Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine for February 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Lifetime Risk for Atrial Fibrillation Is One in Seven in Taiwan
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adults in Taiwan, the lifetime risk of atrial fibrillation is about one in seven, according to a study published in the February issue of CHEST.
Increased Adiposity Measures Affect MI Risk More in Women
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Increases in waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio are associated with a greater excess risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in women than men, according to a study published online Feb. 28 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
New Risk Score Assesses Stroke Risk After MI Without A-Fib
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new risk score incorporates readily accessible risk factors associated with the occurrence of stroke in patients after myocardial infarction (MI) in the absence of atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a study published in the Feb. 20 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Varicose Veins May Increase Likelihood of Blood Clots
TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with varicose veins have a significantly increased risk of incident deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and may have increased risks of pulmonary embolism (PE), and peripheral artery disease (PAD), according to a study published in the Feb. 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Medical Marijuana Laws Not Tied to Increases in Teen Use
TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Current evidence does not show that medical marijuana laws (MMLs) enacted through 2014 have led to increases in adolescent marijuana use, according to a review published online Feb. 22 in Addiction.
Early Studies Often Show Exaggerated Treatment Effect
TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Trials to evaluate drugs or devices used to treat chronic medical conditions that are published early in the chain of evidence often show an exaggerated treatment effect compared with subsequent trials, according to research published online Feb. 21 in the Mayo Clinical Proceedings.
Low Risk of Serotonin Syndrome for Triptans + SSRI/SNRI
TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A low risk of serotonin syndrome is seen in association with concomitant use of triptans and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in JAMA Neurology.
COPD Hospitalizations, Deaths, Prevalence Higher in Rural Areas
TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence, Medicare hospitalizations, and deaths are significantly higher in rural areas, according to research published in the Feb. 23 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Treatment Effect of Fenofibrate Varies in Patients With T2DM
TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For individual patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the effect of fenofibrate treatment varies and is larger in patients with dyslipidemia, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in Diabetes Care.
Race, Insurance Status Affects Job Status After Breast Cancer
TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Diminished employment two years after early-stage breast cancer diagnosis is associated with African-American race and uninsured or publicly insured status, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in Cancer.
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Female Infertility Tied to Asthma Managed With Rescue Inhalers
TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women with current asthma who use intermittent reliever treatment with short-acting beta-agonists have reduced fertility, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in the European Respiratory Journal.
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Women With Non-Obstructive CAD May Suffer From Myocardial Scars
TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among women with suspected ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA), the prevalence of baseline late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) indicating presence of myocardial scars is 8 percent, according to a research letter published in the Feb. 20 issue of Circulation, a Go Red For Women issue focused on women’s heart health.
Lead, Other Toxic Metals Found in E-Cigarette Vapors
MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Toxic metals, including lead, leak from some Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) heating coils and are present in the aerosols inhaled by users, according to a study published in the February issue of Environmental Health Perspectives.
Understanding Rx Nonadherence Can Improve Adherence
MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Understanding nonadherence in patients and encouraging a change in attitude toward patients and their medication can improve medication adherence, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Recommendations for Optimizing Hidden Curriculum in Medicine
MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a position paper published online Feb. 27 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the American College of Physicians (ACP) presents recommendations for optimizing clinical learning environments by fostering a positive hidden curriculum in medicine.
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No Link Found for Metformin or Statins and Ovarian Cancer
MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In women with type 2 diabetes, no evidence was found of an association between the use of metformin or statins and the incidence of ovarian cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
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Prevalence of ALS Remained at 5.0/100,000 in U.S. in 2014
MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was 5.0 per 100,000 persons in 2014, which was unchanged from 2013, according to research published in the Feb. 23 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Treatment-Free Remission Feasible After Nilotinib in CML
MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), treatment-free remission (TFR) appears to be feasible after second-line nilotinib, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Vegetarian, Med Diets Similarly Effective for Body Weight
MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A low-calorie lacto-ovo vegetarian diet (VD) and a low-calorie Mediterranean diet (MedD) are similarly effective for reducing body weight, body mass index, and fat mass for overweight omnivores, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in Circulation.
