Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine for November 2016. 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.
Lack of Sleep Can Cost a Country's Economy Dearly
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Reduced productivity and an increased mortality risk linked to lack of sleep among U.S. workers cost the nation's economy as much as $411 billion a year, more than 2 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), according to a report from the RAND Corp., a nonprofit research organization.
CDC: Needle Exchange Program Usage Up Significantly
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Although there was a significant increase in the use of syringe services programs -- more commonly known as needle exchange programs -- across the United States over the past decade, many injection drug users still don't always use sterile needles, according to a Vital Signs report published in the Nov. 29 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Levels of Total, LDL Cholesterol Continue to Fall in the U.S.
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Healthier diets may be a factor in the ongoing decline in cholesterol levels for Americans, according to a research letter published online Nov. 30 in JAMA Cardiology.
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Heart-Healthy Habits Should Also Be Promoted to Low-Risk Patients
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Primary care doctors should offer counseling about healthy lifestyle habits to prevent heart disease even to adults who have a low or average risk of developing cardiovascular disease, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises.
Evidence Review
Draft Recommendation Statement
Comment on Recommendation
Highest Increase in Acute STEMI Risk for Youngest Smokers
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Smoking is associated with an increased risk of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), with the most pronounced increase among younger smokers, according to a study published online Nov. 29 in Heart.
Meta-Analysis: Statins Cut Risk of Advanced Colorectal Adenoma
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Statins seem not to be associated with the risk of colorectal adenoma, but are associated with reduced risk of advanced adenoma, according to a review and meta-analysis published online Nov. 23 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
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Morbidity, Mortality Up for HCT Cancer Survivors
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) cancer survivors have increased risk of late morbidity and mortality, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Outreach Strategies Can Up HCC Screening in Cirrhosis
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Outreach programs can increase hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening rates among patients with documented or suspected cirrhosis, according to a study published online Nov. 5 in Gastroenterology.
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As Prices Soar, ADA Calls for Access to Affordable Insulin
TUESDAY, Nov. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- In early November, Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Democrat, pointed out that certain insulins had risen from $21 a vial in 1996 to $255 a vial in 2016.
E-Prescribing of High-Risk Drugs May Contribute to Falls in Elderly
TUESDAY, Nov. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Preprogrammed doses of medications that can raise the risk of falls are often set too high for older hospital patients, according to research published online Nov. 28 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Amyloid Beta Deposits Can Affect Hearts of Alzheimer's Patients
TUESDAY, Nov. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Amyloid beta (Aβ) deposits in Alzheimer's patients might also negatively affect their heart muscle and increase their risk of heart failure, according to a study published in the Dec. 6 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Three Factors Weigh Heavy in Risk of Heart Failure
TUESDAY, Nov. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Middle-aged adults who've avoided obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are far less likely than others to develop heart failure in their later years, according to research published in the Dec. 1 issue of JACC: Heart Failure.
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Review Links Natriuretic Peptide Thresholds to Mortality in ADHF
TUESDAY, Nov. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), achieving predischarge natriuretic peptide (NP) thresholds is associated with reduced mortality and readmission, according to a review published online Nov. 29 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Renal Outcomes Up With BP <120/70 in T1DM
TUESDAY, Nov. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with type 1 diabetes, blood pressure (BP) of <120/70 mm Hg is associated with a substantially reduced risk of adverse renal outcomes, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in Diabetes Care.
Mindfulness-Based Tx Doesn't Cut Distress in Prostate Cancer
TUESDAY, Nov. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For men with advanced prostate cancer (PC), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) does not reduce distress more than minimally enhanced usual care, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Improved Cognitive Status Seen Following TAVR
TUESDAY, Nov. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with global improvement in cognitive status, according to a study published in the Nov. 15 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Older Fallers Have Often Been Administered High-Risk Drugs
MONDAY, Nov. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Older fallers have often been administered high-risk medications, frequently at higher-than-recommended doses, according to a study published online Nov. 28 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Out-of-Pocket Cancer Costs High for Patients With Medicare Only
MONDAY, Nov. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Medical bills for older U.S. cancer patients can cost one-quarter of their income or more if they have Medicare without supplemental insurance, according to a study published online Nov. 23 in JAMA Oncology.
