Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine for April 2019. 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.
CDC: 704 Measles Cases Reported in U.S. Through April 26, 2019
TUESDAY, April 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A total of 704 cases of measles were reported in the United States from Jan. 1 to April 26, 2019, representing the largest number of cases since 1994, according to research published in the April 29 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Poll: Americans Among Most Stressed People in the World
TUESDAY, April 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Americans are more likely to be stressed and worried than people living in poorer parts of the world, and Americans’ concerns are increasing, according to the Gallup 2019 Global Emotions Report.
Gallup 2019 Global Emotions Report
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Coronary Vessel Wall Thickness Surrogate for CAD in Women
TUESDAY, April 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Coronary vessel wall thickness (VWT) measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a significant surrogate of subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) among asymptomatic women at low or intermediate risk, according to a study published online April 25 in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging.
Work Stress, Impaired Sleep Tied to CVD Risk in Workers With HTN
TUESDAY, April 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Work stress and impaired sleep are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among workers with hypertension, according to a study published online April 27 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
Patients Find Video Primary Care Visits Convenient
TUESDAY, April 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Primary care video visits are convenient and may improve the patient-provider relationship, according to a research letter published online April 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Combo Nicotine Replacement Tx Ups Success in Quitting Smoking
TUESDAY, April 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — People who use combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) are more likely to successfully quit smoking than people who use a single form of NRT, according to a review published online April 18 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Poor Olfaction Tied to Elevated Long-Term Mortality in Seniors
MONDAY, April 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Among older adults, poor olfaction is associated with elevated long-term mortality, according to a study published online April 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Prevalence of Workplace Health Promotion Programs Low
MONDAY, April 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Across U.S. worksites, the prevalence of workplace health promotion (WHP) programs has increased but still remains low, according to a study published online April 22 in the American Journal of Health Promotion.
Transition Support Program May Aid Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
MONDAY, April 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Structured support for patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care for type 1 diabetes may improve outcomes, but those benefits are not sustained after completion of the intervention, according to a study published online April 22 in Diabetes Care.
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Intensive Blood Pressure Therapy Aids Patients With T2DM
MONDAY, April 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Patients with type 2 diabetes who receive intensive treatment to keep their blood pressure levels at 130/80 mm Hg or below experience fewer heart attacks, strokes, and other diabetes complications, according to a study published online April 29 in Hypertension.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Healthy Diet Tied to Lower Odds of Physical Impairment in Men
MONDAY, April 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Better overall diet quality is significantly associated with lower odds of impairment in physical function among older men, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Events for Living Kidney Donors Mainly Occur After Two Years
MONDAY, April 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Overall, about 14.7 percent of living kidney donors have postdonation events, most of which occur more than two years after donation, according to a study published online April 12 in JAMA Network Open.
Longer Duration of Antibiotic Use Tied to Risk for CVD in Women
FRIDAY, April 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For women in middle and late adulthood, longer duration of antibiotic use is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, according to a study published online April 24 in the European Heart Journal.
Hundreds Quarantined for Measles at Two Los Angeles Universities
FRIDAY, April 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Quarantine orders have been issued to more than 200 students and employees at the University of California, Los Angeles, and California State-Los Angeles because they may have been exposed to measles.
The New York Times Article
UCLA Statement
Peanut Oral Immunotherapy May Up Allergic Reaction Risk
FRIDAY, April 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Current peanut oral immunotherapy approaches are associated with increased risk and frequency of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, according to a review published online April 25 in The Lancet.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Improvement Needed in Doctor-Patient Lung Cancer Screening Discussions
FRIDAY, April 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Among individuals across the spectrum of lung cancer risk, efforts are needed to improve physician-patient discussion about lung cancer screening, according to a study published online April 25 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
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Many With Chronic Pain Achieve Remission From Suicidality
FRIDAY, April 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Almost two-thirds of formerly suicidal Canadians with chronic pain were free from suicidal thoughts in the previous year, according to a study published online April 9 in The Journal of Pain.
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Swapping Red Meat for Plant-Based Proteins May Cut CVD Risk
FRIDAY, April 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Substituting red meat with high-quality plant protein sources, but not with fish or low-quality carbohydrates, leads to greater improvements in blood lipids and lipoproteins, according to a review published online April 9 in Circulation.
Dapagliflozin Improves Glucose Outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes
FRIDAY, April 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In patients with type 1 diabetes, treatment with dapagliflozin for 24 weeks improves time in range, mean glucose, and glycemic variability, according to a study published online April 9 in Diabetes Care.
