Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine for August 2018. 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.
Helmets May Not Protect Skiers From Traumatic Brain Injury
FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The use of helmets may not protect alpine sports participants from traumatic brain injury, according to a study recently published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine.
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Ground Chuck Products Recalled by Publix Super Markets
FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Possible Escherichia coli contamination has triggered the recall of ground beef products made from chuck that were sold at Publix Super Markets in Florida.
Excess Cardiac Risk Varies With Age of Onset of T1DM
FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Excess cardiovascular risk varies with age at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, according to a study published online Aug. 27 in The Lancet.
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Many Soldiers Who Attempt Suicide Have No Mental Health Dx
FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — More than one-third of enlisted soldiers with a documented suicide attempt have no history of mental health diagnosis, according to a study published online Aug. 29 in JAMA Psychiatry.
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Medicaid Expansion Ups Access to Family Planning Services
FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — One-third of women of reproductive age report better ability to access birth control and family planning services with Medicaid expansion coverage, according to a study published online Aug. 31 in JAMA Network Open.
14.6 Percent of U.S. Adults Used Marijuana in Past Year
FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overall, 14.6 percent of U.S. adults report marijuana use in the past year, according to a research letter published online Aug. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Medical Bills in Collections Decrease With Patient Age
FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical collections decrease substantially with age, possibly because of increased health insurance coverage and incomes, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
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An Allergy to Red Meat May Be Tied to Heart Disease
FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An allergen in red meat may be tied to heart disease, according to a study published in the July issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
Medicare, Med Advantage Health Care Use Differs Regionally
THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Geographic variation in the Medicare Advantage population exceeds that of traditional Medicare for use of skilled nursing facility and hospital care, according to study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
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FDA: Common Diabetes Meds Tied to Serious Genital Infection
THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A rare but serious genital infection known as necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum, also called Fournier’s gangrene, has been reported in some patients taking a certain class of type 2 diabetes medicine, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As a result, the FDA has ordered a new warning about this risk to be added to the prescribing information and patient medication guide of all sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.
Oral High-Risk HPV Prevalence Appears to Be Low in England
THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of oral high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection in adult men and women is low in England, according to a study published online Aug. 20 in BMJ Open.
No Meaningful Increase in Physician Compensation Last Year
THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There was no meaningful increase in physician compensation in 2017, and a decline in productivity was noted, according to the results of a survey conducted by AMGA Consulting.
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In Stroke Survivors, Cost-Related Non-Adherence Down After ACA
THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among adult survivors of stroke, health insurance coverage increased and cost-related non-adherence (CRN) decreased after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), according to research published online Aug. 27 in JAMA Neurology.
Third of Vets Who Own Firearms Store Them Loaded, Unlocked
THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — One in three American veterans who own firearms stores at least one firearm loaded and unlocked, according to a study published online Aug. 27 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
U.S. Opioid Use Not Declining, Despite Focus on Abuse
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Rates of opioid use in the United States do not appear to be declining, according to a study published online Aug. 1 in The BMJ.
Emicizumab Prophylaxis Cuts Bleeding in Hemophilia A
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with hemophilia A without factor VIII inhibitors, emicizumab prophylaxis leads to a significantly reduced bleeding rate, according to a study published in the Aug. 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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CDC: Salmonella Outbreak in 4 States Linked to Kosher Chicken
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — One person has died and 16 others sickened in a four-state Salmonella outbreak linked to kosher chicken, U.S. health officials say.
Label Mix-Up Spurs Recall of Accord Blood Pressure Meds
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — One lot of high blood pressure medication is being recalled after a labeling mix-up, Accord Healthcare Inc. has announced.
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Positive Link for BMI and Blood Pressure in Chinese Population
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a Chinese adult population (ages 35 to 80 years), there is a positive association between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP), according to a study published online Aug. 17 in JAMA Network Open.
Marketplace Premiums Increase More With Monopolist Insurers
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Affordable Care Act Marketplace premiums increase more in areas with monopolist insurers, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
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High-Quality Diet Linked to Lower Mortality in Cancer Survivors
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For cancer survivors, a high-quality diet is associated with a reduced risk of overall and cancer-specific mortality, according to a study recently published in JNCI: Cancer Spectrum.
CDC: Greater Awareness of Valley Fever Needed Nationally
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Greater nationwide awareness of the fungal infection Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is needed, according to a report published in the August issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases.
High, Low Carbohydrate Diets Linked to Increased Mortality
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Both high and low percentages of carbohydrates in diets are associated with increased mortality, according to a study published online Aug. 16 in The Lancet Public Health.