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Coronary Artery Dz Extent Similar in Men, Women With T1DM
MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 1 diabetes, the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) is similar in women and men admitted for coronary angiography, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in Diabetes Care.
Knee Pain, Functional Impairment Associated With Depression
MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Knee pain and functional impairments in elderly individuals are associated with the development of depressive symptoms, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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FDA Warns of Possible Heart Risks Linked to Clarithromycin
FRIDAY, Feb. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The antibiotic clarithromycin (brand name: Biaxin) may increase the long-term risk of heart problems and death in patients with heart disease, according to U.S. health officials.
Artificial Intelligence May Help Prevent Physician Burnout
FRIDAY, Feb. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Artificial intelligence (AI), in which computers can be trained to recognize patterns in large quantities of data, may be able to reduce physicians’ burdens, saving them time and energy, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Hand Hygiene Program Tied to Lower Nursing Home Mortality
FRIDAY, Feb. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A multifaceted hand hygiene (HH) program may have a short-term impact on mortality in nursing homes (NHs), according to a study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
Younger Onset of T2DM Linked to Increased Mortality Risk
FRIDAY, Feb. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Younger onset of type 2 diabetes is associated with increased mortality risk, mainly due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in Diabetologia.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy Tied to Less Pronounced Kyphosis
FRIDAY, Feb. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Menopausal hormone therapy (HT) use is associated with less pronounced kyphosis compared with never-use, according to a study published online Feb. 16 in Menopause.
FDA Cracks Down on Kratom Products
THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A number of kratom-containing dietary supplements are being recalled and destroyed by the manufacturer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday.
Risk Factors for Recurrence of Acute Diverticulitis Identified
THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Certain patient factors increase the risk of recurrent acute diverticulitis, according to a study published in the March issue of Diseases of the Colon & Rectum.
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CDC: No Change in Percentage of Uninsured in U.S. From ’16 to ’17
THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The percentage of uninsured U.S. persons of all ages did not change significantly from 2016 to the first nine months of 2017, according to a report published online Feb. 22 by the National Center for Health Statistics.
Chronicity of Depression Ups Failure Along Continuum of HIV Care
THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Chronicity of depression is associated with increased likelihood of failure along the continuum of HIV care, according to a study published online Feb. 21 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Alcohol Use Disorders Tied to Increased Risk of Dementia Onset
THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Alcohol use disorders are associated with increased risk for dementia onset, especially early-onset dementia, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in The Lancet Public Health.
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21 Reviewed Antidepressants Top Placebo for Major Depression
THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adults with major depressive disorder, all antidepressants are more efficacious than placebo, according to research published online Feb. 21 in The Lancet.
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Cardiorespiratory Fitness, White Matter Integrity Tied to Cognition
THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with better white matter (WM) fiber integrity in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to a study published recently in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Worse Prognosis for Prediabetes Defined by HbA1c
THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Prediabetes defined by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is associated with worse prognosis than definition by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or two-hour plasma glucose (2hPG), according to a study published online Feb. 16 in Diabetes Care.
Regardless of CV Risks, Cancer History Impacts Mortality
THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cancer history has an important impact on mortality independent of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), according to a study published online Feb. 12 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
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Odds of ARDS Up After Cardiac Surgery During Flu Season
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Undergoing cardiac surgery during the influenza season is associated with increased likelihood of development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), according to a research letter published in the Feb. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
In A-Fib Patients, Stroke Risk Higher for Blacks Than Whites
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Compared with whites, blacks are at increased risk of developing an ischemic stroke either before or after diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a study published online Feb. 20 in Heart Rhythm.
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No Evidence Use of SEP-1 Bundle Ups Survival in Sepsis
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adults with sepsis, use of the Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1) or its hemodynamic interventions is not associated with improved survival, according to a review published online Feb. 19 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
All Physical Activity Tied to Reduced Mortality in Older Men
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — All activities (of light intensity upward) are beneficial for older men, with no additional benefit for accumulation of activity in bouts ≥10 minutes beyond total volume of activity, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Chronic Opioid Users May Wish to Taper Opioid Use
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many patients with non-cancer-related chronic pain prescribed long-term opioids may wish to taper their opioid use, according to a research letter published online Feb. 19 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Treatment Model Linked to Drop in Post-Incarceration Overdoses
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Introduction of a new model of screening and protocoled treatment with medications for opioid addiction treatment (MAT), including methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, is associated with a reduction in postincarceration deaths from overdose, according to a research letter published online Feb. 14 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Perioperative Glucose but Not A1C Predicts Surgical Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Perioperative glucose predicts 30-day mortality linearly in noncardiac surgical patients and nonlinearly in cardiac surgical patients, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in Diabetes Care.