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In Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Failure, FABP1 IDs Mortality
MONDAY, Nov. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Serum liver-type fatty acid binding protein (FABP1) early (day one) or late (day three to five) levels are associated with mortality in patients with acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver failure (ALF), according to a study published online Nov. 18 in Hepatology.
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ADT Use Not Linked to Dementia in Prostate Cancer
MONDAY, Nov. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For men with prostate cancer, use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) seems not to be associated with dementia, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Liraglutide Doesn't Affect Gastric Emptying in Type 1 Diabetes
MONDAY, Nov. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), liraglutide therapy does not affect the rate of gastric emptying (GE) during hypoglycemia, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
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Significant Birth Cohort Effect in Ischemic Stroke Risk
MONDAY, Nov. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Birth cohort seems to affect the risk of ischemic stroke, with lower age-adjusted rates for those born from 1945 to 1954 versus those born in earlier and later years, according to a study published online Nov. 23 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Soft, Microfluidic 'Lab on the Skin' Can Analyze Sweat
MONDAY, Nov. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- A flexible device that adheres to the skin can analyze sweat and send the results to a smartphone, offering insight into hydration and electrolyte status, according to research published in the Nov. 23 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
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Survey IDs Factors Influencing Physician Recruitment
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Factors that influence whether an internal medicine physician will accept a position include opportunities for improved work-life balance as well as compensation, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Acute Kidney Injury Is Risk Factor for Delirium, Coma
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For critically ill adults, acute kidney injury is a risk factor for delirium and coma, according to a study published online Nov. 17 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Initial Hospital Contact for Alcohol Issues Predicts Cirrhosis
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- An initial hospital contact for alcohol problems is a significant predictor of alcoholic liver cirrhosis, particularly for patients 40 to 59 years and those diagnosed with harmful use or dependence, according to a study published online Nov. 16 in Hepatology.
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Review Links PPI Use With Risk of Fundic Gland Polyps
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is associated with increased risk of fundic gland polyps (FGPs), and may be associated with gastric cancer, according to a review published in the December issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Fat-Free Mass Index Predicts Survival in Pulmonary Fibrosis
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), fat-free mass index (FFMI) predicts survival, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in Respirology.
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Palliative Care Positively Affects Symptom Burden, QOL
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Palliative care interventions are associated with improvements in patient quality of life and symptom burden, but do not affect survival, according to a review published in the Nov. 22/29 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Mortality Rate From Infectious Diseases Holding Steady in U.S.
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. mortality rate from infectious diseases is about the same now as it was in 1980, but some of the specific disease threats have changed over the years, according to a research letter published in the Nov. 22/29 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Review Suggests Yoga Beneficial in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Yoga is associated with decreased bowel symptoms, disease severity, and anxiety in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a review published in the December issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Antidepressants + Exercise Beneficial in Late-Life Depression
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For older adults with late-life major depression (LLMD), the combination of antidepressants (AD) and physical exercise (PE) seems beneficial, especially for individuals with specific characteristics, according to research published online Nov. 21 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Many Nursing Home Residents Not Taking β-Blockers After AMI
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Many nursing home (NH) residents do not initiate beta-blocker use after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), according to a study published online Nov. 15 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Long-Term Improvement in Insulin Sensitivity After RYGB
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Despite weight regain, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with long-term improvement in insulin sensitivity and adipose phenotypes, according to a study published online Nov. 16 in Diabetes Care.
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Mental Distress Common in Survivors of Teen, Young Adult CA
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer are more likely to have mental distress than individuals without cancer, but most do not talk to mental health professionals, according to a study published online Nov. 17 in Cancer.
