Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Nursing for May 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.
Greater Benefit for Early Antiretroviral Tx Initiation in HIV
FRIDAY, May 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with HIV should start antiretroviral therapy as soon as they’re diagnosed, according to research findings from the Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) study, the first large-scale randomized clinical trial to establish that earlier antiretroviral treatment benefits all HIV-infected individuals.
FDA Warns of Soft Tissue Filler Injection Into Blood Vessels
FRIDAY, May 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Soft tissue fillers used in cosmetic procedures can be unintentionally injected into blood vessels in the face and cause serious harm, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.
Fruit, Vegetable Intake Linked to Hip Fracture
FRIDAY, May 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fruit and vegetable intake is associated with hip fracture, with a higher rate of hip fracture for intake below five servings/day, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
Celecoxib Safe, Effective for Brucellosis-Associated Depression
FRIDAY, May 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Celecoxib seems safe and effective for treatment of depression due to acute brucellosis, according to a study published online May 26 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Insulin Resistance Not Linked to Post-Adolescent Acne
FRIDAY, May 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Insulin resistance does not appear to be a significant factor in post-adolescent acne, according to a study published in the June issue of the International Journal of Dermatology.
AMD Predicts Poorer Survival in Older Women
FRIDAY, May 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) predicts poorer survival, especially among women aged 80 years or older, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Catheterization Increasing for Seniors With STEMI
FRIDAY, May 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — From 1999 to 2009 there was a decrease in the proportion of older adults with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) who did not undergo cardiac catheterization, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Weight-Based Enoxoparin Dosing Best for Obese After C-Section
FRIDAY, May 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Weight-based dosing of enoxaparin is more effective than body mass index (BMI)-based dosing for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis among morbidly obese women after cesarean delivery, according to a study published in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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FDA: Two Drugs Approved for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Two new therapies to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) accompanied by diarrhea in adults have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Metformin Linked With Lower Open-Angle Glaucoma Risk
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Metformin is associated with a lower risk of developing open-angle glaucoma (OAG), according to a study published online May 28 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Even Moderate BMI Reduction Could Ease A-Fib Burden
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Incremental increases in body mass index (BMI) are associated with excess risk of incident, postoperative, and post-ablation atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a review published online May 27 in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.
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14.9 Million New Cancer Cases Worldwide in 2013
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Between 1990 and 2013, the proportion of deaths worldwide caused by cancer rose from 12 to 15 percent. During that time, years of healthy life lost to cancer increased 29 percent, according to data on 28 types of cancer in 188 countries published online May 28 in JAMA Oncology.
Mediterranean Diet Might Lower Endometrial Cancer Risk
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adhering to a Mediterranean diet may significantly reduce a woman’s risk of endometrial cancer, according to a new study published in the May issue of the British Journal of Cancer.
Vegan Diet Tied to Weight Loss, Improved Neuropathy in DM
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A vegan diet might help patients with diabetic neuropathy lose weight and find some pain relief, a small pilot study suggests. The findings were published online May 26 in Nutrition & Diabetes.
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Population-Based FIT Screening Can Reduce CRC Mortality
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Population-based fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) screening in adults aged 50 to 69 years can reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality, according to a study published online May 20 in Cancer.
Specific Trans Fatty Acids Linked With Incident Diabetes
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Among older adults, specific trans fatty acids (TFAs) may be associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), according to a study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
House Call Primary Care Practices Vary Substantially
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Home-based primary care practices vary in terms of size and approaches to quality of care assessment, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Higher Disease Burden for Patients With Fibromyalgia
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) have a higher disease burden than those with chronic widespread pain (CWP), according to research published online May 16 in Pain Practice.
Smartphone Electrocardiograms Deemed Equivalent to Standard
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Smartphone electrocardiogram (ECG) accurately detects baseline intervals, atrial rate, and rhythm, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.
