Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Geriatrics for May 2017. 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.
CDC: Prevalence of Arthritis 31.8% in Most Rural Areas of U.S.
WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of arthritis is 31.8 percent in the most rural areas and 20.5 percent in the most urban areas of the United States, according to research published in the May 26 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Infections Significantly Up Burden of Care
WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are associated with increased risks of admission and outpatient visits, according to a study published online May 11 in Diabetes Care.
High Costs for Myeloma Patients Not Getting Low-Income Subsidy
WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — There is a substantial financial burden for Medicare beneficiaries with myeloma who do not receive a low-income subsidy (LIS) for orally-administered anticancer therapy, according to a study published online May 25 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Social Psychology May Help With Physician Error Disclosure
TUESDAY, May 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Lessons from social psychology can be used to improve behavioral changes in terms of error disclosure, according to research published online May 18 in Medical Education.
High-Risk Pools May Represent Step Back for U.S. Health Care
TUESDAY, May 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Proposed legislation as part of the American Health Care Act, which includes the option of high-risk pools, is not likely to reduce costs, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online May 23 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Breaking Up Sedentary Time With Upper Body Activity Beneficial
TUESDAY, May 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For obese adults, performing short bouts of arm ergometry during prolonged sitting is associated with reduced mean blood glucose and insulin incremental area under the curve (iAUC), according to a study published online May 23 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Reduced Cellular Aging Seen With Regular, Strenuous Exercise
TUESDAY, May 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — People who consistently engage in high levels of physical activity have longer telomeres than those who have sedentary lifestyles, as well as those who are moderately active, according to a study scheduled for publication in the July issue of Preventive Medicine.
New Health Care Act Could Result in 23 Million Losing Insurance
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The Republican-led bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that passed the House this month would result in 23 million Americans losing their health insurance coverage, according to a report issued by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
New Bill Intends to Repeal Limits on Physician-Owned Hospitals
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would repeal the federal law essentially banning construction of physician-owned hospitals and making it difficult for these facilities to grow, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Reduction in Post-Op Delirium With mHELP Program
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For older patients undergoing abdominal surgery, participating in a modified Hospital Elder Life Program (mHELP) is associated with a reduced risk of postoperative delirium and with shorter length of stay, according to a study published online May 24 in JAMA Surgery.
Targeting ANGPTL3 Can Significantly Lower Cholesterol
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Two separate research groups say they’ve successfully reduced cholesterol in humans by using different methods to block the angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) gene. The findings were published online May 24 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Cognitive Decline Linked to Visual Field Variability
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients diagnosed as having glaucoma or glaucoma suspects, cognitive decline is associated with increased visual field variability, according to a study published online May 18 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
CDC: Alzheimer’s Mortality Up 55 Percent From 1999 to 2014
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — As more baby boomers age, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have risen 54.5 percent, and in many cases the heavy burden of caregiving has fallen on loved ones, according to research published in the May 26 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Some Benefit for Curcuminoids in Knee Osteoarthritis
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Curcuminoids seem beneficial for knee osteoarthritis (OA), although they are less effective for pain relief than ibuprofen, according to a review and meta-analysis published online May 4 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Hospitals Vary Widely in Moving Stroke Patients to Comfort Care
THURSDAY, May 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — U.S. hospitals differ greatly in how often they move new stroke patients from treatment to comfort or hospice care, according to a study published online May 24 in Neurology: Clinical Practice.
New Interactive Module Aims to Clarify Professional Boundaries
THURSDAY, May 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new interactive training module in medical ethics can help physicians to understand professional boundaries, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Knee Pain Relief Seen With Fiber, Chondroitin in Osteoarthritis
THURSDAY, May 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Fiber and/or the dietary supplement chondroitin may help reduce knee pain from arthritis, according to two studies published online May 23 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
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Mapping IDs Geographic Access Barriers for Diabetic Retinopathy
THURSDAY, May 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Geographic information systems mapping can visualize geographic access barriers to eye care among patients with diabetes, while telescreening can increase the rate of diabetes retinopathy evaluation, according to two studies published online May 18 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
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Orthostatic Hypotension in T2DM Linked to Riser Type Circadian BP
THURSDAY, May 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, orthostatic hypotension (OH) is associated with riser patterns in the blood pressure (BP) circadian rhythm, as well as increased rates of mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, according to a study published online May 11 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
Path to Empathy Deemed As Vital As Being Empathetic
THURSDAY, May 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Different paths to perspective of another’s experience are associated with varying effect on helpers’ health during helping behavior, according to a study published online April 16 in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.