Mental Stress-Induced Myocardial Ischemia Risk Up for Women
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Compared with men, women have an increased risk of mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI) after myocardial infarction (MI), with microvascular dysfunction and peripheral vasoconstriction with mental stress implicated in MSIMI in women, according to a study published in the Feb. 20 issue of Circulation, a Go Red For Women issue focused on women’s heart health.
Accelerated Lung Function Decline for Women Who Clean
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Accelerated lung function decline is seen in women responsible for cleaning at home or working in occupational cleaning, according to a study published online Feb. 16 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Obesity Linked to Improved Survival in Metastatic Melanoma
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For men with metastatic melanoma treated with targeted or immune therapy, obesity is associated with improved survival, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in The Lancet Oncology.
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Administrative Costs Estimated at Health Care System
TUESDAY, Feb. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The estimated costs of billing range from $20 for a primary care visit to $215 for an inpatient surgical procedure, according to a study published in the Feb. 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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12-Month Weight Loss Doesn’t Differ With Low-Fat, Carb Diets
TUESDAY, Feb. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Weight change over 12 months does not differ for a healthy low-fat (HLF) diet or a healthy low-carbohydrate (HLC) diet, according to a study published in the Feb. 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
USPSTF Urges Multicomponent Behavioral Interventions for Obesity
TUESDAY, Feb. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that clinicians provide adults with a body mass index of 30 kg/m² or higher to intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions. These findings form the basis of a draft recommendations statement, published online Feb. 20 by the USPSTF.
Draft Recommendation Statement
Draft Evidence Review
Comment on Recommendation
Mortality Risks of Exclusive Cigar, Cigarette, Pipe Use ID’d
TUESDAY, Feb. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Exclusive current cigarette and cigar use is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Burnout Found Prevalent Among Doctors in Single Health System
TUESDAY, Feb. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Burnout is prevalent among physicians, affecting over one-third of physicians in a single health system, and is associated with health care delivery, according to a research letter published online Feb. 19 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Ertugliflozin Tied to Improved Glycemic Control in T2DM
TUESDAY, Feb. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes, ertugliflozin treatment is associated with improved glycemic control over 52 weeks, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
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Anticoagulants in Seniors With A-Fib, CKD Ups Stroke, ICH Risk
TUESDAY, Feb. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For older patients with concomitant chronic kidney disease and a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, anticoagulants are associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke and hemorrhage, but with reduced risk of all-cause mortality, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in The BMJ.
Treatment Initiation for Depression Low in Primary Care
FRIDAY, Feb. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Treatment initiation for depression remains suboptimal in the primary care setting, despite wide availability of effective treatments and increased detection efforts, according to a study published Feb. 8 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Molecular Markers May ID Alzheimer’s Before Clinical Onset
FRIDAY, Feb. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For young adults with autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease (AD), molecular markers can identify changes associated with the disease before clinical onset, according to a study published online Feb. 12 in JAMA Neurology.
Influenza A(H3N2) Viruses Predominate 2017-2018 Season
FRIDAY, Feb. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most influenza viruses identified in the 2017 to 2018 season are influenza A, with A(H3N2) viruses predominating, according to research published in the Feb. 16 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Rotating Night Shift Work Tied to Increased Odds of T2DM
FRIDAY, Feb. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Rotating shift work which includes night shifts is associated with increased odds of type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online Feb. 12 in Diabetes Care.
Long-Term Inhaled Corticosteroid Use May Raise Fracture Risk
FRIDAY, Feb. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Long-term, high-dose use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) is associated with a modest increase in the risk of hip and upper extremity fractures in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study published in the February issue of CHEST.
