Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine for June 2015. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Three Issues to Consider Before Selecting EHR
TUESDAY, June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Work flow, features and functionality, and technical infrastructure should all be considered in advance of selecting an electronic heath record (EHR) system, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
New Naloxone Capsule Safe for Opioid-Induced Constipation
TUESDAY, June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new naloxone sustained release (NSR) capsule appears to be safe and efficacious for opioid-induced constipation (OIC), according to a study published online June 24 in Pain Medicine.
Too Few Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Active Surveillance
TUESDAY, June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A majority of U.S. men with low-risk prostate cancer who are eligible for active surveillance still undergo treatment, according to a new report published online June 29 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Patients Want Online Access to Physicians, Health Records
TUESDAY, June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Internet-savvy Americans would like to add their doctors to their group of Facebook friends or e-mail contacts, according to a study published online June 24 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Citrus Consumption Linked to Increased Risk of Melanoma
TUESDAY, June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Individuals who regularly consume orange juice or grapefruit may have a higher risk of developing melanoma, according to research published online June 29 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
AHA/ASA: Guidelines Support Endovascular Tx in Stroke
TUESDAY, June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Endovascular treatment should be used to treat certain stroke victims, according to new guidelines issued by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. The guidelines were published online June 29 in Stroke.
Trauma, PTSD May Raise Women’s Odds of CVD
TUESDAY, June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women who have experienced a traumatic event or develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a new large study suggests. The report was published online June 29 in Circulation.
Increased Morbidity, Mortality in Food System Industries
TUESDAY, June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Occupational morbidity and mortality are elevated across food system industries compared with nonfood system industries, according to a study published online May 12 in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
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Web Process to Provide Timely Guidance in HCV Management
TUESDAY, June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — — A living document has been developed to aid practitioners treating patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). A document update and a summary of recommendations have been published online June 25 in Hepatology.
hcvguidelines.org
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Sequence of Shots May Lead to Effective HIV Vaccine
TUESDAY, June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A sequence of immunizations against HIV might hold the key to a successful vaccine, a new experimental study suggests. The study was published in the June 18 issue of Cell.
CDC Examines Prevalence of Undiagnosed HIV
MONDAY, June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many people have undiagnosed HIV, with the prevalence varying by geographic area, according to a report published in the June 26 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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AMA Discusses Pre-Retirement Evaluation for Aging Doctors
MONDAY, June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Issues relating to physician retirement and evaluation of aging physicians before retirement are discussed in a Council on Medical Education report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Low-Calorie Diet May Improve Heart Rate Variability in Diabetes
MONDAY, June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A low-calorie diet may improve heart rate variability (HRV) in obese patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online June 12 in Diabetes Care.
As U.S. Smoking Rate Drops, Smokers More Likely to Quit
MONDAY, June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — As the number of smokers in the United States drops, those who still light up are smoking less and more likely to try quitting, according to a study published online June 24 in Tobacco Control.
H3N2 Mutation to Blame for Low Efficacy of 2014-15 Flu Vaccine
MONDAY, June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A mutation in the H3N2 virus led to a mismatch between it and the H3N2 strain used to create the 2014-2015 vaccine, according to research published June 25 in Cell Reports.
U.S. Dietary Guidelines Will No Longer Focus on Fat
MONDAY, June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nutrition experts are supporting a federal decision to drop recommended restrictions on total fat consumption in the forthcoming 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
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Indiana Lifts Ban on Needle Exchange to Curb HIV Outbreak
MONDAY, June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Allowing needle-exchange programs is one way to curtail the recent HIV outbreak in rural Indiana, according to a viewpoint piece published online June 24 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Many Primary Care Physicians Misinformed About Opioids
MONDAY, June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physicians who are ill-informed about opioids may be unintentionally contributing to their misuse, according to new research published online June 22 in the Clinical Journal of Pain.
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Statin Use Linked to Improved Post-Surgical Outcomes
MONDAY, June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Statin use might help reduce major complications after lung surgery, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.
SSRIs Tied to Higher Fracture Odds in Menopausal Women
FRIDAY, June 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to ease menopausal symptoms may face a long-term rise in their risk for bone fracture, a new study suggests. The findings was published online June 25 in Injury Prevention.
New Rapid Ebola Test Shows Promise in African Clinics
FRIDAY, June 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new rapid-detection test that diagnoses Ebola within minutes could improve treatment of the virus and help health care workers contain outbreaks, according to research published online June 25 in The Lancet.
Older Adults Often Use Electronic Devices While Driving
FRIDAY, June 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Older adults frequently engage in potentially distracting uses of electronic devices while driving, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Chronic Kidney Dz Could Be Ideal Model for Improving Care Via EHR
FRIDAY, June 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic kidney disease (CKD) could be used as a model for improving chronic disease care using electronic health records (EHRs), according to a report published online June 25 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Intensive Therapy Helps Restore Arm Function Long After Stroke
FRIDAY, June 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Intensive physical therapy helps restore arm function in people who have survived a severe stroke, according to a new study published in the June issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
SCOTUS Upholds Subsidies for Affordable Care Act
FRIDAY, June 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Supreme Court upheld on Thursday the legality of tax subsidies for millions of Americans who signed up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
Cognition Tests May Help ID Alzheimer’s Risk Decades Earlier
FRIDAY, June 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Changes in cognition and memory that precede obvious symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may begin decades prior to disease onset, according to a study published online June 24 in Neurology.
