ATS 2013: Exploring the Analgesic-Asthma Link

May 20, 2013

The Particulars: Studies have suggested that using analgesics during pregnancy or early childhood can increase the risk of asthma-related outcomes. These studies, however, are limited because of potential confounding by indication.

Data Breakdown: Researchers investigated the associations of acetaminophen and ibuprofen intake during pregnancy and the first year of life with asthma-related outcomes before and after controlling for respiratory infections.…

Is the Impending Physician Shortage Real? | Guest Blog

With expanding roles and outsourcing, maybe the projected shortage is really a mirage. Radiology and anesthesiology are on the chopping block. Is surgery next?

Eye May Be Key to ADHD Diagnosis | Guest Blog

SAN FRANCISCO — Examining the retina may aid in the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), new research suggests.

A small study by investigators at Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Germany, showed that patients with ADHD displayed significantly elevated “background noise” on a pattern electroretinogram (PERG) compared with their healthy peers.…

APA Leaders Defend DSM-5 | Guest Blog

SAN FRANCISCO — The fifth edition of the “psychiatrist’s bible” was officially released here in all its 947-page glory, with its developers offering a spirited rebuttal to their critics.

Known as DSM-5, the new version of the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was launched at a press briefing to kick off the organization’s annual meeting.…

ATS 2013: Identifying Depression Risk in COPD Patients | Guest Blog

The Particulars: Studies suggest that the rate of depression among patients with COPD is significantly higher than that of the general population. The ability to identify patients with COPD who are most at risk for depression could help ensure timely counseling and treatment.…

ATS 2013: Sleep Apnea & Glucose Levels in Prediabetes | Guest Blog

May 19, 2013

The Particulars: Sleep apnea has been shown in clinical research to be associated with abnormal glucose metabolism. It has yet to be determined whether treating sleep apnea benefits glucose metabolism.

Data Breakdown: Participants in a study with sleep apnea and prediabetes were randomized to 2 weeks of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment or placebo.…

‘Big Tent’ of Science, Medicine at ATS 2013 | Guest Blog

May 17, 2013

PHILADELPHIA — As the multiple disciplines that make up pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine gather here, the 2013 American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference will have a “big tent” atmosphere devoted to the needs of both clinical medicine and basic science.…

Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering on Trial Again | Guest Blog

SAN FRANCISCO — Unlike ACCORD, the ongoing SPRINT trial has every chance of showing an impact on cardiovascular outcomes with a blood pressure goal under 120 mm Hg, an investigator on both trials argued.

The large National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-sponsored SPRINT trial is comparing a goal of 120 versus 140 mm Hg in a broader population than included in the similarly-funded, diabetes-specific ACCORD trial.…

Hospital Medicine 2013: Attitudes Toward Post-Discharge Clinics | Guest Blog

The Particulars: Although post-discharge clinics (PDCs) run by hospitalists appear to hold promise for improving access to care and reducing transitional care errors, they require additional responsibilities for hospitalists. Little is known about hospitalists’ attitudes toward PDCs and few data characterize their experiences with them.…

Hospital Medicine 2013: Targeted Interventions Lower Readmissions, ED Use | Guest Blog

The Particulars: Previous research has indicated that home visits after discharge can help prevent hospital readmission, improve patient satisfaction, and improve understanding and compliance. However, these home visits are resource intensive. Coupling home visits to a readmission prediction tool may allow for targeted interventions for high-risk patients.…