Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in OBGYN & Women’s Health for July 2018. 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.
FDA Warns of the Dangers of ‘Vaginal Rejuvenation’
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Despite their growing popularity, there’s no evidence that so-called “vaginal rejuvenation” procedures are either safe or effective, according to a statement released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Learning to Change Important for Improving Practice
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Although physicians typically struggle with change, relying on habits created in their practice, learning to change is important in order to improve practices and better deal with the changes sweeping through medicine, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Weak Recommendation to Screen for Bacteriuria in Pregnancy
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Very low-quality evidence supports screening for elevated bacteria levels in urine during the first trimester for non-symptomatic pregnant women, according to a clinical guideline published in the July 9 issue of CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Front Desk Staff Can Set Up a Practice for Successful Billing
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Allowing front desk staff adequate time and an uninterrupted environment to focus on billing can prevent problems later on, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
One in Four Older Adults With Diabetes Uses Alternative Meds
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — More than 25 percent of older U.S. adults with diabetes use some type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), according to a research letter published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
Few Published Programs Address Medical Trainee Mistreatment
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are very few published descriptions of programs that address the mistreatment of medical trainees, according to a review published online July 27 in JAMA Network Open.
Medical Boards May Contribute to Mental Health Stigma for Doctors
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Existing policy has been amended to encourage licensing boards to require disclosure of physical or mental health conditions only when these would negatively impact a physicians’ ability to practice medicine, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
AMA Opposes Proposed Cuts, Gag Orders for Reproductive Health
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) strongly objects to the Trump administration’s plan to withhold federal family planning funding from Planned Parenthood and other entities, according to a statement released by the organization.
AMA Statement
AMA Wire Article
Comment on Regulations
Four Strategies Help Doctors Make Personal, Professional Gains
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In an article published in Physicians Practice, four strategies are presented to help physicians make personal and professional gains.
Few Health Differences for Trans, Cisgender Veterans
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Transgender U.S. veterans have few health differences compared with cisgender veterans, although the odds of having at least one disability are higher for transgender veterans, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
Health Coverage Interruptions Common in Adults With T1DM
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Interruptions in private health insurance coverage are common among U.S. adults with type 1 diabetes and are associated with an increase in glycated hemoglobin and in use of acute care services, according to a report published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
No Higher Risk of Autoimmune Disorders After HPV4 Vaccination
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Following quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV4) vaccination, girls age 12 to 17 years do not have increased risk of autoimmune disorders, according to a study published recently in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Cross-Continuum Communication Beneficial After Discharge
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cross-continuum communication after hospital discharge can improve patient outcomes and overall health, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
NFID Initiative Working to Up Hepatitis B Vaccination Rates
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new initiative to increase hepatitis B virus vaccination rates among at-risk adults has been developed, according to a report from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) published in support of World Hepatitis Day.
PFO Closure Plus Antiplatelet Tx Advised for Cryptogenic Stroke
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients younger than 60 years who have had a cryptogenic ischemic stroke thought to be secondary to patent foramen ovale (PFO), who are open to all treatment options, PFO closure plus antiplatelet therapy is recommended over antiplatelet therapy alone, according to a clinical practice guideline published online July 25 in The BMJ.
2002 to 2014 Saw Hike in AMI Rate in Pregnancy, Puerperium
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurred in one of every 12,400 hospitalizations for those hospitalized during pregnancy and the puerperium, according to a study published online July 18 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
July 28 Is World Hepatitis Day
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — July 28 is World Hepatitis Day, according to an announcement published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Assessing, Improving Patient Satisfaction Cuts Malpractice Risk
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Assessing and improving patient satisfaction can help physicians avoid being sued for malpractice, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Use of 2017 ACC/AHA Guidelines Would Increase HTN Prevalence
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) hypertension guidelines would increase the proportion of 45- to 75-year-olds labeled as having hypertension in the United States and China, according to a study published online July 11 in The BMJ.
Insurers May Be Underpaying Doctors
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurance companies sometimes underpay doctors the contracted amount for a service or procedure, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
ACOG, Others Come Out Against Proposed Rule on Title-X
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Health care organizations have come out against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed rule that amends regulations governing the Title X of the Public Health Service Act, which provides low-income patients with access to family planning and preventive health services and information.