Many in Oregon View Alcohol As More Harmful Than Marijuana
THURSDAY, Feb. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Just more than half of surveyed adults consider alcohol to be more harmful than marijuana, according to a study published in the April issue of Preventive Medicine.
Patients Want Physicians to Have Greater Connectivity
THURSDAY, Feb. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most patients want greater connectivity, online tools and text messaging, as well as more time with their physicians, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Short Stature in Childhood Tied to Higher Stroke Risk in Adulthood
THURSDAY, Feb. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Short stature at 7 to 13 years is significantly associated with increased risks in adulthood of ischemic stroke (IS) in both sexes and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in men, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in Stroke.
Ultra-Processed Food Linked to Increased Overall Cancer Risk
THURSDAY, Feb. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Consumption of ultra-processed food is associated with increased risk of overall and breast cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in The BMJ.
Increased Premature Mortality Risk Seen for Single Fathers
THURSDAY, Feb. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Single fathers have a significantly higher risk of mortality than single mothers or partnered fathers, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in The Lancet Public Health.
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Poor Outcomes With Systolic BP Below 120 mm Hg in HFpEF
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For hospitalized patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), poor outcomes are seen in association with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) level below 120 mm Hg, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in JAMA Cardiology.
Kidney Stone Incidence Increased Between 1984 and 2012
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 1984 to 2012, there was an increase in the incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic kidney stones, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
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Low Dose-Rate Far-UVC Light Can Inactivate Influenza Virus
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Very low-dose 222-nm UVC ultraviolet light can inactivate more than 95 percent of aerosolized H1N1 influenza virus, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Scientific Reports.
Safety of PERC Tool Validated for Very Low Risk PE Rule Out in ER
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For low risk patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE), randomization to eight-item PE rule-out criteria (PERC) seems safe, according to a study published in the Feb. 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Higher Biopsy Rates for Women Undergoing Screening Breast MRI
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women undergoing screening breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have higher biopsy rates and significantly lower cancer yield findings compared with screening mammography alone, regardless of personal history of breast cancer (PHBC), according to a study published online Feb. 12 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Greater Weight Loss With RYGB in Obese With T2DM at Three Years
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For obese adults with type 2 diabetes, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is associated with greater weight loss, lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and reduced cardiovascular risk compared with intensive medical diabetes and weight management (IMWM), according to a study published online Feb. 6 in Diabetes Care.
Genetics Should Inform Care in Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Genetic stratification should play a role in clinical care of patients with noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM), according to a study published in the Feb. 20 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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During 2013 to 2016, 8.1 Percent of U.S. Adults Had Depression
TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — During 2013 to 2016, 8.1 percent of American adults aged 20 years and older had depression in a given two-week period, according to a February data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
Lipoproteins, Lipids Have Similar Ties to MI, Ischemic Stroke
TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Lipoproteins and lipids are similarly associated with risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke (IS) but not intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), according to a study published in the Feb. 13 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Perfluoroalkyl Substances Linked to Greater Weight Regain
TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Higher concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are associated with greater weight regain in a diet-induced weight-loss setting, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in PLOS Medicine.
Four Best Practices Outlined to Prevent Health Care Cyberattacks
TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Four best practices outlined that can help prevent health care cyberattacks, which increased from 2016 to 2017, according to a report published in Managed Healthcare Executive.
Treating Depression Found to Up Successful Opioid Cessation
TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Antidepressant medication (ADM) adherence is associated with cessation of long-term prescription opioid use among patients with non-cancer pain, according to a study published in the February issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry.
Omalizumab Effective for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Omalizumab, alone or in combination with a short-term course of corticosteroids, is highly effective for the treatment of refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), according to a study published online Feb. 5 in the International Journal of Dermatology.
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Patterns of Violations in Drinking Water Quality ID’d for 1982-2015
TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For drinking water quality violations, increasing time trends and violation hot spots have been identified in several states, especially in the Southwest, according to a study published online Feb. 12 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
USPSTF Recommends Against Ovarian Cancer Screening
TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against screening for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published in the Feb. 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Evidence Report
Final Recommendation Statement
Education About Imaging Most Often Given by Ordering Provider
TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing imaging examinations, 78 percent reported receiving some form of pre-examination information, while 52 percent sought information themselves, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in Radiology.
