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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.<\/p>\n
Lifetime Risk for Atrial Fibrillation Is One in Seven in Taiwan<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Increased Adiposity Measures Affect MI Risk More in Women<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n New Risk Score Assesses Stroke Risk After MI Without A-Fib<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Varicose Veins May Increase Likelihood of Blood Clots<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Medical Marijuana Laws Not Tied to Increases in Teen Use<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Early Studies Often Show Exaggerated Treatment Effect<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Low Risk of Serotonin Syndrome for Triptans + SSRI\/SNRI<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n COPD Hospitalizations, Deaths, Prevalence Higher in Rural Areas<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Treatment Effect of Fenofibrate Varies in Patients With T2DM<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Race, Insurance Status Affects Job Status After Breast Cancer<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Female Infertility Tied to Asthma Managed With Rescue Inhalers<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Women With Non-Obstructive CAD May Suffer From Myocardial Scars<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>, a Go Red For Women issue focused on women’s heart health.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Lead, Other Toxic Metals Found in E-Cigarette Vapors<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Understanding Rx Nonadherence Can Improve Adherence<\/font><\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Recommendations for Optimizing Hidden Curriculum in Medicine<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a position paper published online Feb. 27 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>, the American College of Physicians (ACP) presents recommendations for optimizing clinical learning environments by fostering a positive hidden curriculum in medicine.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n No Link Found for Metformin or Statins and Ovarian Cancer<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Prevalence of ALS Remained at 5.0\/100,000 in U.S. in 2014<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Treatment-Free Remission Feasible After Nilotinib in CML<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Vegetarian, Med Diets Similarly Effective for Body Weight<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A low-calorie lacto-ovo vegetarian diet (VD<\/sub>) 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Coronary Artery Dz Extent Similar in Men, Women With T1DM<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Knee Pain, Functional Impairment Associated With Depression<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Warns of Possible Heart Risks Linked to Clarithromycin<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Artificial Intelligence May Help Prevent Physician Burnout<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Hand Hygiene Program Tied to Lower Nursing Home Mortality<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Younger Onset of T2DM Linked to Increased Mortality Risk<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Menopausal Hormone Therapy Tied to Less Pronounced Kyphosis<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Cracks Down on Kratom Products<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Risk Factors for Recurrence of Acute Diverticulitis Identified<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/ Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n CDC: No Change in Percentage of Uninsured in U.S. From ’16 to ’17<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Chronicity of Depression Ups Failure Along Continuum of HIV Care<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Alcohol Use Disorders Tied to Increased Risk of Dementia Onset<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n 21 Reviewed Antidepressants Top Placebo for Major Depression<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Cardiorespiratory Fitness, White Matter Integrity Tied to Cognition<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Worse Prognosis for Prediabetes Defined by HbA1c<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Regardless of CV Risks, Cancer History Impacts Mortality<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Odds of ARDS Up After Cardiac Surgery During Flu Season<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n In A-Fib Patients, Stroke Risk Higher for Blacks Than Whites<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n No Evidence Use of SEP-1 Bundle Ups Survival in Sepsis<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n All Physical Activity Tied to Reduced Mortality in Older Men<\/font><\/p>\n 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 \u226510 minutes beyond total volume of activity, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Chronic Opioid Users May Wish to Taper Opioid Use<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Treatment Model Linked to Drop in Post-Incarceration Overdoses<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Perioperative Glucose but Not A1C Predicts Surgical Outcomes<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Mental Stress-Induced Myocardial Ischemia Risk Up for Women<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>, a Go Red For Women issue focused on women’s heart health.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Accelerated Lung Function Decline for Women Who Clean<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Obesity Linked to Improved Survival in Metastatic Melanoma<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Administrative Costs Estimated at Health Care System<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n 12-Month Weight Loss Doesn’t Differ With Low-Fat, Carb Diets<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n USPSTF Urges Multicomponent Behavioral Interventions for Obesity<\/font><\/p>\n 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\/m\u00b2 or higher to intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions. These findings form the basis of a draft recommendations statement, published online Feb. 20 by the USPSTF.<\/p>\n Draft Recommendation Statement<\/a><\/p>\n Draft Evidence Review<\/a><\/p>\n Comment on Recommendation<\/a><\/p>\n Mortality Risks of Exclusive Cigar, Cigarette, Pipe Use ID’d<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Burnout Found Prevalent Among Doctors in Single Health System<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Ertugliflozin Tied to Improved Glycemic Control in T2DM<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n