Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine for March 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.
Mobile Health App Use Continuing to Increase
TUESDAY, March 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number of mobile health apps is continuing to increase and doctors are embracing this trend, with more than one-third of physicians recommending their use in the past year, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
USPSTF: Evidence Lacking for Routine Iron Supplementation
TUESDAY, March 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Taking iron supplements during pregnancy doesn’t appear to significantly change any health outcomes for mother or infant, a new review shows. A second review — this one on infants and toddlers — found no evidence that iron supplements improved growth or development. The findings on pregnant women were released online March 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The findings on children were published online March 30 in Pediatrics.
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Abstract – Pediatrics
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Small, Steady Decline in Cancer Rates in U.S. Over Past Decade
TUESDAY, March 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — America is making slow but steady progress against cancer, with a continuing decline in cancer deaths, according to a new report published online March 30 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The report was coauthored by experts from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. National Cancer Institute.
Opioid-Induced Constipation Significant in Pain Patients
TUESDAY, March 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is significant among noncancer pain patients, according to a study published online March 20 in Pain Medicine.
Arsenic Metabolism Linked to Diabetes Incidence
TUESDAY, March 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Arsenic metabolism is prospectively associated with diabetes incidence, according to a study published in the April issue of Diabetes Care.
An Apple a Day May Keep the Pharmacist Away
MONDAY, March 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Apple eaters are less likely to need a prescription medicine, according to new research. The study was published online March 30 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
2015 Match Sees High Proportion of Unmatched Seniors
MONDAY, March 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — About 6.1 percent of U.S. allopathic medical school seniors in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) were not placed into first-year residency positions, with a higher percentage of unmatched seniors than in 2014, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.
Multiple, Inappropriate Meds Taken by Older Cancer Patients
MONDAY, March 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A pharmacist-led comprehensive medication assessment shows that a high number of older oncology patients use multiple and/or inappropriate medications. The findings were published online March 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
2015 Internal Residency Match Up Slightly From 2014
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number of U.S. medical students choosing internal medicine residencies has increased by about 5 percent in 2015, with about a 4 percent increase in the number of new internal medicine positions during this time, according to a report from the American College of Physicians (ACP).
Diabetes May Predispose to More Advanced Breast Cancer
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women with diabetes may have an increased risk of being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, according to a new study published online March 17 in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.
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MIND Diet Could Help Lower Dementia Risk
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adults who follow the “MIND” diet could lower risk for Alzheimer’s, according to research published online in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
Discontinuing Statins for Terminally Ill May Improve QOL
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Discontinuing the use of cholesterol-lowering statins in terminally ill patients may improve their quality of life, according to a new study published online March 23 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Nocturnal GERD Tied to Non-Infectious Rhinitis
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) appears to be a risk factor for non-infectious rhinitis (NIR), according to a study published online March 24 in Allergy.
Less Aggressive Guidelines Issued for Pancreatic Cysts
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New, less aggressive guidelines have been developed for management of pancreatic cysts. The guidelines were published in the April issue of Gastroenterology.
Early Palliative Care Improves Survival in Advanced Cancer
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Early initiation of palliative care (PC) interventions improves survival and caregiver burden in advanced cancer, according to two studies published online March 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Physician/Pharmacist Model Can Improve Mean BP
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A physician/pharmacist collaborative model can improve mean blood pressure (BP), according to a study published online March 24 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Innovative Prototype Presented for Post-ICU Patients
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A collaborative care model, the Critical Care Recovery Center (CCRC), represents an innovative prototype aimed to improve the quality of life of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors, according to a report published in the March issue of the American Journal of Nursing.
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Cancer Risk Down for Men With High Midlife Fitness
THURSDAY, March 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fit middle-aged men appear less likely to develop lung and colorectal cancer in later life than their out-of-shape peers. And if they do develop cancer, they are more likely to beat it, a new study suggests. The report was published online March 26 in JAMA Oncology.