Calls, SMS Can Increase Adherence to FIT CRC Screening
THURSDAY, May 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Telephone calls and short message service (SMS) can improve the likelihood of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) pick-up and return, according to a research letter published online May 18 in JAMA Oncology.
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Reducing Caloric Intake Appears to Slow Biological Aging
WEDNESDAY, May 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Limiting calorie intake may slow aging, according to a study published online May 22 in the Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences.
Doctors Urged to Check Patient Drug History Before Opioid Rx
WEDNESDAY, May 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Prescription databases can help combat drug abuse when doctors are required by law to check them before writing opioid prescriptions, according to a study to be published in a future issue of the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy.
Regular Chocolate Consumption May Lower Risk of A-Fib
WEDNESDAY, May 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Regular chocolate consumption may lead to a lower risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), according to research published online May 23 in Heart.
Mortality Rates Found Lower at Major Teaching Hospitals
WEDNESDAY, May 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Older adults treated at major teaching facilities are less likely to die in the weeks and months following their discharge than patients admitted to community hospitals, according to research published in the May 23/30 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Normal Meal Tolerance Test Is Practical, Reliable in T2DM
WEDNESDAY, May 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A normal meal tolerance test (NMTT) — a simplified version of the mixed meal tolerance test — is valuable as an insulin secretion test in patients with type 2 diabetes, with exception of those in a hyperglycemic state, according to a study published online May 11 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
Sleep Apnea Reporting Low Among Individuals Aged ≥65
WEDNESDAY, May 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — From 1993 to 2011, physicians reported sleep apnea (SA) in 0.3 percent of all office visits among individuals aged 65 years and older, according to a study published online May 4 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Patients With Polyneuropathy More Often Receive Opioids
TUESDAY, May 23, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Polyneuropathy is associated with increased likelihood of receiving long-term opioids, although long-term opioids do not improve functional status markers, according to a study published online May 22 in JAMA Neurology.
Statin Therapy Found to Be of Little Benefit in Older Adults
TUESDAY, May 23, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The benefit of pravastatin for primary prevention in older adults with moderate hyperlipidemia and hypertension is questionable, according to a study published online May 22 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Risk Up for Triple Tx Versus DAPT in DES Implantation With A-Fib
TUESDAY, May 23, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES), atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risks, with no benefit and higher risk seen for triple therapy compared to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), according to a study published online May 17 in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.
Functional Interaction Seen for Dietary Carbohydrates With AMD
TUESDAY, May 23, 2017 (HealthDay News) — There may be a functional interaction between dietary carbohydrates, the metabolome, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) features (AMDf), according to an experimental study published online May 15 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Nine of Ten Practices Surveyed Have Dismissed Patients
MONDAY, May 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The majority of medical practices have dismissed patients, according to a research letter published online May 15 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Patients Often Prescribed Futile Drugs in Last Months of Life
MONDAY, May 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with life-limiting illness often receive medications of questionable benefit given their remaining life span, according to a report published online May 15 in The American Journal of Medicine.
No Link to Cognition in Diabetes Prevention Program Study
MONDAY, May 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Outcomes Study (DPPOS), exposure to metformin or lifestyle intervention is not associated with cognition, according to research published online May 12 in Diabetes Care.