Eating Slower Tied to Lower Obesity Risk in Type 2 Diabetes
TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Eating speed can affect changes in obesity, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online Feb. 12 in BMJ Open.
Risk of Fatal Traffic Crashes Up After April 20 Cannabis Event
MONDAY, Feb. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The risk of fatal traffic crashes is increased on April 20 in the United States, when many Americans celebrate the intoxicating properties of marijuana, with celebrations featuring synchronized mass consumption of cannabis at 4:20 p.m., according to a research letter published online Feb. 12 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Limited Evidence for Effect of Cranial Electrical Stimulation
MONDAY, Feb. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Evidence for the effectiveness of cranial electrical stimulation (CES) is sparse, according to a review published online Feb. 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Opioid Use Linked to Risk of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease
MONDAY, Feb. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Opioid use is associated with elevated risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), especially for long-acting, high-potency, and high-dose opioids, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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EHRs Not Sufficient to Ensure Success in Value-Based Care
MONDAY, Feb. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Electronic health records (EHRs) are not sufficient to ensure success in value-based care, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Premature Dementia Risk May Be Up in Survivors of Heart Defects
MONDAY, Feb. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with increased risk of dementia in adults, according to a study published online Feb. 12 in Circulation.
Mortality Up in Diabetes With Low eGFR, No Albuminuria
MONDAY, Feb. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among U.S. adults with diabetes, albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) values are decreasing, but mortality rates are increasing among those with ACR <30 mg/g and low estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs), according to a study published online Feb. 7 in Diabetes Care.
Open-Label Placebo May Reduce Fatigue in Cancer Survivors
MONDAY, Feb. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Open-label placebo (OLP) may reduce fatigue in cancer survivors, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Scientific Reports.
Top Consumer Concerns Reported About Physicians
FRIDAY, Feb. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Health care consumers have four major concerns regarding their physicians, according to a report published by Managed Healthcare Executive.
Diabetes Signs May Be Present 20 Years Before Diagnosis
FRIDAY, Feb. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with subtle elevations of glucose and lipids more than 20 years before diagnosis, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
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Direct Oral Anticoagulants Plus Antiplatelets Effective in ACS
FRIDAY, Feb. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), treatment with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in addition to antiplatelet therapy (APT) appears efficacious for those with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), according to a review published online Feb. 7 in JAMA Cardiology.
Prenatal, Early Life Fructose Intake Associated With Asthma
FRIDAY, Feb. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Maternal prenatal and early childhood intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and fructose is associated with current asthma in midchildhood, regardless of adiposity, according to a study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
Acne Linked to Increased Risk of Major Depressive Disorder
FRIDAY, Feb. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Acne is associated with increased probability of developing major depressive disorder (MDD), with risk highest within one year of diagnosis, according to a research letter published online Feb. 7 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
High-Risk Typologies for Heavy Drinking ID’d in Underage Women
FRIDAY, Feb. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For underage women, high-risk trajectories have been identified for heavy episodic drinking (HED), and feminine norms are associated with latent trajectory classes, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.
FDA Says U.S. Will Now Produce Critical MRI Component
THURSDAY, Feb. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A long-feared shortage of a substance used in millions of medical imaging procedures each year in the United States appears to have been avoided, federal officials report.
Low Serum Sodium Linked to Cognitive Decline in Older Men
THURSDAY, Feb. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Low serum sodium is associated with cognitive impairment and cognitive decline among community-dwelling older men, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
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Breastfeeding Found to Be Protective Against Hypertension
THURSDAY, Feb. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Postmenopausal women who breastfed more children, or breastfed for a longer duration, have a lower risk of hypertension, according to a study published online Jan. 30 in the American Journal of Hypertension.
Poll: Personal Beliefs Shouldn’t Allow Doctors to Refuse to Treat
THURSDAY, Feb. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most people do not believe that professionals including health care providers should be allowed to refuse to provide services based on their conscience or beliefs, according to a recent HealthDay/The Harris Poll.