Post-CABG Predictors of Stroke Identified for Diabetes Patients
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), predictors of stroke include previous stroke, warfarin use, and surgery outside the United States or Canada, according to research published in the May 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Primary Androgen Deprivation Tx May Raise DM Risk by 60 Percent
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Primary androgen deprivation therapy increases diabetes risk, particularly in men under 70 years of age, according to research published in the June issue of The Journal of Urology.
More Evidence Supports Higher Fiber Intake to Lower DM Risk
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More evidence that a high fiber diet helps protect against type 2 diabetes has been presented in research published online May 26 in Diabetologia.
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Higher Risk of VTE With Newer Forms of Oral Contraceptives
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Newer forms of combined oral contraceptives pills (OCPs) — brands such as Yaz, Yasmin, and Desogen — are associated with a higher risk of venous thromboembolism than older versions, according to research published online May 26 in The BMJ.
Pre-Op β-Blockers May Work Against Heart-Healthy Patients
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — While patients with three or four heart risk factors should still be given a β-blocker before surgery, those with no risk for heart disease shouldn’t get the medication as it might lower the odds of a good outcome, according to a report published online May 27 in JAMA Surgery.
Soy Supplements Deemed Ineffective in Asthma Care
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Despite hints from prior research that soy supplements might help asthma patients breathe easier, a new study indicates the nutrient has no beneficial effect on lung function. The findings were published in the May 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Moderate Alcohol Intake May Harm Elderly Hearts
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Moderate drinking may harm heart health in the elderly, and women appear to be at greater risk for this alcohol-related heart damage than men, according to research published online May 26 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging.
Umbilical Cord Clamping Delay Found Beneficial in Boys
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Waiting about three minutes to clamp the umbilical cord following infant delivery may help improve children’s fine-motor and social skills at age 4 years, according to a study published online May 26 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Fewer U.S. Hospitals Sending New Moms Home With Formula
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — While the percentage of hospitals that send breastfeeding mothers home with formula packs has fallen dramatically during the last several years, about one-third of U.S. hospitals still do so, according to a study published online May 25 in Pediatrics.
Hospice May Help Surviving Spouse Cope With Death
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hospice care may help a surviving spouse better cope with depression following the death of a loved one, according to a study published online May 26 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Fat, Protein, Glycemic Index All Modify Postprandial Glycemia
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Dietary fat, protein, and glycemic index (GI) modify postprandial glycemia in type 1 diabetes, according to a review published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
CDC: U.S. Traveler Returning From Liberia Dies of Lassa Fever
TUESDAY, May 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A man who returned to the United States after traveling to Liberia in West Africa has died of Lassa fever, federal health officials have reported.
Return to Sports Starts at Three Months Post Scoliosis Surgery
TUESDAY, May 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), surgeons are allowing return to sports starting at three months after corrective surgery, according to research published in the May 1 issue of The Spine Journal.
Caution Urged When Using EHR Shortcut Features
TUESDAY, May 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Caution should be exercised with use of electronic health record (EHR) documentation short cuts, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Gender-Based Differences in Glycemic Control in T2DM
TUESDAY, May 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, there are gender-based differences in glycemic control and hypoglycemia after insulin treatment, according to research published in the June issue of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Self-Hypnosis Training Doesn’t Cut Epidural Use
TUESDAY, May 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Self-hypnosis training does not reduce women’s epidural use during childbirth, according to a study published online May 11 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Costs of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome on the Rise
TUESDAY, May 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number of infants born to American mothers who are chronic opioid users is rising, as are the costs of treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), researchers report. The findings were published online May 15 in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.
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Diet and Exercise May Not Be Enough to Ward Off Sarcopenia
TUESDAY, May 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — It’s not clear whether diet and exercise can prevent muscle loss as people age, according to a new review published online May 11 in Clinical Interventions in Aging.
Higher Altitude Linked With Higher SIDS Risk
TUESDAY, May 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Higher altitude may up the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to a new study published online May 25 in Pediatrics.
