online Jan. 28 in Thorax.

Innovative Oral Health App Helps With Diagnosis, Treatment

FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) has released an innovative app as part of its national oral health curriculum, Smiles for Life, according to a report published by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Earlier Age at Menarche Linked to Increased Risk of GDM

FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Earlier age at menarche is associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), according to a study published online Jan. 26 in Diabetes Care.

Ezetimibe/Simvastatin Ups Clinical Outcomes in IMPROVE-IT

FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Lipid-lowering therapy with ezetimibe plus simvastatin is associated with improved clinical outcomes, with a reduction in total primary end point (PEP) events, according to a study published in the Feb. 2 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

AMA Highlights Top Four Issues to Promote in State Legislation

THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The top four issues that will be promoted in state legislation in 2016 were discussed at the 2016 American Medical Association (AMA) State Legislative Strategy Conference, according to a report published by the AMA.

Carbamazepine Affects Warfarin Anticoagulation

THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For warfarin-treated patients, carbamazepine co-treatment is associated with subtherapeutic anticoagulative effect and increased warfarin dose requirements, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

Rosacea Linked to Increased Risk of Glioma

THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Rosacea is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing glioma, according to research published online Jan. 27 in JAMA Dermatology.

Estimated Due Date App to Replace the Pregnancy Wheel

THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A new estimated due date (EDD) calculator has been launched, which reconciles the discrepancy in due dates between the first ultrasound and date of the last menstrual period, according to a report published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Flavonol Intake May Contribute to Weight Maintenance

THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Increased consumption of most flavonoid subclasses is inversely associated with weight change over time, according to a study published online Jan. 28 in The BMJ.

Full Text

Review Explores Harms Linked to Antidepressant Treatment

THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The harms associated with selective serotonin and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors cannot be estimated accurately, according to a review published online Jan. 27 in The BMJ.

Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Driving Cessation Tied to Adverse Effects on Health in Older Adults

THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Driving cessation in older adults is tied to a variety of health problems, particularly depression, according to a review published online Jan. 19 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Vitamin D Treatment Has No Effect in Prediabetes

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with prediabetes or diet-treated type 2 diabetes, high-dose vitamin D treatment has no effect on β-cell function, insulin sensitivity, or glycemic control, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in Diabetes Care.

~1% of Physicians Account for One-Third of Malpractice Claims

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A small number of physicians account for a considerable proportion of all paid malpractice claims, according to a study published in the Jan. 28 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Alternative Payment Models Can Help Improve Patient Care

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Alternative payment models (APMs) have been and are being developed that can allow physicians to offer new and improved services to their patients, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Low-Dose Chlorthalidone Beats HCTZ for Ambulatory BP Control

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with stage 1 hypertension, low-dose chlorthalidone is associated with reduction in ambulatory blood pressure (ABP), while low-dose hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) may result in masked hypertension, according to a study published in the Feb. 2 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Review: Dabigatran Comparable to Warfarin for Nonvalvular A-Fib

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, dabigatran 150 mg is comparable to warfarin for preventing ischemic stroke, and correlates with lower risk of intracranial bleeding but higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, according to a review published online Jan. 26 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Clinical Significance of Varying Degrees of Neutropenia Explored

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Neutropenia is associated with viral infections and hematological malignancies in a dose-dependent manner, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.

Guidance Issued for Infants With Suspected Zika Infection

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Interim guidelines have been developed for the evaluation and testing of infants born to mothers who traveled to or resided in an area with Zika virus transmission during pregnancy. The guidelines were published in the Jan. 26 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Full Text

Prenatal Vitamin D Supplements Don’t Reduce Asthma

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There’s been speculation that a daily vitamin D supplement taken in pregnancy might lower the odds for asthma in children. However, two new studies find no evidence for such an effect. Both studies are published in the Jan. 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Abstract 1
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract 2
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Drug Shortages Affecting Emergency Med Up 2008 to 2014

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — From 2008 to 2014 there was an increase in drug shortages within the scope of emergency medicine (EM) practice, according to a study published in the January issue of Academic Emergency Medicine.

Extended Elevated Recurrence Rates for ER-Positive Breast CA

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive disease have elevated annualized hazards of recurrence during extended follow-up, according to a study published online Jan. 18 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

USPSTF Recommends Depression Screening for All Adults

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends depression screening in the general adult population, including pregnant and postpartum women. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published in the Jan. 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Recommendation Statement
Evidence Review
Editorial 1
Editorial 2

Serious Propranolol ADRs Rare in Infantile Hemangioma

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For children with infantile hemangiomas, severe adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are rare with propranolol treatment, according to a research letter published in the Jan. 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Possibility for Health Care Legislation Changes in 2016

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Given the current political climate and issues of bipartisan concern, 2016 could see certain changes to health care legislation, according to a report published in Medical Economics.