State Public Health Workforce Grew From 2013 to 2017
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The state health department epidemiology workforce increased 22 percent from 2013 to 2017, according to research published in the Aug. 24 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
FDA Warning Letters Target Illegal Online Sales of Opioids
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Four more online networks that operate 21 websites illegally selling potentially dangerous, unapproved, and misbranded versions of opioid pain medications have been told to immediately stop their sales, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. The order was made in warning letters sent to the networks.
FDA: Hundreds of Human, Pet Homeopathy Products Recalled
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Hundreds of Dr. King’s water-based homeopathic drugs for children, adults, and pets may be unsafe to use because of high levels of microbial contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Laryngeal Tube Insertion Beats Endotracheal Intubation in OHCA
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), 72-hour survival is better with initial laryngeal tube (LT) insertion compared to endotracheal intubation (ETI), while a supraglottic airway device (SGA) is no better than tracheal intubation (TI) for functional outcome at 30 days, according to two studies published in the Aug. 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Medical Practices Should Address Negative Online Reviews
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical practice staff can effectively handle negative online reviews by staying calm and positive, looking for solutions, apologizing, and thanking the reviewers, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Artificial Intelligence Holds Promise in Medicine
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Artificial intelligence (AI) in health care offers opportunities for early detection and triage, diagnostics and personalized medicine, and medical decision-making, according to an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive.
Buprenorphine/Naloxone Rx Fills Up With Medicaid Expansion
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There was an increase in buprenorphine with naloxone fills in expansion versus nonexpansion counties after Medicaid expansion, according to a study published online Aug. 17 in JAMA Network Open.
Poor Shared Decision-Making for Lung Cancer Screening
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The quality of shared decision-making (SDM) about the initiation of lung cancer screening (LCS) is poor, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Alcohol Is Leading Risk Factor for Global Disease Burden
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Globally, alcohol use is a leading risk factor for disease burden, according to research published online Aug. 23 in The Lancet.
Experts Address Loss of the National Guideline Clearinghouse
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The demise of the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) in July 2018 is likely to impact evidence-based health care around the world, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online Aug. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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High LDL in Young, Healthy Adults Leaves Them Vulnerable to CVD
MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) ≥160 mg/dL are independently associated with increased relative risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in a low-risk cohort, according to a study published online Aug. 20 in Circulation.
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Prevalence of E-Cigarette Use 4.5 Percent in U.S. Adults
MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among U.S. adults is 4.5 percent, with higher prevalence among those aged 18 to 24 years, according to a study published online Aug. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Two Ebola Patients Who Received Experimental Tx Have Recovered
MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Two of the first 10 people to receive an experimental Ebola treatment have recovered from the highly dangerous disease, Congo’s health ministry says.
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Bigger Drop in Opioid Prescribing After CDC Guideline Release
MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Release of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain in March 2016 corresponded to greater increases in several opioid prescribing patterns, according to a study published online Aug. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Computer-Aided Colonoscopy Reliably Identifies Small Polyps
MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Computer-aided colonoscopy can reliably diagnose small polyps that do not need to be removed, according to a study published online Aug. 14 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Most Research Participants Not Concerned About Data Sharing
MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Few participants in clinical trials have strong concerns about the risks of data sharing, according to a special article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Care Coordination Strategies Aid in Multiple Chronic Diseases
MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Care coordination strategies can be beneficial for older patients with multiple chronic diseases, according to a review published in the Aug. 27 issue of CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
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Smartphone App Can Help Improve Outcomes With HIV
MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A smartphone app designed for people living with HIV increases users’ consistency in doctor visits and improves their health outcomes, according to a study recently published in AIDS Patient Care and STDs.
AMA Adopts Policy Promoting Health Equity As a Goal
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted a policy that sets health equity as a goal for the U.S. health care system, according to a report published in the organization’s AMA Wire.
Medicaid Expansion Linked to Increase in Diabetes Rx Fills
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Expansions in Medicaid eligibility are associated with an increase in Medicaid diabetes prescriptions filled, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
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Office Workstation Type Linked to Physical Activity, Stress
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Workers in open bench seating office workstations are more active and have lower perceived stress at the office, according to a study published online Aug. 20 in Occupational & Environmental Medicine.
FDA: Illnesses Linked to McDonald’s Salads Reach 507
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The number of confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection linked to salads from McDonald’s restaurants was 507 in 15 states and New York City as of Aug. 23, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Decline in Hospital-Acquired Conditions Continues
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The rate of hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) continued its decline from 2014 to 2016, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) National Scorecard on Hospital-Acquired Conditions.
Broader Scope of Practice Linked to Lower Rates of Burnout
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Early-career family physicians who practice inpatient medicine or obstetrics have reduced odds of burnout, according to a study published in the May/June issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Cardiovascular Health Tied to Dementia Risk in Older Adults
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For older adults, increased numbers of optimal cardiovascular health metrics are associated with reduced risk of dementia, according to a study published in the Aug. 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Living in Deprived Area Is Risk Factor for Cognitive Dysfunction
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Area-level deprivation is an independent risk factor for cognitive dysfunction in older adults, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Education RE: Herd Immunity Can Up Readiness to Be Vaccinated
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Educating adults about herd immunity can increase the proportion willing to be vaccinated for influenza, according to a study recently published in Vaccine.