DXA Screening Found to Be Underused and Overused
TUESDAY, May 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Too few women at high risk for osteoporosis are being tested for the condition, while too many women at low risk are being screened, according to new research published online May 19 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
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CDC: Raw Tuna Suspected As Salmonella Source in Outbreak
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Raw tuna is suspected as the source of a Salmonella outbreak that has infected 53 people in nine states, according to U.S. health officials.
ACOG Urges Expedited Partner Therapy for Some STIs
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, whose partners are unable or unwilling to seek care, expedited partner therapy can be used to prevent reinfection, according to a Committee Opinion published in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Physical Resistance Training Ups Sexual Function in PCOS
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physical resistance training (PRT) is associated with significant improvement in sexual function among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a study published online May 18 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Large Practices Focused on Small Selection of EHR Products
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Sixty percent of clinicians in practices with 26 or more clinicians report use of one of 10 electronic health record (EHR) products, according to a report published by AmericanEHR Partners.
Front Desk Staff Has Key Role in Managing Practice Cash Flow
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Three steps that can be implemented by front desk staff can help increase practices’ cash flow, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Lean Six Sigma Approach Ups Quality of Hip Replacement Sx
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The Lean Six Sigma approach can be implemented to improve quality of care and reduce costs in prosthetic hip replacement surgery, according to a study published online May 11 in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
Beloranib Safe, Efficacious for Weight Loss in Obesity
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Beloranib seems efficacious and safe for weight loss in obese patients, according to a study published in the June issue of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
CDC: Smoking Rates on Decline in Many States
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cigarette smoking continues to decline in about half of American states, according to the latest U.S. government estimates. The new report was published in the May 22 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Personalized Assessments During Eye Visits Don’t Lower HbA1c
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with diabetes, personalized education and diabetes risk assessments performed during retinal ophthalmologic visits do not result in improved glycemic control, according to a study published online May 21 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Sexual Assault at ‘Epidemic Levels’ Among College Women
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Almost one out of every five young women were raped or experienced attempted rape during their freshman year at a large private university in upstate New York, a new study reports. The findings were published in the June issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health.
Mental Health Services Up for U.S. Children
THURSDAY, May 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number of U.S. children and teens being treated for mental health issues has risen by about 50 percent in the past 20 years — with most of those children having relatively mild symptoms, according to research published in the May 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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CDC Warns Against ‘Dangerous Breath Holding’ in Water
THURSDAY, May 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health officials are warning about accidental drownings from underwater breath-holding games and exercises.
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Not Enough Younger, High-Risk Americans Getting Colonoscopies
THURSDAY, May 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A majority of people with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) are not getting screened for the disease early enough, according to a new study. The research was published online May 21 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
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Caffeine Intake Linked to Lower Risk of Erectile Dysfunction
THURSDAY, May 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Men who consume more caffeine each day may have a lower risk of erectile dysfunction, according to a new study published online April 28 in PLOS One.
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Anxiety Reported by More Than 4 Million Working Americans
THURSDAY, May 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new study finds that 4.3 million Americans with full-time jobs had an anxiety disorder in the past year. That number represents 3.7 percent of full-time workers aged 18 and older, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Over One-Third of Americans Have Metabolic Syndrome
THURSDAY, May 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More than one-third of U.S. adults have metabolic syndrome, according to a research letter published in the May 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Motorcycle Deaths Down in U.S. for Second Straight Year
THURSDAY, May 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Motorcyclist deaths in the United States dropped for the second straight year in 2014, but they are still higher than they were a decade ago, according to a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
Support Groups for At-Home Walking Benefit PAD Patients
THURSDAY, May 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Support groups that encourage walking exercises at home can improve the mobility of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), according to a study published online May 20 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Proper Analysis Over Intuition for Avoiding Improper Antibiotic Use
THURSDAY, May 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Misdiagnosis often leads to improper antibiotic use in hospitals, according to a study published online May 18 in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
Gender Differences in Receipt of End-of-Life Care
THURSDAY, May 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There are gender differences in receipt of end-of-life (EoL) care among terminally ill cancer patients, with male patients more likely to receive intensive care unit (ICU) care, according to a study published online May 14 in Cancer.