Three Alcoholic Drinks Daily Can Up Risk of Liver Cancer
THURSDAY, March 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People who have three or more alcoholic drinks per day could be raising their odds for liver cancer, according to a report from a panel of experts. On the other hand, the report, from the World Cancer Research Fund International, found “strong evidence” that drinking coffee might actually lower a person’s odds for liver cancer.
CDC: Hypertension-Related Deaths on the Rise in U.S.
THURSDAY, March 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The overall death rate from hypertension in the United States has increased 23 percent since 2000, even as the death rate from all other causes has dropped 21 percent, according to a March data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Equation Can Be Applied Globally
THURSDAY, March 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A cardiovascular disease risk equation has been developed that can be recalibrated for application in different countries, according to a report published online March 25 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
Prevalence of Subclinical Disease ID’d in African-Americans
THURSDAY, March 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — African-Americans have a moderately high prevalence of subclinical disease, which is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study published online March 12 in Diabetes Care.
Physicians Should Be Aware of Signs of Burnout
THURSDAY, March 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Burnout can be prevented if physicians are aware of the warning signs, according to an article published by the American Medical Association.
Perception of Crisis Mode Tied to Patient Info Exchange Issues
THURSDAY, March 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hospital staff members who perceive their unit is trying to do too much too quickly are more likely to also perceive problems in exchanging patient information across units, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Greater Use of Antibiotics Tied to Higher Odds of Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Repeated use of certain antibiotics may increase a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes, new research suggests. The study was published online March 24 in the European Journal of Endocrinology.
FDA Approves New Treatment for Anthrax
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Anthrasil, Anthrax Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat patients with inhalational anthrax in combination with appropriate antibacterial drugs.
Short Hospital Stays Don’t Impair STEMI Outcomes in Seniors
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For older patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), outcomes are similar for discharge after 48 hours versus four to five days, according to a study published in the March 31 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Newly Identified Diabetes Up With Medicaid Expansion
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medicaid expansion is associated with an increase in diabetes diagnosis, according to a study published online March 23 in Diabetes Care.
Outcome Not Affected by Family Presence During Resuscitation
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There are no significant differences in outcomes or processes of care for U.S. hospitals with policies allowing for family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) compared with hospitals without this policy, according to a study published online March 24 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Binge Eating Linked to Comorbidities in Obese Adults
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For obese adults, binge eating disorder (BED) may be associated with specific medical comorbidities, according to a study published online March 16 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Perceived Inefficiencies Rife in Primary Care
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Primary care practices have multiple perceived inefficiencies in activities that occur pre-visit, during visits, and post-visit, according to an article published in the March-April issue of Family Practice Management.
Models May Predict Two-Year Mortality Risk for CKD Patients
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Risk prediction models with 16 characteristics may predict mortality risk in older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The findings were published in the March issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Majority of ER Doctors Admit Ordering Tests Defensively
TUESDAY, March 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nearly all emergency department doctors recently surveyed said they order magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scans their patients may not need, mainly because they fear malpractice lawsuits. These findings were published online March 23 in Academic Emergency Medicine.
Meds Not Stents in Patients With Intracranial Arterial Stenosis
TUESDAY, March 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Using stents rather than medication alone to keep narrowed arteries open in the brain may actually increase patients’ risk of stroke, according to the results of a new trial. The report was published in the March 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
2015 Diabetes Standards Focus on Individualized Tx Approach
TUESDAY, March 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Therapeutic decisions for diabetes should be individualized, considering factors such as ethnicity and cardiovascular risk, according to an ideas and opinions piece published in the March 24 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Exercise Improves Men’s Sexual Function Regardless of Race
TUESDAY, March 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Men who exercise the most have higher sexual function scores, regardless of race, according to research published online March 20 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Doctors May Not Be Informing of Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
TUESDAY, March 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Doctors are not telling a majority of their patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s that they have the degenerative brain disease, a new report by the Alzheimer’s Association indicates.
Exercise Training Cuts Rate of Injurious Falls in Older Women
MONDAY, March 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For older women, exercise is associated with reductions in the rate of injurious falls and injured fallers, according to a study published online March 23 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Hormone Therapy Not Detrimental to Women on Statins
MONDAY, March 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hormone therapy is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality in women treated with statins, according to a study published in the April issue of Menopause.