High-Sensitivity CRP Linked to Incident Type 2 Diabetes
FRIDAY, June 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is associated with diabetes in African-Americans, according to a study published online June 11 in Diabetes Care.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy May Ease Fibromyalgia
THURSDAY, June 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In a small study, the majority of women with fibromyalgia who underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) experienced relief from pain and other symptoms. The research was published online May 26 in PLOS ONE.
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Pharmacist-Managed Warfarin Therapy Beats Usual Care
THURSDAY, June 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pharmacist-managed warfarin therapy (PMWT) is superior to a usual medical care (UMC) model for management of warfarin therapy, according to a systematic review published online June 22 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Vitamin B12 Alters Transcriptome of Skin Microbiota
THURSDAY, June 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Vitamin B12 modulates the transcriptional activities of skin bacteria, and supplementation of the vitamin promotes production of inflammatory porphyrins, suggesting a novel bacterial pathogenesis pathway in acne, according to new research. The findings were published in the June 24 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
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Intradermal HBV Vaccine Efficient for Intramuscular Nonresponders
THURSDAY, June 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For intramuscular hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine nonresponders, intradermal vaccine administration seems efficacious and safe, according to a study published online June 23 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Lack of Consistent Supplement Use Documentation for Inpatients
THURSDAY, June 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Upon hospital admission, most patients are not asked if they take dietary supplements, according to a study published recently in Patient Education and Counseling.
Variable Symptoms for Acid-Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Allergy
THURSDAY, June 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with allergy to Glupearl 19S, an acid-hydrolyzed wheat protein (HWP), often manifest symptoms of HWP-wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis and contact urticaria, according to a report published online June 20 in the International Journal of Dermatology.
Atraumatic Needles Prevent Postdural Puncture Headache
THURSDAY, June 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Atraumatic needles appear to be effective for preventing postdural puncture headache (PDPH), according to a study published in the July 1 issue of The Spine Journal.
Prenatal Exposure to H2 Blockers, PPIs Ups Asthma Risk
THURSDAY, June 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Prenatal exposure to H2 blockers (H2Bs) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is associated with a small but significantly increased risk of asthma in offspring, according to a study published online June 20 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Global Public Awareness of Venous Thromboembolism Is Low
THURSDAY, June 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Global public awareness about thrombosis, venous thromboembolism in particular, is low, according to a study published online June 18 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Providers’ Electronic Notes Tied to Better Glycemic Control
THURSDAY, June 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A higher quantity of electronically documented notes on lifestyle counseling of patients with diabetes is tied to improved glycemic control, according to a study published online June 12 in Diabetes Care.
Cellulitis Often Misdiagnosed in Inpatient Setting
WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cellulitis is frequently misdiagnosed in the inpatient setting, according to research published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Proof-of-Concept Study to Assess Impact of Glycemic Variability
WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A proof-of-concept study will be able to examine the contribution of glycemic variability to outcomes of type 2 diabetes, according to a report published online June 11 in Diabetes Care.
Age-Adjusted Comorbidity Score Stratifies Mortality in Prostate CA
WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An age-adjusted prostate cancer-specific comorbidity index (PCCI) can stratify the risk of long-term nonprostate cancer-related mortality, according to a study published in the July issue of The Journal of Urology.
Viagra, Other ED Meds Don’t Raise Melanoma Risk
WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new review of data involving over 20,000 men does find a slightly higher risk of melanoma in men who took erectile dysfunction (ED) medications versus those who didn’t; however, the increased risk is tied to lifestyle factors rather than the medications themselves. The findings were published in the June 23/30 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Low Rate of ICD Implantation in Elderly, Despite Good Results
WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fewer than one in 10 older myocardial infarction (MI) survivors receive a potentially lifesaving implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), according to a new study published in the June 23/30 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Moderate-Quality Evidence for Marijuana Rx for Pain, Spasticity
WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medical marijuana may be useful in treating chronic pain and spasticity, but less effective for other conditions, according to the results of a review published in the June 23/30 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Timing of Carb Intake During Meal Affects Glucose Levels
WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The order in which individuals with type 2 diabetes eat their food can affect their blood glucose levels, according to a small study published in the July issue of Diabetes Care.
Gut Microbe Could Aid Weight Loss, Improve Metabolic Health
WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The gut microbe Akkermansia muciniphila is associated with healthier metabolic status, according to research published online June 22 in Gut.
Yearly CT May Adequately Monitor Non-Solid Lung Nodules
WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with non-solid lung nodules of any size, annual computed tomography (CT) scans may be all that’s needed to monitor their condition, a new study suggests. The report was published online June 23 in Radiology.
Even Slightly Elevated BP May Pose Problems for Young Adults
WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Young adults with even slightly elevated blood pressure may be at risk of cardiac dysfunction later in life, according to a new study published in the June 30 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Edible Cannabis Products Often Mislabeled
WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Most edible cannabis products sampled in three major U.S. cities are mislabeled, often containing more or less active ingredient than indicated on the packaging, according to a report published in the June 23/30 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Too Much Sitting Linked With Higher Risk of Anxiety
TUESDAY, June 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People who spend much of their day sitting may be more likely to feel anxious, a new review suggests. The findings were published online June 19 in BMC Public Health.