High Vitamin K1 Intake Linked to Reduced Cataract Risk
FRIDAY, May 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — High intake of vitamin K1 is associated with reduced risk of cataracts, according to a study published online May 11 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
One in Five Cancers in the United States Is Considered Rare
FRIDAY, May 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Rare cancers account for one in five cancers diagnosed in the United States, presenting special challenges to doctors and patients, according to research published online May 19 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Eating More Fruits, Vegetables May Lower Risk of PAD
FRIDAY, May 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), according to a study published online May 18 in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
Anthropometric Measures of Body Fat ID Kidney Function Decline
FRIDAY, May 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Anthropometric measures of body fat can predict kidney function (KF) decline in older adults, according to a study published online May 18 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Glucose Peaks Linked to Cognitive Decline, Dementia in Diabetes
FRIDAY, May 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Glucose peaks are associated with cognitive decline and dementia among individuals with diabetes, according to a study published online May 12 in Diabetes Care.
Tips Provided to Help Physicians Plan for Retirement
THURSDAY, May 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Physicians should consider their retirement and plan ahead at all stages of their career, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
More U.S. Women Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
THURSDAY, May 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The number of U.S. women living with metastatic breast cancer has been rising since the 1990s, according to a study published online May 18 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Blacks, Hispanics Less Likely to See Neurologist As Outpatient
THURSDAY, May 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Black and Hispanic patients are less likely than white patients to make an appointment to see a neurologist, according to a study published online May 17 in Neurology.
Weight Loss, Aerobic+Resistance Exercise Best for Obese Seniors
THURSDAY, May 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Engaging in aerobic and resistance exercise while losing weight enables elderly obese patients to maintain more muscle mass and bone density compared to those who do just one type of exercise or none at all, according to a study published in the May 18 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Global Burden of Cardiovascular Disease Assessed
THURSDAY, May 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global burden, despite declines in the mortality rate due to CVD in high-income and some middle-income countries, according to a study published online May 17 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Most Routine Coagulation Tests Reliable Up to Eight Hours
THURSDAY, May 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Most routine coagulation tests can be reliably evaluated after storage at room temperature for up to eight hours after blood collection, according to a study published online May 8 in the International Journal of Laboratory Hematology.
Treatment in Hospital by Older Doctors Tied to Higher Mortality
WEDNESDAY, May 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Hospitalized patients 65 and older may face a slightly higher risk of dying within a month of their admittance when treated by an older versus younger physician, according to research published online May 16 in The BMJ.
Acute MI Risk Significantly Up Following Respiratory Infection
WEDNESDAY, May 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) increases sharply after a respiratory infection, according to a study published in the May issue of the Internal Medicine Journal.
CDC: Slowing of Decline in Number of Uninsured Adults
WEDNESDAY, May 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The decline in the number of Americans without health insurance stalled in 2016 after five years of progress, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Tuesday.
Telemedical Lifestyle Intervention Ups T2DM Glycemic Control
WEDNESDAY, May 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A Telemedical Lifestyle Intervention Program (TeLiPro) can improve glycemic control in advanced-stage type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online May 12 in Diabetes Care.
Plan Suggested for Reducing Health Care Costs
TUESDAY, May 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Health care costs can be reduced, with a nine-step plan suggested as a starting place, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
No Evidence Steroids Benefit Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
TUESDAY, May 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Regular use of corticosteroid injections for degenerative knee disease is ineffective and may even result in cartilage loss, according to a study published in the May 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Iron Rx Doesn’t Improve Exercise Capacity in Iron-Deficient HFrEF
TUESDAY, May 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Oral iron supplementation doesn’t improve the exercise capacity of iron-deficient patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF), according to a study published in the May 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Life Expectancy Slighter Shorter With Parkinson’s, Dementia
TUESDAY, May 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with degenerative brain diseases die about two years earlier compared with people who don’t have these conditions, according to report published online May 15 in JAMA Neurology.
HRT May Increase Risk of Postmenopausal Hearing Loss
MONDAY, May 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Hearing loss is linked to several factors associated with menopause, according to research published online May 8 in Menopause.