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Balance Compromised in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
MONDAY, March 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) have greater maximum and range of separations of their center of mass from their center of pressure, according to a study published online March 12 in Diabetes Care.
α-Tocopherol Disappearance Depends on Lipids
MONDAY, March 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Plasma α-tocopherol disappearance rates depend on lipid concentrations, not on age or sex, according to a study published online March 4 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Electronic Solutions Underway for Rx Prior Authorizations
FRIDAY, March 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Efforts are underway to offer technological solutions to the burdens associated with prior authorizations, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
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Valacyclovir Cuts Viral Load in HIV-1+/HSV-2 Seronegative
FRIDAY, March 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The prodrug valacyclovir (valACV) reduces viral load in HIV-1 infected herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2-seronegative patients, according to a study published online March 3 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Post-9/11 Work at Trade Center Site Ups Autoimmune Dz Risk
FRIDAY, March 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Workers with prolonged exposure at the World Trade Center (WTC) site following 9/11 are at increased risk of developing systemic autoimmune diseases, according to a study published online March 16 in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Universal Alcohol Interlock Could Cut Many Crash Deaths/Injuries
FRIDAY, March 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Installation of an alcohol interlock device in all new U.S. vehicles is estimated to be cost-effective in preventing alcohol-related crash fatalities and injuries, according to a study published online March 19 in the American Journal of Public Health.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Tied to Less DM, Despite Other Risks
THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a lower risk of incident diabetes, regardless of demographic characteristics and baseline risk factors, according to a study published online March 12 in Diabetes Care.
Tool May Predict Short-Term Progression to Type 1 Diabetes
FRIDAY, March 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers have developed a new tool that may predict short-term glycemic progression to type 1 diabetes (T1D). The findings were published online March 10 in Diabetes Care.
Public Outcomes Reporting Tied to Lower PCI Rates for Acute MI
THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Public reporting of outcomes may be tied to lower rates of percutaneous revascularization and higher in-hospital mortality among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients in reporting states, compared to nonreporting states, according to a study published in the March 24 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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CDC: Decline in TB Rates in the United States Slowing Down
THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — As health officials in Kansas struggle with an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) at a local high school, federal officials reported Thursday that the annual decline in U.S. cases is slowing. The report was published in the March 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Over Two Dozen Test Positive for TB at Kansas High School
THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More than 300 students and staff at Olathe Northwest High School were tested last week after a reported case of tuberculosis (TB) at the school. The testing identified 27 more people with TB infection, the Kansas City Star reported.
New Assessment Tool Helps Predict Risk of Cognitive Decline
THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new assessment tool may be able to predict risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults, according to a study published online March 18 in Neurology.
Strength Training May Cut Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Asian Workers
THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Strength training may help cut the risk of incident type 2 diabetes in a working-age Asian population, according to a study published online March 2 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
In-Clinic Health Coaching Improves Cardiometabolic Health
THURSDAY, March 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Health coaching by medical assistants can help improve hemoglobin A1c and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol control, according to a study published in the March/April issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Antipsychotics May Up Risk of Premature Death in Dementia
WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Antipsychotic drugs used to treat the delusions, hallucinations, agitation, and aggression that occur in many people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia may increase the risk of premature death more than previously thought, a new study suggests. The study was published online March 18 in JAMA Psychiatry.
FDA Approves Cholbam for Rare Bile Acid Synthesis Disorders
WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cholbam (cholic acid) capsules have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adults and children with bile acid synthesis disorders and peroxisomal disorders, the agency said in a news release.