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Even Light Activity Can Boost Seniors’ Health
TUESDAY, June 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Regular light exercise can be as good for seniors as moderate or vigorous exercise, according to a new study published in the May/June issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion.
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Lung Disease Under Radar for Many Long-Term Smokers
TUESDAY, June 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Millions of long-term smokers may have undiagnosed lung disease, according to a study published online June 22 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
CDC: Costly Epidemic of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in AZ
TUESDAY, June 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An epidemic of Rocky Mountain spotted fever among several American Indian tribes on two reservations in Arizona has led to more than $13.2 million in societal costs in nine years, according to research published online June 1 in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Anxiety Independently Predicts Pain in Patients With MS
TUESDAY, June 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pain is prevalent in more than half of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and is independently predicted by anxiety, according to a study published online June 18 in Pain Medicine.
Cocaine May Have Multifactorial Impact on HIV Infection
TUESDAY, June 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cocaine exposure has a multifactorial impact on HIV infection that extends beyond high-risk behavior, according to an experimental study published online June 18 in Scientific Reports.
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VA/DoD Release Guidelines for Dyslipidemia Management
TUESDAY, June 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A joint clinical practice guideline for the management of dyslipidemia for cardiovascular disease risk reduction in adults has been summarized and published online June 22 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Acid Suppression Medications Up C. difficile Risk in Children
TUESDAY, June 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of acid suppression medication is associated with increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in infants and children, according to a study published online June 9 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Visit-to-Visit SBP Variability Not Linked to Major Cardiac Events
TUESDAY, June 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Inadequate blood pressure (BP) control, but not visit-to-visit variability of systolic BP, is associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) among patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a study published in the July 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Researchers Report U.S. Obesity Epidemic Getting Worse
MONDAY, June 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — About 35 percent of men and 37 percent of women are obese, while 40 percent of men and 30 percent of women are overweight, according to a research letter published online June 22 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Academic Detailing Could Boost Treatment of Tobacco Use
MONDAY, June 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An educational outreach program, academic detailing (AD), can improve the frequency of physicians’ performance of simple and complex components of tobacco use treatment, according to a study published in the June issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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Minimal Yield Seen for Routine Noninvasive Testing for CAD
MONDAY, June 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients presenting with acute chest pain and low clinical risk evaluated in a chest pain evaluation center (CPEC), the yield of routine noninvasive testing is low for coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a study published in the July 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism Ups DM Risk Only With Statin Use
MONDAY, June 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hypothyroidism is associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus (DM); however, subclinical hypothyroidism appears to increase this risk only with statin use, according to research published online June 12 in Diabetes Care.
Yoga, Meditation Aid Menopausal Symptoms After Breast Cancer
MONDAY, June 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For breast cancer survivors, a yoga and meditation intervention is associated with improvement in menopausal symptoms, according to a study published in the July 1 issue of Cancer.
About 8 Percent of SLE Patients Have Pulmonary HTN
MONDAY, June 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — About 8 percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have pulmonary hypertension (PH), and serum uric acid (UA) has reasonable accuracy for predicting PH, according to a study published in the June issue of the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Medical Identity Theft Incidents Increasing
MONDAY, June 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medical identity theft is on the rise, costly to consumers, and challenging to resolve, according to the fifth annual report published by the Ponemon Institute.
B. cenocepacia Overrepresented in Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain
MONDAY, June 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Burkholderia cenocepacia is overrepresented in initial stream urine of men with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome, according to a study published in the July issue of The Journal of Urology.
Clinical Decision Rule Can Classify Risk of Chronic Back Pain
MONDAY, June 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A clinical decision rule (CDR) with eight items can classify patients with acute low back pain (LBP) by their risk for chronic pain, according to a study published in the July 1 issue of The Spine Journal.
Extreme Exercising Without Training May Trigger Sepsis
MONDAY, June 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Extreme exercise may trigger sepsis in people who haven’t trained properly, new research suggests. The findings were published recently in two journals. One study was in the International Journal of Sports Medicine. The other was in the Exercise Immunology Review.
Nephrologists Actively Manage Meds After Kidney Transplant
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For adult kidney transplant recipients, nephrologists take an active approach to medication management, according to a study published online June 17 in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
Summer Spurs Calls to Poison Centers
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The wet spring in many parts of the United States has led to mold and mildew in some homes and, as a result, an increase in the use of bleach. As a result, calls about bleach exposure are on the rise this summer, the Nebraska Regional Poison Center says.
Caution in Social Media Age: Self-Promotion Can Backfire
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In a series of experiments, researchers found that people who self-promote often offend others. The study was published in the June issue of Psychological Science.
One-Day Workshop Ups Stress Recovery for Cancer Care Workers
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For cancer care workers, a one-day interventional workshop can improve recovery from job stress, according to a study published online June 10 in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology.