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Four ER Visits for Adverse Drug Events Per 1,000 People
TUESDAY, Nov. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- In 2013 to 2014, the estimated prevalence of emergency department visits for adverse drug events was four per 1,000 individuals, according to research published in the Nov. 22 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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High-Dose Vitamin D Cuts Acute Respiratory Infection in Elderly
TUESDAY, Nov. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For long-term care facility residents, high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation is associated with reduced incidence of acute respiratory infection (ARI) but increased incidence of falls, according to a study published online Nov. 16 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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USPSTF Continues to Recommend Against Thyroid Cancer Screening
TUESDAY, Nov. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Clinicians should not screen for thyroid cancer in patients who have no symptoms of the disease, according to a U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) draft recommendation which reaffirms a recommendation issued 20 years ago.
Evidence Review
Draft Recommendation Statement
Comment on Recommendation
Rising Rx, ER Prices Pushing U.S. Health Care Spending Up
TUESDAY, Nov. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Privately insured Americans spent nearly 5 percent more on health care last year than in 2014; this increase was significantly more than that seen in previous years and reflects higher costs for prescription drugs, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations, according to a report published Nov. 22 by the Health Care Cost Institute.
Computer Order Entry System Ups Antimicrobial Policy Compliance
TUESDAY, Nov. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Use of a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system can improve compliance with antimicrobial restriction policies, according to a study published online Nov. 16 in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research.
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Beta-Blocker Tx Attenuates Prognostic Value of ppMHR
TUESDAY, Nov. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- The prognostic value of lower heart rate thresholds (defined as the percentage of age-predicted maximal heart rate achieved, or ppMHR) is attenuated for patients on beta-blocker therapy (BBT), according to a study published in the Dec. 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
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Thromboembolic Events Common With Chemo for Bladder Cancer
TUESDAY, Nov. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer who undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy before and after radical cystectomy frequently experience thromboembolic events, according to a study published in the December issue of The Journal of Urology.
Acne Treatment Often Not in Line With Current Guidelines
TUESDAY, Nov. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Among U.K. general practitioners, acne treatment is often not in accordance with current guidelines, according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Occupational Tx of Little Benefit in Slowing Alzheimer's Decline
TUESDAY, Nov. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Home-based occupational therapy may not slow down the physical decline that comes with Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published online Nov. 22 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Discussing Opioid Risks With Patients Reduces Misuse
TUESDAY, Nov. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Discussing the risk of long-term opioid use disorder with patients is associated with reduced misuse of opioids, according to research published in the November/December issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
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Intermittent Hypoxia Promotes Lung Tumor Cell Aggressiveness
TUESDAY, Nov. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Circulating exosomes released under intermittent hypoxia (IH) conditions, which characterize obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), promote lung tumor cell aggressiveness, according to a study published in the November issue of CHEST.
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Medication Errors Common in Nursing Home Residents
TUESDAY, Nov. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Medication errors (MEs) occur frequently among nursing home residents, but they rarely have serious effects, according to a review published online Nov. 21 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Thiazide-Type Diuretic Treatment Tied to Lower Fracture Risk
MONDAY, Nov. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Thiazide-type diuretic therapy reduces hip and pelvic fracture risk compared with other antihypertensive medication therapy, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Decline in Prevalence of Dementia 2000 to 2012 in the United States
MONDAY, Nov. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Dementia rates have dropped dramatically over the last decade or so, according to a report published online Nov. 21 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Retail Clinics Don't Reduce ER Visits for Minor Ailments
MONDAY, Nov. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Having retail health clinics near hospitals does not reduce emergency department visits for minor health problems, according to a study published online Nov. 10 in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.
Hemorrhage Risk Up in A-Fib Patients on Dabigatran, Statins
MONDAY, Nov. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Combining dabigatran with certain statin medications could raise the odds for major hemorrhage in patients with atrial fibrillation, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Drug-Resistant Infections Tied to Livestock-Associated Staph
MONDAY, Nov. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Workers at hog production facilities in the United States are developing skin infections from multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, according to a study published online Nov. 16 in PLOS ONE.