More Evidence That C-Sections Should Be Avoided When Possible
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women who deliver their first baby by cesarean section are more likely to need blood transfusions and be admitted to intensive care units than women who opt for a vaginal delivery, U.S. health officials reported Wednesday.
Statins, Fibrates Linked to 30% Lower Stroke Risk in Elderly
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Older patients taking statins or fibrates saw their risk of stroke over almost a decade decline by about one-third, according to a report published online May 19 in The BMJ.
High-Value Care Advice Provided for Cancer Screening
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — High-value care advice has been provided for screening for five common types of cancer. The guidelines were published in the May 19 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Clinical Guideline
Value Framework
Hospital Stays Longer Without Prophylactic Laxatives
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Failure to use prophylactic laxatives in elderly congestive heart failure (CHF) patients who use laxatives at home is associated with a significantly longer hospital length of stay (LOS), according to a study published online May 13 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Recommendations Developed for Responding to ICU Tx Requests
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Multisociety recommendations have been developed to help physicians respond to requests for potentially inappropriate treatments in intensive care units. The policy statement was published online May 15 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Changes Observed in HbA1c During Ramadan
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, during Ramadan, the greatest change among metabolic parameters is seen for glycemia, according to a study published online May 13 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
Oncologist Recs Plus Motivation Package Increases Exercise
TUESDAY, May 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For breast and colorectal cancer survivors, the level of exercise participation is significantly increased for those receiving an oncologist’s exercise recommendations with an exercise motivation package, according to a study published online May 12 in Cancer.
Meds Offer Slight Symptom Relief in Overactive Bladder
TUESDAY, May 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For women with overactive bladder, medications delivered as a daily dose correlate with small reductions in urge incontinence episodes and voiding, according to a review published online May 6 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Washington D.C. Nabs Highest American Fitness Index Ranking
TUESDAY, May 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Washington, D.C, is the fittest of the 50 largest cities in the United States, followed by Minneapolis-St. Paul and San Diego, according to the eighth annual American Fitness Index (AFI) rankings from the American College of Sports Medicine and the Anthem Foundation.
Admission Not Necessary for Many ER Patients With Chest Pain
TUESDAY, May 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adverse cardiac events are rare among adult patients presenting with chest pain with two negative findings for serial biomarkers, nonconcerning vital signs, and nonischemic electrocardiographic findings, according to research published online May 18 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Shift Work Tied to Poor Health Indicators, Metabolic Syndrome
TUESDAY, May 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Shift work may be hazardous to metabolic health, according to research published online May 17 in Sleep Health, the journal of the National Sleep Foundation.
Pain Med Rx + Medical Cannabis Doesn’t Seem to Up Abuse Risk
TUESDAY, May 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medical marijuana users don’t appear to increase their risk for drug or alcohol abuse if they also take prescription pain medications (PPMs), according to research published in the May issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
Most Distinctive Causes of Death Mapped by U.S. State
TUESDAY, May 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The most distinctive causes of death for each U.S. state have been mapped in a report published online May 14 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
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FDA: Watch for Ketoacidosis With SGLT2 Inhibitors
MONDAY, May 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about the risk of ketoacidosis with use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.
AAFP Urges CMS to Safeguard Continuity of Care for Seniors
MONDAY, May 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and other organizations emphasize the importance of encouraging Medicare beneficiaries to engage with their primary care physician in an annual wellness visit.
CDC: Untreated Swimming Water Can Foster Norovirus
FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness that was traced back to an Oregon lake has led U.S. health officials to issue guidelines on swimming hygiene.
Physical Activity Boosts Longevity in Older Men
FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A little exercise late in life may help men live longer, new research from Norway suggests. The study appears online May 14 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Weight Lifting Beneficial for Breast Cancer Survivors
FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For breast cancer survivors, slowly progressive weight lifting can reduce the incidence of physical function deterioration compared with usual care, according to a study published online May 11 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Iron Deficiency Seems to Affect Many Metabolic Pathways
FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For young women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), iron therapy is associated with increases in serum folate, vitamin B12, and with other biochemical parameters, according to a study published online May 11 in the International Journal of Laboratory Hematology.