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CKD Risk Lower for Those Following Healthy Plant-Based Diet
FRIDAY, April 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Greater adherence to healthy plant-based diets and a vegetarian diet is associated with a lower risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a study published online April 25 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Gender Differences Seen in Adverse Drug Reactions
FRIDAY, April 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The risk for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) may be higher for women, even when accounting for gender differences in drug use, according to a study published online April 2 in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
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Eating Breakfast Tied to Lower Risk for Death From CVD
THURSDAY, April 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Skipping breakfast is significantly associated with an increased risk for death from heart disease, according to a study published in the April 30 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Interdisciplinary Care Pathway Helps Manage Frail, Elderly Trauma Patients
THURSDAY, April 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) — An interdisciplinary care protocol for frail geriatric trauma patients significantly reduces the risk for delirium and 30-day readmission, according to a study published online April 5 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
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CDC: Number of U.S. Measles Cases Reaches New High
THURSDAY, April 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The number of reported measles cases this year has reached 695, the highest number of reported cases since measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced yesterday.
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Many Seniors Will Be Unable to Afford Care They Need by 2029
WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The number of middle-income seniors is projected to almost double by 2029, and many will have inadequate financial resources to afford the level of care they need, according to a report published online April 24 in Health Affairs.
Abstract/Full Text
Perspective 1 (subscription or payment may be required)
Perspective 2 (subscription or payment may be required)
CDC Provides Clarification of Opioid Prescribing Guideline
WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention opioid prescribing recommendations should be consistent with the guideline’s intent, according to a perspective piece published online April 24 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
New York City Measles Cases Increase to 390
WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The number of measles cases in New York City has risen to 390, the health department said Wednesday.
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
More Information: CDC
Risk Factors ID’d for Rheumatoid Arthritis Complications
WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A new study published online April 11 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases identifies factors tied to hospitalization and infections among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
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Low Socioeconomic Position Linked to Poor End-of-Life Care
WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Low socioeconomic position (SEP) is a risk factor for potentially poor-quality end-of-life care, including hospital death, according to research published online April 23 in PLOS Medicine.
Sleeping Pill Use Tied to Greater Need for BP Meds in Older Adults
WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Consumption of sleeping pills is linked to a subsequent increase in the number of antihypertensive drugs taken among older adults, according to a study published online March 25 in Geriatrics & Gerontology International.
Risk-Based Screening Improves Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Cardiovascular risk screening intervals based on risk category-specific progression rates would perform better and improve cost-effectiveness compared with established five-year screening intervals, according to a study published in the April issue of The Lancet Public Health.
USPSTF Urges Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Screen in Pregnancy
TUESDAY, April 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening pregnant women for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) but not nonpregnant women or men. These recommendations form the basis of a draft recommendation statement published online April 23 by the USPSTF.
Evidence Review
Draft Recommendation Statement
Comment on Recommendation Statement
Los Angeles County Measles Outbreak Under Investigation
TUESDAY, April 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A measles outbreak is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Department of Health.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
More Information: CDC
Prevalence of TV, Video Watching High, Stable 2001 to 2016 in U.S.
TUESDAY, April 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — From 2001 to 2016, the estimated prevalence of watching television or videos for at least two hours/day remained high and stable, while the prevalence of computer use increased, according to a study published in the April 23/30 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Individualized Medical-Nutrition Therapy Important in Diabetes
TUESDAY, April 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Diabetes-focused medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is fundamental to overall diabetes management and should be adapted as needed throughout life, according to a consensus report published in the May issue of Diabetes Care.
Risk Model Developed for Readmission After AMI in Seniors
TUESDAY, April 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A risk model has been developed and validated for hospital readmission within 30 days after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in older patients and has demonstrated moderate performance, according to a study published online April 23 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Risks, Benefits of Long-Term Drug Therapy for Osteoporosis Reviewed
TUESDAY, April 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Long-term osteoporosis drug therapy (ODT) reduces fracture risk in women but may increase risk for rare adverse events, and research gaps surround use of long-term drug therapies for osteoporotic fracture prevention, according to a review and position paper published online April 23 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text – Review (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract/Full Text – Position Paper (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Metformin May Help Obese With Prediabetes Maintain Weight Loss
MONDAY, April 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Metformin is associated with long-term weight loss (LTWL), according to the results of the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS) published online April 23 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Moderate/Vigorous Exercise Attenuates Risks of Sitting
MONDAY, April 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) equivalent to meeting current recommendations attenuates the association of sitting with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, according to a study published online April 22 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Abstract/Full Text
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CDC: United States Set to Break Measles Cases Record
MONDAY, April 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Just a few months into the year, the United States is set to break an annual record for the number of measles cases.
More Information: CDC
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Diminished HRQOL More Likely Among Transgender Adults
MONDAY, April 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Transgender adults are more likely to report diminished health-related quality of life (HRQOL), according to a research letter published online April 22 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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High Resting Heart Rate Linked to Increased Cardiac Risk in Men
MONDAY, April 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — High resting heart rate (RHR) is associated with an increased risk for death and cardiovascular events in men, according to a study published online April 15 in Open Heart.
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Measures May Predict Metabolic Syndrome in Older Adults
MONDAY, April 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Three simple measurements may predict metabolic syndrome (MetS) in older patients, according to a study recently published in Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders.
Financial Incentives Do Not Boost Use of At-Home CRC Screening Tests
MONDAY, April 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Financial incentives do not increase response rates among patients mailed at-home colorectal cancer screening tests, according to a study published online March 22 in JAMA Network Open.
