Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pharmacy for May 2019. 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.
Providers, Peers Influence Aspirin Use Among African-Americans
FRIDAY, May 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Positive cultural beliefs around taking aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are associated with greater adoption of the intervention among African-Americans, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Community Health.
FDA to Hold First Public Meeting on CBD
FRIDAY, May 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A public meeting on cannabidiol (CBD) products will be held Friday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, with the goal of gathering information on products that contain CBD.
NBC News Article
Recommendations Developed for Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Trials
FRIDAY, May 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group has updated standards for future clinical trials in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS); the new recommendations were published in the May 28 issue of Neurology.
Excess Cause-Specific Mortality Tied to Chronic Proton Pump Inhibitor Use
FRIDAY, May 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is associated with an excess of cause-specific mortality, according to a study published online May 30 in The BMJ.
More Opioids Given Than Prescribed in Emergency Department
FRIDAY, May 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The rate of emergency department visits with opioids only given during the visit is higher than the rate for visits with opioids only prescribed at discharge and for visits with opioids given and prescribed, according to a May data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
Esketamine Nasal Spray May Improve Refractory Depression Outcomes
FRIDAY, May 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Esketamine nasal spray plus an oral antidepressant appears to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression, according to a study published online May 21 in The American Journal of Psychiatry.
Noncompliance Common in Teens Prescribed STI Treatment in ED
FRIDAY, May 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Less than 60 percent of prescriptions for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among teens seeking care in the emergency department are filled, according to a research letter published online May 28 in JAMA Pediatrics.
FDA Approves First Test for Zika in Human Blood
THURSDAY, May 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The first test to detect the Zika virus in human blood has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
CBS News Article
Ibrutinib, Venetoclax Active in High-Risk, Seniors With CLL
THURSDAY, May 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For high-risk and older patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the combination of ibrutinib and venetoclax is an active regimen, according to a study published in the May 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
U.S. Dentists Prescribe Opioids More Often Than U.K. Dentists
THURSDAY, May 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The proportion of prescriptions for opioids written by dentists in the United States was 37 times greater than the proportion of opioid prescriptions written by English dentists in 2016, according to a study published online May 24 in JAMA Network Open.
Daratumumab Cuts Risk for Progression in Multiple Myeloma
WEDNESDAY, May 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, the addition of daratumumab to lenalidomide and dexamethasone is associated with a reduced risk for disease progression or death, according to a study published in the May 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Recent Plateauing Seen in Prevalence of Diagnosed Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, May 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes has plateaued during the last eight years, while the incidence has declined, according to a study published online May 28 in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.
Reading Visit Notes May Improve Medication Management
WEDNESDAY, May 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Reading clinical notes can help patients to understand why medications are prescribed and improves medication adherence for some patients, according to a brief research report published online May 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Inappropriate Prescribing Leads to Poor Outcomes in Older Adults
WEDNESDAY, May 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is tied to increased health care utilization and poor outcomes among older individuals seen in primary care practices, according to a review published in the May/June issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Meds for Weight Management Underutilized Among Veterans
TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Weight management medications (WMM) are underutilized among veterans, according to a study published online May 15 in Obesity.
Rate of Opioid Prescribing High for Teens, Young Adults in ED
TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For adolescents and young adults, the rate of opioid prescribing in emergency departments is high, according to a study published online May 28 in Pediatrics.
Guidance Updated for Sedation in Pediatric Dental Patients
TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In conjunction with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidance for monitoring and managing pediatric dental patients during sedation; the guidelines were published online May 28 in Pediatrics.
Cancer Consultation Low in Noncurable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Many patients with noncurable pancreatic adenocarcinoma do not have a specialized cancer consultation and most do not receive cancer-directed therapy, according to a study published online May 27 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Antiplatelets Do Not Up Recurrence in Intracerebral Hemorrhage
TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, those who start antiplatelet therapy do not have an increased risk for recurrence, including those with cerebral microbleeds, according to two studies published online May 22 in The Lancet and The Lancet Neurology.
Regulation of Intestinal Microbiota Beneficial for Anxiety
TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Regulation of the intestinal microbiota appears to be effective for improving anxiety symptoms, with nonprobiotic interventions performing better than probiotic interventions, according to a review published online May 17 in General Psychiatry.
FDA Approves First Gene Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The first gene therapy has been approved to treat children younger than 2 years with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday.
First PI3K Inhibitor Approved for Metastatic, Advanced Breast Cancer
TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Piqray (alpelisib) tablets were approved for the treatment of hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, PIK3CA-mutated, advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with fulvestrant, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday.
