Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine for February 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.
Dietary Monitoring Key to Successful Weight Loss
THURSDAY, Feb. 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The frequency of dietary self-monitoring is significantly associated with weight loss, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in Obesity.
Abstract/Full Text
Lowering BP, Lipids in Healthy Elderly Has No Cognitive Effect
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Candesartan plus hydrochlorothiazide, rosuvastatin, or their combination do not impact cognitive decline among older people, according to a study published online Feb. 27 in Neurology.
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CDC: Progress in HIV Prevention Has Stalled in the United States
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The battle against new HIV infections has lost some steam in recent years, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Achievement of Targets in T2DM Varies by Season
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- There is seasonal variation in achievement of the guideline targets for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol among persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), according to a study published online Feb. 22 in Diabetes Care.
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Sustained Smoking Cessation May Delay, Prevent Seropositive RA
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- While smoking is a strong risk factor for seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA), sustained smoking cessation could delay or even prevent disease development, according to a study published online Feb. 21 in Arthritis Care & Research.
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Stewardship Programs Decrease Inpatient Fluoroquinolone Rx
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Fluoroquinolone stewardship interventions at hospitals are associated with less fluoroquinolone prescribing during hospitalization but not at discharge, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
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Kidney Disease Affects Revascularization Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The presence of comorbid chronic kidney disease (CKD) negatively impacts myocardial revascularization outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), according to a study published in the Feb. 5 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Sufficient Investment Could Reduce HIV Epidemic by 2030
TUESDAY, Feb. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- New HIV infections could be reduced and prevalence could begin to decline by 2030 with sufficient investment, including meeting 95 percent targets for diagnosis, care retention, and viral suppression by 2025, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in AIDS and Behavior.
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Contributors to Delay of Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis ID'd
TUESDAY, Feb. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- First symptoms and disease type are contributors to delays in multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, according to a study recently published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal.
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Poor Food Intake Common in Hospitalized Patients
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Approximately one-third of adult inpatients are at risk for malnutrition and poorer outcomes due to not eating their meals, despite being allowed to eat, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.
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MRI Cardiac Stress Test Predicts Death From Heart Disease
TUESDAY, Feb. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can predict mortality in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a study published online Feb. 8 in JAMA Cardiology.
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Sertraline Tops CBT for Reducing Depression in Dialysis Patients
TUESDAY, Feb. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- For patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis, an engagement interview on treatment acceptance has no effect on acceptance of depression treatment, and depression scores are modestly better with sertraline treatment versus cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) after 12 weeks of treatment, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Program Aids Weight Loss in Patients With Mental Illness
TUESDAY, Feb. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A behavioral weight loss intervention is effective among overweight and obese individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), regardless of their diabetes status, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in Diabetes Care.
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Ultrasound of Calcaneus Efficient for Screening Bone Health
TUESDAY, Feb. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Ultrasonography (US) of the calcaneus is efficient for screening bone health, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
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FDA: Thermography No Substitute for Mammograms
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Despite claims to the contrary, thermography should not be used in place of mammography for breast cancer screening, detection, or diagnosis, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Single-Application FIT Moderately Sensitive, Specific for CRC
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Single-application fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) have moderate-to-high sensitivity and specificity for colorectal cancer (CRC), according to a review published online Feb. 26 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Prognostic Bleeding Risk Models Developed for Aspirin Use
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Prognostic bleeding risk models that can estimate the absolute bleeding harms of aspirin have been developed for individuals in whom aspirin is being considered for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study published online Feb. 26 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Knowledge of Transgender Health Care Not Linked to Education
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Transphobia -- not formal or informal education -- predicts provider knowledge of transgender health care, according to a study recently published in Medical Education.
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2014 to 2017 Saw Improvement in Burnout for U.S. Physicians
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- From 2014 to 2017, there was an improvement in burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration among U.S. physicians, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
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Preoperative Phone Visits for Cataract Patients Safe, Efficient
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Phone visits can safely substitute for a standard, in-person history and physical (H&P) in patients undergoing cataract surgery, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
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Opioid-Related Mortality Up From 1999 to 2016 in Eastern U.S.