Six-Minute Walk Distance IDs Post-Lung Transplant Survival
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing lung transplantation, six-minute walk distance (6MWD) predicts postoperative survival, according to a study published online June 11 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Medications Can Increase Risk of Heat-Related Illness
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Commonly used medications may increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness during hot weather, according to an article published online June 13 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
White Matter Abnormalities in Female Interstitial Cystitis
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome have white matter abnormalities, according to a study published in the July issue of The Journal of Urology.
Osteoarthritis Care Not Lining Up With Recommendations
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The quality of osteoarthritis care is inadequate for all treatment domains, according to a meta-analysis published online June 17 in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
Risk of Copper Deficiency Linked to Zinc Supplements
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Zinc deficiency is often misdiagnosed based on low plasma zinc concentrations, and those prescribed high doses of zinc are at risk for copper deficiency, according to a study published online June 17 in the Journal of Clinical Pathology.
Hundreds Arrested Nationwide for Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hundreds of people have been charged after health care fraud sweeps were made across the United States, the federal government said Thursday.
Health Highlights: June 19, 2015
CDC: Narcon Overdose-Reversal Kits Are Saving Addicts’ Lives
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Friends and family members have saved the lives of tens of thousands of opioid users from overdoses by using emergency injection kits containing naloxone (Narcan), according to a new federal report. The findings were published in the June 19 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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FDA Cracks Down on Online Sale of Illegal Medical Products
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with international partners, moved this week against more than 1,050 websites that sell potentially dangerous counterfeit medicines and medical devices, the agency said Thursday.
Readmitted Surgery Patients Fare Better at Same Hospital
THURSDAY, June 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Surgery patients who suffer complications after discharge from a hospital are more likely to die if they’re readmitted to a different hospital than where they had their original operation, according to a new study published online June 17 in The Lancet.
Virtual Credit Card Fees Amount to 3 to 5 Percent of Payments
THURSDAY, June 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Payment with virtual credit cards (VCCs) is associated with considerable fees, although physicians are often unaware of these charges, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).
Increased Sleep Duration Linked to Increased T2DM Risk
THURSDAY, June 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Increased sleep duration is associated with increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online June 11 in Diabetes Care.
Risk Score IDs One-Year Mortality in Elderly With NSTE-ACS
THURSDAY, June 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A risk score involving five covariates can predict one-year mortality risk in patients ≥75 years presenting with non-ST-segment elevation (NSTE) acute coronary syndromes (ACS), according to a study published in the July 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia Confers Long-Term Risk
THURSDAY, June 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is associated with increased risk of long-term adverse events, according to a study published online June 11 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Case Report: Pregnancy Could Mask Symptoms of Ebola
THURSDAY, June 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The unique immunologic status of pregnant women might alter the presentation and progression of Ebola virus disease (EVD), according to a letter published in the June 18 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Consumption of Trans Fats Linked to Worse Memory
WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Consumption of trans fats may negatively affect memory, according to research findings published online June 17 in PLOS ONE.
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Chamomile Linked to Longevity for Mexican-American Women
WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Consumption of chamomile may be linked to a longer lifespan for older Mexican-American women, according to a study published online April 29 in The Gerontologist.
Fluoroquinolone Preventive Therapy Deemed Beneficial in TB
WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fluoroquinolone therapy for contacts of individuals with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis is associated with cost savings and reduced incidence of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, according to a study published online April 27 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Antibiotics May Be Enough for Some Appendicitis Patients
WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Although surgical removal of the appendix has long been a standard treatment, new research suggests that almost three-quarters of people treated with antibiotics could be spared appendectomy. The findings were published in the June 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Net Savings for Higher-Quality Colonoscopy
WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Higher-quality colonoscopies are associated with a 50 to 60 percent lower risk for colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer fatalities over a patient’s lifetime, according to research published in the June 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The researchers also note that higher-quality screenings did not translate into more expensive screenings.
Increased Infection-Linked Mortality in DM Greater for T1DM
WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with diabetes have increased risk of mortality from various infections, and the increased risk appears to be greater for type 1 than type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online June 12 in Diabetes Care.
Meta-Analysis: Oral Sex Is Not Risk Factor for Oral Cancer
WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Oral sex is not an independent risk factor for oral cancer, according to a meta-analysis published online June 11 in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine.
FDA: Food Manufacturers Have 3 Years to Remove Trans Fats
TUESDAY, June 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In a move that it says is designed to protect the heart health of Americans, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that food manufacturers have three years to remove artificial trans fats from the nation’s food supply.
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Prenatal DDT Exposure Tied to Higher Breast Cancer Risk
TUESDAY, June 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Although the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) was banned in the United States in 1972, women exposed to the chemical in utero may be more likely to develop breast cancer than women who had less exposure, according to a study published online June 16 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
More Evidence Needed for Chronic Fatigue Diagnosis, Treatments
TUESDAY, June 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Criteria for diagnosing myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) as well as treatment options are addressed in two systematic evidence reviews published in the June 16 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Direct Messaging Not Yet Widely Adopted by Physicians
TUESDAY, June 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Direct secure messaging (Direct), which is a standardized protocol for exchanging clinical messages and attachments, has not been widely adopted by physicians, despite its potential for improving care coordination, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
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Cancer-Specific Mortality Up in HIV-Infected Cancer Patients
TUESDAY, June 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — HIV-infected patients with cancer have increased cancer-specific mortality, according to a study published online June 15 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
GI Antispasmodic, Anticholinergic Rx Use May Raise Injury Risk
TUESDAY, June 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Gastrointestinal (GI) antispasmodic and anticholinergic medication use is associated with increased risk of injury in older adults, according to a study published online June 11 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
ADHD Rx Studied for Cognitive Boost in Menopause
TUESDAY, June 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), a stimulant usually prescribed to children and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may help to improve menopausal women’s executive function, a new, small study suggests. The findings were published online June 11 in Psychopharmacology.