Risk for Suicide Attempts in Children Doubles With Parental Opioid Use
FRIDAY, May 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Children of parents who use prescription opioids are at nearly double the risk for suicide attempts, according to a study published online May 22 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Women’s Facial Moisturizers Cost More Per Ounce Than Men’s
FRIDAY, May 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Facial moisturizers marketed to women are significantly more expensive than comparable moisturizers marketed to men, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Statin Use With Colorectal Cancer Lowers Risk for Early Death
FRIDAY, May 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Use of statins before or after colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis is linked to a lower risk for premature death, from either cancer or other causes, according to a review published online May 8 in Cancer Medicine.
Intracranial Hemorrhage Risk Up With Low-Dose Aspirin
FRIDAY, May 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For individuals without symptomatic cardiovascular disease, the use of low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular events is associated with an increased risk for intracranial hemorrhage, according to a review and meta-analysis published online May 13 in JAMA Neurology.
California Bill to Tighten Vaccine Exemptions Moves Forward
THURSDAY, May 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A bill that would tighten control over vaccination exemptions for children in California was sent by state senators to the Assembly on Wednesday.
AP News Article
U.S. Lawmakers Say WHO Opioid Guidelines Too Lax
THURSDAY, May 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The World Health Organization’s pain care guidelines contain false claims about the safety of prescription opioid painkillers and should be withdrawn, two U.S. lawmakers say.
AP News Article
Most Patients at High Risk of Opiate Overdose Do Not Receive Naloxone Rx
THURSDAY, May 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Patients at high risk of opioid overdose rarely receive prescriptions for naloxone, despite many interactions with the health care system, according to a study published online May 3 in JAMA Network Open.
Medication Nonadherence Common in Patients With T2DM
THURSDAY, May 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Routine urine samples can be used to test for medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
Early cART Leads to Enhanced T Cell Function in HIV Infection
THURSDAY, May 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Early combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) leads to persistent functional T cell responses in most individuals with hyperacute HIV-1 infection, according to a study published online May 22 in Science Translational Medicine.
CDC: Seniors Use Various Strategies to Reduce Rx Costs
WEDNESDAY, May 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A proportion of older adults employ strategies to reduce prescription drug costs, according to a May data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
Half-Price Version of Humalog Insulin Now Available
WEDNESDAY, May 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A half-price version of Humalog insulin is now available in the United States, Eli Lilly said Wednesday.
AP News Article
Some Women With HIV Struggling to Achieve Viral Suppression
WEDNESDAY, May 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A considerable proportion of women with HIV have a high probability of viremia above 200 copies/mL, according to a study published online May 17 in JAMA Network Open.
Homemade Sunscreen Recipes Commonly Shared, Offer Low Protection
TUESDAY, May 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — There is widespread public interest in and acceptance of homemade sunscreens, even though they often do not offer sufficient protection from ultraviolet radiation, according to a study published online May 20 in Health Communication.
Octogenarians With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Have Poor Survival
TUESDAY, May 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Octogenarians with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have a one-month mortality rate of 41 percent and overall survival (OS) of 1.5 months, according to a research letter published in the June issue of the American Journal of Hematology.
Fracture Risk Tool Useful for Women on Aromatase Inhibitors
TUESDAY, May 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The FRAX fracture risk tool can stratify fracture risk equally well among women receiving aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy for breast cancer and nonusers of AI therapy, according to a study published online May 9 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
Clinical Drug Diversion Costly to Health Care Organizations
TUESDAY, May 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health care organizations lost nearly $454 million due to clinical drug diversion in 2018, according to the 2019 Drug Diversion Digest, released by Protenus Inc.
Report (subscription and payment may be required)
Racial Disparity Seen in Prescriptions for Buprenorphine
MONDAY, May 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Black patients are less likely to receive a buprenorphine prescription to treat opioid use disorder, according to a research letter published online May 8 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Postoperative Infection Rate Similar Across Biologics in RA
MONDAY, May 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing arthroplasty, the risk for postoperative infection is similar across biologics but is increased with glucocorticoid use, according to a study published online May 21 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Statin Use Reduces Dementia Risk After Concussion in Seniors
MONDAY, May 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Older adults have an increased risk for dementia after concussion, which is modestly reduced among patients using a statin, according to a study published online May 20 in JAMA Neurology.
One-Third of Patients on Statins Do Not Reach Target Thresholds
MONDAY, May 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — More than one-third of patients on statin therapy fail to achieve therapeutic thresholds for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy.