Varicella Zoster Vaccine Linked to Corneal Inflammation

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Varicella zoster virus vaccination has been linked to corneal inflammation, but the number of such cases is small, according to research presented recently at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in Las Vegas.

Consistent CRC Detection Seen for Fecal Immunochemical Tests

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) can consistently detect colorectal cancer when used on an annual basis, and they are effective even in the second, third, and fourth years of screening, according to a study published online Jan. 26 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Pulse Pressure Linked to Multiple Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pulse pressure (PP) is associated with multiple adverse cardiovascular outcomes, according to a study published in the Feb. 2 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Prednisolone Therapy Induces Procoagulant State

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For healthy subjects, 10 days of prednisolone therapy induces a procoagulant state, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

ACP Presents High-Value Care Advice for Hematuria

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In a clinical guideline published online Jan. 26 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, recommendations relating to evaluation of hematuria are presented for clinicians.

Full Text

Risk of Malignancy Can Be Quantified Using Simple Rules

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of ultrasonography features can help identify the risk of malignancy for patients with an adnexal tumor, according to a study published online Jan. 18 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Overweight, Obesity Linked to Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and non-SCD, according to a study published in the Feb. 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.

At Least Three Factors Influence Timing of Dialysis Initiation

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The initiation of maintenance dialysis reflects an interplay between the care practices of physicians, sources of momentum for initiation, and physician-patient interactions, according to a study published online Jan. 25 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Dysgraphia Described After Sertraline Intake

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Dysgraphia after sertraline intake has been documented in a case report published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

About 1 in 7 Colorectal Cancer Patients Younger Than 50

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Nearly one in seven colorectal cancer patients are under 50, and younger patients are more likely to have advanced-stage cancer, according to a report published online Jan. 25 in Cancer.

Hypoglycemia, Atherosclerosis Progression Link Explored

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial, hypoglycemia was associated with coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression only in the standard therapy group (versus intensive therapy), according to research published online Jan. 19 in Diabetes Care.

Guidelines for Appropriate Use of Cardiac Imaging in the ER

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — New guidelines, published online Jan. 22 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, have been developed for assessing the appropriateness of imaging for patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

New Position Paper Developed for Introduction of Gluten in Infancy

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — New recommendations, published online Jan. 13 in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, have been issued for the introduction of gluten in infants.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Only Severe Preeclampsia Linked to Antiβ2GP1 Immunoglobulin G

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Severe preeclampsia (S-PEecl), but not non-severe preeclampsia (NS-PEecl), is associated with antiβ2GP1 immunoglobulin (Ig)G, according to a study published online Jan. 18 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

Validity of Automated Falls Detection Device Unclear

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For nursing home residents there is poor concordance between the falls recorded by an investigational fall detection device and falls reported by nursing staff, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Coronary CT Angiography Findings Modify Statin, Aspirin Rx

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Knowledge of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) results is associated with improved alignment of aspirin and statin prescribing with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a study published in the Feb. 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.

ACOG Supports CDC’s Zika Virus Travel Precautions

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued a statement and practice advisory in support of new guidelines aimed at shielding pregnant women from the mosquito-borne Zika virus.

More Information – ACOG
More Information – CDC

IV Thrombolysis Aids Patients Dependent Before Their Stroke

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) treatment might benefit stroke patients who needed help with daily living before their stroke, according to research published online Jan. 21 in Stroke.

Children Could Benefit From Standing Desks in Classrooms

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Standing desks in the classroom may benefit students, according to a review published online Jan. 22 in Pediatrics.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Patient Satisfaction With Doctors May Be on the Rise

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More Americans than ever are satisfied with their visits to the doctor, according to a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll in September.

Algorithm Using Routine Data Aims to Predict Dementia Risk

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Researchers from University College London have developed an algorithm that uses medical data to predict a five-year risk of dementia, according to a report published online Jan. 21 in BMC Medical.

Full Text

Many Seniors Getting Unneeded Mammography, PSA Screens

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Many older Americans are unnecessarily screened for breast and prostate cancer, according to a research letter published online Jan. 21 in JAMA Oncology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

CDC: Increasing Rate of Gastroschisis Seen in U.S.