Small Increase in Hematocrit With Implantable Testosterone
MONDAY, Nov. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Men treated with implantable testosterone pellets have a statistically significant increase in mean hematocrit, but it is unlikely to be clinically relevant, according to research published in the December issue of The Journal of Urology.
CT Measures Can Accurately Identify Stroke Onset
FRIDAY, Nov. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Computed tomography (CT) can measure brain water uptake, which can be used to identify stroke patients with symptom onset within 4.5 hours, according to a study published online Nov. 7 in the Annals of Neurology.
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Increased Fall Risk With Subclinical Peroneal Neuropathy
FRIDAY, Nov. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- A considerable proportion of medical inpatients at moderate-to-high risk of falling have subclinical peroneal neuropathy (SCPN), according to a study published in the November/December issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Barriers Identified in Current Knee Osteoarthritis Care
FRIDAY, Nov. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- In current knee osteoarthritis care, both personal factors and factors related to health care professionals play a role in treatment nonadherence, according to a study published online Nov. 14 in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
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Metformin Alters Gut Microbiota Composition in Diabetes
FRIDAY, Nov. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Metformin seems to alter gut microbiota composition, according to a study published online Nov. 14 in Diabetes Care.
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Follow-Up Phone Calls May Boost Glycemic Control in T2DM
FRIDAY, Nov. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with type 2 diabetes, follow-up phone calls after a monthly clinic visit could lead to clinically significant change in hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels, according to a study published online Nov. 13 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
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HOMA2-IR Tied to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Hepatitis B
FRIDAY, Nov. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Insulin resistance assessed by homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA2-IR) correlates with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, according to a study published online Nov. 11 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
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Ustekinumab Shows Promise in Crohn's Disease
FRIDAY, Nov. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease who haven't responded to other treatments may benefit from the drug ustekinumab (Stelara), according to a study published in the Nov. 17 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Mortality Risk Up for Hospital Patients With Hypoglycemia
FRIDAY, Nov. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Hospital patients with hypoglycemia may be at increased mortality risk, according to research published online Nov. 17 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Smart Skin Patch Can Monitor Body Function Acoustically
THURSDAY, Nov. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- A new type of acoustic sensor that resembles a small Band-Aid on the skin can monitor heartbeat and other health measures, according to a study published online Nov. 16 in Science Advances.
CDC: Heart Disease Still Leading Cause of Death
THURSDAY, Nov. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Heart disease continues to top the list of likely cause of death among Americans, according to research published in the Nov. 18 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Many Receive Surprisingly High Bills After Visiting In-Network ER
THURSDAY, Nov. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Many patients visiting an in-network U.S. emergency department end up with major unexpected costs, according to a perspective piece published in the Nov. 17 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Competing Risks Influence Warfarin, Thromboembolism Link
THURSDAY, Nov. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, warfarin is associated with a reduction in thromboembolism, although the correlation is attenuated after accounting for competing death events, according to a study published online Nov. 12 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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DECIDE Modalities Beneficial for African-Americans With T2DM
THURSDAY, Nov. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For African-Americans with type 2 diabetes, the Decision-making Education for Choices In Diabetes Everyday (DECIDE) program is beneficial, according to a study published online Nov. 14 in Diabetes Care.
