Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine for March 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.
Simple Lung Function Tests in Primary Care Help ID Early COPD
FRIDAY, March 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) A peak flow meter or microspirometer can be used routinely in primary care among patients with suspected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for early case identification, according to a study published online March 13 in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
After Hockey Win, Fans’ Heart Attack Risk Rises
FRIDAY, March 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Following a professional hockey game victory, there is an increase in heart attack-related hospital admissions among male fans, according to a study published online March 29 in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.
ACA Has Provided Better Access to Care for Cancer Survivors
FRIDAY, March 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cancer survivors are more likely to have difficulty accessing and affording health care, but the proportion reporting these issues is decreasing, according to a study published online March 29 in JAMA Oncology.
Rate of MI, Stroke Higher After Respiratory Infection
FRIDAY, March 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The risk for myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke remains higher after laboratory-confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae or influenza, according to a study published March 21 in the European Respiratory Journal.
Montreal Parkinson Risk of Dementia Scale Deemed Accurate
FRIDAY, March 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The office-based, eight-item Montreal Parkinson Risk of Dementia Scale is a valid predictor of development of dementia, according to a study published online March 26 in JAMA Neurology.
Lower Energy Consumption for South Asian Migrants With T2DM
FRIDAY, March 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among South Asian (SA) migrants in the United States, those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) consume less total energy and have lower consumption of many nutrients than those without T2DM, according to a study published in the April issue of Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.
Change in BMI During Puberty Tied to Later Heart Failure Risk
THURSDAY, March 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Change in body mass index (BMI) to overweight during puberty significantly increases men’s risk of heart failure later in life, according to a study published online March 12 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Scale of Online Marketplace for Marijuana Increasing
THURSDAY, March 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The scale of the online marketplace for marijuana increased from 2005 to 2017, according to a study published online March 22 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Pharmacists Have Responsibility to Check Opioid Rx Are Legitimate
THURSDAY, March 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pharmacists should be aware that they are expected to take steps to make sure opioid prescriptions are written for legitimate medical purposes, and should document these efforts, according to a report published in Drug Topics.
Novel Interstitium Has Been Identified in Human Tissues
THURSDAY, March 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A previously unrecognized interstitium has been identified in human tissues, according to a study published online March 27 in Scientific Reports.
Dining Out Linked to Phthalates Exposure in U.S. Population
THURSDAY, March 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among the U.S. population, dining out is associated with exposure to phthalates, according to a study published online March 28 in Environment International.
CDC: Many Adults Not Receiving Sexual Risk Assessments
THURSDAY, March 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Less than half of women and a quarter of men with recent sexual activity receive sexual risk assessment, according to a March data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
Duration of Antibiotics Often Exceeds Guidelines for Sinusitis
THURSDAY, March 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The durations of most courses of antibiotic therapy for adult outpatients with sinusitis exceed guideline recommendations, according to a research letter published online March 26 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Liquids in E-Cigarettes Are Heterogeneous, Frequently Toxic
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a heterogeneous group, and there is a positive correlation between the number of chemicals contained in the liquid and the likelihood of its toxicity, according to a study published online March 27 in PLOS Biology.
Physical, Executive Function Most Affected After Ischemic Stroke
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The most affected health domains after ischemic stroke are physical function, executive function, and satisfaction with social roles, according to a study published online March 28 in Neurology.
mHealth Program Increases Peak VO2 After Cardiac Rehab
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — After cardiac rehabilitation (CR), a 12-week mHealth program involving physical activity trackers and health coaching can increase absolute peak VO2 and moderate-high physical activity, according to a study published in the May issue of the American Heart Journal.
‘Nontrivial’ Number of Seniors Lack a Personal Physician
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medicare beneficiaries without a personal physician report substantially worse patient experiences and less routine care, according to a study published online Feb. 16 in Medical Care.
Heart Disease, Stroke Less Prevalent Among Foreign-Born
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Foreign-born adults living in the United States have a lower prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke than adults born in the United States, according to a study published online March 28 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy Linked to Reduced Abdominal Fat
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women who receive menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) have reduced age-adjusted visceral adipose tissue (VAT), according to a study published online March 27 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Use of E-Cigarettes May Hurt Efforts to Quit Smoking
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among smokers who plan to quit after being discharged from the hospital, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) users are less likely to abstain from tobacco at six months, compared to nonusers, according to a study published online March 27 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Total Estimated Cost of Diagnosed Diabetes $327 Billion in 2017
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes in 2017 was $327 billion, including $237 billion in direct medical costs, according to a study published online March 22 in Diabetes Care.