TNFi Not Linked to Increased Cancer Recurrence in RA Patients
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) is not associated with increased risk for cancer recurrence, according to a study published online Aug. 14 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Frailty in Middle-Aged With Multimorbidity Tied to Mortality
THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For middle-aged individuals with multimorbidity, frailty is significantly associated with mortality, according to a study published in the July issue of The Lancet Public Health.
High Prevalence of Diabetes in Those With Severe Mental Illness
THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Antipsychotic-treated patients with severe mental illnesses (SMI) have a high prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes, according to a research letter published recently in Diabetes Care.
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Long-Term PPI Use Linked to Pneumonia Risk in Older Adults
THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among older adults in primary care, use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is associated with greater risk of pneumonia in the second year of treatment, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Time to Stop Cancer Screenings: What Do Patients Want to Hear?
THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Older adults prefer explanations about stopping cancer screening that emphasize the shift to focus on other health issues, according to a research letter published in the August issue of JAMA Oncology.
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Sodium Intake, BP Linked in Communities With Highest Intake
THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Mean systolic blood pressure is increased with increasing sodium intake only in communities in the highest tertile of sodium intake, according to a study published online Aug. 9 in The Lancet.
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Information Lacking on Effect of Prenatal Use of Marijuana
THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — More information is needed on marijuana use in pregnancy, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online Aug. 21 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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1997 to 2015 Saw Increase in HIV Viral Suppression Rates
THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 1997 to 2015 there was a considerable increase in HIV viral suppression rates among people living with HIV (PLWH), according to a study published online Aug. 21 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Small Practices Also at Risk for Data Breaches
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Data breaches can happen to small medical practices, but staff can take steps to prevent them, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Gym Class Memories Can Influence Adults’ Exercise Habits
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Memories of school gym class may affect a person’s exercise habits today, according to a study published in the Aug. 15 issue of the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine.
4 Experimental Ebola Therapies Approved for Use in Congo
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Four more experimental treatments for Ebola virus have been approved by the Congo health ministry for use in an outbreak of the deadly infectious disease in the country’s northeast.
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Strategy Outlined for Shooter Incident in Health Care Facility
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adhering to a “secure, preserve, fight” strategy is recommended for health care professionals working with a vulnerable patient population, according to a Medicine and Society piece published in the Aug. 9 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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National Provider Identifiers Are Vulnerable to Theft
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) are vulnerable to identity theft, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Paramedic-Led Intervention Cuts Ambulance Calls
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For low-income older adults who live in subsidized housing, the Community Paramedicine at Clinic (CP@clinic), a paramedic-led, community-based health promotion program to prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and falls for residents 55 years of age and older, lowers the number of ambulance calls and improves quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), according to a study recently published in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
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Lower Long-Term Survival for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrests in Blacks
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Older black survivors of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) have worse long-term survival than whites, according to a study published online Aug. 17 in Circulation.
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Catch-Up HPV Doses Effective to Age 21 Against Cervical Neoplasia
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Catch-up doses of quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination are effective for girls and women aged 14 to 20 years at the time of first dose, according to a study published online Aug. 7 in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.
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Advantages for HDHP Enrollees in Large Versus Small Firms
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Workers in small firms are more likely to have higher deductible levels and lack employer contributions to help pay for out-of-pocket expenses compared to workers in larger firms, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
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Similar Outcomes for Rural, Urban Cancer Patients in SWOG Trials
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Rural and urban cancer patients with uniform care access through participation in a SWOG (formerly the Southwest Oncology Group) treatment trial have similar outcomes, according to a study published online Aug. 17 in JAMA Network Open.
Patient Education Urged to Prevent Opioid OD After Sobriety
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) encourages patient education to raise awareness of the risks associated with opioid use after a prolonged period of sobriety, according to a report in the organization’s AMA Wire.
Doctors Often Not Discussing Risk Factors With Patients
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients report that doctors are routinely not discussing known risk factors for common causes of death, according to a survey conducted by ImagineMD.
USPSTF Updates Guidance for Cervical Cancer Screening
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has updated the recommendations for screening for cervical cancer; the final recommendation statement has been published in the Aug. 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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FDA Extends EpiPen Expiration Dates to Tackle Shortage
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The expiration dates of certain batches of EpiPens have been extended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in an effort to reduce shortages of the life-saving devices.
Plan to Relax Coal-Fired Power Plant Rules Could Up Mortality
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Trump administration’s plan to relax pollution rules for coal-fired power plants will increase carbon emissions and cause up to 1,400 premature deaths a year, according to details released Tuesday.