Pharmacist-Involved Collaborative Care Benefits T2DM
MONDAY, May 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Multidisciplinary collaborative care with pharmacist follow-up is beneficial for Asian patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online April 27 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Quinine Exposure Linked to All-Cause Mortality
MONDAY, May 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Long-term quinine exposure is associated with increased mortality, according to a research letter published in the May 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Many Seniors With Nonbacterial Acute URI Prescribed Antibiotics
MONDAY, May 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A considerable proportion of elderly patients with a nonbacterial acute upper respiratory tract infection (AURI) are prescribed antibiotics, according to research published online May 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Tai Chi Can Help Relieve Insomnia in Breast Cancer Survivors
FRIDAY, May 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For breast cancer survivors, tai chi is as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy and more effective than medication in treating insomnia and reducing the risk for sleep loss-related health issues, including depression, fatigue, and a weakened immune system, according to a study published online May 10 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
10 Minutes of Meditation Can Up Focus for Patients With Anxiety
FRIDAY, May 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Ten minutes daily of mindful meditation can improve focus among patients with anxiety, according to a report published in the May issue of Consciousness and Cognition.
Hospitals Need to Be Prepared for Ransomware Attacks
FRIDAY, May 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Hackers are increasingly targeting hospitals, using viruses to lock their computer systems and hold sensitive medical data and other files hostage, according to an observation piece published online May 11 in The BMJ.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program Ups Outcomes
FRIDAY, May 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program is associated with improved outcomes for patients undergoing elective colorectal resection and emergency hip fracture repair, according to a study published online May 10 in JAMA Surgery.
ACP: Recommendations Updated for Low Bone Density Treatment
FRIDAY, May 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — In a clinical practice guideline update published online May 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, recommendations are presented for the treatment of low bone density and osteoporosis to prevent fractures.
Arthroscopy for Degenerative Knees Deemed Seldom Effective
THURSDAY, May 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Arthroscopic surgery should rarely be used to treat degenerative knee disease, according to a Rapid Recommendations report published online May 10 in The BMJ.
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Practice Prices Linked to Some Measures of Care Coordination
THURSDAY, May 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — High-price practices have higher scores on certain measures of care coordination and management, but the overall relationship between higher prices and quality and efficiency of care is weak, according to a report published in the May issue of Health Affairs.
Patients Satisfied With Telehealth Primary Care Visits
THURSDAY, May 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients express satisfaction with telehealth primary care video visits, with most reporting interest in continuing use of video visits as an alternative to in-person visits, according to a study published in the May/June issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Outpatient Wait Times Are Longer for Medicaid Recipients
THURSDAY, May 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Medicaid patients have slightly longer waits at medical appointments than those with private insurance, according to a report published in the May issue of Health Affairs.
Outcomes Up With Same Hospital Readmissions in Heart Failure
THURSDAY, May 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Heart failure patients who are readmitted to the same hospital after their initial treatment are more likely to survive compared to those treated at a different hospital, according to research published online May 10 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Adherence to DASH Diet May Help Lower Occurrence of Gout
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is effective for prevention of gout, according to a study published online May 9 in The BMJ.
Initiation of NSAID Use Associated With Risk of Acute MI
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase the risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI) by 20 to 50 percent, with elevated risk as early as the first week of use, according to a report published online May 9 in The BMJ.
Responsibility for Most of Dementia Care Falls to Women
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — When it comes to the daily care of Americans with dementia, most of the responsibility is still falling on family members, with women handling the lion’s share, according to a viewpoint piece published online May 8 in JAMA Neurology.
Increases in Rates of Insured Don’t Harm Continuously Insured
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Increases in insurance coverage from 2008 to 2014 were not associated with worse access to care for continuously insured adults, according to a study published in the May issue of Health Affairs.
Bundled Payment Initiative Doesn’t Cut Readmission in COPD
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A Medicare Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative does not reduce readmission rates or costs among patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study published in the May 1 issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
Low Body Mass Index Not Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — There is no link between low body mass index (BMI) and risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published online May 9 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Postmarket Safety Events for 32 Percent of Novel Therapeutics
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — From 2001 to 2010, 32 percent of novel therapeutics approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had a postmarket safety event, according to a study published in the May 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Clinical Benefits for CRT-D Over ICD Even With Comorbidity
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with left bundle branch block, the benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) over implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) alone persists with comorbidity, according to a study published in the May 16 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Evidence-Based Medicine Course Beneficial for Critical Thinking
TUESDAY, May 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An evidence-based medicine (EBM) course has some positive effect on medical student critical thinking (CT), according to a study published online April 27 in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine.