CDC: Rates of ADHD Diagnoses Essentially Unchanged
FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — One in 10 children and teens have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a May data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. That number has remained relatively steady since 2007, according to government estimates.
Health Care Justice Could Help End Wait for Tubal Sterilization
FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Health care justice should be invoked as the basis for advocacy for needed change to eliminate the mandatory waiting period for elective tubal sterilization, according to an article published online April 30 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Case Report: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For pregnant women with intractable nausea relieved by frequent bathing, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome should be considered, according to a case report scheduled to be published in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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CDC: Some Progress Seen in Foodborne Illness
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of reported infections with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 and a common strain of Salmonella bacteria have decreased, while infections with other types of Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Vibrio have increased, according to research published in the May 15 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Tramadol-Related ER Visits Up 2005 to 2011
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There was a sharp rise in the number of emergency department visits involving tramadol between 2005 and 2011, two new government reports show.
Study Considers Antibiotics-First Approach to Appendicitis
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An antibiotics-first approach could be considered for specific patients with appendicitis, according to a case vignette published in the May 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Binge Eating Disorder Creates Significant Health Care Burden
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Health care costs are similar for patients with binge eating disorder (BED) and those with eating disorder not otherwise specified without BED (EDNOS-only), and are significantly higher compared with costs of matched patients without an eating disorder (NED), according to a study published online May 8 in the International Journal Eating Disorders.
Grip Strength Could Be Useful Indicator of CVD, Mortality Risk
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Testing hand-grip strength could be an inexpensive and simple way of identifying people at increased risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, and premature death, according to a study published online May 13 in The Lancet.
Financial Incentives Effective in Smoking Cessation
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Paying smokers to quit seems to work better than offering them free counseling and nicotine replacement therapy, new research suggests. The report was published online May 13 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Cognitive Improvements With Active Singing in Dementia
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An active singing program can improve cognition and life satisfaction among individuals with dementia in an assisted living facility, according to a letter to the editor published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
ASCO Updates Guidelines for Hepatitis B Screening in Cancer
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Guidelines for hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening among patients with cancer have been updated, according to a special article published online May 11 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Depression Tied to Higher Stroke Risk, Even After Remission
WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Depression in older adults appears to significantly increase the risk of a stroke, even after depressive symptoms remit, a new study suggests. The report was published online May 13 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Pregnancy Not Linked to Higher Mortality in Surgery
WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pregnancy does not raise a woman’s risk for death or complications after undergoing general surgery, according to research published online May 13 in JAMA Surgery.
Positive + Negative Treatment Recs Cut Antibiotic Rx
WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For children with viral acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI), combined use of positive and negative treatment recommendations is associated with reduced risk of antibiotic prescribing, according to a study published in the May/June issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
No Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes for Tdap at 32 Weeks
WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination at 32 weeks of gestation is not associated with adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes, according to a study published online May 6 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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FDA Proposes Lifting Ban on Homosexual Blood Donations
WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Gay and bisexual men who have abstained from sex for one year would be allowed to donate blood in the United States, under a new federal policy unveiled Tuesday.
Codeine Rx for New Mothers Trending Down
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fewer new mothers have been prescribed codeine since public health officials warned about a rare, but potential risk of overdose for breastfeeding babies, according to study results reported in the May 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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New Health Care Index Reports Increases in Consumer Costs
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new Health Care Index shows increases in consumer costs, according to a report published by U.S. News & World Report.
Guidance Offered to Help Doctors Deal With ‘Dr. Google’
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Good communication is the key to resolving conflicts between the tests and treatment a patient may want based on online searches and those a physician believes are necessary, according to an article published online in Medical Economics.