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Pennsylvania Case Could Affect Evidence for Malpractice Defense
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could affect what evidence physicians may present in defense during medical malpractice suits, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Side Effects of Biologics for Rheumatic Dz May Up Anxiety
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Potential side effects of biological agents may increase anxiety in patients with rheumatic disease, according to research published in the June issue of the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
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WPSI Recommends Annual Urinary Incontinence Screening
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Women’s Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI) recommends annual urinary incontinence screening for women and referral for further evaluation and treatment if indicated, according to a clinical guideline published online Aug. 14 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Interim Guidance Provided for Men With Possible Zika Infection
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Interim guidance recommends that men with possible Zika virus infection wait three months before trying to conceive or engaging in unprotected sex, according to research published in the Aug. 10 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Amount of Physical Exercise Affects Mental Health Burden
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physical exercise is associated with self-reported mental health burden in the past month, according to a study published online Aug. 8 in The Lancet Psychiatry.
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Experts Offer Tips for Provider Appeal of Denied Medical Claims
MONDAY, Aug.20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Knowing payer policies and regulatory requirements is critical to appealing denials, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Physicians Rate Communication During Visit Lower Than Patients
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is a lack of correlation between physician scores and those of others for physician-patient communication, according to a study published in the July/August issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Wildfire Smoke Causing Poor Air Quality in U.S. Pacific Northwest
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Smoke from wildfires will cause poor air quality in parts of the U.S. Pacific Northwest this week, officials warn.
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Odds of Death Up With Exposure to Pregabalin, Opioids
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Concomitant exposure to pregabalin and opioids is associated with increased odds of opioid-related death, according to a research letter published online Aug. 21 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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NYU Becomes First Medical School to Cover All Tuition
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The NYU School of Medicine has announced that it is offering full-tuition scholarships to all current and future students in its M.D. degree program, regardless of need or merit.
Tobacco Content Still Common on U.K. Prime-Time Television
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Audiovisual tobacco content remains common in prime-time U.K. television programs and is virtually unchanged from 2010, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in Tobacco Control.
Declines in Life Expectancy in Many High-Income Countries
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Life expectancy has declined in recent years in some high-income countries, and in the United States, midlife mortality has increased due to several causes, according to two studies published online Aug. 15 in The BMJ.
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Cognitive Disability Most Prevalent Type in Young Adults
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cognitive disability is the most prevalent disability type among young adults, while middle-aged and older adults have the highest prevalence of mobility disability, according to a report published in the Aug. 17 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Novel hs-cTnT Protocol Better Rules Out Myocardial Infarction
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A novel high-sensitivity (hs) cardiac troponin T (cTnT) protocol for ruling out myocardial infarction (MI) rules out more patients than the existing protocol, according to a research letter published online Aug. 6 in Circulation.
AAP Outlines Appropriate Pediatric Nephrology Testing
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — As part of the Choosing Wisely campaign, a list of specific nephrology tests and procedures that are commonly ordered but not always needed when treating children for kidney-related conditions has been released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Heat-Driven Air Conditioning May Contribute to Additional Deaths
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In what can be described as a vicious catch-22, approximately 5 to 9 percent of exacerbated air-pollution-related deaths will be due to increases in power sector emissions from the extra air conditioning use resulting from climate change, according to a study published online July 3 in PLOS Medicine.
EHR Review Can Measure Diagnostic Uncertainty
FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Retrospective review of clinician documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) can help identify diagnostic uncertainty with moderate reliability, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
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Comments Open on End of NIH Review for Gene Therapy Studies
FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A U.S. National Institutes of Health oversight panel will no longer review all applications for gene therapy experiments. Instead, the panel will assume an advisory role, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will assess gene therapy experiments and products as it does with other treatments and drugs. The proposed change will take effect after a public comment period which runs through Oct. 16.
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U.S. Measles Outbreak Hits 107 Cases in 21 States, D.C.
FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A measles outbreak that’s so far affected 21 states and the District of Columbia is being investigated by U.S. health officials.
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FDA Approves First Generic EpiPen
FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The first generic version of the EpiPen has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, paving the way for more affordable versions of the lifesaving allergy emergency medication.
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Report Details Corneal Infection Tied to Sleeping in Contacts
FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Six cases of corneal infections associated with sleeping in contact lenses are described in a case report published in the Aug. 17 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
VAT Score Improves Predictive Value of MMSE for Dementia
FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Administering the Visual Association Test (VAT) improves the predictive value of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score for dementia, according to a study published in a recent issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Residents’ Sleep Deteriorates During Training
FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — First-year residents experience worsening sleep duration and quality as well as daytime sleepiness, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
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CDC: Increase in Tianeptine Exposures From 2014 to 2017
FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2014 to 2017 there was an increase in tianeptine exposure calls reported by poison control centers to the National Poison Data System, and they mainly occurred among those aged 21 to 40 years, according to research published in the Aug. 3 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
E-Cigarette Vapor Condensate Toxic to Alveolar Macrophages
FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) vapor condensate (ECVC) is significantly more toxic to alveolar macrophages than e-cigarette liquid (ECL), according to a study published online Aug. 13 in Thorax.