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Daily Milk or Dark Chocolate Linked to Cardiovascular Benefits
TUESDAY, June 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Middle-aged or older individuals who eat as much as 3.5 ounces of chocolate a day may receive cardiovascular benefits, according to a report published online June 15 in Heart.
Personal Choice of Diet Plan May Lead to Less Weight Loss
TUESDAY, June 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Choosing a weight-loss plan based on food preferences might backfire and lead to less weight loss, according to a study published in the June 16 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Testosterone + Fenofibrate Yields Strongest Effect on Cardio Risks
TUESDAY, June 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A combination of testosterone and fenofibrate may offer men with high cholesterol and late-onset hypogonadism the most cardiometabolic benefit, according to a study published online May 29 in Cardiovascular Therapeutics.
Review Examines Inappropriate Prescribing of IV Fluids
TUESDAY, June 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Inappropriate prescribing of intravenous (IV) fluids most often involves incorrect volumes and types of IV fluids prescribed, according to a review published online June 11 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Article Weighs Paying Off Student Loans Versus Investment
MONDAY, June 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Newly-minted physicians should consider the issues relating to paying off their loans versus investing for retirement, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
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Half of Cancer Deaths Due to Past, Current Smoking
MONDAY, June 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — About half of U.S. deaths caused by certain cancers — including lung, colorectum, and pancreatic tumors — can be attributed to smoking, a new American Cancer Society study estimates. The report was published online June 15 as a research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Asthma Rx Deemed Less Likely to Work in Patients Aged 30 and Up
MONDAY, June 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Asthma treatments, especially inhaled corticosteroids, are less likely to work for older patients, according to a study published online June 11 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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DMARDs May Be Underused for Low Back Pain
MONDAY, June 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be underutilized for treatment of low back pain (LBP), according to a review published online June 1 in Pain Practice.
Low-Salt Diet Boosts Efficacy of Antihypertensives
MONDAY, June 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A low-salt diet further improves the efficacy of antihypertensive drug regimens, according to a study published May 29 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Use of Novel Oral Anticoagulants Increasing in A-Fib
MONDAY, June 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with atrial fibrillation hospitalized with stroke or transient ischemic attack, use of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has increased over time, according to a study published online June 9 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
AdaptivCRT Algorithm Linked to Reduction in Readmissions
MONDAY, June 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with heart failure or all-cause index hospitalization, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices equipped with the Medtronic AdaptivCRT (aCRT) algorithm correlate with a reduction in 30-day readmission, according to a study published online June 10 in JACC: Heart Failure.
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Younger Adults Receiving Excess Anticoagulant Dosing in PCI
FRIDAY, June 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many younger adults with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) receive excess dosing of anticoagulants, with evidence of a trend toward an association between excess dosing and increased bleeding, according to a study published in the July 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Mental, Physical Activities Don’t Ward Off Alzheimer’s Biomarkers
FRIDAY, June 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physical and cognitive activity don’t appear to prevent the brain from developing the biomarkers that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, a new study suggests. The report was published online June 10 in Neurology.
CCTA Reclassifies CAD Risk for Most Patients With Chest Pain
FRIDAY, June 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For most patients with chest pain and low to intermediate pretest probability (PTP) of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) results in reclassification, according to a study published in the July 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Poison Control Calls Up Steeply Due to Synthetic Cannabinoid
FRIDAY, June 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Calls to poison centers for issues related to synthetic marijuana have risen more than 220 percent since last year, according to research published in the June 12 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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CDC Advises U.S. Health Professionals to Be Alert for MERS
FRIDAY, June 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Government officials are advising U.S. health professionals to be alert for signs and symptoms of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) following an outbreak in South Korea.
Car Crash Risk Up for New Users of Sedating Sleep Meds
FRIDAY, June 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Sedating sleep medications increase the risk for car accidents among new users compared with nonusers, with risk continued for up to a year among regular users, according to a new report published online June 11 in the American Journal of Public Health.
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Macrolide Resistance Doesn’t Impact Pneumonia Outcomes
FRIDAY, June 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients hospitalized with macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia are not more severely ill and do not have worse outcomes, according to a study published in the June 1 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Physical Activity Inversely Tied to Hypoglycemia With Coma in T1DM
FRIDAY, June 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 1 diabetes, regular physical activity (PA) is beneficial for glycemic control, diabetes-linked comorbidities, and cardiovascular risk factors, without apparent increase in adverse events, according to a study published online May 26 in Diabetes Care.
Some Graduating Seniors Not Matching to Residency Positions
THURSDAY, June 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More than 250 of this year’s graduating seniors from U.S. medical schools did not match to a residency position, according to the American Medical Association.