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- In the eastern United States, opioid-related mortality, particularly mortality associated with synthetic opioids, has increased, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in JAMA Network Open.
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Incidence of Acute Myocardial Infarctions Up Among Young Women
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The incidence of acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) has increased among younger women, and sedentary time is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among women, according to two studies published in the Feb. 19 issue of Circulation, a "Go Red for Women" theme issue on cardiovascular disease in women.
Abstract/Full Text - Arora
Editorial
Abstract/Full Text - Bellettiere
FDA: Gout Drug Uloric Increases Risk of Death
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The gout medicine Uloric (febuxostat) carries a higher risk of death than allopurinol, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Since Early 2000s, Overdose Death Rates Are Highest in U.S.
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Since the early 2000s, the United States has had the highest drug overdose death rates among its peer countries, according to a study published online Feb. 21 in the Population and Development Review.
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Higher Triglycerides May Be Protective in the Very Elderly
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Higher triglycerides (TGs) is associated with a decreased risk of cognitive decline, activities of daily living (ADL) decline, frailty aggravation, and mortality in the oldest old, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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National Health Spending Set to Increase 5.5 Percent Annually
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- National health spending is projected to increase at an annual rate of 5.5. percent from 2018 to 2027, with fundamental economic and demographic factors the main drivers, according to a report published online Feb. 20 in Health Affairs.
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Most Patients Do Not Disclose Complementary Medicine Use
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Just one-third of users of biologically based complementary medicine (CM) disclose their use to traditional health care providers, according to a review published online Feb. 7 in Scientific Reports.
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Higher Salt Intake in DASH Diet Tied to More Lightheadedness
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Higher sodium intake in the context of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is tied to more frequent and severe lightheadedness, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension.
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One-Third of PCPs Discuss Breast Cancer Treatments With Patients
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- One-third of primary care providers (PCPs) report participating in breast cancer treatment decisions, according to a study published online Feb. 1 in Cancer.
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Guideline Covers Extracutaneous Manifestations of Psoriasis
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The extracutaneous manifestations of psoriasis and guidance on use of biologic treatment for management of psoriasis are discussed in two new guidelines published online Feb. 13 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Abstract/Full Text - Elmets
Abstract/Full Text - Menter
Intervention Can Reduce Orders for Inpatient Urine Cultures
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- An intervention that makes changes to urine testing orderables can reduce the urine culturing rate, according to a study published online Feb. 21 in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
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Odds of Receiving Tx for CAD Up With Medicare Advantage
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), those enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) are more likely to receive secondary prevention treatments than those enrolled in traditional fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in JAMA Cardiology.
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Hospital Program Does Not Cut Mortality for Acute Kidney Injury
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A multifaceted intervention for acute kidney injury (AKI), which includes AKI e-alerts, an AKI care bundle, and an education program, does not reduce 30-day mortality but reduced AKI episode duration and hospital length of stay, according to a study published online Feb. 21 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
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FDA Advances Regulation to Ensure Sunscreen Safety, Efficacy
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration took steps Thursday to tighten regulation of over-the-counter sunscreen products.
More Information: FDA
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8 More U.S. Communities to Be Assessed for PFAS Toxin Exposure
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Eight additional communities near current or former U.S. military installations that will be included in assessments of human exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were announced Thursday by federal officials.
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2005 to 2015 Saw Drop in Primary Care Physician Supply
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- From 2005 to 2015, there was a decrease in primary care physician supply per capita in the United States, with increased supply associated with lower mortality, according to a study published online Feb. 18 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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U.S. Agencies Probing Johnson & Johnson Over Asbestos in Talc
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Johnson & Johnson is being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over possible asbestos contamination of the company's baby powder and other talc-based products.
The New York Times Article
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Midlife Cognitive, Physical Activity May Cut Dementia Risk
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Midlife cognitive and physical activity is associated with a reduced risk for dementia and dementia subtypes, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in Neurology.