WBC, Neutrophil Counts Predict Stroke Risk in Older Asian Men
WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Higher total white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts are independent predictors of stroke in older Japanese-American men, according to a study published online March 4 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Cardiovascular Screening in Men With ED Could Save Billions
WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Screening men presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors can potentially cut future cardiovascular events and save billions of dollars over 20 years, according to a study published online March 2 in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Lack of Agreement for Meds Reconciliation Responsibilities
WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There is a lack of agreement among clinicians about who is responsible for specific roles in the medication reconciliation process, according to a research letter published in the March issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
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Jyoti Meditation Program Effective for Chronic Neck Pain
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An eight-week jyoti meditation program is effective for patients with chronic neck pain, according to a study published in the January issue of The Journal of Pain.
Early Imaging Doesn’t Improve Back Pain Outcomes in Seniors
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Early imaging is not associated with improved outcomes at one year among older adults with a new primary care visit for back pain, according to a study published in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Diet Soda Intake Tied to Belly Fat in Older Adults
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Increasing diet soda intake (DSI) is tied to greater abdominal obesity in older adults, according to a study published online March 17 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Genetic Variation Impacts Aspirin/NSAID Link to CRC Risk
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified which confer differential benefit for aspirin and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use in relation to colorectal cancer risk, according to a study published in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Cancer Odds Up 40 Percent in Obese Women
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Obesity takes a huge toll on health, and a new British study finds that obese women have a 40 percent higher risk for cancer than thinner women.
Review: No Blood Pressure Lowering Effect for Vitamin D
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Vitamin D supplementation is not associated with a reduction in blood pressure, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published online March 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Cardiac Screening Not Advised for Low-Risk Adults
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cardiac screening with resting or stress electrocardiography, stress echocardiography, or myocardial perfusion imaging is not recommended for low-risk adults, according to a clinical guideline from the American College of Physicians published in the March 17 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Culture-Based Screening Algorithm Cuts TB in Immigrants
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of a culture-based screening algorithm in 2007 reduced the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among immigrants and refugees bound for the United States, according to a study published in the March 17 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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More Than 16 Million Americans Have Gained Coverage Under ACA
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The Obama Administration reported Monday the largest drop in the number of Americans without health insurance since the Johnson administration expanded health coverage through Medicare and Medicaid 50 years ago.
Face-to-Face Handoff Doesn’t Improve Patient Outcomes
TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There are no significant improvements in patient outcomes associated with face-to-face handoff of patients admitted to general medical services at a large academic tertiary referral hospital, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Moderate Hypoglycemia Impacts Language Processing
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Moderate hypoglycemia is associated with deterioration in language processing in adults with and without type 1 diabetes, according to a study published online March 10 in Diabetes Care.
Australian Health Council Says No Evidence Homeopathy Works
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The team at Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council reviewed 225 studies and concluded that homeopathy is no better than placebo, ABC News reported.
Gender-Specific Variation in Medical Specialties
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medical specialties vary by gender, with obstetrics/gynecology and pediatrics dominated by female residents and specialties such as surgery, emergency medicine, and anesthesiology dominated by males, according to a report published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
CDC Releases Estimates of Cancer Incidence, Survival for 2011
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Estimates of cancer incidence for 2011 in the United States show that about two-thirds of those with cancer survive five or more years after diagnosis, according to a report published in the March 13 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Real-Time Decision Support Tool Aids ER Pneumonia Patients
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For emergency department patients with pneumonia, a real-time electronic clinical decision support tool could be beneficial, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.
Handoff Tool Alone Insufficient to Handle Nighttime Clinical Issues
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A handoff tool, which has been widely adopted in hospitals, seems not to be sufficient for addressing nighttime clinical issues, according to research published in the March issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Tips Provided for Residents Applying to Fellowship Training
MONDAY, March 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The process of selecting and preparing for a fellowship training program, specifically pulmonary and/or critical care medicine, should begin early in residency, according to an article published online March 5 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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HHS Wants to Help Restore Joy of Medicine
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is listening to physicians and wants to address the regulatory burdens they face, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Hospitalist Continuity Doesn’t Appear to Greatly Affect AEs
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Measures of hospitalist physician continuity do not show a consistent or significant association with the incidence of adverse events (AEs), according to research published in the March issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
The BMJ, CDC Partner to Report on Cold-Related Deaths
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The rate of cold-related deaths in rural areas of the western United States is much higher than in other regions of the country, according to a new report published online March 12 in The BMJ.