Risk of Death Not Up in T2DM When Risk Factors Within Target
FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Little excess risk of death is seen for patients with type 2 diabetes with five risk-factor variables within target ranges, according to a study published in the Aug. 16 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
CDC: Brucellosis in Dogs Remains a Public Health Risk
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Brucella canis is an under-recognized infection in dogs that poses a threat to human health, according to a report published in the August issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Practice Names, Logos Should Be Carefully Designed
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practice names and logos should be carefully designed to emphasize what is unique about a practice, according to a blog post published in Physicians Practice.
Methylphenidate Good First-Choice Pediatric ADHD Drug
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Methylphenidate should be considered as a first choice for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents, while amphetamines should be considered as a first choice in adults, according to a review published online Aug. 7 in The Lancet Psychiatry.
NIH Panel Will No Longer Review Gene Therapy Experiments
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A U.S. National Institutes of Health oversight panel will no longer review all applications for gene therapy experiments, according to a perspective piece published online Aug. 15 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text
NIH Statement
Doctors Remove Contact Lens Embedded in Eyelid for Years
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Doctors recently removed a contact lens that was embedded in a woman’s eyelid for nearly three decades after she was hit in the eye while playing badminton. The case was highlighted in the Aug. 10 online edition of BMJ Case Reports.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Ibalizumab Active in Multidrug Resistant HIV-1 Infection
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ibalizumab has antiviral activity among patients with multidrug resistant (MDR) HIV-1 infection, according to a study published in the Aug. 16 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Perspective (subscription or payment may be required)
Weight Gain After Quitting Smoking May Up T2DM Risk
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Smoking cessation accompanied by weight gain is linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the Aug. 16 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Steps Provided for Discharging Patient From Practice
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Certain steps should be taken when discharging a patient for failure or inability to meet financial obligations, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Patient Portals Don’t Appear to Have Much Traction
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patient portals have not taken off as expected, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
ACA Coverage Gains Include Workers Without Insurance
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — After the expanded coverage provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were implemented in 2014, self-employed individuals and wage earners without employer-sponsored health coverage offers had coverage gains equal to or greater than those of people not employed, according to a report published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
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Two Strategies for Preventing Diabetes in Minority Patients
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recognizing the barriers to care for minority patients with type 2 diabetes could reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes nationwide, according to an article published by the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Health Professionals Have Role in Warning About Impaired Driving
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physicians, pharmacists, and public health officials play an important role in educating individuals about the risks of impaired driving caused by marijuana or opioids, according to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) funded by the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility.
Primary Care Provider Burnout Rate Low in Small Practices
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Provider-reported rates of burnout may be lower in small independent primary care practices than in larger practices, according to a study published in the July-August issue of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
Integration of Opioid, Infectious Disease Treatment Needed
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Steps should be taken to integrate treatment at the intersection of opioid use disorder (OUD) and related HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infectious disease epidemics, according to an Ideas and Opinion piece published online July 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The article was published to coincide with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) expert panel’s recommendations for treating opioid abuse and its related infectious epidemics.
Many Americans Not Being Assessed for Depression
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many Americans aged 35 and older are not being assessed for depression, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
Trends in HIV/AIDS Have Worsened in African-Americans
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations have been developed for addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the African-American community; the recommendations are presented in an article published in the June issue of the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.
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Zika, West Nile Cases Reported in Alabama
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Multiple reports of Zika virus and West Nile virus are being investigated by Alabama health officials.
Alabama Public Health
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Triple Combo Blood Pressure Pill Can Improve BP Control
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Treatment with a pill combining low doses of three antihypertensive drugs results in an increased proportion of patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension achieving their target blood pressure (BP), according to a study published in the Aug. 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Most Postmenopausal Bleeding Not Associated With Cancer
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most women with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) will not be diagnosed with endometrial cancer, according to a review published online Aug. 6 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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AMA Adopts New Policy on Housing for Homeless
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) calls for stable, affordable housing, without mandated therapy or service compliance, in order to improve housing stability and quality of life among individuals who are chronically homeless.
Physicians With Medicine/Psych Training Can Help Complex Cases
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physicians boarded in both medicine and psychiatry can offer a way to address some of the challenges associated with caring for medical patients with psychiatric comorbidities, according to an article published in Psychiatric Times.