Recent Years Have Seen Obesity Prevalence Increasing for Adults
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adults, but not youth, there was an increase in the prevalence of obesity in decade between 2007-2008 and 2015-2016, according to a research letter published online March 23 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
1980 to 2014 Saw Decrease in U.S. Mortality From Infectious Diseases
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There were declines in mortality from most categories of infectious diseases between 1980 and 2014 in the United States, according to a study published in the March 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Parent-Child Book Reading Tied to Psychosocial Benefits
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reading books together is associated with psychosocial benefits in both children and parents, according to a review published online March 27 in Pediatrics.
Condition Readmission Measures Don’t Reflect Overall Quality
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Current publicly reported measures may not be good surrogates for overall hospital quality related to 30-day readmissions, according to a study published online March 27 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
EHR Usability Contributes to Possible Patient Harm Events
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Electronic health record (EHR) usability may contribute to possible patient harm events, according to a research letter published in the March 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Concern for Employer, Insurance Discrimination for Alzheimer’s Patients
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — U.S. adults express concerns about discrimination by employers and insurance for patients with Alzheimer’s disease dementia, according to a study published online March 27 in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
Inactivity, Prolonged Sitting Tied to Urinary Tract Infections in Men
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Prolonged sitting time and low physical activity levels are tied to higher incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men, according to a study published online March 20 in BJU International.
Impaired LV Response During Exercise in Preterm-Born Adults
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The hearts of young adults born prematurely have impaired left ventricular (LV) response to physiological stress during exercise compared with the hearts of those born at term, according to a study published in the March 27 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Geographic, Social Variances Tied to Higher Drug-Related Mortality
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — County-level economic and other social conditions explain the geographic disparities in overdose rates across the country, according to a study published online March 26 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Hepatitis C Screening Increasing Among Baby Boomers
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For baby boomers, born between 1945 and 1965, the odds of hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening increase over time, although the rates of screening are low, according to a study published online March 27 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Social Isolation, Loneliness May Increase AMI, Stroke Risk
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Isolation and loneliness may be associated with increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke, according to a study published online March 27 in Heart.
Complete Genome Sequence Can Be ID’d From Amniotic Fluid
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The complete genome sequence of fetuses can be elucidated from amniotic fluid, according to a study published online March 15 in Clinical Chemistry.
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Ethical Duties ID’d for Short-Term Global Health Experiences
MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a position paper published online March 27 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, ethical obligations have been detailed for physicians participating in short-term global health experiences (STEGHs).
BMI Linked to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Chronic Hep B
MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), body mass index (BMI) is significantly associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with the risk more pronounced for women than men, according to a research letter published online March 22 in JAMA Oncology.
Only Half of Adults With Familial Hypercholesterolemia on Statins
MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Only about 50 percent of adults with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are on statin therapy, and approximately 30 percent of those are taking high-intensity statins, according to a study published online March 26 in Circulation.
For Those With HIV, Symptom Burden Higher in Women
MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The burden of two of the most common symptoms in patients living with HIV — fatigue and muscle aches/joint pains — is higher in women, according to a study published online March 5 in Menopause.
Intensive Lifestyle Interventions Cut Long-Term Disability in T2DM
MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes, a long-term weight loss intervention is associated with a reduction in long-term disability, according to a study published online March 15 in Diabetes Care.
Measles in Childhood Affects Airflow Obstruction in Midlife
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Childhood measles infection appears to compound the associations between smoking, current asthma, and post-bronchodilator airflow obstruction, according to a study published online March 20 in Respirology.
Lean Approach May Help Tackle Burnout in Health Care Providers
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Lean approach, which emphasizes reducing waste and improving customer value by focusing on the big picture, can be used to address physician burnout, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
MVPA Mortality Risk Reduction Not Tied to Exercise in Bouts
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with reduced mortality risk, regardless of whether it is accumulated in bouts, according to a study published online March 22 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
History of Cancer Tied to Lower Endurance, Higher Fatigability
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A history of cancer is associated with fatigability and poor endurance, particularly in older adults, according to a study published recently in Cancer.