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Where You Live May Impact Use of Unnecessary Imaging
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with low-risk prostate or breast cancer may have higher or lower odds of getting an unnecessary imaging based on geography, according to a new study published online March 12 in JAMA Oncology.
Coalition Calls for Increased Colorectal Cancer Screening
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Boosting older adults’ colorectal cancer screening rates to 80 percent by 2018 would lead to 21,000 fewer deaths from the cancer each year in the United States by 2030, according to research published March 12 in Cancer.
Getting Heard May Be Key to Getting New Job
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Your voice may be the key to landing a new job, researchers report in an upcoming issue of Psychological Science.
Patients Say Pain Control Is Key to Quality of Care in Hospitals
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Management of pain is an important component in improving the quality of care in hospitals from a patient’s perspective, according to research published in the March issue of Pain Practice.
Researchers Estimate Physician Shortage for 2035
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Based on current demographics and utilization of primary care services, more than 44,000 primary care physicians will be needed by 2035, according to a study published in the March/April issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
New Model Proposed for Hypersensitivity/Allergic Disease
FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new model has been proposed for classification of hypersensitivity/allergic diseases ahead of the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), according to a position paper published online March 4 in Allergy.
IOM: Raise Legal Age to 21 for Tobacco Purchase
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Raising the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 would save hundreds of thousands of lives and substantially reduce the number of smokers in the United States, a new report finds.
HealthDay/Harris Poll: More Americans in Favor of Vaccination
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In the wake of the measles outbreak that has generated headlines for months, more Americans now say they have positive feelings toward childhood vaccinations, according to a new HealthDay/Harris Poll.
AMA, CDC Partner to Focus on Diabetes Prevention
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Reducing the number of Americans with type 2 diabetes is a new mission shared by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, officials said Thursday.
FDA Updates Recs for Cleaning of Reusable Med Devices
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued final recommendations for the cleaning and sterilization of medical devices used in invasive procedures. The updated rules, first proposed in 2011, were released in response to last month’s reports of seven serious infections and two deaths at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, which were caused by contaminated duodenoscopes.
Powdered Alcohol Approved by U.S. Regulators
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — U.S. regulators have approved a controversial powdered alcohol product called Palcohol, which is meant to be mixed into drinks.
Health Highlights: March 11, 2015
Health Officials Warn of Blinding Cases of Syphilis on West Coast
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Health care providers on the West Coast need to look out for syphilis that can cause blindness, public health officials say.
Health Highlights: March 11, 2015
Poll: Majority of Americans Interested in Genetic Testing
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A majority of Americans taking part in a new poll said they’d be interested in genetic testing to see if they or their children are at risk for serious illnesses. The findings were published online March 6 in Public Health Genomics.
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No Higher Odds of Breast Cancer in Transgender Patients
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — While concerns remain regarding the long-term health effects of hormonal therapy on transgender patients, new research indicates that there is no higher risk of breast cancer in this group than in the general population.
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More Support for ‘Timing Hypothesis’ in HRT Use
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There’s yet another study looking at the potential dangers of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms, and this one supports the notion that the treatment may not help women’s hearts. The findings were published online March 10 in The Cochrane Library.
Single Paravertebral Blockade Seems Safe in Herpes Zoster
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with acute thoracic herpes zoster (HZ), a single paravertebral blockade seems safe and effective, according to a study published in the March issue of Pain Practice.
Long-Term NSAID Use Beneficial in Knee Osteoarthritis
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with knee osteoarthritis, long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use is associated with improvements in symptoms and disease progression, according to a study published in the March issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Clinical Trial Data Often Not Reported in Timely Manner
THURSDAY, March 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers are not promptly reporting the results of clinical trials to ClinicalTrials.gov, according to an article published in the March 12 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Evidence Lacking for PT in Patients With Venous Leg Ulcers
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Further research is needed to understand the role of physical therapy in healing and quality of life (QOL) in patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs), according to a systematic review published in the March issue of JAMA Dermatology.