Regulations Restrict Providers’ Ability to Offer Info on Abortions
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Proposed regulations restrict providers’ ability to deliver unbiased patient care for individuals wanting to know about or undergo abortion, according to a perspective piece published online July 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
First IVF Baby Louise Brown Turns 40
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — It’s been 40 years since the birth of the first baby conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), and there have been more than eight million born since.
FDA Approves Magnetic System for Guiding Lymph Node Biopsies
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A magnetic system for guiding lymph node biopsies in patients with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
One-Third of Hep C Rx Receive Absolute Denial From Insurers
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurers are increasingly denying prescriptions of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs for hepatitis C virus treatment, according to a study published online June 7 in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.
HerbList App Launched to Provide Information on Herbal Products
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has announced the launch of an app for easy access to research-based information on the safety and effectiveness of herbal products.
NIH Press Release
Herbs at a Glance
Guidelines for ART Updated for Those With or at Risk for HIV
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations for antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been updated for individuals at risk of or living with HIV; the 2018 recommendations of the International Antiviral Society-USA Panel are published in the July 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Many U.S. Adults View Marijuana Use Positively
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most U.S. adults believe that marijuana has at least one benefit, according to a study published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Tools, Methods of RCTs Can Be Adapted to Real-World Settings
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of appropriate statistical methodology can allow for the synthesis of data collected as part of traditional clinical trials with real-world data, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Coal and Oil Power Plant Pollution May Lower Fertility Rates
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Fertility rates among nearby populations appear to increase after coal and oil power plant retirements, according to a study published recently in Environmental Health.
Lowering Default Number of Pills Can Reduce Prescribed Opioids
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reducing the default number of opioid pills prescribed in an electronic medical record (EMR) system can effectively decrease the amount of opioids prescribed after procedures, according to a study published online July 18 in JAMA Surgery.
Physicians and Practices Should Prepare for Emergencies
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practices and physicians should prepare for emergency situations, such as natural disasters, network communications failures, and active shooter situations, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
11 Infant Deaths Halt Trial of Sildenafil in Pregnant Women
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There have been 11 lung-related infant deaths after pregnant women in the Netherlands were given sildenafil (Viagra) to boost the growth of their babies while in the womb.
Reproductive, Hormonal Factors Tied to Knee OA in Women
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Female reproductive and hormonal factors are associated with incidence of knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to a study published in the July issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
VA MISSION Act May Up Costs, Lower Vet Health Care Quality
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (VA MISSION) Act may increase costs and reduce quality of health care for veterans, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
FDA Grants First Approval for CA Drug Under New Pilot Programs
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved ribociclib (Kisqali) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) as an initial endocrine-based therapy for the treatment of pre/perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Walmart Generic Drug Discounts Often Offer More Patient Savings
MONDAY, July 23 2018 (HealthDay News) — Walmart’s Generic Drug Discount Program (GDDP), which sells many commonly used generic medications for $4 per 30-day supply, offers savings over Medicare for some generic cardiovascular medications, according to a research letter published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Medical Organizations Must Address Sexual Harassment
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical institutions and organizations need to ensure there are proactive interventions to transform the workplace in order to address sexual harassment and discrimination, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Embezzlement Not Uncommon in Medical Practices
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Embezzlement occurs frequently in medical practices and steps should be taken to prevent it, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Unfavorable Prepregnancy Lipid Levels Linked to Low Parity
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The risk of having no or only one child is elevated for women with an unfavorable prepregnancy lipid profile, according to a study published in the June issue of BMJ Open.
Bayer Stops U.S. Sale of Essure Birth Control Implant
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Amid lawsuits and plummeting sales for its Essure birth control device, Bayer announced Friday that it would cease U.S. sales of the product by the end of 2018.
FDA Press Announcement
Bayer Press Release
Increased Coverage in States With Medicaid Expansion
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Coverage rates and access to care are significantly higher in states with Medicaid expansion, compared with non-expansion states, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
FDA Proposes New Rule on Food Labeling in Vending Machines
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new rule proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests that the type size on packaged foods sold in vending machines be at least 1.5 times the size of the net weight declaration on the front of the package.
Complementary Medicine Use Ups Refusal of Usual Cancer Therapy
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with cancer who receive complementary medicine (CM) are more likely to refuse conventional cancer treatment (CCT), according to a study published online July 19 in JAMA Oncology.