Comprehensiveness of PCP Care Tied to Costs, Hospitalizations
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Increasing family physician comprehensiveness of care correlates with lower Medicare costs and hospitalizations, according to a study published in the May/June issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Decision Support Can Help Family Doctors Cut Radiation Exposure
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Point-of-care decision support can help family physicians select imaging that lowers pediatric radiation exposure and is in accordance with current guidelines, according to a study published in the May-June issue of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
Survival Improving for Women With Ovarian Cancer
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are now much more likely to survive the disease than they were several decades ago, according to research published online May 6 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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About 60 Percent of PCI Patients Referred to Cardiac Rehab
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cardiac rehabilitation referral rates are about 60 percent for U.S. patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with considerable site-specific variation in rates of referral, according to a study published in the May 19 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Nondisclosure Clauses Often Used in Malpractice Settlements
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nondisclosure clauses are frequently used in malpractice settlement agreements, according to research published online May 11 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Misconceptions About Miscarriage Common
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Misconceptions about miscarriages are common, and those mistaken beliefs can make the experience even more painful for those who suffer through it, a new survey reveals. The findings were published online May 6 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Adding Olive Oil, Nuts to Diet Boosts Aging Brain Health
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adding more olive oil or nuts to a Mediterranean diet — one rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains and low in red meat — may help improve cognitive function with advancing age, a new study suggests. The report was published online May 11 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Chlorofluorocarbon Ban Tied to Sharp Rise in Inhaler Cost
MONDAY, May 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Federal action to protect the ozone layer has resulted in a dramatic increase in the cost of asthma inhalers in recent years, according to new research. The study, published online May 11 in JAMA Internal Medicine, is the first-ever attempt to assess the impact of the ban on out-of-pocket costs for albuterol inhalers.
Shortened Fasting Feasible for Children Undergoing Surgery
MONDAY, May 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of pulmonary aspiration is low in children undergoing elective surgery, even when allowed free clear fluids until called to the operating suite, according to research published online May 4 in Pediatric Anesthesia.
CCHD Screening Would Detect Many Nonsyndromic Cases
MONDAY, May 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Universal critical congenital heart defect (CCHD) screening is expected to detect a considerable number of nonsyndromic CCHD cases, but a similar number of false-negative screenings are also likely, according to a study published online May 11 in Pediatrics.
FDA Approves Avelox for Treatment of Plague
MONDAY, May 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Avelox (moxifloxacin) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday to treat plague, a rare but deadly bacterial infection that can strike the lungs (pneumonic), blood (septicemic), or lymph nodes (bubonic).
Active Video Games Offer Health Benefit for Children/Teens
MONDAY, May 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Active video games (AVGs) are a good alternative to sedentary behavior, and can provide health benefits comparable to laboratory-based exercise or field-based physical activity, according to research published online May 6 in Obesity Reviews.
Maternal SDB Doesn’t Affect Infant Neurodevelopment
FRIDAY, May 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Maternal sleep disordered breathing (SDB) during pregnancy does not affect infant neurodevelopment, according to a study published in the May issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Immune System Stays Depleted Up to Three Years Post Measles
FRIDAY, May 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Children who survive a measles infection remain vulnerable to other potentially deadly infections for as long as two or three years after the measles infection, according to research published in the May 8 issue of Science.
Prostate CA Patients on Hormone Tx May Benefit From Statin
FRIDAY, May 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Statins may slow the progression of prostate cancer in patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy, according to a study published online May 7 in JAMA Oncology.
Full Adherence to Follow-Up Improves Head/Neck CA Survival
FRIDAY, May 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, compliance with posttreatment surveillance (PTS) is associated with survival, according to a study published online May 7 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
PTSD Associated With Premature Senescence
FRIDAY, May 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) seems to be associated with premature aging, according to a review published online May 7 in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
GEDI WISE Model Feasible for Geriatric Emergency Care
FRIDAY, May 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The Geriatric Emergency Department Innovations in Care through Workforce, Informatics, and Structural Enhancements (GEDI WISE) model seems feasible for transforming geriatric emergency care, according to a study published in the May issue of Health Affairs.