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The birth defect gastroschisis among U.S. infants has increased over the past 18 years, according to research published in the Jan. 22 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Full Text

Excessive Mortality Observed in Anorexia Nervosa

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Mortality is increased among patients with eating disorders, with higher mortality for those with anorexia nervosa (AN) compared with bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and eating disorder not otherwise specified (ED-NOS), according to a study published online Jan. 15 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.

About 2 Percent of Boys Have Undescended Testis

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — About 2 percent of boys are diagnosed with undescended testis (UDT), according to a study published online Jan. 22 in Pediatrics.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Review Shows Lasting Weight Loss for Very-Low-Energy Diets

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Very-low-energy diets (VLEDs) seem to be beneficial for long-term weight loss, according to a review published online Jan. 18 in Obesity Reviews.

Frailty Ups Mortality Risk After Surgery in Seniors

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physical frailty among older patients who have elective surgery is linked to a greater risk of death one year later, according to a study published online Jan. 20 in JAMA Surgery.

Eluxadoline Eases Pain and Diarrhea for Some With IBS

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Eluxadoline (Viberzi) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea seems to reduce symptoms for some patients for at least six months, according to research published in the Jan. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Based on these findings, eluxadoline was approved recently by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Mutations in TUBB8 Linked to Form of Female Infertility

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For a small number of women with a rare form of infertility, mutations in a particular gene may be the cause, according to a study published in the Jan. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Pregnancy Ups Metastasis, Recurrence, Death in Melanoma

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Women diagnosed with melanoma during or just after pregnancy are at greater risk from the cancer than other women, according to a study published online Jan. 20 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Opt-Out Testing in the ER May Boost HIV Testing Rates

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — “Opt-out” testing could significantly increase the number of patients who agree to be tested for HIV, according to research published online Jan. 19 in The BMJ.

Blood Test May Help Guide Appropriateness of Antibiotic Rx

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say they’re closer to developing a blood test that distinguishes between viral and bacterial respiratory infections. The findings are published in the Jan. 20 issue of Science Translational Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Depressive Symptoms Linked to Coronary Artery Calcium

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Depressive symptoms seem to be associated with coronary artery calcium (CAC) in older men and women, according to a study published in the Feb. 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.

Four Methods Can Diagnose Fetal Nasal Bone Hypoplasia

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Four methods can be used for diagnosing fetal nasal bone (NB) hypoplasia in the second trimester in order to predict Down’s syndrome, according to a study published online in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound.

Antipsychotic-Exposed Youths Have Increased T2DM Risk

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Youths treated with antipsychotics have increased cumulative risk and exposure-adjusted incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), according to research published online Jan. 20 in JAMA Psychiatry.

Uptick in CT Scans for Minor Trauma Cases in California

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The use of computed tomography (CT) on patients with minor trauma doubled in California in recent years, according to a study published in the Journal of Surgical Research.

Higher Substance Use Found Among Teens Who Tan

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — New survey results suggest that teenagers who go to tanning salons may be more likely to smoke, drink, and use illegal drugs and steroids, according to a research letter published online Jan. 20 in JAMA Dermatology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

A-Fib May Pose Bigger Threat to Women

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Atrial fibrillation is a stronger risk factor for stroke, cardiac events, heart failure, and death in women than it is in men, according to an analysis published online Jan. 19 in The BMJ.

Full Text

Anesthesia After 40 Not Linked to Mild Cognitive Impairment

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Receiving general anesthesia for surgery after age 40 doesn’t appear to raise the risk for mild cognitive impairment later in life, according to a study published online Jan. 20 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

CDC Issues Zika-Virus Guidance for Health Care Providers

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health officials issued guidelines Tuesday for health care providers whose pregnant patients may have traveled to countries — especially Brazil — where the mosquito-borne Zika virus has been linked to microcephaly.

Families Prefer Hospice Over Hospital for Dying Relatives

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Earlier hospice enrollment, avoidance of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions within 30 days of death, and death occurring outside the hospital are associated with perceptions of better end-of-life care among family members of older patients who are dying of lung or colorectal cancer, according to research published in the Jan. 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on death, dying, and end of life.

Less Hypoglycemia With Weight-Based Insulin in Hyperkalemia

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Weight-based insulin dosing is associated with less hypoglycemia than standard dosing for patients with acute hyperkalemia weighing less than 95 kg, according to a study published online Jan. 13 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.

TB Therapy-Linked Medication Errors Occur Frequently

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Medication errors associated with antituberculosis therapy occur frequently in an inpatient setting, according to a study published online Jan. 13 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

Guidelines Provided for Correct Way to Dismiss Patients

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — As insurers place increasing emphasis on evaluating physicians based on quality measures, management of noncompliant patients is becoming more complex, and can lead to patient dismissal, according to an article published in Medical Economics.