Hormone Therapy in Transgender Women Ups Breast Cancer Risk
MONDAY, May 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Transgender women receiving hormone treatments are at greater risk for developing breast cancer than cisgender men, according to a study published online May 15 in The BMJ.
Many Lives Could Be Saved if All Hospitals Had Grade A Rating
FRIDAY, May 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — More than 50,000 lives could be saved if all hospitals had an avoidable death rate equivalent to “A” grade hospitals, according to an updated report prepared for The Leapfrog Institute.
Private Insurers Pay 241 Percent of What Medicare Would Pay
FRIDAY, May 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Prices paid to hospitals for privately insured patients in 2017 averaged 241 percent of what Medicare would have paid, with wide variation in prices among states, according to a report published by the RAND Corporation.
First Anticoagulant Approved for Preventing VTE Recurrence in Children
FRIDAY, May 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Fragmin (dalteparin sodium) injection has been granted the first approval for subcutaneous use in preventing recurrence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children aged 1 month or older, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced.
FDA Approves Venetoclax for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
THURSDAY, May 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Venetoclax (VENCLEXTA) has been approved to treat adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced yesterday.
Avelumab + Axitinib Approved for Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma
THURSDAY, May 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Avelumab (BAVENCIO) was approved this week for first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in combination with axitinib, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced.
Recs Updated for TB Screening, Treatment in Health Care Workers
THURSDAY, May 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Guidelines have been updated for screening and treatment for tuberculosis (TB) infection among health care personnel, according to research published in the May 17 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Dabigatran Does Not Beat Aspirin for Preventing Recurrent Stroke
THURSDAY, May 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Dabigatran is not superior to aspirin for preventing recurrent stroke in patients with recent history of embolic stroke of undetermined source, according to a study published in the May 16 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Habitual Glucosamine Use Linked to Reduced Risk for CVD Events
WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Habitual use of glucosamine supplements is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, according to a study published online May 14 in The BMJ.
Risk for Miscarriage Up With Benzodiazepine Use in Early Pregnancy
WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The risk for spontaneous abortion (SA) is increased among early pregnancies with incident exposure to benzodiazepines, according to a study published online May 15 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Risk for Prolonged Opioid Use Up in Patients Receiving Tramadol
WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Receipt of tramadol alone after surgery is associated with an increased risk for prolonged opioid use, similar to that seen with other short-acting opioids, according to a study published online May 14 in The BMJ.
Opioid Quantity Prescribed After Musculoskeletal Injury Tied to Prolonged Use
WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For opioid-naive patients treated for a surgical musculoskeletal injury, the quantity of opioid prescribed, but not opioid type, is associated with prolonged opioid use, according to a study published in the May 1 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Thyroid Hormones Not Endorsed for Subclinical Hypothyroidism
WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Thyroid hormones are not recommended for adults with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), according to an article published online May 14 in The BMJ.
Tool Predicts Seizure Risk During, After Pregnancy
TUESDAY, May 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A prognostic model can predict the risk for seizures in pregnant women with epilepsy on medication, according to a study published online May 13 in PLOS Medicine.
Prophylactic Antibiotic Cuts Infection Risk After Operative Vaginal Birth
TUESDAY, May 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A single dose of a prophylactic antibiotic is beneficial after operative vaginal birth and reduces the risk for confirmed or suspected maternal infection, according to a study published online May 13 in The Lancet.
Late-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Often Misdiagnosed as Type 2
TUESDAY, May 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Type 1 diabetes diagnosed in those older than age 30 years is clinically and biologically similar to disease occurring at younger ages but is often misidentified, according to a study recently published in Diabetologia.
Fournier Gangrene Is Safety Concern With SGLT2 Inhibitors
MONDAY, May 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Fournier gangrene (FG) is a safety concern for adults with diabetes receiving treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, according to a study published online May 7 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Heart Patients at Risk When Pharmacies Close
MONDAY, May 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — When pharmacies close, people with heart disease stop taking widely used heart medications, such as statins, beta-blockers, and oral anticoagulants, according to a study published online April 19 in JAMA Network Open.
Infection Risk Lower With Certain Psoriasis Treatments
MONDAY, May 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For patients with psoriasis treated with systemic medications, the risk for serious infection is reduced for new users of apremilast, etanercept, and ustekinumab versus methotrexate, according to a study published online May 10 in JAMA Dermatology.