Smartwatch May Be Able to Passively Detect Atrial Fibrillation
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A smartwatch coupled with a machine learning algorithm is able to accurately detect atrial fibrillation (AF), with some loss of specificity and sensitivity compared to criterion-standard electrocardiography (ECG), according to a study published online March 21 in JAMA Cardiology.
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Food Insecurity Tied to Poor Glycemic Control in Diabetes
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Limited food access owing to cost (food insecurity) is associated with increased hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) among patients with diabetes, according to a study published online March 19 in Diabetes Care.
Hearing Difficulty May Up Risk of Accidental Injury
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Hearing difficulty is associated with accidental injury, according to a study published online March 22 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
NSAID Use Linked to A-Fib Risk in Middle-Aged Asian Population
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use is associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a middle-aged Asian population, according to a study published online March 20 in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacy.
Unique Risks Associated With Texting Medical Orders
THURSDAY, March 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Despite the popularity, convenience, and speed of texting medical orders, there are unique and alarming risks associated with the practice, according to a report published in Drug Topics.
Calorie Restriction Linked to Sustained Metabolic Adaptation
THURSDAY, March 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Calorie restriction (CR) over two years is associated with considerable weight loss, and with lower than expected energy expenditure (EE) relative to the weight loss, according to a study published online March 22 in Cell Metabolism.
Tai Chi Beats Aerobic Exercise in Fibromyalgia
THURSDAY, March 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Tai chi is associated with greater benefit than aerobic exercise for patients with fibromyalgia, according to a study published online March 21 in The BMJ.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors in T2DM Linked to IBD
THURSDAY, March 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are associated with increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease among patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online March 21 in The BMJ.
Vaccine-Derived Immune Protection Against Mumps Wanes
THURSDAY, March 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Vaccine-derived immune protection against mumps wanes on average 27 years after vaccination, according to a study published online March 21 in Science Translational Medicine.
Short-Term PPIs Tied to Higher Hip Fracture Risk in Alzheimer’s
THURSDAY, March 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Short-term proton pump inhibitor use, but not long-term or cumulative use, is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture among Alzheimer’s patients, according to a study published online March 6 in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
Home-Based Primary Care Ups Access in Rural Areas
THURSDAY, March 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Expanding home-based primary care (HBPC) to American Indian reservations and other rural communities increases access to long-term care and enrollment for health care benefits within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, according to a study published online March 12 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Hydrochlorothiazide Tied to Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Risk
THURSDAY, March 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide is associated with a substantially increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Adjuvant Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist Improves Asthma
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with persistent asthma, the use of long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) versus placebo as an adjunct to inhaled corticosteroids, and combined use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β-agonists (LABAs), termed single maintenance and reliever therapy (SMART), are associated with a reduced risk of exacerbations, according to two reviews published online March 19 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Nightmares Common in Military Personnel With Sleep Disturbance
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For U.S. military personnel with sleep disturbances, nightmares are highly prevalent, and nightmares are frequently comorbid with other sleep and mental health disorders, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
HIV Incidence Down in All Except Men Who Have Sex With Men
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2008 to 2015, there was a decrease in modeled HIV incidence in all transmission risk groups except men who have sex with men (MSM), according to research published online March 20 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Cardiovascular Health Declining in the United States
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Trends in racial/ethnic and nativity disparities in cardiovascular health decreased from 1988 to 2014, with the decrease attributed to worsening cardiovascular health among whites, according to a study published online March 20 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Blueprint Being Developed to Address Physician Burnout
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new, three-pronged approach is being applied to develop a blueprint for addressing physician burnout, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Physical Activity Linked to Lower Mortality Risk in CHD
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physical activity (PA), but not weight loss, is associated with improved survival in coronary heart disease (CHD), according to a study published in the March 13 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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USPSTF Recommends Skin Cancer Counseling for Fair-Skinned Youth
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S Preventive Services Task Force recommends counseling to prevent skin cancer for fair-skinned children and young adults, while selective counseling is recommended for adults aged over 24 years. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published in the March 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Final Recommendation Statement
Personal Health Info Found in Recycling at Five Hospitals
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A considerable amount of personal health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII) was found in the recycling at five Canadian teaching hospitals, according to a research letter published in the March 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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In 2015, Each U.S. Binge Drinker Consumed About 470 Drinks
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — U.S. binge drinkers consumed about 470 binge drinks per binge drinker in 2015, according to a study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Waist-to-Height Ratio Tied to Anxiety in Middle-Aged Women
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is associated with anxiety in middle-aged women, according to a study published online March 5 in Menopause.