Full Text

Catch-Up Sleep May Reverse T2DM Risk Tied to Sleep Loss

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Catch-up sleep may reverse the negative short-term impact of sleep loss on diabetes risk, at least in otherwise healthy fit young men, according to research published online Jan. 18 in Diabetes Care.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

B12 Deficiency Common in Long-Term Care Residents

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Vitamin B12 deficiency is common among seniors in long-term care, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in the Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism.

CDC: HIV Testing Rates Still Low Among Teens, Young Adults

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — An estimated 50 percent of young Americans infected with HIV don’t know they have it, according to research published online Jan. 19 in Pediatrics.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Physicians Choose Less Aggressive Care at End of Life

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physicians facing death are less likely to demand aggressive care, according to two research letters published in the Jan. 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on death, dying, and end of life.

Full Text 1 (subscription or payment may be required)
Full Text 2 (subscription or payment may be required)

ACP, CDC Offer Antibiotic Rx Guidelines for ARTIs

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American College of Physicians and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued new guidelines for prescribing antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in adults. The guidelines were published online Jan. 19 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text

CDC: Distribution of Lyme Disease Vectors Has Expanded

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Ticks that transmit Lyme disease are now found in nearly half of all counties in the United States, a much broader swath than was seen in the late 1990s, according to research published online Jan. 18 in the Journal of Medical Entomology.

Full Text

Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Doesn’t Top Sham for Hot Flashes

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with moderately severe menopausal hot flashes, Chinese medicine acupuncture is not superior to noninsertive sham acupuncture, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

QI Methods Can Cut Antibiotic Duration in Children With uSSTIs

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For children hospitalized for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections (uSSTIs), quality improvement (QI) methods can increase prescriptions for short courses of antibiotics, according to a quality report published online Jan. 18 in Pediatrics.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Case Report Describes Scurvy in Infant Consuming Almond Milk

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The development of scurvy in an 11-month-old after exclusive intake of almond beverages and almond flour from age 2.5 months is described in a case report published online Jan. 18 in Pediatrics.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Impact of T2DM Meds on Heart Failure Hospitalization Explored

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, there is no association between hospitalization for heart failure and treatment with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) versus sulfonylureas (SUs) or treatment with saxagliptin versus sitagliptin, according to a study published online Jan. 6 in Diabetes Care.

Greater Transparency Being Promoted in Research

MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Greater transparency is being promoted in clinical research, according to a health policy brief published online Jan. 14 in Health Affairs.

Full Text

Medical Marijuana May Help Treat, Prevent Migraines

MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Marijuana may give relief to migraine sufferers, according to research published online Jan. 9 in Pharmacotherapy.

Ranolazine Added to Glimepiride Cuts HbA1c in T2DM

MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes on background glimepiride therapy, but not metformin, addition of ranolazine is associated with a significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), according to research published online Jan. 8 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

Design of Physician Satisfaction Surveys Affects Results

MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patient satisfaction scores are influenced by the design and implementation of patient surveys, according to an article published in the January-February issue of Family Practice Management.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Stethoscope Still Valuable Despite Technological Advances

MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Despite advances in medical technology, the stethoscope still has important diagnostic value, according to an editorial published online Jan. 15 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Pre-Stroke Aspirin Use May Reduce Stroke Severity

MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with atherothrombotic stroke, pre-stroke aspirin use may reduce initial stroke severity, according to a study published online Jan. 11 in the Annals of Neurology.

Foreign-Born Students in U.S. Have Higher Case Rate of TB

MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Foreign-born students in the United States have a higher case rate of tuberculosis (TB) than other foreign-born individuals, according to a study published online Jan. 5 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Pertussis Outbreak Described in Preschool in Tallahassee

MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A report published online Jan. 13 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases highlights a 2013 pertussis outbreak among mainly vaccinated preschool-aged children.

Full Text

Traditional Foods Can Bring Joy to Dementia Patients

MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with dementia, traditional dishes can create joy and boost patients’ sense of well-being, according to research published online Jan. 11 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.

Nonverbal Cues May Reveal a Physician’s Racial Bias

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A physician’s body language may reveal racial bias against seriously ill black patients, according to research published in the January issue of the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.