Patients With Multiple Conditions Need Early Outpatient Follow-Up
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The timeliness of outpatient follow-up after discharge matters most for patients with multiple chronic conditions and a greater than 20 percent baseline risk of readmission, according to research published in the March/April issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Physicians Should Plan Exit Strategy in Advance
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physicians should begin planning their exit strategy three to five years in advance, according to the American Medical Association.
More Than Half of Angiograms for IHD Deemed Appropriate
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More than half of coronary angiographic studies done to investigate suspected ischemic heart disease (IHD) would be classified as appropriate according to the 2012 appropriate use criteria for diagnostic catheterization (AUC). The findings were published in the March 10 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Study Explores In Vivo Role of Ubiquinone in Mouse Model
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Ubiquinone (UQ) does not act as an antioxidant in vivo, and partial restoration of UQ levels and mitochondrial function can reverse severe disease phenotypes and shortened lifespan, according to an experimental study published online March 6 in Nature Communications.
Age, Race May Affect Tx Decision Regret in Prostate Cancer
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Age, race, and other factors may influence treatment decisional regret among men with prostate cancer, according to research published online March 3 in Cancer.
Frustrated by Regulations, Doctors Increasingly Miserable
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The nationwide Physician Misery Index is 3.7 out of 5, with the vast majority of physicians reporting that the business and regulation of health care has worsened the practice of medicine, according to a report published by Geneia.
CVD Risk Up With Androgen Deprivation Tx in Prostate Cancer
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For men with prostate cancer (PCa), the risk for incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), according to a study published online March 2 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Exercise Perfusion CT Imaging IDs Coronary Stenosis
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients suspected of having hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis, exercise computed tomography (CT) myocardial perfusion imaging is feasible and accurate, according to a study published in the March issue of Radiology.
Persistent EHR Nonadoption Could Mean Lower Payment
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Persistent nonadopters of electronic health records (EHRs) tend to be older, and are employed in smaller practices, according to a letter published in the March 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Stress + Depression = Deadly Combo in Heart Disease
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Coronary heart disease, depression, and stress can be a deadly combination, according to a new study published online March 10 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Hospitalizations After Sepsis Resolution Often Preventable
TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — When patients survive sepsis, it’s common for them to be readmitted to the hospital within a few months, but this can often be avoided, according to research published in the March 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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HSV-2 Vaccine Shows Promise in Experimental Research
TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new study in mice hints at the success of a vaccine against the herpes simplex virus. The research was published online March 9 in eLife.
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AAMC: Significant Shortfall of Physicians Projected for 2025
TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The expected shortfall of physicians is projected to reach about 46,000 to 90,000 by 2025, according to a study conducted by IHS Inc. for the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
No Link Found Between Vitamin D Level and Fatal Prostate Cancer
TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Neither circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels nor common variations in vitamin D pathway genes appear to be associated with risk of fatal prostate cancer, according to research published online March 2 in Cancer.
Patients Want Doctors to Disclose Ties to Industry in MS Trials
TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Disclosure of physician-industry relationships is important for potential participants in multiple sclerosis clinical trials and may impact participation in these trials, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal.
Susac Syndrome Is Possibility in Cases of Acute Confusion
TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For young patients presenting with acute confusion, Susac syndrome should be considered, according to a case report published online Feb. 10 in the Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases.
Limited Evidence Supporting Herbal Meds in GI Disorders
TUESDAY, March 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Limited evidence supports use of herbal remedies in gastrointestinal disorders, and the lack of quality control must be considered, according to research published in the March issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Family Hx of Prostate CA May Increase Risk of Breast CA Too
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A family history of prostate cancer may be tied to a woman’s risk of breast cancer, according to a new study published online March 9 in Cancer.