Integrative Medicine Training Tied to Less Antibiotic Prescribing
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — General practitioners (GPs) additionally trained in integrative medicine or complementary and alternative medicine (IM GPs) have lower antibiotic prescribing rates after general surgery than traditional practitioners, according to a study published in the March issue of BMJ Open.
Tamoxifen, Raloxifene Linked to Improvements in MD in Mice
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Tamoxifen and raloxifene are associated with improvements in muscular dystrophy caused by mutations of the Fukutin-related protein (FKRP) gene in a mouse model, according to a study published in the April issue of The American Journal of Pathology.
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Vaginal Moisturizer, Estradiol Tablet No Better Than Placebo
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Neither low-dose vaginal estradiol tablets nor a vaginal moisturizer reduces postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms more than placebo vaginal tablets and gel, according to a study published online March 19 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
In-Flight Transmission of Respiratory Diseases Low
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The probability of direct transmission of respiratory diseases is low for passengers on transcontinental U.S. flights not seated in close proximity to an infectious passenger, according to a study published online March 19 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
High Intake of Red Meats Tied to Liver Disease, Insulin Resistance
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — High consumption of red and/or processed meat is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance (IR), according to a study published online March 20 in the Journal of Hepatology.
ACO Enrollment Ups Appropriateness of CA Screening
MONDAY, March 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Enrollment in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is associated with a reduction in breast cancer screening and an increase in colorectal cancer screening, according to a study published online March 19 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Nurse-Supported Post-Stroke Voiding Program Appears Helpful
MONDAY, March 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Participants in a systematic voiding program for post-stroke incontinence found it to be helpful, according to a study published online March 8 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
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Prior Authorization Negatively Impacts Clinical Outcomes
MONDAY, March 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The burdens associated with prior authorization (PA) are high and include a negative impact on clinical outcomes, reported by 92 percent of physicians, according to the results of a survey conducted for the American Medical Association (AMA).
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Chronicity of PTSD, Injury Severity Are Risk Factors for HTN
MONDAY, March 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a severely injured military cohort, the risk of hypertension is increased with chronicity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnoses and injury severity, according to a study published online March 19 in Hypertension.
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Generic Clopidogrel Noninferior to Plavix in Seniors With ACS
FRIDAY, March 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients aged older than 65 years with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) hospitalization, generic clopidogrel is noninferior to Plavix for the composite of death and recurrent hospitalization for ACS, according to a study published online March 13 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
2013 to 2016 Saw No Change in Antibiotic Prescribing Practices
FRIDAY, March 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2013 to 2016, annual national outpatient antibiotic prescribing practices remained unchanged, according to a study published online Feb. 27 in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
BMI As Predictor of CVD Risk May Be More Susceptible to Bias
FRIDAY, March 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The J-shaped correlation seen for body mass index (BMI) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is susceptible to confounding due to pre-existing comorbidities, according to a study published online March 15 in the European Heart Journal.
Higher Burden of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection in U.S. Blacks
FRIDAY, March 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The burden of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection is disproportionately high among blacks in the United States, according to a study published online March 15 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
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Reduced Cortical Thickness ID’d in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
FRIDAY, March 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reduced cortical thickness is seen in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) versus controls, with multiple regions of reduced thickness seen in the superior frontal lobe in females with OSA, according to a study published online March 6 in PLOS ONE.
Hemodynamic Parameters Predict Outcome in PH-HFpEF
FRIDAY, March 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The hemodynamic parameters transpulmonary gradient, pulmonary vascular resistance, and diastolic pulmonary gradient are associated with mortality and cardiac hospitalization in pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), according to a study published online March 14 in JAMA Cardiology.