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Data From Clinical Registries Can ID Novel Drug Interactions
THURSDAY, Nov. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Data mining can be used to discover unknown drug-drug interactions in cardiovascular medicine, according to a study published online Nov. 8 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
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Vitamin D Replacement Improves Chronic Widespread Pain
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with nonspecific chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain (CWP) and vitamin D deficiency, treatment with vitamin D replacement results in improvements in symptoms, according to a study published online Nov. 11 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
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Ledipasvir-Sofosbuvir Safe for Kidney Recipients With HCV
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For kidney transplant recipients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 or 4 infection, treatment with ledipasvir-sofosbuvir for 12 or 24 weeks is safe and efficacious, according to a study published online Nov. 15 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Medication Adherence Up in Patient-Centered Medical Homes
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Medication adherence is increased with receipt of care in a patient-centered medical home, according to a study published online Nov. 15 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Only Slightly Worse Disease Course for Bacterial LRI
TUESDAY, Nov. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- In patients with acute cough, those with bacterial lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) have a slightly worse disease course than those without an identified bacterial cause, according to research published in the November/December in the Annals of Family Medicine.
Findings Support Bisphosphonate Use in Men With Osteoporosis
TUESDAY, Nov. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Bisphosphonates reduce the risk of vertebral, and possibly nonvertebral, fractures for men with osteoporosis, according to a review and meta-analysis published online Nov. 7 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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GI Adverse Events Up With GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
TUESDAY, Nov. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) are associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs), with risk varying based on dose, background medications, and type of GLP-1 RA, according to research published online Nov. 9 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
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CHD Rates Down 20 Percent Since 1980s in the United States
MONDAY, Nov. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Cases of coronary heart disease (CHD) have dropped 20 percent in the United States over the last four decades, according to a research letter published in the Nov. 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on statins.
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Guidelines Updated for Management of PAD
MONDAY, Nov. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- In a Clinical Practice Guideline published online Nov. 13 in Circulation, evidence-based recommendations are presented for the management of peripheral artery disease (PAD), focusing on lifestyle modification as well as medical treatment.
USPSTF Advises Statins for Some Adults With No CVD History
MONDAY, Nov. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that certain adults aged 40 to 75 years without cardiovascular disease (CVD) history but with one or more cardiovascular risk factors initiate statins. These recommendations are included in the final recommendation statement published in the Nov. 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on statins.
Recommendation Statement
Evidence Report
Implantable Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Safe, Accurate
MONDAY, Nov. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- A new implantable continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system seems to be safe and accurate for diabetes, according to a study published online Nov. 4 in Diabetes Care.
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CDC: Tobacco-Linked Cancers Make Up 40 Percent of All Cancers
FRIDAY, Nov. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Although rates of smoking in the United States have declined to new lows, health officials still estimate that four out of every 10 cancers is linked to the habit.
Two-Drug Combo Promising for HIV Remission
FRIDAY, Nov. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Animal research with an experimental two-drug therapy could hold clues for creating long-term HIV remission, according to a report published online Nov. 9 in Nature.
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HR Capabilities Positively Linked to Quality of Patient Care
FRIDAY, Nov. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Human resource (HR) capabilities are positively associated with quality of patient care, with the relationship mediated by proactive work, according to a study published recently in Human Resource Management.
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Modeling IDs Amount, Type of Data to Predict Heart Failure
FRIDAY, Nov. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Modeling has identified the amount and type of data needed to detect prediagnostic heart failure, according to research published online Nov. 8 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
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Clinical Features Can Be Used to Tailor Melanoma Screening
THURSDAY, Nov. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Certain patients at high risk of melanoma may benefit from more tailored skin exams, according to a study published online Nov. 9 in JAMA Dermatology.
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Shorter Sleep Linked to Sugar-Sweetened Drink Consumption
THURSDAY, Nov. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Improving sleep may help reduce an individual's sugar-sweetened, caffeinated beverage intake, and vice-versa, according to a study published online Nov. 9 in Sleep Health.
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Higher Serum Vitamin D Levels Up Survival in Breast Cancer
THURSDAY, Nov. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels may affect breast cancer patients' chances of survival, according to a study published online Nov. 10 in JAMA Oncology.
High-Intensity Statins Tied to Better Survival in CVD Patients
THURSDAY, Nov. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- There is a graded association between intensity of statin therapy and mortality for patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to research published online Nov. 9 in JAMA Cardiology.