Low-Dose Aspirin No Aid Against Cognitive Decline
TUESDAY, May 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Low-dose aspirin does not protect against cognitive decline, according to a review published April 20 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Most Physician Mothers Report Perceived Discrimination
TUESDAY, May 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A considerable proportion of physician mothers report perceived discrimination, according to a research letter published online May 8 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Internet-Based Vestibular Rehab Beneficial for Dizziness
TUESDAY, May 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Internet-based vestibular rehabilitation reduces dizziness for adults aged 50 years or older, according to a study published in the May/June issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Only 10 Percent of Daily Salt Intake Comes From Shaker
TUESDAY, May 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Most of the salt that Americans consume comes from processed foods and restaurant meals, according to a report published in the May 9 issue of Circulation.
Geographic Disparities Seen for Longevity in the United States
MONDAY, May 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Life expectancy can differ by as much as two decades between various U.S. counties, according to research published online May 8 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
More Women Than Men Leaving Practice of Medicine
MONDAY, May 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — More women than men leave the practice of medicine, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Research Supports Pulmonary Benefits for ACEIs, ARBs
MONDAY, May 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) might play an important role in the prevention and treatment of emphysema, according to a study published in the May 1 issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
Open-Label Placebos Seem to Have Positive Clinical Effect
MONDAY, May 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Compared with no treatment, open-label placebos seem to have a positive clinical effect, according to a review published online April 27 in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine.
Many Seniors Use Cellphones While Driving With Children
MONDAY, May 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Many senior citizens are driving while distracted, according to a new survey conducted by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
Osteoporosis Tx Ups Survival in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer
MONDAY, May 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For postmenopausal breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitors, oral osteoporosis therapy (OPT) is associated with improved survival, according to a study published online May 2 in Cancer.
Crepitus Tied to Incident Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
FRIDAY, May 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients who report frequent grating, cracking, or popping sounds in or around the knees may be at higher risk for impending arthritis, according to a study published online May 4 in Arthritis Care & Research.
Disability Reduced When Bystander CPR Is Performed
FRIDAY, May 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Quick action from bystanders can have a long-lasting impact for patients with cardiac arrest, according to a study published in the May 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Symptomatic Hand Osteoarthritis Will Affect 40 Percent of People
FRIDAY, May 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Forty percent of people will be affected by symptomatic osteoarthritis in at least one hand, according to research published online May 4 in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Nocebo Effect Reported for Statin Therapy Use
FRIDAY, May 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The rate of muscle-related adverse event (AE) reports is increased when patients and their doctors are aware that statins are being used, according to a study published online May 2 in The Lancet.
E-Health-Based Management of Oral Anticoagulation Tx Beneficial
FRIDAY, May 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Electronic-health-based management of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy is associated with fewer adverse events, according to a study published online April 29 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Poll: Many Americans Concerned About ACA Repeal
THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Only one in five Americans support a repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a new HealthDay/Harris Poll reveals.
CMS Releases Resources to Help With Payment System
THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently added three new online resources to assist physicians already participating in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and those exploring the opportunities available.
Lower Incidence of Chronic Illness for Centenarians
THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Among elderly veterans, the incidence of chronic illness is lower for centenarians than octogenarians and nonagenarians, according to a study published online April 19 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Obesity, Sex Predict Remission for Antidepressant Medications
THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Obesity and sex are differential predictors of acute remission for commonly used antidepressant medications, according to a study published in the March-April issue of Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry.
Ischemic Outcomes Don’t Vary With Gender in ACS Patients
THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and receiving clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor, ischemic outcome does not differ by gender, according to a study published online April 29 in Cardiovascular Therapeutics.
Even Low Level of Physical Activity May Cut Fracture Risk
THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Short daily bouts of walking/bicycling and a few weekly exercise sessions are both associated with a lower rate of hip fracture and any fracture, according to a study published online April 29 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
BDNF Gene Mutation May Speed Up Memory Loss in Alzheimer’s
THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A gene mutation appears to speed up the loss of memory and cognitive skills in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published online May 3 in Neurology.