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Patient, Logistical Factors Limit CKD Screening Among Blacks
FRIDAY, March 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Culturally sensitive education and stakeholder engagement are critical to increase participation in community screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD) among African-Americans, according to a study published online March 15 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
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Hep C Compounds Alcoholism’s Effect on Brain Volume
FRIDAY, March 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Alcohol dependence has deleterious effects on frontal cortical volumes that are compounded by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and drug dependence, according to a study published online March 14 in JAMA Psychiatry.
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Grass Peptide Immunotherapy Cuts Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Immunotherapy with peptide hydrolysates from Lolium perenne (LPP) reduces seasonal allergy symptoms and is generally well tolerated, according to a study published online March 7 in Allergy.
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Family Influences Older Adults’ Care Preferences
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Family is an important influence on care preferences among older adults with advanced illness, according to a review published online March 7 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Risk of Breast CA May Be Higher in Women With Schizophrenia
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of breast cancer in women with schizophrenia may be higher than that of the general female population, according to a review and meta-analysis published online March 7 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Poor Identified
THURSDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Improving colorectal cancer screening rates among lower-income populations requires addressing structural, personal, and health care system barriers, according to research published in the April issue of Diseases of the Colon & Rectum.
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Grilled Meat, Chicken Ups Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in U.S. Adults
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Open-flame and/or high-temperature cooking methods (such as grilling/barbecuing, broiling, or roasting) to prepare chicken and red meat are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a study published online March 12 in Diabetes Care.
Review: Virtual Reality Distracts From Pain of Medical Procedures
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Virtual reality (VR) appears to be an effective distraction intervention to relieve pain and distress during various medical procedures, according to a review published online Feb. 26 in The Clinical Journal of Pain.
Higher Exposure to Air Pollution Adds to CVD Risk for Blacks
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Blacks have significantly higher exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (particles with median aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm [PM2.5]), with exposure associated with elevated blood glucose, worse endothelial function, and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study published online March 15 in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
Prevalence of Sunburn 34.2 Percent in U.S. in 2015
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of sunburn was 34.2 percent in 2015, and sunburn prevalence was higher in non-Hispanic whites, younger age groups, and those with sun-sensitive skin, according to a study published online March 14 in JAMA Dermatology.
Gut Bacteria May Be Tied to Brain Dysfunction From Sepsis
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Gut bacteria may be tied to sepsis-related brain dysfunction, according to a study published recently in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
More Harms Than Benefits for E-Cigarettes at Population Level
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are associated with more harm than benefit on a population level, according to a study published online March 14 in PLOS ONE.
High Midlife Cardio Fitness May Ward Off Dementia in Women
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — High cardiovascular fitness at midlife is associated with a reduced risk of subsequent dementia in women, according to a study published online March 14 in Neurology.
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Digoxin Tied to Higher Mortality in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Digoxin is independently associated with higher mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) regardless of whether they have heart failure, according to a study published in the March 13 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco System Releases Toxic Chemical
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of the I quit original smoking (iQOS) heat-not-burn system chars the tobacco plug, and the device releases a toxic chemical, according to a study published online March 13 in Tobacco Control.
Possible Effect of Australia Gun Ban on Rate of Mass Shootings
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Evidence suggests rejecting the hypothesis that the rate of mass shootings remained unchanged after implementation of the 1996 National Firearms Agreement in Australia, according to a research letter published online March 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Drug Copayments Often Exceed Prescription Drug Costs
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Drug copayments frequently exceed prescription drug costs, with overpayments affecting 23 percent of all prescriptions, according to a research letter published in the March 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Lower Hospital Mortality for Acute MI During Heart Meeting
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Thirty-day mortality is lower for hospitalization with acute myocardial infarction during Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics meeting dates, according to a study published online March 9 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Depression Seen in One in 20 Childbearing-Aged Women
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A substantial proportion of non-pregnant women of childbearing age have untreated depression, according to a study published online March 8 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
U.S. Spends Twice As Much for Similar Health Care Utilization
TUESDAY, March 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Spending on health care is much higher in the United States than other high-income countries, but utilization rates are similar, according to a study published in the March 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Substance Use Mortality Varies Widely Across U.S. Counties
TUESDAY, March 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Across U.S. counties there is considerable variation in mortality due to alcohol use disorders, drug use disorders, self-harm, and interpersonal violence, according to a study published in the March 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Digital Intervention Can Increase Colorectal Cancer Screenings
TUESDAY, March 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Mobile Patient Technology for Health-Colorectal Cancer (mPATH-CRC), a digital health intervention which allows patients to self-order tests, can increase rates of screening, according to a study published online March 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Most Patients Fine With Providers Asking About Sexual Orientation
TUESDAY, March 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The vast majority of patients (97 percent) are comfortable with health providers asking sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) questions, according to a study published online March 9 in Health Services Research.