Flavonoid-Rich Diet Tied to Lower Erectile Dysfunction Risk

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Foods rich in flavonoids are associated with reduced risk of erectile dysfunction, according to research published online Jan. 13 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Incidence of Nephrolithiasis Rising in Teens, Blacks

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A growing number of teens, women, and blacks are being diagnosed with nephrolithiasis, according to findings published online Jan. 14 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

Compassion Fatigue May Be Underestimated by Trauma Teams

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The challenges facing trauma care providers can put them at risk for compassion fatigue and burnout, according to a study published in the January/February issue of the Journal of Trauma Nursing.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Mortality Up With Low Bicarb Levels in Healthy Seniors

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Seniors who are healthy but have low blood levels of bicarbonate are at higher risk for premature death, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

CDC: Average Age of First-Time Mothers in U.S. Still Rising

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — From 2000 to 2014, the age of first-time mothers increased 1.4 years — from 24.9 years old on average to 26.3 years, according to a January data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.

Electronic Cigarettes May Hinder Smoking Cessation Efforts

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — E-cigarette use actually lowers smokers’ chances that they’ll quit tobacco by about 28 percent, according to an evidence review published online Jan. 14 in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

Diagnostic Imaging Down With High Deductible Health Plans

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — U.S. patients whose health insurance plans have high deductibles undergo fewer diagnostic imaging tests, according to a study published in the February issue of Medical Care.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

ER-Initiated Palliative Care Consult Ups QoL in Advanced CA

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with advanced cancer, emergency department-initiated palliative care consultation is associated with improved quality of life, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in JAMA Oncology.

Nitrate Intake Linked to Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Risk

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Higher dietary nitrate and green leafy vegetable intake is associated with reduced risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), according to a study published online Jan. 14 in JAMA Ophthalmology.

Prophylactic Antibiotic Choice Impacts Post-Hysterectomy SSI

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For women undergoing hysterectomy, prophylactic antibiotic choice impacts the risk of surgical site infection rates, according to a study published in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Diabetes Mellitus Is Independent Risk Factor for A-Fib

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Within a general population from China, diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), with the correlation persisting after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, according to a study published online Jan. 8 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.

Geographic Variation in HPV Oropharyngeal Cancer Prevalence

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There is geographic variation in the proportion of head and neck cancers attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV), according to a study published online Jan. 8 in Head & Neck.

Sugar Warning Labels Might Help Parents Skip Soda for Children

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Health warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages — similar to those on cigarette packs — might make parents less likely to buy such beverages for their children, according to research published online Jan. 14 in Pediatrics.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Low Resilience to Stress in Teens May Up Later T2DM Risk

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Teens who have trouble coping with stress may be at increased risk for type 2 diabetes as adults, according to research published online Jan. 13 in Diabetologia.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

WHO: West Africa Ebola Outbreak Is Over

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The two-year Ebola outbreak in West Africa that claimed more than 11,300 lives is over, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

Zika Virus Concerns May Curb Travel for Pregnant Women

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pregnant women in the United States may be warned against traveling to Latin American and Caribbean countries where mosquitoes are spreading a virus that may cause brain damage in newborns.

Dementia Rx May Lower Risk of Falls Among Parkinson’s Patients

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Rivastigmine shows potential in reducing the risk of falls among patients with Parkinson’s disease, according to new research published online Jan. 12 in The Lancet Neurology.

Health Coverage Improved As Result of Affordable Care Act

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Affordable Care Act is working as intended, extending health care coverage and ensuring that hospital care is financially compensated, according to two research letters published in the Jan. 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Full Text 1
Full Text 2

Lower Live Birth Rate With Minimal Stimulation IVF

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Minimal stimulation in vitro fertilization (mini-IVF) is associated with reduced live birth rates compared with conventional IVF, according to a study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Screening Rates Down With Increasing Patient Panel Size

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The number of patients under a primary care physician’s care (panel size) correlates with cancer screening, continuity, and comprehensiveness dimensions of care, according to a study published in the January/February issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Patient Race Linked to Failure to Achieve HbA1c Target

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Factors associated with failure to achieve a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) target in the standard therapy arm of the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) glycemia trial have been identified, according to research published in the January issue of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

Lower Risk of Parkinson’s With Higher Urate Concentration

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For men, but not women, the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) is lower with higher plasma urate concentrations, according to a study published online Jan. 13 in Neurology.