Household Income Takes a Hit After Cancer Diagnosis in Spouse
WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Family income can take a big hit when a wife or husband cares for a spouse with cancer, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Health Economics.
Passive Home Monitoring Yields Health Care Savings
WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Installation of a health and safety passive remote patient monitoring (PRPM) system in the homes of older adults seems to result in health care cost savings, according to a study published online April 13 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
CDC: Mortality Rate for Black Americans Drops 25 Percent
WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) — While the overall mortality rate among black Americans dropped 25 percent between 1999 and 2015, the average life expectancy still lags behind whites by almost four years, according to research published in the May 2 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
New Rx for Sleeping Pills Can Up Risk of Hip Fracture
WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Older patients are at greater risk for hip fractures for two weeks after they start taking prescription sleeping pills, according to a review published online April 27 in PLOS ONE.
Half of U.S. Doctors Receive Payments From Industry
WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) — About half of U.S. doctors received payments from the pharmaceutical and medical device industries in 2015, amounting to $2.4 billion, and any form or amount of compensation can influence prescribing behavior, according to research published in the May 2 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on conflict of interest.
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Low Use of Medications, Lifestyle Counseling in PAD Patients
WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have low use of medication therapy and lifestyle counseling, according to a study published in the May 9 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Silent Seizures May Contribute to Alzheimer’s Pathology
TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Undetected seizures may contribute to some symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, such as confusion, according to research published online May 1 in Nature Medicine.
Weight Loss Can Decelerate Knee Joint Degeneration
TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Weight loss of 5 percent or more can significantly lower cartilage degeneration in overweight/obese patients, according to a study published online May 2 in Radiology.
Optimal Cardiovascular Health in Middle Age Adds Years to Life
TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with optimal cardiovascular health in middle age live an average of four years longer than their peers who have at least two risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and almost five years longer free of chronic disease, according to a study published in the May 2 issue of Circulation.
Too Few Americans Know the Warning Signs of Stroke
TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — About 35 percent of Americans experience symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), yet only 3 percent get immediate medical attention, according to findings from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
Low-Dose Aspirin Linked to Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer
TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Regularly taking low-dose aspirin appears to protect women from hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer, according to a study published online May 1 in Breast Cancer Research.
Combo of Exercise, Vitamin D May Boost Effects on Heart Health
TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Physical activity and vitamin D appear to have synergistic beneficial effects on the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a study published in the April 1 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Aging Substantially Ups Risk for Needing Help With Money, Meds
TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Many seniors over age 85 need help with finances and/or managing their medications, according to research published online April 5 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Hearing Tests May Miss Common Form of Hearing Loss
TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Commonly used hearing tests often fail to detect a prevalent form of inner ear damage, according to an experimental study published online recently in Frontiers in Neuroscience.
Drug-Impaired Driving Continuing to Rise in the United States
MONDAY, May 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — In fatal vehicle crashes, illicit drugs are now more likely to have played a role than the use of alcohol on its own, according to a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility.
‘Choosing Wisely’ Linked to Small Drop in Back Pain Imaging
MONDAY, May 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — “Choosing Wisely,” launched in April 2012, has contributed to a small reduction in low-value back imaging, according to a study published online April 25 in Health Affairs.
Mechanical Thrombectomy Safe in Older Ischemic Stroke Patients
MONDAY, May 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For older adults with acute ischemic stroke, endovascular therapy seems safe and efficacious, according to a study published online April 19 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Screen Size, Shape Affect User Perception of Smartwatches
MONDAY, May 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Large screens are more effective for promoting the hedonic (perceived attractiveness) and pragmatic (perceived control) qualities of smartwatches, while round and square screens are associated with hedonic and pragmatic quality, respectively, according to a study published online April 21 in the Journal of Computer Mediated Communication.
Decreased Cortical Thickness Seen in Type 2 Diabetes
MONDAY, May 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) — particularly those who are overweight or obese — have decreased cortical thickness in several areas of the brain, according to research published online April 27 in Diabetologia.
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