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Many Experience Improvement in Sex Life After Bariatric Surgery
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- About half of women and men who report some level of dissatisfaction with their sexual life prior to bariatric surgery experience clinically meaningful improvement during five years of follow-up, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in JAMA Surgery.
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Acupuncture Alleviates Moderate-to-Severe Menopause Symptoms
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A brief acupuncture intervention is associated with reductions in moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in BMJ Open.
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Vertical Integration Has Little Impact on Quality Measures
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Vertical integration between hospitals and physicians has little impact on quality measures, while increased hospital market concentration is strongly associated with reduced quality in measures of patient satisfaction, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Medical Care Research and Review.
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Leg Amputation in ESRD Patients Should Prompt Palliative Care Discussion
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly one in 10 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoes lower-extremity amputation in their last year of life, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
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Plazomicin Noninferior to Meropenem for Complicated UTI
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Plazomicin is noninferior to meropenem for patients with complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to a study and a research letter published in the Feb. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text - Wagenlehner (subscription or payment may be required)
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Morning Exercise Linked to BP Reduction in Sedentary Seniors
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- In sedentary overweight/obese older adults, morning exercise reduces systolic blood pressure, with additional benefit seen by combining exercise with regular breaks in sitting, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in Hypertension.
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New Kaiser Permanente Medical School Plans to Waive Tuition
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A new medical school to be opened by California-based health system Kaiser Permanente will waive tuition for all students in its first five graduating classes.
The New York Times Article
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Experimental Test May Quickly Diagnose Sepsis
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A blood test that can quickly diagnose dangerous sepsis infections has been developed, according to research published in the Feb. 1 issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronics.
CNN Article
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Deep Learning-Enhanced Device Detects Diabetic Retinopathy
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A deep learning-enhanced device can accurately detect diabetic retinopathy (DR), according to a study published online Feb. 14 in Diabetes Care.
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Eating Nuts Tied to Reduced CVD Incidence, Death in T2DM Patients
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Higher consumption of nuts, especially tree nuts, is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in Circulation Research.
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Black-White Cancer Mortality Gap Decreasing in Some Age Groups
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Cancer death rates are decreasing faster in blacks than whites in the United States, according to a report published online Feb. 14 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
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Chronic Wasting Disease Found in Deer in 24 States
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Chronic wasting disease has been found in wild deer, elk, and moose in 24 states, and hunters should avoid handling or eating potentially infected meat, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned.
CNN Article
More Information: CDC
CDC: Salmonella Cases Tied to Raw Turkey Products Now at 279
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Sixty-three more cases of illness in a Salmonella outbreak linked to raw turkey products have been reported since Dec. 21, 2018, bringing the total number to 279, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says in an update.
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Inappropriate Use of Fentanyl Preps Seen Despite Awareness
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Despite adequate levels of prescriber, pharmacist, and patient knowledge regarding transmucosal immediate-release fentanyls (TIRFs), the rates of inappropriate use are high, according to a study published in the Feb. 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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HealthDay Article
FDA Warns About 'Miracle' Young Blood Infusion Treatments
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The use of plasma infusion therapies (often called "vampire" treatments, in which people undergo infusions of a young donor's blood) is on the rise across the United States, often costing thousands of dollars per treatment, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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USPSTF Says Screen Women With Higher Risk for BRCA Mutations
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for women at increased risk for carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation as well as genetic counseling and testing as indicated for those screening positive. These recommendations form the basis of a draft recommendation statement published online Feb. 19 by the USPSTF.
Draft Evidence Review
Draft Recommendation Statement
Comment on Recommendation
Higher Push-Up Capacity Linked to Lower Incidence of CVD Events
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Higher push-up capacity is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events among male firefighters, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in JAMA Network Open.
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Recombinant Zoster Vaccine Cost-Effective in Simulation
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Vaccination with recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) seems cost-effective under a wide range of conditions, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Low Vitamin D Tied to High Blood Glucose Levels in Women
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations appear to be associated with high blood glucose levels in women, according to a study recently published online in Menopause.
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Late-Onset Migraine With Aura Linked to Increased Stroke Risk
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- There is an increased stroke risk in late life among patients with late-onset migraine with aura (MA), according to a study published online Jan. 21 in Headache.