Geographic Factors Impact HPV Vaccine Initiation in Teen Girls

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Initiation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is highest among teen girls in poorer communities and in populations that are mainly Hispanic or mixed race, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Tickborne Bacteria Identified in Ticks from Texas

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — About 23 percent of ticks from Texas carry bacterial DNA from at least one of the following: Rickettsia, Borrelia, and Ehrlichia spp., according to a report published online Jan. 13 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Full Text

Pathway to Heroin Described in NEJM Commentary

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — U.S. researchers are challenging a leading theory about the nation’s heroin epidemic, saying it’s not a direct result of the crackdown on opioids. The commentary has been published in the Jan. 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Full Text

Infants, Not Just Older Children, at Risk of Accidental Poisonings

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Infants are just as susceptible to accidental poisonings as older children are, especially when it comes to medication errors, according to research published online Jan. 13 in Pediatrics.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Newborn Abstinence Sx Up, Tied to Increasing Prenatal Opioid Use

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Between 2000 and 2009, the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome among newborns rose from 1.2 to 3.4 per 1,000 live births, Nora Volkow, M.D., director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, reported in an editorial published online Jan. 12 in The BMJ.

Full Text

Online Tool Helps Predict Odds of Kidney Failure in CKD Patients

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A new online tool may help predict whether patients with chronic kidney disease will develop kidney failure in the next two to five years. The report was published in the Jan. 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Incidence of Radiation-Induced Breast Cancer Examined

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There is variability in radiation-induced breast cancer incidence and mortality associated with digital mammography screening, according to a study published online Jan. 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text

No Benefit for Delaying Pregnancy After Early Loss

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For couples with early pregnancy loss, there is no indication of improved live birth rates with delayed next attempt at pregnancy, according to a study published in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Allergic Rhinitis Constitutes Considerable Burden

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Allergic rhinitis (AR) constitutes a considerable burden, with patients at increased risk for asthma and various mental health comorbidities, according to a study published online Jan. 8 in Allergy.

Yoga Positions Linked to Increase in Intraocular Pressure

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For individuals with and without open-angle glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP) increases shortly after starting yoga exercises with head-down positions, according to a study published online Dec. 23 in PLOS ONE.

Full Text

Mislabeled Dose Cups Prompt Children’s Cough Syrup Recall

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Two flavors of over-the-counter children’s liquid cough medicine are being recalled across the United States because the dose cups that come with the medicine have incorrect markings and could lead to overdose.

AAFP Highlights Top Education Issues of 2015

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American Academy of Family Physicians addressed several education and workforce items during 2015, including mentoring, federal funding, and educational initiatives.

Mental Health Disorders Common Among Bariatric Sx Patients

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Many patients having surgery for severe obesity also have mental health conditions, particularly depression and binge-eating disorder, according to research published in the Jan. 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Statins May Aid CABG Recovery

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients who take statins before and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have fewer complications and a reduced mortality risk during and soon after the operation, according to a new report published online Jan. 12 in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

Even Small Decline in Kidney Function Tied to CVD Risk

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Even a slight decline in kidney function can potentially lead to heart damage, according to research published online Jan. 11 in Hypertension.

Sugary Drinks Linked to Increase in Visceral Adipose Tissue

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with greater accumulation of visceral adipose tissue, according to research published online Jan. 11 in Circulation.

Infant Delivery and Feeding Methods Affect Microbiome

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A vaginal birth and breastfeeding make a notable difference in the bacterial composition of an infant’s gut, according to research published online Jan. 11 in JAMA Pediatrics.

Azithromycin Prescribed Despite Risk for QTc Prolongation

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Azithromycin is frequently prescribed to hospitalized patients despite the presence of risk factors for QTc prolongation, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.

False-Positive Mammography Results Are Common

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For women undergoing digital mammography screening, false-positive results are common, especially among younger women and those with risk factors, according to research published online Jan. 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text

Recommendations Developed for Antithrombotic Tx in VTE

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — New recommendations have been developed for antithrombotic therapy for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The Antithrombotic Therapy for VTE Disease: CHEST Guideline was published online Jan. 7 in CHEST.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Review: Paroxetine Use in Pregnancy Tied to Malformations

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Gestational exposure to paroxetine in the first trimester is associated with increased risk of major congenital malformations and major cardiac malformations, according to a review published online Nov. 27 in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

USPSTF Recommends Biennial Screening Mammography

MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published online Dec. 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text
Editorial 1
Editorial 2

CDC: Nearly Half of U.S. Teens Exposed to Secondhand Smoke

MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Nearly half of American teens who’ve never used tobacco are exposed to harmful secondhand smoke — many in their homes and family cars, according to research published online Jan. 11 in Pediatrics.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Lingering Issues for Survivors of Childhood CA Affecting Vision

MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Some survivors of childhood cancers that affect vision may face increased risk for long-term health and economic issues, two new studies suggest. The studies, published online Jan. 11 in Cancer, provide new insight that could help improve patient care and follow-up.