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RA Disease Activity Score Most Influential in Patient Reports
THURSDAY, Nov. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Higher disease activity score (DAS) is one of the most influential factors for poor patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a study published online Nov. 5 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
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PPI Use Doesn't Up Recurrence of Bacterial Peritonitis
THURSDAY, Nov. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with cirrhosis with previous spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is not associated with SBP recurrence, according to a study published online Nov. 7 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
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Basal Metabolic Rate Down After CPAP Initiation in OSA
THURSDAY, Nov. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is associated with a decrease in basal metabolic rate (BMR), according to a study published recently in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Protein Intake Tied to Modest Survival Advantage in Breast CA
THURSDAY, Nov. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For women with breast cancer, higher intake of protein is associated with a modest survival advantage, according to a study published online Nov. 7 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Prediabetes Screening Guidelines Not Always Followed by PCPs
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Only about half of U.S. family doctors follow guidelines on screening patients for prediabetes, according to a study published in the November-December issue of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
Recommendations Developed for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- In a Clinical Practice Guideline published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, evidence-based recommendations are presented for the diagnosis and management of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).
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Better Teamwork Linked to Improved Outcomes for CABG
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), surgical outcomes are better for health systems with physicians who have higher teamwork levels, according to a study published online Nov. 8 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
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Anakinra Cuts Risk of Recurrence in Recurrent Pericarditis
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Use of anakinra reduces the risk of recurrence of pericarditis among patients with recurrent pericarditis with colchicine resistance and corticosteroid dependence, according to a study published in the Nov. 8 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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MRI May Help ID Lewy Body Dementia Versus Alzheimer's
TUESDAY, Nov. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain may aid diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies versus Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published online Nov. 2 in Neurology.
Long-Term Health Not Improved for Childhood Cancer Survivors
TUESDAY, Nov. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Despite three decades of advancements in treating children with cancer, patients who survive into adulthood don't report better physical or mental health than their counterparts who were treated years ago, according to research published online Nov. 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Age at Cancer Diagnosis Key in Determining Later Cardiac Risk
TUESDAY, Nov. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- The age at which cancer survivors are diagnosed with their disease may help predict their risk of death from cardiac disease, according to research published online Nov. 7 in Circulation.
Coronary Angiography, PCI Don't Impact Cognitive Function
TUESDAY, Nov. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- There is no indication of postprocedural cognitive impairment for patients undergoing coronary angiography (CA) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to a study published in the Nov. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
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Probable Interaction ID'd for PrOD, Ribavirin With Warfarin
TUESDAY, Nov. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- There is a probable interaction between paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir+dasabuvir (PrOD) plus ribavirin with warfarin, according to a case report published online Nov. 3 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
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Genetic Mortality Risk Can Be Attenuated by Lifestyle
TUESDAY, Nov. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Genetic variations correlate with mortality in the elderly, although their effect can be influenced by lifestyle behaviors, according to a study published online Nov. 2 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Cumulative Incidence of ESRD Low in Patients With Type 1 DM
TUESDAY, Nov. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with type 1 diabetes diagnosed at age 15 to 27 years have low cumulative incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and increased mortality during long-term follow-up, according to a study published online Oct. 21 in Diabetes Care.
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AMA Highlights Role of Patient Shame in Opioid Disorders
TUESDAY, Nov. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Supported by the American Medical Association (AMA), the Providers' Clinical Support System for Opioid Therapies (PCSS-O) has released a collection of resources from a national training and mentoring project developed by physicians to promote the role of self-education and help curb the opioid epidemic.
Second Opinions Seldom Change Prostate Cancer Decisions
MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Second opinions have little impact on prostate cancer patients' treatment decisions, according to findings published online Nov. 7 in Cancer.