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FDA Approves First Customizable Insulin Pump
FRIDAY, Feb. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The Tandem Diabetes Care t:Slim X2 insulin pump, which allows a patient to customize treatment, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Hospital Prices Growing Faster Than Physician Prices
FRIDAY, Feb. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Growth in hospital prices and payments outpaced growth in physician prices and payments from 2007 through 2014, according to a report published in the February issue of Health Affairs.
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Fewer Older Men Assessed, Treated for Osteoporosis
FRIDAY, Feb. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Fewer older men than women undergo evaluation for or management of osteoporosis, according to a study published online Feb. 12 in the Journal of Investigative Medicine.
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CDC: Heterosexual Syphilis Transmission Up for Drug Users
FRIDAY, Feb. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A substantial proportion of heterosexual syphilis transmission seems to be occurring among those who use drugs, especially methamphetamine, according to research published in the Feb. 15 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Artificially Sweetened Drinks Linked to Stroke After Menopause
FRIDAY, Feb. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Among postmenopausal women, consumption of artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) is associated with an increased risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, and all-cause mortality, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in Stroke.
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Most A-Fib Patients Have at Least One Identifiable Trigger
FRIDAY, Feb. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) report at least one identifiable trigger, with the most common triggers being alcohol, caffeine, exercise, and lack of sleep, according to research published online Feb. 14 in HeartRhythm.
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Primary Care Providers Can Improve Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
FRIDAY, Feb. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) in primary care settings has the potential to reach most U.S. adults with diabetes, according to a brief report published online Jan. 31 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
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Discharge Opioid Rx for Heart Dz Patients May Impact Follow-Up
FRIDAY, Feb. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with an admitting diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and/or acute decompensated heart failure, opioid prescription at discharge is not significantly associated with unplanned health care utilization or mortality but is associated with reduced odds of completed planned health care utilization, according to a study published in the Feb. 5 issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association.
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CDC: Severity of Influenza Season Low Through Feb. 2, 2019
THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The 2018 to 2019 influenza season has been low in severity so far, and overall vaccine effectiveness is about 47 percent, according to two reports published in the Feb. 15 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Abstract/Full Text - Blanton
Abstract/Full Text - Doyle
Burnout Predicts Clinician Turnover in Primary Care
THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The prevalence rates of burnout, low engagement, and turnover are all high among primary care clinicians and staff, according to a study published in the January/February issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
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Child Enterovirus Infection May Up Risk for Developing Celiac Disease
THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A higher frequency of enterovirus infections in early childhood is associated with an increased risk for developing celiac disease, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in the The BMJ.
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High Rates of MenB Vaccination Advised in University Outbreaks
THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Achieving high serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccination coverage is recommended following university-based outbreaks of meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emerging Infectious Diseases.
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Physical Activity Down Across Chronic Disease Subgroups
THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- People with a wide variety of chronic diseases are less physically active than individuals without chronic diseases, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
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CVD Does Not Modify Depression-Mortality Link in Elderly
THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- In older adults, the association between depressive symptoms and mortality is not influenced by the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Risk for MRSA Reduced With Postdischarge Decolonization
THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- For patients colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), postdischarge MRSA decolonization is associated with a reduced risk for infection, according to a study published in the Feb. 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Rates of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Low for Denosumab-Treated Women
THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- For denosumab-treated women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, invasive oral procedures and events (OPEs), including dental implants, tooth extraction, natural tooth loss, scaling/root planning, and jaw surgery, are common and associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), although the overall rate of ONJ is low, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
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Yoga May Help With Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms, Severity
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Yoga may be effective as a complementary or adjunct therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), according to a study published online Feb. 1 in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience.
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Lower Birth Weight May Up Risk for Psychiatric Disorders
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- After adjustment for family-related factors and gestational age, lower birth weight is associated with a small but significant increased risk for several psychiatric disorders, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in JAMA Psychiatry.