6 Factors Related to Inclusion in Health Care Workplace ID’d
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are six broad factors that can affect inclusion within health care organizations, according to a study published online Aug. 3 in JAMA Network Open.
Knowing Patients’ Social Needs Helps Clinicians Tailor Care
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Clinicians report that knowing patients’ social needs changes care delivery and improves communication for many patients, according to a study published recently in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
Peer Comparisons Can Decrease Risky Prescribing Patterns
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Letters targeting high prescribers of quetiapine (Seroquel), an antipsychotic with potentially harmful side effects in the elderly, significantly reduces the number of prescriptions for patients in the Medicare program, according to a study published online Aug. 1 in JAMA Psychiatry.
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Both Abstinence and High Alcohol Use Linked to Dementia
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Abstinence in midlife and consumption of more than 14 units of alcohol per week are associated with increased risk of dementia, according to a study published online Aug. 1 in The BMJ.
Abstract/Full Text
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CDC: More Than 400 Sickened by McDonald’s Salads
MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The number of confirmed cases of a parasite-caused illness linked to McDonald’s Fresh Express Salad Mix is now 436 in 15 states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
Four Pros to Integrating EHR, Practice Management Software
MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Consolidating electronic health records and practice management software allows practices to save time and money, make fewer mistakes, and reduce the risk of privacy breaches, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Abstract/Full text
Bariatric Surgery Lowers Microvascular Disease Risk
MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Bariatric surgery is tied to lower overall incidence of microvascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), according to a study published online Aug. 7 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Low-Energy Diet Induces Different Effects in Men, Women
MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An eight-week low-energy diet (LED) induces different effects in men and women, according to a study published online Aug. 7 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Male Underwear Choice Affects Sperm Counts
MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Men who wear boxers have higher sperm counts then men who wear tighter underwear, according to a study published Aug. 8 in Human Reproduction.
Sedation Level Doesn’t Impact Delirium Risk After Hip Fx Repair
MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For older patients undergoing hip fracture repair, the level of sedation does not impact delirium risk overall, according to a study published online Aug. 8 in JAMA Surgery.
Will Lunar and Planet Dust Be Health Concerns of the Future?
FRIDAY, Aug. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Dust could pose a health hazard if astronauts start spending extended periods of time on the Moon, Mars, or other airless planets, according to a study published recently in GeoHealth.
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Court Rules That U.S. Must Halt Sales of Pesticide Chlorpyrifos
FRIDAY, Aug. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Environmental Protection Agency must remove the pesticide chlorpyrifos from sale in the United States within 60 days, a federal appeals court ordered yesterday.
AP News Article
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Bundling Doesn’t Cut Medicare Payments for Medical Conditions
FRIDAY, Aug. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Bundling of payments for five common medical conditions is not associated with changes in Medicare payments per episode or health outcomes, according to a study published in the July 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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AMA Adopts Policy on Augmented Intelligence
FRIDAY, Aug. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted a policy on augmented intelligence, according to a report published in the association’s AMA Wire.
Sexual Minorities Have Lower Health-Related Quality of Life
FRIDAY, Aug. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Sexual minority women and men are more likely to be unemployed and uninsured and have worse health-related quality of life (HRQL) than heterosexual individuals, according to a study published recently in BMJ Open.
Review Addresses Nutritional Hype for Popular Foods
FRIDAY, Aug. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — While many dietary patterns, foods, and nutrients receive substantial media attention and are hyped as having cardiovascular benefits, some have evidence for these benefits and others do not, according to a review published in the July 31 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Cardiac Profiles Up With Exercise, Less Sitting in Early Old Age
FRIDAY, Aug. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adults aged 60 to 64 years, greater light physical activity (PA) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA and less sedentary time are associated with more favorable cardiovascular profiles, according to a study published online Aug. 8 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
AHA: A Diverse Diet May Not Promote a Healthy Weight
THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The long-standing recommendation to eat a variety of foods may not be a sound way to promote healthy eating patterns and a healthy body weight, according to an American Heart Association science advisory published online Aug. 9 in Circulation.
Vaccinations Begin in Congo Ebola Outbreak
THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Vaccinations against Ebola began yesterday in an effort to stem the latest outbreak in Congo.
AP News Article
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AMA Adopts Policy to Advance Gender Equity in Medicine
THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted a new policy to study, act for, and advocate to advance gender equity in medicine, according to a report published in the association’s AMA Wire.