Abstract 1
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract 2
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Proton Pump Inhibitors Linked to Chronic Kidney Disease

MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be linked to long-term kidney damage, according to a study published online Jan. 11 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Dosing Errors Occur Frequently in Patients With Renal Failure

MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients on hemodialysis often have drug orders that are not adherent to renal dosing recommendations, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

Breast Implants Linked to Chronic Pulmonary Silicone Embolism

MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Chronic pulmonary silicone embolism related to saline breast implants has been detailed in a letter to the editor published in the January issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Attending Physician Workload Linked to Teaching Effectiveness

MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Attending physician workload is associated with lower teaching effectiveness, according to a study published online Jan. 6 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.

Polyhydramnios With Normal U/S Linked to Adverse Outcomes

MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Polyhydramnios with normal prenatal detailed ultrasound examination is associated with increased risk for adverse outcomes, including fetal malformations, genetic syndromes, neurologic disorders, and developmental delay, according to a study published online Jan. 11 in Pediatrics.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

FDA Approves Device for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Integra Omnigraft Dermal Regeneration Matrix has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat diabetic foot ulcers.

Lower Hospital Costs Tied to Palliative Care Consult

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Palliative care consultation within two days of hospitalization is associated with lower hospital costs for patients with incurable cancer, with greater savings for greater number of comorbidities, according to a study published in the January issue of Health Affairs.

Extended-Release Niacin Lowers ApoB-48 Concentration in T2DM

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, a statin plus extended-release niacin (ERN) lowers apolipoprotein B-48 (apoB-48) concentration compared to a statin alone, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

Financial Obstacles Only Partly to Blame for Low CPAP Acceptance

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea under a copayment health care system, obstacles other than finances are primarily responsible for reduced purchase of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, according to a study published in the January issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

New Guidelines Say Limit Added Sugars to <10 Percent of Calories

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans offers five overarching guidelines that encourage healthy eating patterns, rather than focusing on individual dietary components such as food groups and nutrients as in previous editions.

CDC: Americans Still Consume Too Much Salt

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More than 90 percent of children and 89 percent of adults consume more sodium than is recommended in the new 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, according to research published in the Jan. 8 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Full Text

CDC: TB Potentially Passed From Zoo Elephants to People

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Transmission of tuberculosis from infected captive elephants to humans may be possible with long-term, close contact with the animals, according to research published in the Jan. 8 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Full Text

Research Supports Annual Mammograms for Elderly Women

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Regular mammograms still benefit elderly women, according to research published in the December issue of The American Journal of Medicine.

Motor Control Exercise Can Help Ease Lower Back Pain

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Motor control exercise to improve coordination of muscles that support the spine can help reduce lower back pain, according to research published online Jan. 7 in The Cochrane Library.

More Testing, Treatment Could Dramatically Cut New HIV Cases

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — As many as two-thirds of new HIV infections could be prevented in men having sex with men (MSM) if more men were tested for the virus, more were treated, and more who don’t have HIV took medication to prevent infection, a new Dutch study estimates. The study is published in the Jan. 6 issue of Science Translational Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Trends in Insulin Use, Glycemic Control Explored

THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Since 1988, the proportion of patients with diabetes currently on any insulin has remained stable, according to research published online Dec. 30 in Diabetes Care.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Exposure to Oral Contraceptives Not Tied to Birth Defects

THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Exposure to oral contraception in early pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk of birth defects, according to a study published online Jan. 6 in The BMJ.

Full Text

Blood Test May Help Rule Out Preeclampsia in Short Term

THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A sFlt-1:PlGF ratio of 38 or lower appears to help rule out preeclampsia in women in whom the syndrome is suspected clinically, according to a study published in the Jan. 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Discharge Before Noon Tied to Longer Length of Stay

THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Discharge before noon is associated with longer length of stay among adult medical and surgical patients, according to a study published online Dec. 30 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.

LARC Deemed Safe for Women With Cardiovascular Conditions

THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For women with cardiovascular conditions, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) appears safe with few complications, according to a study published in the Jan. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.

Positive Effects of Psychological Treatments Maintained in IBS

THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Psychological therapies such as relaxation and hypnosis can offer long-term benefits for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a study published online Dec. 22 in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

African-American Men Produce Less Prostate-Specific Antigen

THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Among men with Gleason score 3+3=6 prostate cancer, African-Americans produce less prostate-specific antigen than Caucasians, according to a study published in the February issue of The Journal of Urology.