Active Surveillance OK for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
THURSDAY, Feb. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, active surveillance seems reasonable and cost-effective, according to a study published in the February issue of The Journal of Urology.
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Updated Review Confirms Worse Stroke Outcomes for Women
THURSDAY, Feb. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women have more activity limitations and worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after stroke, according to a review published online Feb. 8 in Stroke.
ER Visit Rate 92 Per 1,000 for Diabetes Patients 45 and Older
THURSDAY, Feb. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In 2015, the rate of diabetes-related visits to the emergency department was 92 per 1,000 persons for those aged 45 and older, according to a February data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
ICD Placement Doesn’t Improve Survival in Patients With CKD
THURSDAY, Feb. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)-eligible patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), ICD placement does not improve survival, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Positive Age Beliefs May Protect Seniors Against Dementia
THURSDAY, Feb. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Positive age beliefs may protect against dementia, even among older individuals with APOE ε4, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in PLOS ONE.
Drowsiness May Be Factor in About 10 Percent of Crashes
THURSDAY, Feb. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Drowsiness may be a factor in about 10 percent of crashes, more than previously indicated in federal estimates, according to a report published by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
FDA Says Herbal Drug Kratom Contains Opioids
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The popular botanical drug kratom essentially is an opioid, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared Tuesday.
Depressed Rural HIV Patients May Benefit From Therapy Via Phone
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Telephone-administered interpersonal psychotherapy (tele-IPT) is associated with longer-term depression relief than usual care in depressed rural people living with HIV (PLHIV), according to a study published online Jan. 25 in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
Ridesharing Services Don’t Reduce Missed Appointments
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For Medicaid patients, the uptake of rideshare-based transportation is low and is not associated with a reduction in missed primary care appointments, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
HSV-1 Prevalence 47.8 Percent in 14- to 49-Year-Olds
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 is 47.8 and 11.9 percent, respectively, for individuals aged 14 to 49 years, according to a February data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
Expenditures Rising for Treating Obesity-Related Illness in U.S.
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The amount of U.S. health care resources devoted to treating obesity-related illness in U.S. adults rose 29 percent from 2001 to 2015, according to a review published in the January issue of Clinical Chemistry.
Stem Cell Transplant May Be Effective for Systemic Sclerosis
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Stem cell transplant may be an effective treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc), according to a small study published online Feb. 2 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
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HPV Prevalence 4.9 Percent in Tonsil Tissue of Healthy Adults
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and of high-risk HPV type 16 or 18 is 4.9 and 3.9 percent, respectively, in the tonsil tissue of healthy adults, according to a study published online Jan. 25 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Anti-Vaccination Attitudes Linked to Belief in Conspiracies
TUESDAY, Feb. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Those with anti-vaccination beliefs are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories and hold strong individualistic/hierarchical worldviews, according to a study published online Feb. 1 in Health Psychology.
Possible Link Found Between Poor Diet and Back Injuries
TUESDAY, Feb. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A high advanced glycation end product (H-AGE) diet is associated with decreased vertebral microstructure, mechanical behaviors, and fracture resistance in young female mice, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
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2005 to 2014 Saw Increase in Melanoma Incidence
TUESDAY, Feb. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In recent years there has been an increase in melanoma incidence, with more than 70 percent of melanomas diagnosed among those aged 55 years and older, according to a research letter published online Jan. 31 in JAMA Dermatology.
Guideline-Directed Medical Tx Adherence Low Post CABG
TUESDAY, Feb. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Compliance with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is low, and remains higher in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) than in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), according to a review published in the Feb. 13 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Sustained Viral Suppression Lower Among Blacks With HIV
TUESDAY, Feb. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A lower percentage of blacks than Hispanics and whites with HIV infection have sustained viral suppression, according to research published in the Feb. 2 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
2018 Immunization Schedule Issued for U.S. Adults
MONDAY, Feb. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The recommended immunization schedule for U.S. adults aged 19 years and older has been issued for 2018 and published online Feb. 6 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Opioid Prescribing Trends in the VA Similar to Other Settings
MONDAY, Feb. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Opioid prescribing trends in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) from 2010 to 2016 followed similar trajectories as non-VHA settings, peaking around 2012 then declining, according to a study published online Jan. 29 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Hot Tea + Alcohol or Smoking May Up Esophageal Cancer Risk
MONDAY, Feb. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Consumption of tea at high temperatures in combination with alcohol and tobacco exposure is associated with increased risk of esophageal cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Health Care Use Down in Diabetes Patients With High Deductibles
MONDAY, Feb. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overall, patients who switch to high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) have a decrease in health care utilization, though high-severity emergency department visit expenditures and hospitalization days increase in members from low-income neighborhoods, according to a study published online Jan. 30 in Diabetes Care.