Vegetarian Diet Tied to Reduced Risk of Colorectal Cancer
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A vegetarian diet might cut the risk of colorectal cancer by 20 percent, according to new research. For fish-eating vegetarians, the protective link is even stronger, according to a study published online March 9 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
FDA Approves New CPR Devices
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) system designed to increase the chance of survival in people experiencing cardiac arrest has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Reminders Improve Practices’ Quality-Assurance Testing
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Practices’ adherence to a quality-assurance program for point-of-care testing (POCT) devices can be improved with reminders, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
Abnormalities on MRI Predict Knee Replacement
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Structural joint damage measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can predict knee replacement in the following year, according to research published in the March issue of Radiology.
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FDA Approves Cresemba for Serious Fungal Infections
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cresemba (isavuconazonium sulfate) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis, the agency said Friday in a news release.
Educational Intervention Can Cut Inappropriate PPI Prescriptions
MONDAY, March 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A monthly educational intervention paired with a web-based quality improvement tool is feasible for increasing the proportion of inappropriate proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescriptions discontinued at hospital discharge, according to a study published online Feb. 24 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Model Explores Impact of Vitamin D, Omega-3 Deficiency
FRIDAY, March 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A model has been proposed to explain the influence of inadequate vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids on brain dysfunction via serotonin levels, according to a review published online Feb. 24 in The FASEB Journal.
Changes Being Made to Med School Applicant Assessment
FRIDAY, March 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In accordance with the changes in graduate medical education to better prepare doctors for a changing health care system, changes are being made to medical school applicant evaluation, according to an article published Feb. 19 by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Extended Pre-Cessation Bupropion Helps Smokers Quit
FRIDAY, March 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Extended pre-quit bupropion is associated with reduced smoking behavior during the pre-quit period and improved short-term abstinence rates, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
More Otologic Symptoms, Hearing Loss for HIV-Infected
FRIDAY, March 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Otologic symptoms and hearing loss are more common among patients with HIV than uninfected controls, according to a study published online March 5 in JAMA Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery.
Confidence Gap Between Male and Female Med Students
FRIDAY, March 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Female medical students perform at the same or higher level as men, but they lack confidence compared with men, according to a letter published in the March 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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National Hospital Rating Systems Rarely in Agreement
FRIDAY, March 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — National hospital rating systems are rarely in agreement, according to a study published in the March issue of Health Affairs.
FDA Launches First App to Identify Drug Shortages
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A mobile phone application (app) has been released to identify current drug shortages, resolved shortages, or discontinuations of drug products, according to a press release published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Gout May Be Protective Against Alzheimer’s Disease
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Gout — or the high uric acid levels that drive the condition — may shield against dementia, according to research published online March 4 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Post-Occupational Exposure Ebola Vaccination Shows Promise
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An experimental Ebola vaccine may have prevented the disease in a doctor who was at high risk of infection, according to a new report. The findings were published online March 5 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Coping With Stress May Be As Key to Heart Health As Exercise
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Teens who have trouble coping with stress may face an increased risk for future coronary heart disease that even exercise can’t erase, a new study suggests. The report was published online March 4 in Heart.
Statins Tied to Decreased Insulin Sensitivity, Secretion
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Statin drugs may significantly increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a new study from Finland suggests. The findings were published March 4 in Diabetologia, the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.
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One-Third of U.S. More Than Hour Away From Stroke Center
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — One-third of Americans can’t be transported by ambulance to a stroke center within one hour, according to research published online March 4 in Neurology.
Study Examines Palliative Care in Cardiac Intensive Care Units
THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Increased palliative care education and training among clinicians who are involved in cardiac critical care could benefit care, according to a study published in the March 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Rush University Adds Patient Scores to Doctor Profiles
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Rush University Medical Center’s website has started adding the results of patient surveys to individual physician profiles, according to a report published by the medical center.
HPV-16 Tied to Improved Survival in Advanced Esophageal Cancer
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with advanced-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 infection is associated with improved survival and treatment response, according to a study published online Feb. 24 in the Journal of Digestive Diseases.
Aerobic Fitness Can Predict Post-Op Complications in AAA Repair
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, measures of cardiopulmonary fitness can predict postoperative complications, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in Anaesthesia.