Higher Breast CA Risk Seen for Obese Postmenopausal Women
THURSDAY, June 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The risk for breast cancer among obese women may be up to 58 percent higher than for normal-weight postmenopausal women, according to a report published online June 11 in JAMA Oncology.
Aerobic Exercise Tied to Improvement in Asthma
THURSDAY, June 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Aerobic workouts may help ease asthma, according to a study published online June 10 in Thorax.
CDC: Men With Anxiety, Depression Not Getting Treated
THURSDAY, June 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Close to one in 10 American men suffer from depression or anxiety, but fewer than half get treatment, according to a June data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
FDA Panel Recommends Approval of Second PCSK9 Inhibitor
THURSDAY, June 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — On Wednesday, U.S. health officials recommended the approval of a second new PCSK9 inhibitor, evolocumab (Repatha).
Length of Lookback Period Important in Incident AMI Trends
THURSDAY, June 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The length of the lookback period (LP) affects trends in incident acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with a greater effect in women, according to a study published online June 9 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Different Protein Sources Vary in Effect on Elderly Muscle
WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Older adults need a protein-rich diet to maintain lower body muscle mass and strength, a new study suggests, and different types of protein may have differing effects. Findings from the study, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, were published online May 27 in the Journal of Nutrition.
Proton Pump Inhibitors Linked to Increased Risk of MI
WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For U.S. adults with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) is slightly elevated among those using proton pump inhibitors, according to a review published online June 10 in PLOS ONE.
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Report Offers Guidance on Medical Ethics Education
WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An analysis of the current state of medical ethics education in the United States has been published in the June issue of Academic Medicine. The article, the Romanell Report, also offers guidance to assist medial ethics educators in meeting expectations.
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Geographic Location Most Important for Residents
WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For residents, the most important element in a future practice is geographic location, with lifestyle, adequate call hours and personal time, and a good financial package also cited as being important, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).
Imaging Deemed More Effective Than Exercise Tolerance Testing
WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients presenting with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiac imaging leads to fewer invasive coronary angiography (ICA) procedures and a higher yield of CAD, and is associated with lower costs than a traditional exercise tolerance test (ETT) strategy, according to a study published in the June 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Greater Decline in Renal Function With Warfarin in A-Fib
WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with atrial fibrillation, decline in renal function is significantly greater with warfarin versus dabigatran etexilate (DE), according to a study published in the June 16 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Extra Time During MCAT Linked to Less Success in Med School
WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medical school applicants with Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores obtained with extra test administration time have lower rates of success in medical schools, according to a study published in the June 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
FDA Panel Recommends Approval for PCSK9 Inhibitor
WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health experts voted on Tuesday to recommend approval of the first of two drugs in a new class of cholesterol medications that reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients who don’t fare well on statins. The related research was published online April 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
CDC: Drug-Resistant Foodborne Bacteria on Rise
WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Antibiotic-resistant infections from foodborne germs still cause about 440,000 illnesses in the United States each year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday.
Fewer BMD Tests May Be Indicated for Some Women
WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A postmenopausal woman who is 50 and has a normal bone density test may not need her next such test for 10 or even 15 years, according to research published in the June issue of Menopause.
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CDC: Seeking Those Exposed to Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health authorities are trying to find anyone who may have had contact with a woman who has been diagnosed with a highly drug-resistant form of tuberculosis.
Another Tick-Borne Disease Documented in Northeast
TUESDAY, June 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The same ticks that spread Lyme disease may also carry a rarer bacteria, Borrelia miyamotoi, that’s causing serious illness in the northeastern United States, according to a new report published online June 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Cardiac Dysfunction in Childhood Cancer Survivors Examined
TUESDAY, June 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For long-term childhood cancer survivors, abnormal global longitudinal strain and diastolic function are more prevalent than reduced three dimensional (3D) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), according to a study published in the June 16 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Professional Guidelines Have Limited Impact on Pre-Op Testing
TUESDAY, June 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The publication of 2002 professional guidelines on routine preoperative testing correlated with a reduction in routine electrocardiogram testing, but not in the incidence of radiography, hematocrit, urinalysis, or cardiac stress testing, according to research published online June 8 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Review: Cognitive Behavioral Techniques Benefit Insomnia
TUESDAY, June 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) helps patients fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, according to a review published online June 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Over 2 Million More Long-Term Care Workers Needed by 2030
TUESDAY, June 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — At least 2.5 million more workers will be needed to provide long-term care for older Americans by 2030, according to a new study published in the June issue of Health Affairs.
Review Explores Effect of Sulfonylureas on Lipids in T2DM
TUESDAY, June 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), sulfonylureas seem to increase levels of free fatty acids (FFA) and triglycerides (TG) and lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), according to a meta-analysis published online June 4 in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine.
Analysis Targets U.S. Hospitals With Highest Markups
TUESDAY, June 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The 50 U.S. hospitals with the highest charge-to-cost ratio have markups approximately 10 times the Medicare-allowable costs, and most of these hospitals are for profit, according to a study published in the June issue of Health Affairs.