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Progress Made in Developing New Antibacterial Agents
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Although there has been progress in the development of new antibacterial drugs, most of the recently approved agents have been modifications of existing chemical classes of antibiotics, according to research published online Feb. 1 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
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Coexisting Medical Conditions, Smoking Explain PTSD-CVD Link
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The correlation between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not independent and is explained by physical and psychiatric conditions and smoking, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
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Larger Physician Bonus May Improve Care in Chronic Disease
TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Increased bonus size for physicians caring for patients with chronic disease is associated with improvements in care quality, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in JAMA Network Open.
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Health Care Spending Per Person Increased to $5,641 in 2017
TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- In 2017, health care spending per person reached $5,641, according to the Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI) annual Health Care Cost and Utilization Report.
Health Care Cost and Utilization Report
Many Systematic Reviews Do Not Fully Report Adverse Events
TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Many systematic review protocols in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) do not include adverse event reporting, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology.
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Acne Relapses Linked to Lower Quality of Life, Productivity
TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Acne relapses are significantly associated with impaired quality of life as well as productivity loss and absenteeism, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
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Use of Watchful Waiting Up for Low-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer
TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- From 2010 to 2015, there was an increase in use of active surveillance or watchful waiting (AS/WW) rates in men with low-risk and intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer, according to a research letter published online Feb. 11 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Aspirin Underused for Advanced Colorectal Polyps
TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Aspirin is underused to reduce the risk for colorectal cancer among patients with advanced colorectal polyps, according to a study recently published in The American Journal of Medicine.
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Fractures Have Long-Term Impact on Quality of Life for Older Adults
TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Incident fragility fractures are associated with long-term impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older people, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
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Racial/Ethnic, Income Variation ID'd in the Opioid Epidemic
MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- There is considerable race/ethnicity and income-level variation in the opioid epidemic, according to research published online Feb. 11 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text - Friedman Study
Abstract/Full Text - Research Letter 1 (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract/Full Text - Research Letter 2 (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
FDA Warns 17 Companies About Illegal Alzheimer Disease Products
MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A number of warning/advisory letters have been issued to 17 companies for selling illegal products that claim to prevent, treat, or cure Alzheimer disease and other serious conditions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.
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Congo Ebola Outbreak Claims Nearly 100 Children's Lives
MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of nearly 100 children, and the number of cases are on the rise, according to the charity Save the Children.
CNN Article
More Information: CDC
Low Fitness, Obesity Linked to Later Disability Pension
MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Among men, low cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity in adolescence are associated with an increased risk for later receipt of a disability pension, according to a study published online Feb. 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Rates of Diabetes Screening High Among Adults Age ≥45
MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Rates of diabetes screening are high, with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) used less but more likely to result in clinical diagnosis, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in Diabetes Care.
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Higher Optimism Tied to Lower Odds of Pain After Deployment
MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- For U.S. soldiers, higher levels of optimism are associated with lower odds of reporting new pain after deployment, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in JAMA Network Open.
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Functional Decline Seen for Many Frail Patients After TAVR, SAVR
MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Older patients with severe frailty undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) frequently experience subsequent functional decline or lack of improvement, according to a study published online Feb. 4 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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More Than a Half Million Deaths From Breast Cancer Averted
MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- From 1989 to 2018, between 384,046 and 614,484 cumulative breast cancer deaths are estimated to have been averted, according to a study published online Feb. 11 in Cancer.
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Johnson & Johnson to Provide Drug Prices in TV Ads
FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- In a drug industry first, Johnson & Johnson will start giving the list prices of its prescription drugs in television ads.
AP News Article
Measles Outbreak Triggers Sharp Rise in Demand for Vaccine
FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Health clinics in Clark County, Washington, are scrambling to meet the sharply increased demand for measles vaccination as people seek protection during an outbreak of the highly contagious virus.
Kaiser Health News Article
Walgreens Worst Violator in Tobacco Sales to Minors, FDA Says
FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Walgreens' high rate of violations for selling tobacco products to minors has led U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., to ask for a meeting with the company to discuss the issue.
