Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine 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.
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.
FDA Approves Zepatier for Chronic Hepatitis C
FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Zepatier (elbasvir and grazoprevir) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat chronic hepatitis C virus genotypes 1 and 4 infections.
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.
Severe Reaction to Pneumococcal Vaccines in Patients With CAPS
FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pneumococcal vaccines can trigger a severe local and systemic inflammatory reaction in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), according to a study published in the February issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Pre-Op MRI Improves Accuracy for Predicting Extent of DCIS
FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can add to mammography in predicting the extent of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), according to a study published online Jan. 25 in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology.
Ketoanalogue-Supplemented Very Low-Protein Diet May Benefit CKD
FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A ketoanalogue-supplemented vegetarian very low-protein diet (KD) seems safe and may be able to slow chronic kidney disease progression, according to a study published online Jan. 28 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
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.
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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.
HIV Can Replicate in Lymphoid Tissue Despite ART Success
THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Even when blood tests of HIV patients on antiretroviral drugs show no sign of the virus, it can still be replicating in lymphoid tissue, according to research published online Jan. 27 in Nature.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
Tysabri Impacts Seroconversion in John Cunningham Virus
THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with John Cunningham virus (JCV), natalizumab (Tysabri) treatment affects seroconversion and JCV index values, according to a study published online Jan. 27 in Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation.
n-3 PUFA Tx After AMI Linked to Drop in Death, Recurrent AMI
THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the use of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality and recurrent AMI through 12-month follow-up, according to a study published in the Feb. 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
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.
Belatacept Regimen Ups Kidney Transplant Survival
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For kidney transplant recipients, a belatacept regimen is associated with improved patient and graft survival compared with a cyclosporine regimen, according to a study published in the Jan. 28 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
~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.
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No Beneficial Effects Seen for Cyclosporine A in Reperfused MI
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A single intravenous cyclosporine A (CsA) bolus just before primary percutaneous coronary intervention has no beneficial effects on ST-segment resolution in reperfused myocardial infarction (MI), according to a study published in the Feb. 2 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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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).
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.
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.
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.
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Fiber Intake Linked to Measures of Lung Function
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Fiber intake is associated with measures of lung function in U.S. adults, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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Too Few Nurses Compliant With Standard Precautions
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Fewer than 20 percent of nurses report compliance with all nine Standard Precautions (SP), although adherence is the most effective means of preventing bloodborne pathogen transmission, according to a study published in the Jan. 1 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Adjuvant Therapy Ups Survival in Small-Cell Lung Cancer
TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with early-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) undergoing resection, treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy or chemotherapy with cranial irradiation is associated with improved survival compared with surgery alone, according to a study published online Jan. 18 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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.
Better Value Care at Hospitals With Best Nursing Environments
MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Hospitals with better nursing environments provide better value care, according to a study published online Jan. 20 in JAMA Surgery.
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.
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.
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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.
Research Suggests Broader Role for HPV in HNSCC Etiology
MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 detection is tied to incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); and other HPVs, including γ11- and γ12-HPV species and β1-HPV-5 type, are also associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), according to a study published online Jan. 21 in JAMA Oncology.
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.
Considerable Symptom Burden With Adjuvant Endocrine Tx
MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) for primary breast cancer have considerable symptom burden, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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Curcumin Cuts Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Curcumin can attenuate acetaminophen-induced mitochondrial alterations in the livers of mice, according to an experimental study published online Jan. 15 in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.
Focused Cardiac Ultrasonography Can Discriminate LVSF
FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Focused cardiac ultrasonographic (FoCUS) examination can be used by trained internal medicine physicians to discriminate normal from reduced left ventricular systolic function (LVSF), according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound.
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.
Blood Test May Help Predict Acute Myeloid Leukemia Return
THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A simple blood test may be an inexpensive, easy, and effective way to predict risk of recurrence of a common form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), characterized by a mutation in the NPM1 gene, according to research published in the Jan. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
Cystectomy Plus Chemo Ups Survival in Bladder Cancer
THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with locally advanced bladder cancer, cystectomy plus adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved survival versus cystectomy alone, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Slowing Noted in Growth of Cancer Expenditures
THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — From 1998 to 2012, cancer care expenditures increased at an annualized rate of 2.9 percent, although the growth slowed from 2007, according to a study published online Jan. 15 in Cancer.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Study Questions Use of Physical Therapy for Early Parkinson’s
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physical therapy might not benefit people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s disease, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in JAMA Neurology.
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.
Pre-Op Fasting Times Often Exceed Guidelines in Cirrhosis
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients who have hepatic cirrhosis or have undergone liver transplantation, medically ordered pre-procedural fasting times frequently exceed existing guidelines, according to a study published online Jan. 13 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
KRAS, BRAF V600E Mutations Impact Survival in Colon Cancer
MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with stage III colon cancer treated with leucovorin, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), KRAS and BRAF V600E mutations are associated with worse clinical outcome in patients with microsatellite-stable tumors, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in JAMA Oncology.
Earlier AMD Onset With Rare Genetic Variants
MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) carrying rare variants have earlier age at symptom onset and a higher prevalence of positive family history than noncarriers, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
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.