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Low-Level Lead Exposure Ups CVD Mortality Risk in U.S. Adults
TUESDAY, March 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Environmental lead exposure is a risk factor for all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and ischemic heart disease mortality, according to a study published online March 12 in The Lancet Public Health.
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Bronchial Thermoplasty Can Improve Severe Asthmatic Cough
TUESDAY, March 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Bronchial thermoplasty can treat severe asthmatic cough that is unresponsive to conventional therapies, according to a case report published online March 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Vit D Concentration Associated With Reduced Risk of Cancer
TUESDAY, March 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Higher plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with reduced risk of total cancer in a Japanese population, according to a study published online March 7 in The BMJ.
Great Recession Linked to Increase in BP, Blood Glucose
TUESDAY, March 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The 2008 to 2010 Great Recession (GR) had a negative impact on the health of U.S. adults, with significant elevations in blood pressure and fasting glucose, according to a study published online March 12 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Racial Variation in Median Age of Female Breast Cancer Diagnosis
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The median age of diagnosis of female breast cancer is higher for white patients than for black, Hispanic, and Asian patients, according to a research letter published online March 7 in JAMA Surgery.
More Evidence Colonoscopy Cuts Colorectal Cancer Mortality
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Screening colonoscopy significantly reduces mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC), according to a Veterans Affairs study published online March 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Considerable Resource Use, Costs for Cardiovascular Care
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The 10-year costs associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are considerable, according to a study published in the March 13 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Three-Pronged Approach Can Improve Physician Engagement
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The three-pronged approach implemented by one practice successfully improved physician engagement, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Over 5,100 Noncongenital Zika Cases Reported in U.S. in 2016
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A total of 5,168 noncongenital Zika virus disease cases were reported from U.S. states and the District of Columbia in 2016, with 95 percent of cases identified in travelers returning from Zika virus-affected areas, according to research published in the March 9 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
No Safety Concerns Noted in Study of Intranasal Insulin Use
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Intranasal insulin application appears to be safe, according to a review published online March 6 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
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Doctors Present Recs For and Against Acupuncture for Pain
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The reasons for and against recommending acupuncture for treating pain are discussed in a head-to-head article published online March 7 in The BMJ.
High Total Cholesterol Protects Against Cognitive Decline
FRIDAY, March 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The risk of cognitive decline is reduced for people age 85 years and older with high cholesterol, according to a study published online March 4 in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
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Falls in Elderly Patients Cost $50 Billion Annually
FRIDAY, March 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Older adult falls result in substantial medical costs, according to a study published online March 7 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Doctors Facing Challenge to Help Needy While Protecting Practices
FRIDAY, March 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physicians are increasingly being challenged to protect their practice finances while helping patients without insurance, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Backrest Elevation Has No Effect on Sacral Tissue Integrity
FRIDAY, March 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Level of backrest elevation is not associated with changes in tissue integrity among critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation, according to research published online March 1 in the American Journal of Critical Care.
Patients With CKD Face High Symptom Burden at End of Life
FRIDAY, March 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with advanced kidney disease face a substantial symptom burden in the last 12 months of life, according to a small study published online Feb. 28 in the Journal of Renal Care.
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Increase in Acetaminophen Use, Overuse in Cold/Flu Season
FRIDAY, March 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — During cold/flu season (CFS) there is an increase in acetaminophen use and overdosing, according to a study published online March 7 in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Vascular Risk Factors Tied to Increased Incontinence Risk
THURSDAY, March 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many factors, including vascular risk factors, may play a role in the development of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) in older men and women, according to a study published online March 7 in the BJU International.