CDC: Triglyceride Levels Falling for Americans
THURSDAY, May 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Americans’ levels of triglycerides have dropped significantly in the past decade, according to a May data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
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CDC: CA Screening Rates Below Healthy People 2020 Targets
THURSDAY, May 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Screening rates for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers are below the Healthy People 2020 targets, according to research published in the May 8 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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CDC: Mortality Rate From Falls Up for U.S. Seniors
THURSDAY, May 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number of American seniors who die from fall-related injuries has nearly doubled since 2000, according to a May data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
CDC: Mortality Rate Declining Among Aging Boomers
THURSDAY, May 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new study finds mixed results for the health of America’s aging “Baby Boom” generation, with nearly half of people ages 55 to 64 taking a prescription cardiovascular drug and about one in five dealing with diabetes. However, the report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also finds that the overall mortality rate in this age group has gone down over the past decade.
More Hospice in Nursing Homes, Associated Costs Are Up
THURSDAY, May 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More nursing home residents are opting for hospice care, but at an overall increase in Medicare expenditures, according to a new study published in the May 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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ACA Tied to Nearly 17 Million Gaining Health Coverage
THURSDAY, May 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — As a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), nearly 17 million previously uninsured Americans now have health coverage, according to a 2013 to 2015 report from the Rand Corporation.
Both Omega-3, Placebo Help With Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Pain
THURSDAY, May 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with early-stage breast cancer treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs), arthralgia is improved with omega-3 fatty acid (O3-FA) treatment and with placebo, according to a study published online May 4 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Hospital Rates of Active Tx Impact Survival in Very Preterm
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For infants born at 22, 23, or 24 weeks of gestation, differences in hospital rates of active treatment explain some between-hospital differences in survival, according to a study published in the May 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Full Rx Coverage Ups Outcomes for Patients Discharged After MI
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients discharged from hospital after myocardial infarction, full prescription coverage is associated with improved health outcomes and less resource use, according to research published online May 5 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Proteinuria Level Predicts Renal Outcome in Lupus Nephritis
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Proteinuria levels at 12 months are the best predictor of long-term renal outcome in patients with lupus nephritis, according to a study published in the May issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Many Foods Marketed to Children Don’t Meet Nutrition Guidelines
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More than half of the food and beverage products marketed to children do not meet the federal Interagency Working Group’s nutrition recommendations, according to a study published April 23 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
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Texting Cuts Patients’ Need for Pain Meds During Surgery
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Texting during minor surgery cuts the need for pain relievers among patients receiving regional anesthesia, according to a brief research report published in the April issue of Pain Medicine.
PCI Beats Medical Tx in Stable Ischemic Heart Disease
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) and objective evidence of ischemia, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with lower mortality than medical therapy (MT), according to research published in the May 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Statins Don’t Reduce Psoriasis Risk
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Statin use does not lower the risk of psoriasis, according to a study published online April 20 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Digoxin Tied to Higher Mortality Risk in A-Fib, Heart Failure
TUESDAY, May 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of digoxin may increase the risk of premature death in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure, according to research published online May 4 in the European Heart Journal.
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Bit of Extra Weight Tied to Better Survival in T2DM
TUESDAY, May 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Compared to underweight or normal-weight people with type 2 diabetes, those who are overweight but not obese may be less likely to die over a 10-year study period, according to research published in the May 5 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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FDA Petitioned to Stop Sales of Essure Implant
TUESDAY, May 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Bayer’s contraceptive implant Essure can cause serious complications and should be taken off the market, says a citizen’s petition filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
USPSTF: Not Enough Data on E-Cigarettes As Cessation Aid
TUESDAY, May 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There’s not enough data to decide whether or not electronic cigarettes can help smokers quit, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
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Fetal/Infant Death Risk Lowest at 37 Weeks in Twin Pregnancies
TUESDAY, May 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For twin pregnancies, fetal/infant death risk seems to be minimized at 37 weeks’ gestation, according to a study published in the May issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
CDC: U.S. Birth Rate Reaches Historic Low
TUESDAY, May 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. birth rate remained at an all-time low in 2013, due largely to a significant drop in teen births, new research shows. The report, first released in January, was published online May 4 in Pediatrics.