Hypertension Common One Year After Severe Preeclampsia
MONDAY, Feb. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — More than 40 percent of women with severe preeclampsia have hypertension one year after delivery, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in Hypertension.
Mental Health Care Access Differs With Race, Insurance
MONDAY, Feb. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among adults with serious psychological distress, whites and those with private insurance were significantly more likely than blacks to experience certain barriers to utilizing health care, according to a study published online Feb. 1 in Psychiatric Services.
Patient, Provider Characteristics Tied to Unnecessary Antibiotic Rx
MONDAY, Feb. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patient, practice, and provider characteristics are associated with inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing in the outpatient setting, according to a study published online Jan. 30 in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
Humanities Exposure Positively Impacts Medical Students
MONDAY, Feb. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Exposure to the humanities correlates with less burnout and higher levels of positive personal qualities among medical students, according to a study published online Jan. 29 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Despite Motivation, Drinkers Have Difficulty Reducing Alcohol Use
FRIDAY, Feb. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Few high-risk individuals motivated to reduce alcohol consumption are successful after six months, according to a study published online Jan. 25 in Addiction.
Factors Identified That Impact Physicians IT Adoption
FRIDAY, Feb. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physicians have considerable concerns about the efficacy and evidence base of health information technology (IT), according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Mortality Risk Similar for Career Versus Limited NFL Participation
FRIDAY, Feb. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Career participation in professional American football seems not to be associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared with limited participation, according to a study published online Feb. 1 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Chronic Disease Major Risk Factor for Cancer, Cancer Mortality
FRIDAY, Feb. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Chronic disease is associated with a substantial proportion of the risk of incident cancer and cancer mortality, according to a study published online Jan. 31 in The BMJ.
Review Outlines Nutritional Differences in Plant-Based Milks
FRIDAY, Feb. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The nutritional differences and health benefits among various plant-based alternative milks are discussed in a review published in the January issue of the Journal of Food Science and Technology.
Using Hands Is Best Method for Splitting Aspirin Tablets
THURSDAY, Feb. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Using your hands may be best for splitting an aspirin tablet, according to a study published online Jan. 24 in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research.
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Overvaluation, Binge Eating Linked to Functional Impairment
THURSDAY, Feb. 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Overvaluation and binge eating are strong and unique predictors of distress and impairment among women with binge-eating disorder (BED), according to a study published recently in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
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Medicaid Expansion Cuts Out-of-Pocket Spending
THURSDAY, Feb. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — States that expanded Medicaid cut the probability of non-elderly near-poor adults being uninsured and lowered average out-of-pocket spending, according to a study published online Jan. 24 in Health Affairs.
NSAID Users Commonly Exceed Daily Limit
THURSDAY, Feb. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The number of users who exceed the daily limit of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is “nontrivial,” according to a study published online Jan. 26 in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety.
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Migraine Linked to Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
THURSDAY, Feb. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Migraine is associated with elevated risks of myocardial infarction, stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic), venous thromboembolism, and atrial fibrillation or flutter, according to a study published online Jan. 31 in The BMJ.
AHA: Breast Cancer Patients at Increased Risk for CV Disease
THURSDAY, Feb. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Due to shared risk factors and impact on heart health from cancer treatment, comprehensive care is necessary for breast cancer patients to optimize both cancer treatment and cardiovascular health, according to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association published online Feb. 1 in Circulation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Not Found to Up Risk of Heart Disease
THURSDAY, Feb. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is not associated with fatal or nonfatal coronary heart disease or major vascular events, according to a review published online Jan. 31 in JAMA Cardiology.
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