Pharmacists Play Key Roles in Cardiac Disease Management
THURSDAY, March 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with cardiac disease, pharmacists in all practice settings have an important role in the management of the chronic disease state, according to a report published in Drug Topics.
Patient, Caregiver Characteristics Predict LVAD Response
THURSDAY, March 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients receiving left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy and their caregivers, patient and caregiver characteristics predict response, according to a study published online March 7 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
No Link Found Between Marijuana Use, Kidney Function
THURSDAY, March 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are no significant associations between current or past self-reported marijuana use and measures of kidney function, according to a study published recently in the American Journal of Medicine.
30-Day ER Revisit Predicts Poor Outcomes in Elderly
THURSDAY, March 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A revisit to the emergency department within 30 days of a previous visit predicts poor outcomes in elderly adults, according to a study published online Feb. 28 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Patient-Reported Outcome Tool Developed for Lumbar Spine Sx
THURSDAY, March 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A patient-reported outcome (PRO) tool has been developed and validated to predict response after lumbar spine surgery, according to a study published online March 7 in JAMA Surgery.
Progression of Obesity Influences Risk of Diabetes Over Life Course
THURSDAY, March 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Changes in weight influence the risk of diabetes, with lower risk of diabetes for obese individuals who lose weight versus stable obesity, according to a study published online March 5 in Diabetes Care.
Poor Sleep in Menopause Tied to Vasomotor Symptoms, Depression
WEDNESDAY, March 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Consistent risk factors for poor sleep in menopause include depression and vasomotor symptoms, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Sleep Medicine.
Few U.S. Adults Meet Most T2DM Risk Reduction Goals
WEDNESDAY, March 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A small proportion of U.S. adults engage in lifestyle behaviors known to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the March issue of Diabetes Care.
Many PICCs Placed Have Dwell Time of No More Than Five Days
WEDNESDAY, March 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — About 25 percent of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) placed have a dwell time of five days or less, and almost 10 percent of patients with a short-term PICC experience a complication, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Single PSA Screening Doesn’t Cut Prostate Cancer Mortality
TUESDAY, March 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A single prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening is not associated with a significant difference in prostate cancer mortality after follow-up of 10 years, but is associated with increased detection of low-risk prostate cancer, according to a study published in the March 6 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Opioids Don’t Top Non-Opioids for Pain-Related Function
TUESDAY, March 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Opioid treatment is not superior to non-opioid treatment for improving pain-related function over 12 months, according to a study published in the March 6 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
FDA Approves New Medication for Drug-Resistant HIV
TUESDAY, March 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Trogarzo (ibalizumab-uiyk) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adult patients living with HIV who have not responded to other antiretroviral medications.
Coronary Risk Scores Accurate When Used With Low cTnI
TUESDAY, March 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Coronary risk scores for predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) perform well when using a cardiac troponin I (cTnI) cut-off below the 99th percentile, according to a study published in the Feb. 13 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Intensive BP Lowering Doesn’t Cut Cerebral Perfusion
TUESDAY, March 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with severe small vessel disease, intensive blood pressure (BP) lowering does not reduce cerebral perfusion, according to a study published online March 5 in JAMA Neurology.
Quintupled Glucocorticoid Dose No Help in Pediatric Asthma
TUESDAY, March 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Quintupling the dose of inhaled glucocorticoids seems not to be effective for preventing exacerbations among children with asthma, while quadrupling the dose may be beneficial for adolescents and adults, according to two studies published online March 3 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Prophylaxis Can Prevent HCV Infection in Kidney Recipients
TUESDAY, March 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Direct-acting antiviral prophylaxis is safe and prevents chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after kidney transplantation from HCV-infected donors to noninfected recipients, according to a study published online March 6 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Minorities Face Worse Prognosis and Complications in T1DM
TUESDAY, March 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Compared to whites, blacks and Hispanics have increased markers of poor prognosis of type 1 diabetes at diagnosis and three years afterward, according to a study published online March 1 in Diabetes Care.
Increase in Other Flavored Tobacco Use After Menthol Ban
MONDAY, March 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of a ban on menthol cigarettes results in an increase in those attempting to quit, and an increase in use of other flavored tobacco or electronic-cigarette use, according to a study published online March 5 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Strong State Firearm Policies, Lower Firearm Suicide Rate Tied
MONDAY, March 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Strong state firearm policies are associated with lower firearm suicide rates and lower homicide rates, according to a study published online March 5 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Gender Minorities Have Greater Mental Illness, Disability
MONDAY, March 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Gender minority Medicare beneficiaries have larger disability and mental health burdens than the general Medicare population, according to a study published online March 4 in Health Affairs.