Anticoagulation Appears Safe for Patients With Brain Mets
WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Therapeutic anticoagulation is safe for treating venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer that has metastasized to the brain, according to new research. The study was published online May 18 in Blood.
AMA Offers Guidance for Physician-Hospital Relationships
MONDAY, June 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New guidelines can enable successful physician hospital relationships and integrated leadership, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Scoring System Helps Predict Post-Hospital Mortality
MONDAY, June 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A fairly simple scoring system appears to accurately estimate patients’ risk of dying within a year of hospitalization, according to research results reported online June 8 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
CDC Guidelines Update Treatment, Management of STDs
MONDAY, June 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New recommendations have been provided to update the 2010 guidelines on the treatment and management of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The 2015 guidelines are available online in the June 5 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Larazotide Acetate 0.5 mg Found Beneficial in Celiac Disease
MONDAY, June 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Larazotide acetate 0.5 mg is associated with improvement in symptoms of celiac disease (CeD), according to a study published in the June issue of Gastroenterology.
CDC: Vaccine Production for 2015-16 Flu Season Underway
MONDAY, June 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Having acknowledged that the 2014-15 flu vaccine was mismatched to the circulating influenza strains, U.S. health officials have strengthened next season’s vaccine for broader protection.
Pain Care Providers at High Risk for Violence
MONDAY, June 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic pain care providers (CPCPs) are high risk targets for violence, according to research published online June 2 in Pain Medicine.
Anxiety, Depression Impact Symptoms, QoL in GERD
FRIDAY, June 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Anxiety and depression are linked to increased severity of retrosternal pain and heartburn and reduced quality of life among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to a study published in the June issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Time-Updated Hemoglobin A1c Variables Linked to MI Risk
FRIDAY, June 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Time-updated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) variables have a stronger association with myocardial infarction (MI) than baseline HbA1c, according to a study published online May 26 in Diabetes Care.
Utility Score Can Help Predict Mortality in ICU Patients
FRIDAY, June 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A utility score can help predict poor outcome and survival among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), according to a study published online May 26 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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Majority of Fibromyalgia Drug Trials Are Industry Sponsored
FRIDAY, June 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Most fibromyalgia drug therapy randomized controlled trials (FM-RCTs) are funded by industry, and many authors have financial conflicts of interest (FCOIs), according to a study published online May 27 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Most ER Patients With Low-Risk PE Eligible for Outpatient Tx
FRIDAY, June 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The majority of adults presenting to the emergency department with low-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) are eligible for outpatient treatment, but relative contraindications to outpatient management are associated with increased frequency of adverse events at 30 days, according to a study published in the May issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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Arthritis, Other Chronic Disease Takes Toll on Work Force
FRIDAY, June 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Among adults with one or more chronic conditions, those with arthritis appear much more likely than those without arthritis to have work disability, according to research published in the June 5 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Rise in CRC Screening Rates After ACA Implementation
FRIDAY, June 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The Affordable Care Act may have helped boost rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among lower income Americans, a new study suggests. The findings were published online June 4 in Cancer.
Review: Short vs. Long Duration Dual Antiplatelet Tx After Stent
FRIDAY, June 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) continued beyond six months after drug-eluting stent implantation is associated with reduced stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction but also increased bleeding and all-cause mortality as compared to shorter-term DAPT therapy, according to a review published online May 25 in Cardiovascular Therapeutics.
Intervention Boosts Hospital Discharge Communication
FRIDAY, June 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of standardized communication processes can improve the reliability of verbal communication between hospitalists and primary care physicians (PCPs) at hospital discharge, according to a study published online May 29 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Gastritis Linked to Metformin-Related GI Side Effects in T2DM
FRIDAY, June 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, asymptomatic gastritis is associated with metformin-related gastrointestinal side effects, according to a study published online May 29 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Obesity Has Negative Impact on Metabolic Quality of Muscle
FRIDAY, June 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Among older men, obesity has a negative effect on the metabolic quality of skeletal muscle, according to a study published online May 26 in Diabetes.
FDA Panel Votes 18-6 to Approve Rx for Female Libido
FRIDAY, June 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended approval Thursday of flibanserin, a medication designed to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
Statin + Ezetimibe May Benefit After Acute Coronary Syndrome
THURSDAY, June 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In treatment following acute coronary syndrome, ezetimibe added to statin therapy appears beneficial, according to a study published online June 3 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Vaccine Tied to Less Postherpetic Neuralgia in Shingles
THURSDAY, June 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Even when herpes zoster vaccination does not prevent the disease, it reduces the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), according to a new study published June 1 in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Limited Evidence for Screening Mammography for Women in 40s
THURSDAY, June 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adding to the debate about the benefits of mammography screening before age 50, a new research review finds limited evidence that screening prevents breast cancer deaths among women in their 40s. The report, published in the June 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, reflects a longstanding debate.
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Intensive Glycemic Control May Ward Off Cardiovascular Events
THURSDAY, June 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Intensive glycemic control appears to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the June 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Hyperhomocysteinemia Linked to Worse Cognitive Status
THURSDAY, June 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For older adults, hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with worse cognitive status, even after accounting for B group vitamin (BGV) status, according to a study published online June 1 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Model Including CRC Risk Alleles Ups Risk Discrimination
THURSDAY, June 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Incorporation of a genetic risk score can improve the accuracy of colorectal cancer (CRC) risk determination, according to a study published in the June issue of Gastroenterology.