Infection Prevention Differs Between Small, Large Hospitals
THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Small and large hospitals differ in infection preventionist (IP) staffing and infection prevention and control (IPC) resources, according to a study published in the August issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
Insurance Status Tied to Higher Self-Perceived Poor/Fair Health
THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Underinsured and never insured adults are more likely than adequately insured adults to report poor/fair health and frequent mental distress (FMD), according to a study published online July 19 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
USPSTF: Insufficient Evidence to Screen for Atrial Fibrillation
THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is insufficient evidence to support screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) with electrocardiography (ECG) in older, asymptomatic patients, according to a U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) final recommendation published in the Aug. 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Final Recommendation
Evidence Report
Perspectives on USPSTF A-Fib Screening Recommendation
THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force published a final recommendation on Aug. 7 citing insufficient evidence to assess the benefits and harms of screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) with electrocardiography (ECG) in asymptomatic, older adults. A series of editorials published in the JAMA network journals offer additional perspectives, with recognition of the need to develop a national screening strategy.
USPSTF Final Recommendation
Editorial – JAMA
Editorial – JAMA Cardiology
Editorial – JAMA Internal Medicine
Healthy Lifestyle With Diabetes Cuts Cardiovascular Risk
THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Greater adherence to an overall healthy lifestyle is associated with a substantially lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a study published in the June 26 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Measles Case Reported in Minnesota
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Somali-American child in Minnesota has been diagnosed with the measles after returning from a trip to Africa, state health officials said Tuesday, adding that the unidentified 5-year-old in Hennepin County was not vaccinated, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.
Star Tribune Article
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Cyber Insurance Recommended for All Physician Practices
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The growing threat of hacking is increasing the number of physicians buying cyber insurance, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
>Abstract/Full Text
Most Antipsychotics Prescribed in Nursing Homes Initiated There
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Antipsychotic therapy prescribed to nursing home residents is mostly initiated in nursing homes rather than hospitals or outpatient settings, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Responsive Parent Intervention in Infancy Can Reduce BMI z Score
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A responsive parenting intervention initiated in early infancy can reduce body mass index (BMI) z score; however, a 36-month multicomponent behavioral intervention does not change BMI trajectory, according to two studies published in the Aug. 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract/Full Text – Paul (subscription or payment may be required)
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Unsheltered Homeless Have High Mortality Rates
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Mortality rates for unsheltered homeless adults are higher than those for the general adult population and sheltered homeless adults, according to a study published online July 30 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Walking Tied to Better QoL in Those With/at Risk for CVD
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Walking is associated with improved quality of life (QoL) among those at risk for or living with cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study published in PLOS ONE.
Steps Taken to Increase Use of Electronic Tools in Medicine
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Additional codes have been approved by the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Editorial Panel for chronic care remote physiologic monitoring and internet consultations, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
AMA Proposes Policy Opposing Medicaid ‘Lockout’ Provisions
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new policy opposing lockout provisions that block Medicaid patients from the program for lengthy periods and instead supporting allowing patients to reapply immediately for redetermination was adopted by the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates during the AMA’s annual meeting in Chicago, according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire.
PCP Statin Prescribing Up With Automated Patient Dashboard
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Guideline-concordant statin prescribing rates are increased modestly with use of an automated dashboard using active choice framing and peer comparison, according to a study published online July 27 in JAMA Network Open.
Overtreatment of Thyroid Cancers Seems Common
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overtreatment of thyroid cancers is common, according to a perspective article published in the July 25 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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New Tick Species Spreading in the United States
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The first new tick species to appear in the United States in 50 years is spreading rapidly in the east and has been confirmed in seven states and the suburbs of New York City.
Disparities Remain in Prevalence of Cancer Screening Tests
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are persistent disparities in recommended cancer screening tests among U.S. adults, particularly among the uninsured, according to a study published online July 26 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
Death Records Estimate 1,139 Deaths Due to Hurricane Maria
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Based on death records following Hurricane Maria, the hurricane-related mortality burden of excess deaths through December 2017 is estimated to be 1,139, higher than the official death toll of 64, according to a research letter published online Aug. 2 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
‘Good’ Cholesterol May Not Be So in Postmenopausal Women
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) may not always be cardioprotective in postmenopausal women, according to a study published online July 19 in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
AMA Calls for Greater Electronic Cigarette Regulation
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted several policies to improve the regulation of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire.
Female Internists Consistently Earn Less Than Men
MONDAY, Aug. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Female internists earn less than men, across many demographic and employment indicators, according to a research letter published online Aug. 7 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Thirteen Confirmed Ebola Cases in Latest Congo Outbreak
MONDAY, Aug. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The number of confirmed cases in a new Ebola outbreak in Congo has reached 13, including three deaths, the country’s health ministry said late Saturday. It also said there were 30 probable cases and 33 suspected cases, the Associated Press reported.