Considerable Subclinical Cardiac Disease in Childhood CA Survivors

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Adult survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk for subclinical cardiovascular disease, according to a study published online Jan. 5 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Premature Menopause Tied to Risk of Depression Later in Life

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Premature menopause may increase a woman’s later risk of depression, according to research published online Jan. 6 in JAMA Psychiatry.

Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Varies Across Minority Groups

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening varies for different minority groups, according to research published online Dec. 30 in Diabetes Care.

DHEA Suppository May Ease Menopausal Vaginal Symptoms

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For postmenopausal women, suppositories containing the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may reduce vaginal dryness, discomfort, and pain during sex without raising overall estrogen levels, according to research published online Dec. 28 in Menopause.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Review: Interventions Can Cut Inappropriate Cardiac Imaging

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Quality improvement interventions that employ physician audit and feedback can reduce inappropriate cardiac imaging, according to a review published online Jan. 5 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Oral Fluconazole Exposure Linked to Spontaneous Abortion Risk

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of oral fluconazole in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of spontaneous abortion, according to a study published in the Jan. 5 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Dark Chocolate Consumption Daily Can Exacerbate Acne

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For acne-prone males, daily consumption of 99 percent dark chocolate can exacerbate acne, according to a study published online Dec. 29 in the International Journal of Dermatology.

Early-Life Exercise May Promote Lifelong Brain Function

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Early-life exercise-induced alterations in gut microbiota may promote brain function and emotional well-being, according to a study published online Dec. 9 in Immunology & Cell Biology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

For HIV-Infected, Number of Daily Pills Decreasing

TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For HIV-infected patients, the number of pills and doses of antiretrovirals has decreased over the past seven years, according to a study published online Dec. 30 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

Many Patients Using E-Mail As First Method of Provider Contact

TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic conditions, the ability to communicate with their doctor via e-mail may help improve their health, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in the American Journal of Managed Care.

Full Text

Researchers Argue in Defense of the Annual Check-Up

TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Arguments urging doctors to abandon routine physical exams are based on insufficient evidence, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online Jan. 5 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Unrestricted Visiting Hours Up Satisfaction of Patients’ Families

TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A change from minimally restricted to unrestricted visitation hours is associated with improved satisfaction among patients’ family members, according to a study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Critical Care.

High Dose of Vitamin D Tied to Higher Risk of Falls in Elderly

TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Higher monthly doses of vitamin D have no benefit on lower extremity function and correlate with increased risk of falls compared with lower doses in elderly adults, according to a study published online Jan. 4 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Infertility Treatment Not Linked to Children’s Development

TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Infertility treatment seems not to be associated with children’s development through age 3 years, according to a study published online Jan. 4 in JAMA Pediatrics.

History of Asthma May Be Linked to Shingles Risk in Adults

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients with a history of asthma may be more likely to develop herpes zoster, researchers report online Dec. 28 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, ACEIs Deemed Equally Effective

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are just as effective and safe as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), according to research published in the January issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Women in Oregon No Longer Need Rx for Birth Control

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Oregon has become the first state to allow women to obtain birth control without a doctor’s prescription.

Health Highlights: Jan. 4, 2016

Hawaii Becomes First State to Raise Smoking Age to 21

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Hawaii has become the first state to raise the legal smoking age to 21 for both traditional and electronic cigarettes. State health officials hope the new law, effective Jan. 1, will make it harder for teenagers to try smoking or to develop the deadly habit, the Associated Press reported.

Health Highlights: Jan. 4, 2016

CDC: Heart Failure Mortality Up 2012 Through 2014

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The age-adjusted mortality rates from heart failure decreased from 2000 to 2012 but increased from 2012 through 2014, according to a December data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.

Not All PCPs Strongly Recommend HPV Vaccine

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pediatricians and family physicians (FPs) do not always strongly recommend the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, according to a study published online Jan. 4 in Pediatrics.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Interest in Tanning Practices Is Seasonal

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Interest in tanning peaks prior to the summer months, with the highest interest seen in March in the United States and Canada, according to a research letter published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Dermatology.

Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

β-Genus Human Papillomavirus Poses Skin Cancer Risk

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — β-genus human papillomavirus (β-HPV) is a risk factor for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in otherwise healthy individuals, according to a review published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Dermatology.

Diagnostic Factors May Help Patients Avoid Prostate Biopsy

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Initial diagnostic characteristics may be able to identify men initiating active surveillance who could avoid confirmatory biopsy, according to a study published in the January issue of The Journal of Urology.

Powered Intracapsular Tonsillectomy Aids Pediatric OSA

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Powered intracapsular tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (PITA) improves severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pediatric patients, according to a study published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Copyright © 2016 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.