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With Education, Discharge Blood Glucose Profile Predicts HbA1c
MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with type 2 diabetes receiving inpatient diabetes education, blood glucose profile at discharge can predict hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level at 12 weeks after discharge, according to a study published online Oct. 27 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
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Memantine + Sertraline Effective for Major Depressive Disorder
MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- The combination of memantine plus sertraline is efficacious for major depressive disorder, according to a study published online Nov. 3 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
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Five Strategies Can Reduce Risk of Medical Lawsuits
MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Five strategies can be employed by physicians in order to help reduce the risk of lawsuits, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Recommendations Updated for Meningococcal Vaccine in HIV
MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- In the Nov. 4 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, new recommendations are presented for meningococcal conjugate vaccination among HIV-infected individuals.
Ocular Syphilis Cases May Be Increasing in United States
MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Ocular syphilis has been identified in jurisdictions in the United States, with reports of increases in five jurisdictions in 2014 and 2015, according to a review published the Nov. 4 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Nonadherence in Nearly One-Third of Patients With HTN
MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- More than 30 percent of patients with hypertension are not adherent to antihypertensive drug therapy, according to a study published online Nov. 3 in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
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PCSK9, LDL-C Link Only Seen for Patients With Highest HbA1c
MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the correlation between pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is only seen in the highest tertile for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), according to a study published online Nov. 2 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
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New QI Intervention Aids Pain Management for Seniors in the ER
MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- The Improving Pain Relief in Elder Patients (I-PREP) quality improvement (QI) intervention improves pain management in older adults in the emergency department, according to a study published online Nov. 2 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Smoking Ups Cancer Risk by Causing Distinct Cell Mutations
FRIDAY, Nov. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Tobacco smoking causes mutations that lead to cancer by multiple distinct mechanisms, according to a study published in the Nov. 4 issue of Science.
Health Anxiety Takes Toll on Cardiovascular Health
FRIDAY, Nov. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- People with high levels of health anxiety have about a 70 percent increased risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD), after taking into account other known risk factors, according to research published online Nov. 3 in BMJ Open.
Part D Has Reduced Out-of-Pocket Rx Drug Costs in Diabetes
FRIDAY, Nov. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Medicare Part D has effectively reduced the out-of-pocket cost burden of prescription drugs for beneficiaries with diabetes, according to a study published online Nov. 1 in Diabetes Care.
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Women Have Worse Outcomes During 36 Months After ACS
FRIDAY, Nov. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- In a study published in the Nov. 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology, among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), women were found to have a higher mortality rate than men during 36 months of follow-up.
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About Half of Seniors in ER Willing to Use Tablet Computers
FRIDAY, Nov. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- About half of older adults in the emergency department are willing to provide information using a tablet computer, but few can do so without needing assistance, according to a study published online Nov. 2 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Experience of Spouses Explored in Pre-Heart Transplant Period
FRIDAY, Nov. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- In a review published online Nov. 2 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, six themes are identified among spouses of heart transplant recipients, some of which are associated with high levels of stress.
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Half of Americans Have at Least One Chronic Health Condition
THURSDAY, Nov. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- More than half of Americans have at least one chronic disease, mental illness, or problem with drugs or alcohol, according to a study published online recently in Psychology, Health & Medicine.
Differences in Risk Factor Estimates for Prostate Cancer
THURSDAY, Nov. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For screened men enrolled in prostate cancer prevention trials, there are considerable differences in risk factor estimates for prostate cancer, according to a study published online Oct. 28 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Ambulatory IV Diuretics Cut Costs in Decompensated Heart Failure
THURSDAY, Nov. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Ambulatory, high-dose intravenous diuretic therapy seems to be cost saving for decompensated heart failure, according to a study published in the Nov. 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
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Myocarditis ID'd With Ipilimumab + Nivolumab in Melanoma
THURSDAY, Nov. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with melanoma treated with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab may be at risk for a potentially fatal T-cell-driven drug reaction, according to a report published in the Nov. 3 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Increased Global, Subcutaneous Inflammation in Psoriasis
THURSDAY, Nov. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Psoriasis patients have increased global arterial inflammation and subcutaneous inflammation, according to a study published online Oct. 27 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
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Vague Food Labels Can Place Patients With Allergies at Risk
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Shoppers are often confused by food labels that warn of potential allergens, and the consequences can be serious, according to research published online Nov. 1 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
Scented Products, Environments Linked to Health Woes for Many
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Fragranced products such as soaps, candles, and air fresheners cause more than one-third of U.S. adults to suffer ill health effects, including headaches, dizziness and breathing difficulties, according to research published online Oct. 20 in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health.