AP News Article
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Plasma Copeptin More Accurate for Diabetes Insipidus Diagnosis
MONDAY, Aug. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In patients with hypotonic polyuria, the direct measurement of hypertonic saline-stimulated plasma copeptin has better diagnostic accuracy than the water-deprivation test, according to a study published in the Aug. 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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CDC: Half of U.S. Adults Tried to Lose Weight From 2013 to 2016
MONDAY, Aug. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nearly half of U.S. adults have tried to lose weight from 2013 to 2016, according to a July data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
Cohesive Teams Can Help Blend Clinical Care With Education
MONDAY, Aug. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Building cohesive teams in teaching clinics can help blend clinical care with education for residents, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Variation in Specialty Drug Coverage Across Health Plans
FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variation in specialty drug coverage across commercial health plans, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
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Some Bacteria Now More Tolerant of Alcohol-Based Sanitizers
FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Some types of bacteria are developing tolerance of alcohol-based hand sanitizers used in hospitals, according to a study published in the Aug. 1 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
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CDC: E-Cigarette Sales in the United States Climb As Prices Fall
FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There was a large increase in sales of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and related products in the United States in recent years as their prices fell, according to a study published online Aug. 2 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
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One-Quarter of Older U.S. Adults May Be Overtreated for Diabetes
FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — One-quarter of older adults with type 2 diabetes in the United States are tightly controlled using glucose-lowering medications with a high risk of hypoglycemia, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Groups Urge CMS to Reconsider Suspending Risk Adjustment
FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a letter sent to Administrator Seema Verma of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), medical organizations are urging reconsideration of the decision to suspend payments to insurers as required under the Affordable Care Act’s risk-adjustment program.
Increasing Cost of Insulin Has Serious Health Consequences
FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The increasing cost of insulin is potentially exposing those with diabetes to serious health consequences, according to an American Diabetes Association statement published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
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Three Financial Metrics Can Improve Practice Performance
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — By understanding three indices and metrics, physicians can change the financial outcome of their medical practice, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Abstract/Full Text
Health Affairs Announces Launch of New Three-Year Initiative
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A council on health care spending and value has been established by the journal Health Affairs.
CDC: Salmonella Outbreaks in 44 States Linked to Backyard Poultry
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — At least 212 people in 44 states have been sickened in Salmonella outbreaks linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New Ebola Outbreak in Congo
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Just a week after being declared Ebola-free, the Democratic Republic of Congo said yesterday that a new outbreak of the deadly virus has killed at least 20 people.
The New York Times Article
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How Doctors Receive Feedback Is Key for Antimicrobial Programs
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Anticipation of how providers will receive feedback is important for antimicrobial stewardship programs to consider in informing educational messaging, according to a study published online June 7 in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
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AHA Introduces Heart Failure Certification Program
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A hospital certification program offered by the American Heart Association (AHA) and The Joint Commission will be made available to hospitals seeking to implement exceptional efforts to foster better quality of care and outcomes for patients with advanced heart failure, according to a AHA July 19 news release.
New Short-Term Health Plans Have Large Coverage Gaps
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are large coverage gaps in short-term health plans that were approved Wednesday by the Trump administration, and are described by critics as “junk insurance.”
E-Cigarettes Don’t Seem to Aid Smoking Cessation Efforts
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is most common among current smokers, according to a study published online July 20 in JAMA Network Open.
Obesity Worsens Skilled Nursing Facility Outcomes After Hip Fx
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Obesity is associated with worse outcomes in skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents receiving post-acute care for hip fracture, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
AMA Calls for Alleviating Racial Housing Segregation
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) opposes policies that enable racial housing segregation, according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire.
National Guideline Clearinghouse Offline Due to Funding Cuts
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) and National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC) websites were taken down on July 16 when funding for these federal databases ended, according to an announcement by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Summer Sounds Can Cause Hearing Damage
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The sounds of summer can cause hearing damage, warn experts from Penn State University.
Dog’s Saliva Caused Bacterial Infection Leading to Amputations
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Wisconsin man had his lower legs and hands amputated after developing a rare blood infection caused by bacteria in dog saliva.
Washington Post Article
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Update on Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella outbreak linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad has now sickened 79 people in nine states. Eighteen people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
FDA Recall Notice
CDC Food Safety Alert
Tamsulosin Does Not Appear to Promote Urinary Stone Passage
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Tamsulosin does not significantly increase the urinary stone passage rate compared with placebo, according to a study published online June 18 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Protease Inhibitors May Worsen Outcomes for HIV + Heart Failure
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (PI) therapy is associated with worse outcomes, including death, in patients with HIV and heart failure, according to a study published in the July 31 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Steps Can Be Taken by Doctors to Minimize Risk of Lawsuits
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Targeted steps can be taken to minimize future risks of lawsuits, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
>Abstract/Full Text
Evidence Exists for Persistence, Transmission of Ebola Virus
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is evidence for persistence of Ebola virus and transmission from a persistently infected individual, according to case study published online July 23 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Nut Intake Reduces HbA1c Among Adults With T2DM
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nut intake reduces hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among individuals with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the August issue of Diabetologia.
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