Prior Training Increases Internists’ Knowledge of PrEP for HIV
MONDAY, May 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For internal medicine (IM) residents, prior training is associated with higher levels of knowledge, comfort, and prescribing behaviors for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV, according to a study published online April 24 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Health Professionals Supportive of Medicinal Cannabis
FRIDAY, May 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Health professionals are generally supportive of medicinal cannabis use but report a lack of knowledge about its use, according to a review published online May 6 in PLOS ONE.
Fatal Overdoses Reduced With Pharmacist Dispensation of Naloxone
FRIDAY, May 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Only state naloxone access laws (NALs) allowing direct dispensing of naloxone by pharmacists appear to be useful in cutting fatal overdose rates, according to a study published online May 6 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Suicide Attempts by Self-Poisoning Have Increased in Teens
FRIDAY, May 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In children aged younger than 19 years, the incidence and rate of suicide attempts using self-poisoning have increased since 2011, according to research published online May 1 in The Journal of Pediatrics.
Generic Version of Truvada Available in U.S. by Sept. 2020
THURSDAY, May 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A generic version of the HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug Truvada will be available in the United States by September 2020, a year earlier than expected, according to Gilead Sciences.
NBC News Article
Longer Duration of Statin Use Linked to Lower Risk for Glaucoma
THURSDAY, May 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Statin use may lower the risk for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), according to a study published online May 2 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Progesterone Offers No Benefit for Bleeding in Early Pregnancy
THURSDAY, May 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For women with bleeding in early pregnancy, progesterone therapy administered during the first trimester does not result in significantly more live births, according to a study published in the May 9 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Alteplase Seems Beneficial at 4.5 to 9.0 Hours After Stroke
THURSDAY, May 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The use of alteplase between 4.5 and 9.0 hours after stroke onset results in a higher number of patients with no or minor neurological deficits, according to a study published in the May 9 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
CDC: Uninsurance Levels Did Not Change Significantly in 2018
THURSDAY, May 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In 2018, the percentage of U.S. individuals who were uninsured was not significantly different from the numbers in 2017, although uninsurance increased among adults aged 45 to 64 years, according to a report published online May 9 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
Fifteen Million Patients Will Need First-Course Chemo in 2040
THURSDAY, May 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — An estimated 15.0 million patients will require first-course chemotherapy in 2040, with delivery requiring 100,000 cancer physicians, according to a study published online May 8 in The Lancet Oncology.
Prices Will Soon Be Included in TV Drug Ads
WEDNESDAY, May 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In response to public demands for action to control drug costs, the top U.S. health official says TV advertisements for prescription drugs will soon have to include prices.
AP News Article
In 2015 to 2016, 45.8 Percent of U.S. Population Used Rx Drugs
WEDNESDAY, May 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In 2015 to 2016, 45.8 percent of the U.S. population used prescription drugs within the past 30 days, according to a May data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Low Glucose Levels at Hospital Discharge Tied to Poor Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, May 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Patients with diabetes who have hypoglycemia or near-normal glucose values during the last day of hospitalization have higher rates of 30-day readmission and postdischarge mortality, according to a study published online May 1 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Test Predicts Benefit of Chemo in ER+, HER2− Breast Cancer
WEDNESDAY, May 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — EndoPredict (EPclin) is prognostic for distant recurrence (DR) in women with estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer, according to a study published online April 30 in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.
FDA Approves Ruzurgi for Children With Rare Autoimmune Disorder
TUESDAY, May 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Ruzurgi (amifampridine) tablets are now approved to treat Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in children aged 6 to 17 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced yesterday.
Gentamicin Appropriate Second-Line Therapy to Ceftriaxone for Gonorrhea
TUESDAY, May 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A single dose of gentamicin is an appropriate second-line therapy for gonorrhea resistant to a single dose of ceftriaxone, according to a study published online May 2 in The Lancet.
Efforts Needed to Ensure Publication of All Trials
TUESDAY, May 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Efforts are needed to ensure all completed large trials are reported, according to a research letter published online May 7 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
External Reference Pricing Could Cut Drug Costs in U.S.
TUESDAY, May 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The average price for single-source brand-name drugs is higher in the United States than in other countries, indicating that external reference pricing could reduce costs, according to a study published in the May issue of Health Affairs.
Congo Ebola Outbreak Death Toll Surpasses 1,000
MONDAY, May 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The death toll in the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo now stands at 1,008, the country’s health minister reported.
AP News Article
FDA Approves Treatments for Heart Failure Caused by Rare Disease
MONDAY, May 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Vyndaqel (tafamidis meglumine) and Vyndamax (tafamidis) capsules have been approved to treat adults with cardiomyopathy caused by transthyretin mediated amyloidosis (ATTR-CM), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today.