CNN Article
More Information: FDA
CDC: Heart Attack Awareness Improved Since 2008
FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Since 2008, there has been an increase in the number of U.S. adults with awareness of heart attack symptoms and knowledge of the appropriate response to a heart attack, according to research published in the Feb. 8 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Misuse of Rx Opioids Linked to Other High-Risk Behaviors
FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Misuse of prescribed opioids is associated with other high-risk drug behaviors, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety.
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Slower Gait Speed, Shorter Step Length Tied to Later Depression
FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Older people who develop depression have significantly slower gait speed and shorter step length several years before diagnosis, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Certain Opioids Less Effective With SSRI Antidepressants
FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Certain opioids are less effective for postoperative pain in patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in PLOS ONE.
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High-Risk HPV Infection Linked to Increased Risk for CVD in Women
FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study published online Feb. 7 in Circulation Research.
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Chronic Rhinosinusitis Linked to Depression, Anxiety
THURSDAY, Feb. 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is associated with incidence of depression and anxiety, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
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FDA: Number of U.S. Women With Breast Implant-Caused Cancer Has Increased
THURSDAY, Feb. 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- There has been an increase in the number of U.S. women diagnosed with a cancer caused by breast implants, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.
NBC News Article
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Letter to Health Care Providers
Discord Found in Clinician-, Criteria-Based Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
THURSDAY, Feb. 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- There is disagreement between clinical diagnosis and criteria-based diagnosis of fibromyalgia, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in Arthritis Care & Research.
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T2DM Initially Remits in Majority Who Undergo Gastric Bypass
THURSDAY, Feb. 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with high levels of type 2 diabetes remission at one year, although 27 percent relapse after five years, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in Diabetologia.
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Most Americans Concerned About Weight, Link to Heart Health
THURSDAY, Feb. 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Most Americans are concerned about their weight and understand the connection between weight and cardiovascular health, but a substantial proportion of them are not doing much to lose excess weight, according to a Cleveland Clinic survey.
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Trazodone Not Associated With Reduced Risk for Dementia
THURSDAY, Feb. 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Trazodone is not associated with a reduced risk for dementia compared with other antidepressants at the prodromal stage of disease, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in PLOS Medicine.
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Patient Tested for Ebola at Philadelphia Hospital
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Preliminary results from a patient being tested for Ebola suggest that the patient has another condition, say officials at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
NBC News Article
Hepatitis C Infection Rates Up After OxyContin Reformulation
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- States with above-median OxyContin misuse before reformulation of the drug experienced a 222 percent increase in hepatitis C infection rates after reformulation, according to a report published in the February issue of Health Affairs.
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Antidepressant Overprescribing Appears Common in Elderly
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Potential antidepressant overprescribing appears to be common among elderly patients and involves mostly newer antidepressants used for nonspecific psychiatric symptoms and subthreshold diagnoses, according to a study published online Jan. 23 in Pharmacology Research & Perspectives.
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Hypertensive Crisis Prevalent in Urban African-Americans
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The urban African-American population has a high prevalence of hypertensive crisis and hypertensive emergencies, according to a study published online Jan. 22 in Blood Pressure.
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Psoriasis Tx Linked to Drop in Noncalcified Coronary Plaque
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Treatment of psoriasis with biologic therapy is associated with a reduction in noncalcified coronary plaque and improved plaque morphology, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in Cardiovascular Research.
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Radiologists Can Help ID Intimate Partner Violence
TUESDAY, Feb. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) undergo more imaging procedures than age- and sex-matched control patients and are more likely to have obstetric-gynecologic findings and acute fractures, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in Radiology.
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USPSTF Still Recommends Against Pancreatic Cancer Screening
TUESDAY, Feb. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against screening for pancreatic cancer in asymptomatic adults. These findings form the basis of a draft recommendation statement published online Feb. 5 by the USPSTF.
Draft Recommendation Statement
Draft Evidence Review
Comment on Recommendation Statement
Burden of Sudden Cardiac Death Higher in Black Men, Women
TUESDAY, Feb. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- African-Americans have a higher burden of sudden cardiac death (SCD) than whites, especially among women, according to a study published online Feb. 4 in Circulation.