Morbidity, Mortality Up for Patients With Delirium in ICU
THURSDAY, June 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Intensive care unit patients who develop delirium have a higher mortality risk, longer hospital stays, and are more likely to have cognitive impairment after hospital discharge, according to a review published online June 3 in The BMJ.
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Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Formed
THURSDAY, June 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nine states have enacted the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact law, with the seventh state’s enactment triggering formation of a commission to administer a process for physicians seeking licensure in multiple states, according to a report published by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Metabolic Syndrome Up With ADT in Prostate Cancer
THURSDAY, June 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy there are increases in components of metabolic syndrome and in the prevalence of full metabolic syndrome, according to a study published in the June issue of The Journal of Urology.
NASH-Linked Changes Impact Metformin Pharmacokinetics
THURSDAY, June 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-associated changes in liver function affect kidney transporter expression and metformin pharmacokinetics, according to an experimental study published online May 27 in Diabetes Care.
Most Part D Plans Cover at Least One Biologic DMARD
WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Although most Medicare Part D plans cover at least one biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), copayments are high, according to a study published in the June issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
CMS: Hospital Charges for Common Procedures Up
WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The prices hospitals charge patients for a number of common procedures rose more than 10 percent between 2011 and 2013, more than twice the rate of inflation, according to data released by the federal government Monday.
Nearly 3 in 10 Americans Have Alcohol Use Disorder
WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nearly 30 percent of Americans have a problem with alcohol at some point in their lives, ranging from binge drinking to full-blown alcoholism, but fewer than 20 percent are ever treated, according to a report published online June 3 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Some Varenicline Concerns Not Supported by Evidence
WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Varenicline (Chantix) doesn’t increase the risk of suicidal behavior, mental illness, criminal acts, or traffic accidents, according to a study published June 2 in The BMJ.
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6-Minute Walk Test Predicts Pulmonary HTN Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (PH-HFpEF), the six-minute walk distance (6-MWD) test can independently predict outcome, according to a study published in the June issue of JACC: Heart Failure.
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Resident Education Intervention Ups Patient Satisfaction
WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A patient satisfaction education, feedback, and incentive intervention provided to internal medicine residents can improve patient satisfaction, according to a study published online May 27 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Review: Radioablation Offers No Benefit for GERD Patients
WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), evidence shows no difference in physiologic parameters for treatment with a radiofrequency ablation technique known as Stretta versus sham or proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, according to a review published in the June issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
24-Hour Diastolic BP Linked to Cognitive Performance in T2DM
WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Among individuals with type 2 diabetes there is a quadratic association for 24-hour diastolic blood pressure (BP) with information processing speed and memory, according to a study published online May 27 in Diabetes Care.
CDC: 1 in 5 U.S. Teens, Younger Adults Tested Recently for HIV
TUESDAY, June 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nearly one-fifth of teens and younger adults in the United States have been tested recently for HIV, federal health officials reported Tuesday.
RA-Related Issues Impede Smoking Cessation
TUESDAY, June 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Issues related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), such as distraction from pain and frustration of living with RA, may impede smoking cessation in RA patients, according to a study published in the May issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
Inverse Link for Coffee Intake, Cholecystectomy Risk
TUESDAY, June 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For premenopausal women and those using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there is an inverse association between coffee consumption and risk of cholecystectomy, according to a study published in the June issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
ICD-10-CM Challenges ID’d for Emergency Medicine Physicians
TUESDAY, June 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The transition to the expanded International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system is likely to be associated with considerable challenges for emergency medicine physicians, according to a study published in the May issue of the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.
Revisits for 8.3 Percent of Patients With Index ER Visit
TUESDAY, June 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Overall, 8.3 percent of patients with an index emergency department visit have a revisit within three days, according to a study published in the June 2 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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U.S. Organ Donation System Needs ‘Disruptive Innovation’
TUESDAY, June 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many state policies meant to increase organ donations and transplant rates have had almost no impact, according to new research published online June 1 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Women With HTN, Diabetes Less Likely to Use Alternative Rx
TUESDAY, June 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women with hypertension and diabetes are less likely to consult with a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioner and to self-prescribe CAM, according to a study published in the June 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
TBI Linked to Parkinson’s Risk in Patients Aged ≥55 Years
TUESDAY, June 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients aged 55 years and older presenting to an inpatient/emergency department setting with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to a study published in the June issue of the Annals of Neurology.
Pre-Op Variable Calculator Accurately Predicts AAA Survival
MONDAY, June 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An independent calculator that uses preoperative variables can accurately predict long-term survival in abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, according to a study published in the June issue of Anaesthesia.
Review: Diet-Linked Weight Loss Tied to Drop in Hip BMD
MONDAY, June 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Diet-induced weight loss is associated with a decrease in total hip, but not lumbar spine, bone mineral density (BMD), according to a review published online May 25 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
Sleep Apnea Risk Found to Rise With PTSD Severity in Veterans
MONDAY, June 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For U.S. veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the risk of sleep apnea increases along with the severity of the mental health condition, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
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