Maximal Use of Sunscreen Ups Absorption of Active Ingredients
MONDAY, May 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Application of commercially available sunscreens under maximum use conditions results in plasma concentrations that exceed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration threshold for potentially waiving nonclinical toxicology testing, according to a study published online May 6 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Oral Contraceptive Pill May Protect Against ACL Tears
MONDAY, May 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use is associated with reduced odds of experiencing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, especially for girls aged 15 to 19 years, according to a study recently published online in The Physician and Sportsmedicine.
Guidelines Address Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Management
MONDAY, May 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations have been developed for both uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and JIA manifesting as nonsystematic polyarthritis, sacroiliitis, or enthesitis; the two guidelines were published online April 25 in Arthritis Care & Research.
Abstract/Full Text – Ringold
Abstract/Full Text – Angeles-Han
Observation Feasible Strategy for Some Eyes With Diabetic Macular Edema
FRIDAY, May 3, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For eyes with center-involved diabetic macular edema (CI-DME) and good visual acuity, vision loss does not differ after initial management with aflibercept versus laser photocoagulation or observation, according to a study published online April 29 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Microbial Toxins Found in Electronic Cigarette Products
FRIDAY, May 3, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Electronic cigarette (EC) products may be contaminated with microbial toxins, according to a study published online April 24 in Environmental Health Perspectives.
More Than Half of U.S. Adults Have Medical Financial Hardship
FRIDAY, May 3, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Medical financial hardship affects more than half of adults in the United States, according to a study published online May 1 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Impact of Azithromycin Studied in Acute Exacerbation of COPD
FRIDAY, May 3, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Three months of azithromycin did not significantly reduce treatment failure (TF) among patients hospitalized for an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), according to a study published online May 3 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
ART Stops HIV Transmission in Serodifferent Gay Couples
FRIDAY, May 3, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In HIV serodifferent gay couples, the within-couple rate of HIV transmission through condomless anal sex is zero when the HIV-positive partner is taking suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART), according to a study published online May 2 in The Lancet.
Cocaine-, Psychostimulant-Involved Death Rates Increasing
THURSDAY, May 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Drug overdose deaths involving cocaine and psychostimulants accounted for 19.8 and 14.7 percent, respectively, of all 2017 drug overdose deaths, and the death rates are continuing to increase, according to research published in the May 3 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Patients Satisfied With Oral Sedation for Cataract Surgery
THURSDAY, May 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Using oral sedation during cataract surgery does not negatively impact patient satisfaction compared with using an intravenous (IV) sedative, according to a study published online April 16 in Ophthalmology.
Out-of-Pocket Costs for Neurologic Meds Have Increased
THURSDAY, May 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — From 2004 to 2016, there was a considerable increase in out-of-pocket costs for neurologic medications, especially for those in high-deductible health plans, according to a study published online May 1 in Neurology.
Few U.S. Adults Use USB-Shaped Electronic Vapor Products
THURSDAY, May 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — About 7.9 percent of U.S. adults reported ever use of electronic vapor products (EVPs) shaped like universal serial bus (USB) flash drives in 2018, according to a study published online April 25 in Tobacco Control.
New Drugs May Influence Social Behaviors in Those With Autism
THURSDAY, May 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Balovaptan, an orally administered selective vasopressin V1a receptor antagonist, is associated with improved adaptive behaviors for men with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while arginine vasopressin (AVP), a neuropeptide involved in promoting mammalian social behaviors, may improve social impairments in children with ASD, according to two phase 2 studies published online May 1 in Science Translational Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text – Bolognani (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract/Full Text – Parker (subscription or payment may be required)
Prepregnancy Folate Intake Linked to Reduced Risk for GDM
THURSDAY, May 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Higher prepregnancy habitual folate intake from supplements is associated with a lower risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), according to a study published online April 22 in Diabetes Care.
FDA Puts Tough Warning Label on Ambien, Lunesta, Other Sleep Aids
WEDNESDAY, May 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requiring a new boxed warning on sleep medications such as Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata due to dangers from daytime drowsiness the day after their use.
FDA Approves Mavyret for Children, Adolescents With Hep C
WEDNESDAY, May 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Mavyret (glecaprevir and pibrentasvir) tablets are now approved to treat all six genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in children ages 12 to 17 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced yesterday.
Thiazide Use May Lower Fracture Risk in Patients With Alzheimer Disease
WEDNESDAY, May 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Community-dwelling patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) experience a lower risk for fractures, including hip fractures, with thiazide use, according to a study published online April 16 in Osteoporosis International.
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