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Long-Term Opioid Use With OA Varies Across States
TUESDAY, Feb. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- There is substantial variation across states in rates of long-term opioid therapy among patients with advanced osteoarthritis, according to a study published online Jan. 28 in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
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Ethnic Differences Seen at Time of Dementia Diagnosis in U.K.
TUESDAY, Feb. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- In the United Kingdom, patients from minority ethnic groups have lower cognitive scores and are younger at first diagnosis of dementia than the white U.K.-born population, according to a study published online Jan. 24 in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
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8 Questions Helpful for Assessing IBD in Primary Care
TUESDAY, Feb. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The CalproQuest, an eight-item questionnaire, is a feasible instrument for assessing patients for inflammatory bowel disease in primary care settings, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
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Compounded Topical Pain Creams No Better Than Placebo
TUESDAY, Feb. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Compounded topical pain creams are no better than placebo creams for neuropathic pain, nociceptive pain, or mixed pain, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Evidence of Therapeutic Efficacy Substantial for Cannabis Use
TUESDAY, Feb. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Most qualifying conditions for which patients are licensed to use cannabis medically have substantial or conclusive evidence of therapeutic efficacy, according to a report published in the February issue of Health Affairs.
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Washington State Measles Cases Now at 48 Since Jan. 1
MONDAY, Feb. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- There have been 48 confirmed cases of measles in Washington state since the start of the year as health officials struggle to stop the spread of the infectious disease.
CNN Article
Updated ACIP Immunization Schedule Released for Adults
MONDAY, Feb. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has released its updated adult immunization schedule for 2019; the schedule was published online Feb. 5 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Expanded Recall of Warfarin Level Monitoring Test Strips
MONDAY, Feb. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Certain lots of Roche Diagnostics test strips should not be used with CoaguChek test meter devices to check levels of the blood thinner warfarin because patients may get inaccurate results and be at risk for serious injury or death, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says in an updated recall notice.
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CDC Examines Safety of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine
MONDAY, Feb. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- During the first eight months of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) use, there were reports of 4,381 adverse events, 3 percent of which were serious, according to research published in the Feb. 1 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Some Obesity-Related Cancers Increasing in Younger Adults
MONDAY, Feb. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The incidence of some obesity-related cancers is increasing in younger generations, according to a study published online Feb. 3 in The Lancet Public Health.
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High Physical Activity Levels Tied to Coronary Artery Calcification
MONDAY, Feb. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- High levels of physical activity correlate with prevalent coronary artery calcification (CAC) but are not linked to increased mortality, according to a study published online Jan. 30 in JAMA Cardiology.
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Direct-to-Doctor Payments May Increase Opioid Prescribing
FRIDAY, Feb. 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Physicians who receive direct pharmaceutical payments for opioid prescribing prescribe more opioids, especially hydrocodone and oxycodone, according to a study published online Jan. 22 in Addiction.
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Physician Burnout Tied to Ability to Address Social Needs
FRIDAY, Feb. 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Improving clinic capacity to respond to patients' social needs may reduce primary care physician burnout, according to a study published in the January-February issue of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
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CDC: Most Black HIV Patients Interviewed for Partner Services
FRIDAY, Feb. 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- More black index patients diagnosed with HIV are interviewed for partner services than all index patients combined, according to research published in the Feb. 1 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Pharmacist-Led Phone Follow-Up May Cut Readmission Rates
FRIDAY, Feb. 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A pharmacist-led, postdischarge structured telephone follow-up (TFU) intervention can reduce 30-day and 90-day readmission rates for polypharmacy patients, according to a study published online Jan. 23 in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
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Minimal Benefit for Decision Aid About Prolonged Ventilation
FRIDAY, Feb. 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A personalized web-based decision aid about prolonged mechanical ventilation does not improve prognostic concordance between clinicians and surrogate decision makers, according to a study published online Jan. 29 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Hearing Loss Linked to Subjective Cognitive Function Decline
FRIDAY, Feb. 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- For older men, hearing loss is associated with subjective cognitive function (SCF) decline, according to a study published online Jan. 29 in Alzheimer's & Dementia.
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