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FDA Approves Newly Designed Olympus Endoscope
MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A newly designed Olympus duodenoscope was approved Friday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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.
Guidelines Presented for Primary Adrenal Insufficiency
MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations have been developed to address the diagnosis and treatment of primary adrenal insufficiency. The new clinical practical guidelines were published online Jan. 13 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Intensified Tx Doesn’t Up Survival in Tuberculous Meningitis
FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with tuberculous meningitis, intensified antituberculosis treatment is not associated with higher survival than standard treatment, according to a study published in the Jan. 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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.
Scope-Related Infections Higher Than Previously Thought
THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More patients than previously estimated contracted life-threatening infections from contaminated medical scopes in recent years, according to a U.S. Senate committee report released Wednesday.
Health Highlights: Jan. 14, 2016
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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ABIM Extends Decision to Suspend Aspects of MOC Program
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) is extending (through the end of 2018) its decision not to require internists to complete various controversial parts of its Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program in order to keep their certification status, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Nitinol Coils May Up Ability to Exercise With Emphysema
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Lung volume reduction coil treatment may help improve the ability to exercise for patients with severe emphysema, according to a study published in the Jan. 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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.
Stem Cell Sources Used for HSCT Vary by Country, Resources
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of bone marrow as the stem cell source for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) increases with increasing incomes, according to a research letter published in the Jan. 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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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.
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PPARγ Antagonist Imatinib Improves Insulin Sensitivity
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Imatinib (Gleevec) blocks CDK5-mediated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) phosphorylation as an antagonist ligand, improving insulin sensitivity and promoting browning of white adipose tissue, according to a study published online Jan. 6 in Diabetes.
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.
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Acute Ozone Exposure Ups Stress Hormone in Humans
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Acute ozone exposure increases stress hormones and causes alterations in peripheral lipid metabolism in humans, according to research published online Jan. 8 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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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.
Frozen Samples Comparable to Fresh in Fecal Transplant
TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Frozen stool samples work just as well as freshly donated samples when treating Clostridium difficile infection through fecal transplantation, according to findings 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy No Benefit for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with diabetes and chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) does not reduce indications for amputation, according to a study published online Jan. 6 in Diabetes Care.
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.
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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.
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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.
Excessive Hair Growth Documented After IFN-β Tx
MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Excessive hair growth can occur after local administration of interferon (IFN)-β treatment for malignant melanoma, according to a letter to the editor published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of Dermatology.
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PF4/Heparin Antibodies Predict Mortality in HIT
MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is infrequent in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but is associated with increased 30-day mortality, according to a study published in the Jan. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Prevalence of Folate Deficiency 14.1 Percent in Multiple Myeloma
MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of folate deficiency is 14.1 percent among patients with multiple myeloma (MM), according to a letter to the editor published online Dec. 19 in the International Journal of Laboratory Hematology.
Measure of Outpatient Colonoscopy Quality Developed
MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A risk-adjusted measure of outpatient colonoscopy quality can help inform patient choices and assist in quality-improvement efforts, according to research published in the January issue of Gastroenterology.
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.
Patient, Doctor Panels Develop Similar RA Recommendations
MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A voting panel composed of patients with rheumatoid arthritis develops recommendations that are very similar to those of a physician-dominated panel when there is evidence warranting moderate or high confidence, according to research published in the January issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Cardiomyopathy Etiology Impacts Catheter Ablation Outcomes
FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction, cardiomyopathy etiology impacts long term outcomes of catheter ablation, according to a study published online Dec. 28 in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.
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: 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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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U.S. Cancer Mortality Rates Down 23 Percent Since 1991
THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Since peaking in 1991, cancer mortality rates in the United States have dropped by 23 percent, according to findings included in Cancer Statistics, 2016, the American Cancer Society’s latest annual report on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival. The report was published online Jan. 7 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
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.
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Review Examines Efficacy of PPI Tx for Esophageal Eosinophilia
THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — About half of patients with symptomatic esophageal eosinophilia have clinicohistologic remission with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, according to a review published in the January issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
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.
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.
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.
Dietary Glutamic Acid Linked to Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer
THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Dietary glutamic acid intake is associated with reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), according to a study published online Dec. 30 in Cancer.
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.
Trio of Papers Reveal Lessons Learned From Ebola Epidemic
THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A trio of papers published in the Jan. 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine reveal some of what has been learned about the Ebola virus.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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Role of Pathogenic Variants in Arrhythmia Genes Unclear
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Potentially pathogenic genetic variants in arrhythmia susceptibility genes are not associated with an abnormal phenotype, 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.
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.
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Researchers Calculate Family Risk Estimates for Cancer
TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Having an identical twin diagnosed with cancer increases the other twin’s risk of developing not just that type but any form of cancer, according to research published in the Jan. 5 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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.
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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.
Axillary pCR Linked to Improved Breast Cancer Survival
TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For women with breast cancer treated with primary systemic chemotherapy (PST), achieving axillary pathologic complete response (pCR) is associated with improved survival, according to a study published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Oncology.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Opioid Exposure Tied to Higher Odds of Low Testosterone Levels
MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Exposure to opioids is associated with increased likelihood of low testosterone levels, with increased odds as age and number of comorbidities increase, according to a study published in the December issue of Pain Medicine.
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.
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.
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