Same-Day Appointment System Implemented in Health Network
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A same-day appointment system can feasibly be introduced, according to the experiences of one health network presented in an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive.
Link for Asbestos-Free Talcum Powder, Cancer Not Clear
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Talcum powder, made from talc, which contains asbestos is considered carcinogenic to humans, while the carcinogenicity of talc without asbestos is unclear, according to the American Cancer Society.
Characteristics of Severe Hypoglycemia Identified in T2DM
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, characteristics of those with severe hypoglycemia include having a prior diagnosis of non-severe hypoglycemia and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <6 percent, according to a study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
Patients Care About the Clothes Doctors Wear
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do in fact care what doctors wear, according to a study recently published in BMJ Open.
Seven Strategies Can Help Practices Manage Staff Time Off
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Several strategies can be implemented to help address management of staff time off, allowing mutual respect for the employee and employer requests, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Overall Cancer Mortality Rates Decreasing for Men and Women
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cancer incidence rates have decreased among men but remained stable among women, while cancer death rates are decreasing for both men and women, according to a report published in the July 1 issue of Cancer.
Risk of Cochlear Disorders Up With History of Migraine
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The risk of cochlear disorders, especially tinnitus, is increased among patients with a history of migraine, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
CDC: ‘Tips’ Campaign Has Helped a Number of Smokers Quit
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The ongoing Tips from Former Smokers (Tips) campaign, which features stories of former smokers living with smoking-related diseases and disabilities, has had a considerable impact, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Prenatal Depression More Common in Young Moms Today
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — High depressive symptom scores were found to be more common among young pregnant women today than in their mothers’ generation, according to a study published online July 13 in JAMA Network Open.
Basal Insulin Analogues Similar for Glucose Lowering
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Basal insulin analogues for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not substantially differ in their glucose-lowering effect, according to a review published online July 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Trials Supporting FDA Approval of Breakthrough Drugs Examined
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pivotal trials supporting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals granted Breakthrough Therapy designation often lack randomization, double-blinding, and control groups, according to a research letter published in the July 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
FDA: Some Rx Drugs May Become Available Without Seeing a Doctor
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new draft guideline from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests Americans could get widely used prescription medicines for cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, and migraine headaches without having to see a doctor.
Problem Solving Helps Prevent Depression in Low-Income Moms
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Problem-solving education (PSE) is effective at preventing depressive symptoms among low-income mothers, according to a study published online June 29 in JAMA Network Open.
Alternative Payment Models Should Include Precision Medicine
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association has committed to working to integrate precision medicine into alternative payment models (APMs), according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire.
Evidence of Clinical Inertia in Management of T2DM
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who have a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level expected to trigger treatment intensification often have treatment inappropriately delayed, according to a research letter published in the July issue of Diabetes Care.
Higher Risk of In-Situ Breast CA, Ovarian Tumors With Fertility Tx
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For women undergoing assisted reproduction, there is no increased risk of corpus uteri or invasive breast cancer, but there is an increased risk of ovarian cancer and in situ breast cancer, according to a study published online July 11 in The BMJ.
Shared Decision-Making Approach to Zika Best for Travelers
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An approach to shared decision-making that stratifies risk might be most appropriate for preventing Zika infection, according to an Ideas and Opinion piece published online July 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
FDA Establishes New Task Force on Drug Shortages
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a recent statement, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., announced the formation of a new drug shortages task force to thoroughly explore the reasons why drug shortages remain a persistent challenge.
Adoption of EHR Linked to Reduction in Mortality Rates
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is associated with a reduction in mortality rates in U.S. hospitals, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
Inappropriate Prescribing of Abx High in Urgent Care Centers
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variability in the proportion of visits at which antibiotics are prescribed among traditional medical and retail clinic settings, according to a research letter published online July 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Fake FDA Warning Letters Being Sent to Consumers
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Criminals are sending fake U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning letters to people who tried to buy medicines online or over the phone. The agency notes that it does not typically send warning letters to individuals, and this appears to be an extortion scam.
eCare Plan Set to Improve Doctor/Pharmacist Relationship
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pharmacist eCare Plan is designed to improve communication between pharmacists and physicians by allowing documentation to be available via electronic health records (EHRs), according to an article published online in Drug Topics.
Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine Not Tied to Spontaneous Abortion
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (4vHPV) is not associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion when inadvertently given before or during pregnancy, according to a study published in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Physician Burnout Tied to Higher Risk of Medical Errors
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physician burnout, fatigue, and work-unit safety grades are independently associated with medical errors, according to a study published online July 9 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Jury Awards $4.62B in Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A jury says Johnson & Johnson must pay $4.62 billion to 22 women who allege they developed ovarian cancer after using the company’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower brand talcum powder as part of their daily feminine hygiene routine.
More Information – AP News
More Information – American Cancer Society
Virtual Assistants Not HIPAA Compliant
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Virtual assistant programs like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa are not yet in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), warns an article published in Medical Economics.
11.2% of U.S. Adults Aged ≥45 Report Subjective Mental Decline
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — More than 11 percent of adults aged ≥45 years in the United States report subjective cognitive decline (SCD), according to research published in the July 13 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Higher Vitamin D Levels May Lower Breast Cancer Risk
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Higher levels of vitamin D may be protective against breast cancer, according to a study published online June 15 in PLOS ONE.
Blacks Have Elevated HTN Risk Through Age 55 Years
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Blacks have considerably increased risk for hypertension than whites through age 55 years, regardless of blood pressure levels through young adulthood, according to a study published online July 11 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Gender Bias in Medicine Has Far-Reaching Consequences
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overlooking women in medicine can have far-reaching consequences, according to a perspective piece published in the June 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
AMA Aims to Boost Affordability of ACA Marketplace Plans
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted policy to increase the number of people who obtain coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by making marketplace plans more affordable.
2001 to 2015 Saw Decline in Self-Employment in Health Care
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2001 to 2015 there was a decrease in the percentage of health care professionals who are self-employed and a decrease in the earning gap between self-employed and employed health care professionals, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Network Open.
Patient Experience Officers Can Play Key Role in Medical Offices
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A patient experience officer is an increasingly important new role in physician practices, according to an article recently published in Physicians Practice.
Women Often Unaware of Their Hospital’s Religious Affiliation
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women of reproductive age are often unaware of their hospital’s religious affiliation, according to a study recently published in Contraception.
Mothers’ Healthy Lifestyle Tied to Drop in Offspring Obesity
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adherence to a healthy lifestyle among mothers during their offspring’s childhood is associated with reduced risk of childhood obesity, according to a study published online July 4 in The BMJ.
Peer-Led Education Helps Physicians Save Time With EHRs
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A peer-based education program can improve the efficiency of electronic health record (EHR) use, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
FDA Requires Safety Label Changes for Fluoroquinolones
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has strengthened current warnings in the prescribing information about fluoroquinolone antibiotics causing significant decreases in blood glucose as well as mental health side effects.
Restricting Benefits for Single Moms May Harm Mental Health
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An adverse impact on mental health is seen with reducing the age at which Lone Parent Obligations (LPO) — which require lone parents in the United Kingdom to seek work as a condition for receiving welfare benefits — apply, according to a study published in the July issue of The Lancet Public Health.
Attending Surgeon Influences Genetic Testing in Breast Cancer
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The attending surgeon is associated with variation in the receipt of genetic testing after breast cancer diagnosis, according to a study published online July 3 in JAMA Surgery.
International Group Develops Best Practices for Drug Packaging
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nine new drug labeling and packaging guidelines have been developed with an aim of reducing medication errors, according to a report published in Drug Topics.
AMA Calls for Inclusive Family, Medical Leave Policies
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) calls for inclusive family and medical leave policies to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) workers who care for relatives, spouses, and partners.
Pelvic Exam in ER Doesn’t Help Predict STI for Young Females
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pelvic examination does not increase the sensitivity or specificity for diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomonas over taking a history alone for young female patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease, according to a study published online July 2 in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.
Error Rate 7.4 Percent in Speech Recognition-Assisted Notes
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The error rate in speech recognition (SR)-assisted documentation is 7.4 percent, according to a study published online July 6 in JAMA Network Open.
High Rates of Salmonella Contamination ID’d in Kratom
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — High rates of Salmonella contamination have been identified in kratom products collected and tested since February 2018, according to a statement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Parents Urged to ‘Look Before You Lock’ Cars
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — With 21 confirmed child vehicular heatstroke deaths already recorded this year in the United States, KidsAndCars.org is urging parents to be extra vigilant during changes in routine brought about by summer holidays.