High-Value Research of 2014 Presented for Geriatric Medicine
TUESDAY, May 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Articles relating to overtreatment of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and dementia care, as well as reduction of polypharmacy and adverse drug effects, are included in a special update summary published online April 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Stroke Patients Don’t Appear to Benefit From EHR Use
MONDAY, May 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Stroke patients fare about the same in terms of quality of care and illness progression whether their hospitals have embraced electronic health records or not. These findings were published in the May 12 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Statins Linked to Improved Survival in Lung Cancer
MONDAY, May 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of statins for a year before a diagnosis of lung cancer is associated with a 12 percent lower risk of cancer-specific mortality, new research suggests. The study findings are published in the May issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Concussion in Football Often Occurs During Practice
MONDAY, May 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Data on more than 20,000 young football players across the United States reveal that more than 57 percent of concussed high school and college players were injured at practice, not games. Among youth football players, almost half of concussions were sustained during practice. These findings were published online May 4 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Waning Immunity Seen Post-Tdap Booster in Preteens
MONDAY, May 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine given to preteens loses a large measure of effectiveness within a few years, new research reveals. The study findings are published online May 4 in Pediatrics.
Computerized Visual Acuity Test Effective for Children
MONDAY, May 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A computerized visual acuity-based screening program that employs a rapid, age-specific standardized algorithm is effective and practical for screening 3- to 7-year-old children, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
Cuts in Epilepsy Drugs Boost Children’s Post-Op IQ
MONDAY, May 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in children is tied to higher IQ post-epilepsy surgery, according to a study published online April 21 in the Annals of Neurology.
High-Intensity Exercise Program Best for Fitness in Breast Cancer
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For women undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, a high-intensity physical activity program is most effective, while a low-intensity program offers a viable alternative, according to a study published online April 27 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcomes Vary by Time to CPR
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), outcomes differ by time to first cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first documented rhythm, according to a study published online April 30 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Church-Based Intervention Linked to Healthy Lifestyle Changes
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A pilot church-based diabetes self-management intervention in a Latino community is associated with improvement in lifestyle factors that affect diabetes risk, according to a study published online April 28 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
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FDA Approves Raplixa to Help Control Surgical Bleeding
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Raplixa (human fibrin sealant) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help control bleeding during surgery, the agency said in a news release.
Drop Just One Sugar-Sweetened Drink Daily, Drop DM Risk Greatly
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Exchanging one sugar-sweetened beverage for water or unsweetened coffee or tea daily could lower diabetes risk by up to 25 percent, according to research reported online April 30 in Diabetologia.
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2 Minute Walk Each Hour May Reduce Odds of Premature Death
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Getting up and walking for two minutes every hour could help reverse the negative health effects from prolonged sitting, new research suggests. The findings were published online April 30 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
STDs Identified in Women With Extragenital Exposures
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A considerable number of women reporting extragenital exposures have Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and many infections would be missed with urogenital-only testing, according to a study published in the May issue of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
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Physicians Show Low Adherence to Cervical CA Screening Recs
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The indications for cervical cancer screening in asymptomatic average-risk women are described in a best practice advice article published online April 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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High-Value Research of 2014 Presented for Internal Medicine
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Articles relating to atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, acute bronchitis, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for hypertension screening, and guidelines relevant to generalist practice are included in a special update summary published online April 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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CDC: Colorado Dog Key to U.S. Pneumonic Plague Outbreak
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A Colorado dog last year caused the largest outbreak of pneumonic plague — also called the Black Death — in the United States since 1924, scientists reported Thursday.
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Nitrofurantoin Not Best Choice for UTIs in Older Women
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nitrofurantoin may not be the most effective option for treatment of urinary tract infections in older women, according to a new study published online April 27 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
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