ACP Updates Guidance for HbA1c Targets for Adults With T2DM
MONDAY, March 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Guidance has been developed for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) targets for glycemic control among nonpregnant adults with type 2 diabetes; the guidance statement was published online March 6 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Dietary Constituents Minimally Attenuate Sodium-BP Link
MONDAY, March 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Other dietary components have a minimal impact on attenuating the adverse association of dietary sodium with blood pressure (BP), according to a study published online March 5 in Hypertension.
Determining ‘Avoidability’ of Nursing Home Transfers Complex
MONDAY, March 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A substantial proportion of acute transfers from nursing facilities to hospitals are potentially avoidable, but symptoms and risk conditions are only weakly predictive of hospital diagnoses, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Global Costs of Diabetes Will Continue Rising Through 2030
MONDAY, March 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The global costs of diabetes are high and will increase substantially by 2030, according to a study published online Feb. 23 in Diabetes Care.
Excretion of Volatile Organic Compounds Up in Teen E-Smokers
MONDAY, March 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adolescents smoking electronic-cigarettes (e-cigarettes) only have significantly higher excretion of volatile organic chemical compounds than non-smokers, although the levels are lower than among those using cigarettes in addition to e-cigarettes, according to a study published online March 5 in Pediatrics.
Program Aids Communication for Spouses Affected by Dementia
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An at-home dyadic, relationship-focused psychoeducational intervention improves communication outcomes among spouses affected by dementia, according to a small study published in the February issue of the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
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New Screening Tool Developed to Assess Tanning Addiction
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A newly developed scale may identify patients addicted to tanning, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
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Diaphragmatic Breathing Tied to Less Belching in GERD
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Diaphragmatic breathing can reduce belching and proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux, according to a study published in the March issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Researchers ID Five Distinct Adult-Onset Diabetes Subgroups
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reclassification of diabetes into subgroups shows differing courses of disease progression and risk of diabetic complications, according to a study published online March 1 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
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Calcium ± Vit D Supplements Up Risk of Colon Adenomas, Polyps
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Calcium supplements, taken with or without vitamin D, may increase the risk of sessile serrated adenomas or polyps (SSA/Ps), according to a study published online March 1 in Gut.
Risk of Mental Health Visits Up in Childhood Cancer Survivors
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Survivors of adolescent cancer have higher rates of adverse mental health outcomes than the general population, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in Cancer.
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Shared Decision-Making Beneficial for Destination Therapy LVAD
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A shared decision support intervention is beneficial for patients considering destination therapy left ventricular assist device (DT LVAD) placement, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Unmet Health Needs for Patients With Uveal Melanoma
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most patients with uveal melanoma have unmet health information and psychological needs, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
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‘Western’ Diet Associated With Respiratory Symptoms, COPD
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A “Western” diet appears to be associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory symptoms, and decreased lung function, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
Leptin Tied to Sleep Quality in Obese Patients With T2DM
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Plasma leptin levels are independently associated with sleep quality in obese patients with type 2 diabetes, but not in those who are not obese, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
CPAP Non-Adherence Tied to CV, All-Cause Hospital Readmissions
THURSDAY, March 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Non-adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is tied to higher rates of hospital readmission for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a study published in a recent issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
Retinopathy Associated With Accelerated Cognitive Decline
THURSDAY, March 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Retinopathy is associated with accelerated rates of 20-year cognitive decline, according to a study published online Feb. 28 in Neurology.
Obesity Linked to Increased CVD Morbidity and Mortality
THURSDAY, March 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Compared with normal body mass index (BMI), obesity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality linked to cardiovascular disease, and shorter longevity, according to a study published online Feb. 28 in JAMA Cardiology.
Coverage Increased After ACA for Patients With Diabetes
THURSDAY, March 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adults aged 18 to 64 years with diabetes, there was an increase in health insurance coverage after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), according to a study published online Feb. 23 in Diabetes Care.
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