Anemia Linked to Adverse Outcomes in Atrial Fibrillation
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with atrial fibrillation receiving anticoagulant treatment, the presence of anemia is associated with increased risk of thromboembolic events, bleeding complications, and mortality, according to research published online Feb. 13 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Many PCPs Not Using Rx Drug Monitoring Programs Routinely
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Most primary care physicians are aware of state prescription drug monitoring programs, and more than half report using one, according to research published in the March issue of Health Affairs.
CDC: Heroin Overdose Mortality Nearly Tripled 2010 to 2013
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The age-adjusted rate for deaths involving opioid analgesics has leveled in recent years; however, the rate for deaths involving heroin has almost tripled since 2010, U.S. health officials reported Wednesday.
Use of Anticholinergic Meds May Up Pneumonia Risk for Elderly
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of anticholinergic medications may increase risk of pneumonia in the elderly, a new study suggests. The findings were published online March 2 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Study Challenges Management of Benign Thyroid Nodules
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Benign thyroid nodules are common, and research suggests they don’t need to be monitored as closely as current guidelines recommend. The findings were published in the March 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Both High and Low Intensity Exercise Benefit Weight, Waist
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For people who are obese and sedentary, any exercise can help trim abdominal fat, but it may take a bit more effort to get other health benefits, a new study suggests. The findings were published in the March 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Acetaminophen Risks May Be Underestimated
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Acetaminophen may not be as safe as previously thought, with larger doses and long-term use linked to increased risk of health problems, a new report contends. The findings were published online March 2 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Higher Coffee Consumption Tied to Less Coronary Calcium
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Drinking three to five cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of developing coronary atherosclerosis, which in turn might reduce the risk for heart attack or stroke, a new study suggests. The report was published online March 2 in Heart.
ACP Issues Recommendations for Management of Pressure Ulcers
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations have been developed for the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, and published as two American College of Physicians (ACP) clinical practice guidelines in the March 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Resistance to Common Antimicrobials Increasing
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Resistance to commonly used antimicrobials is increasing in Salmonella and Campylobacter, according to a report published Feb. 26 by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Research Measures Perceptions of Physician Compassion
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients prefer physicians who convey a more optimistic message, and perceive in them a higher level of compassion, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in JAMA Oncology.
Age-Specific Causal Link for Adiposity, CV Risk Factors
TUESDAY, March 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adiposity has an age-specific causal effect on cardiovascular risk factors, according to research published online Feb. 23 in Diabetes.
Treadmill-Based Fitness Score Can Predict 10-Year Survival
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A fitness risk score based on exercise stress testing is highly predictive of 10-year survival in adults free from established heart disease, according to a study published in the March issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Excessive Blood Tests Could Raise Heart Surgery Morbidity
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The high number of blood tests done before and after heart surgery can sometimes lead to excessive blood loss, possibly causing anemia and the need for a blood transfusion, new research suggests. Results of the study were published in the March issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Nuts, Including Peanut Butter, May Improve Longevity
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Eating nuts, including peanuts and peanut butter, may increase longevity, new research suggests. The study is published online March 2 in JAMA Internal Medicine and was funded by the U.S. National Cancer Institute.
U.S. Nurse Who Contracted Ebola Sues Employer
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An American nurse who contracted Ebola is suing her employer.
Health Highlights: March 2, 2015
Mitral Valve Repair Could Improve Mental Health
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) have less depression and anxiety after they undergo surgical repair, according to research published in the March issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
High Prevalence of HCV in Baby Boomers Presenting to ER
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of unrecognized chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is high among baby boomers presenting to the emergency department, according to a study published online Jan. 28 in Hepatology.
Hospital Design Has Little Effect on Patient Satisfaction
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hospital design has little effect on patient satisfaction, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Suicidal Ideation Prevalent in Patients With Fibromyalgia
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Suicidal ideation is prevalent among patients with fibromyalgia and is strongly associated with mental health, according to a study published in the February issue of Pain Practice.
Cannabis Linked to Increased Risk of Cerebrovascular Events
MONDAY, March 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cannabis seems to be linked to cerebrovascular events, according to research published online Feb. 19 in Stroke.
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