CDC: Wildfire Smoke Poses Health Risks
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Wildfire activity continues to increase throughout the western states, as well as in Alaska, Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas, but there are steps those living in wild fire areas can take to minimize smoke exposure.
CDC Recommendations
National Interagency Fire Center
Obesity Paradox Seen in T2DM Modified by Smoking Status
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Smoking status heavily modifies the obesity paradox observed in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online July 3 in Diabetes Care.
Prenatal Folic Acid Fortification May Affect Cortical Development
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Gestational exposure to folic acid fortification is associated with cortical development, according to a study published online July 3 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Mammography Use Tied to Other Preventive Tests in Older Women
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women enrolled in Medicare who undergo screening mammography seem to have increased awareness and use of other preventive screening measures, according to a study published online June 5 in Radiology.
Risk-Stratified Breast Cancer Screening Ups Cost-Effectiveness
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Risk-stratified breast screening improves the cost-effectiveness of screening, according to a study published online July 5 in JAMA Oncology.
IT Solutions for Easier EHRs Save Physicians Time, Burnout
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Yale Medicine is effectively targeting electronic health record (EHR) use and functionality as a way to improve physician job satisfaction and reduce burnout, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Decrease in Mean Platelet Counts Seen During Pregnancy
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — All women have a decrease in mean platelet counts during pregnancy, according to a study published in the July 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Hospitals Face $218B in Federal Payment Cuts From 2010 to 2028
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cumulative reductions in federal payments to hospitals from 2010 to 2028 are estimated to reach $218.2 billion, according to a study commissioned by the Federation of American Hospitals and the American Hospital Association (AHA).
Patient Complaints Mainly About Rudeness, Rushing, Reproach
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Understanding patients’ complaints about practice can be instructive for physicians, according to an article published June 6 in Physicians Practice.
WHO Calls for Renewed Effort to Combat Chronic Disease
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The World Health Organization (WHO) Independent High-Level Commission has proposed six recommendations to address the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), according to a report published online June 1 in The Lancet.
22.9 Percent of U.S. Adults Meet Aerobic, Strength Activity Goals
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In 2010 to 2015, 22.9 percent of U.S. adults aged 18 to 64 met the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities during leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), according to a study published in the June 28 issue of the National Health Statistics Reports.
1996 to 2013 Saw Large Increase in Diabetes Spending
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In 2013, $101 billion was spent in the United States on diabetes, almost a three-fold increase since 1996, according to a study published in the July issue of Diabetes Care.
Patients Comfortable With Doctors Having Tattoos, Piercings
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do not appear to mind if doctors have tattoos or piercings, according to a study published online July 2 in the Emergency Medicine Journal.
For Postpartum Hemorrhage, Carbetocin Similar to Oxytocin
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For women after vaginal birth, heat-stable carbetocin is non-inferior to oxytocin for prevention of blood loss of at least 500 ml or use of additional uterotonic agents, according to a study published online June 27 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
HPV Cervical CA Screening Cuts Odds of Later CIN3+ Diagnosis
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The use of primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing versus cytology results in reduced likelihood of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) at 48 months, according to a study published in the July 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Coffee Drinking Found to Lower Risk of All-Cause Mortality
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Increased coffee intake may be a beneficial addition to a healthy diet, according to a study published online July 2 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Working >45 Hours Tied to Higher Diabetes Risk in Women
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For women, working 45 hours or more per week is associated with increased risk of diabetes, according to a study published online July 2 in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.
CVD Risk Up With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in their first pregnancy have increased rates of chronic hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia, according to a study published online July 3 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
AMA Adopts Policy to Cut Sugar Sweetened Drink Consumption
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — At the annual meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA), a policy was adopted to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) as a way to reduce the amount of sugar that Americans consume.
Irrigation Water Likely Cause of Romaine Lettuce E. Coli Outbreak
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Tainted irrigation water is likely to blame for a 36-state Escherichia coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce that sickened 200 people and caused five deaths, U.S. health officials say.
More Information – AP News
More Information – FDA
Follow-up Lacking for Women With Severe Maternal Morbidity
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women in New Zealand who experienced severe maternal morbidity (SMM) often do not receive information, an offer of support, or a follow-up appointment before their hospital discharge, according to a study published in the June issue of the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics.
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