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Maternal, Neonatal Adverse Events Up With Antenatal ART
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For HIV-infected pregnant women, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with significantly lower rates of early HIV transmission, but with a higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, according to a study published in the Nov. 3 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
About 30 Percent Misdiagnosed With Lower Extremity Cellulitis
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- More than 30 percent of patients admitted with a diagnosis of lower extremity cellulitis are misdiagnosed, according to a study published online Nov. 2 in JAMA Dermatology.
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ASCO Updates Guidelines on Integration of Palliative Care
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- The American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline on the integration of palliative care into standard oncology care has been updated. The update was published online Oct. 28 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Community Pharmacists Play Role in Providing Preventive Care
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Community pharmacists are well suited to provide clinical preventive services, including education, screenings, and making referrals, according to a report published in the Oct. 27 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Preventing Chronic Disease.
In-Hospital Mortality Down With Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Sx
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is associated with lower in-hospital mortality and shorter length of hospital stay versus open thoracotomy, according to a study published online Oct. 25 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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Psych Meds Rx May Cut Violent Reoffending in Ex-Prisoners
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Released prisoners may be less likely to commit violent crimes if they're prescribed certain kinds of psychiatric medications, according to research published in the Nov. 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Acute Hepatitis Described With Excessive Energy Drink Intake
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- A case of acute hepatitis tied to excessive energy drink consumption is detailed in a report published online Nov. 1 in BMJ Case Reports.
Incidence of Statin-Associated T2DM Relatively Low
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients without diabetes, the incidence of statin-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is relatively low, according to research published in the Nov. 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
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Genetic Testing May Help ID VTE Risk in Breast Cancer Patients
TUESDAY, Nov. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Genetic testing could help identify breast cancer patients at high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), according to a study published online Nov. 1 in Clinical Cancer Research.
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Benefit of Exercise on Resting Pulse Rate in Seniors Unclear
TUESDAY, Nov. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- A long-term moderate-intensity physical activity (PA) intervention may reduce resting pulse rate (RPR) among older adults, according to a study published online Oct. 27 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Educational Intervention Aids Problematic Hypoglycemia
TUESDAY, Nov. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- A brief, partly web-based educational intervention, HypoAware, is beneficial for reducing severe hypoglycemic episodes and improving hypoglycemia awareness compared with usual care, according to a study published online Oct. 20 in Diabetes Care.
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Reduction of Chemical Exposure Cuts Diabetes in Elderly
TUESDAY, Nov. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For elderly adults, reduction of chemical exposures is associated with reduced burden and costs of diabetes, according to a study published online Oct. 27 in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.
Similar Complication Rate for Transvenous, Subcutaneous ICDs
TUESDAY, Nov. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- For patients at risk for sudden cardiac death, the rate of complications is similar with transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (TV-ICDs) and subcutaneous ICDs (S-ICDs), although the nature of complications differs, according to a study published in the Nov. 8 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Medicaid Policies Impact Use of Smoking Cessation Medications
TUESDAY, Nov. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Medicaid policies, such as those that require patients to obtain counseling in order to receive smoking cessation medications, affect use of these medications, according to a study published in the Oct. 27 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Preventing Chronic Disease.
Intervention Improves Cognitive Symptoms in Cancer Survivors
TUESDAY, Nov. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- A web-based cognitive rehabilitation program can improve cognitive symptoms in cancer survivors, according to a study published online Oct. 28 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.