Acetaminophen Safe as First-Line Analgesic for Most Older Adults
FRIDAY, April 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Despite a potential increased risk for stroke in patients with diabetes, acetaminophen is a safe first-line analgesic for most older adults living in nursing homes, according to a study published online March 26 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Short Hospital Stays After Lung Surgery Do Not Up Readmissions
FRIDAY, April 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In patients treated within an advanced recovery pathway, early discharge after anatomic lung resection does not increase the risk for readmission, according to a study recently published online in Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery.
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Loan Forgiveness, Educational Debt May Affect Practice Patterns
FRIDAY, April 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Increased educational debt appears to directly influence physician practice choice, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
Risk for T2DM Increased With Use of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors
FRIDAY, April 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Men receiving 5α-reductase inhibitors have an increased risk for new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to a study published online April 11 in The BMJ.
National Hand Hygiene Initiative Successful in Australia
FRIDAY, April 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI) has successfully sustained improvement in hand hygiene compliance, according to a study recently published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases and presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, held from April 13 to 16 in Amsterdam.
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Interns Spend Most of Their Time in Indirect Patient Care
THURSDAY, April 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Internal medicine residents spend most of their time participating in indirect patient care, according to research published online April 15 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Sixty People Charged in Massive Opioid Painkiller Investigation
THURSDAY, April 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Fifty-three medical professionals, including 31 doctors, are among the 60 people charged by U.S. authorities for their alleged involvement in the illegal prescribing and distribution of opioid painkillers.
Machine Learning IDs Risk for Familial Hypercholesterolemia
THURSDAY, April 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A machine learning classifier can effectively identify patients at risk for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), according to a study published online April 11 in npj Digital Medicine.
UB-421 Monotherapy Maintains HIV Viral Suppression
THURSDAY, April 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Monotherapy with UB-421 antibody, which blocks the HIV virus-binding site on human CD4+ T-cells, maintains viral suppression for up to 16 weeks in HIV-infected persons undergoing analytic treatment interruption, according to a study published in the April 18 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Infections May Up Risk for Developing Sjögren Syndrome
THURSDAY, April 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with a history of infection have double the risk for developing Sjögren syndrome, according to a study published online March 20 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
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Most Diabetes Phone Apps Lack Education, Support Functions
WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Most diabetes apps miss opportunities to improve care and health outcomes by not providing real-time decision support or situation-specific education on blood glucose self-management, according to a research letter published in the April 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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More Than Half of Internal Medicine Graduates Choosing Primary Care
WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — More than half of internal medicine graduates in 2016 and 2017 pursued a career in primary care, according to a study published online April 8 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
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CDC: Raw Tuna Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in Seven States
WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella outbreak linked to frozen, raw ground tuna from Jensen Tuna has sickened 13 people in seven states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The illnesses began between Jan. 8 and March 20 of this year. Two people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
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About One-Quarter of Seniors Store Firearms Unlocked, Loaded
WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of mental health or memory loss indicators does not vary by household firearm ownership or storage practices among older adults, according to a research letter published online April 16 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
iADL Dependency May Up Mortality in Hematologic Cancers
WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For older adults with hematologic malignancies, instrumental activities of daily living (iADL) dependency is associated with increased mortality and acute care utilization, according to a study published online April 4 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
One in Three U.S. Adults Aged 35 to 44 May Have Drinking Problem
WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Adults in their mid-30s to 40s are drinking too much too often, according to survey results released by the American Osteopathic Association.
Sleep Myths Are Commonly Circulated
WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Commonly held sleep myths have a questionable evidence base, according to a study published online April 16 in Sleep Health.
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Stroke Hospitalizations Down in Black, White Medicare Enrollees
WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Rates of hospitalization for stroke have fallen since 1988 for both black and white Medicare enrollees, while black men and women have had greater improvements in 30-day mortality after stroke, according to a study published in the April issue of Medical Care.
USPSTF: Evidence Lacking for Elevated Lead Level Screening
TUESDAY, April 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has determined that the balance of benefits and harms of screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic young children and pregnant women cannot be ascertained. This finding forms the basis of an updated final recommendation statement published in the April 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Recommendation Statement
Evidence Report
Editorial 1 (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial 2 (subscription or payment may be required)
Mixed Effects Observed for Workplace Wellness Program
TUESDAY, April 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A workplace wellness program improves certain self-reported health behaviors but does not impact clinical measures of health or health care spending, according to a study published in the April 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Intensive BP Lowering May Up Cognitive Decline in Elderly
TUESDAY, April 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Older adults (aged ≥75 years) undergoing antihypertensive treatment with systolic blood pressure (SBP) >150 mm Hg have less cognitive decline than those with SBP <130 mm Hg, according to a study published in the March/April issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Barriers to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Should Be Addressed
TUESDAY, April 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Barriers to accessing treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) need to be addressed to help curb the epidemic, according to a report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Low Scam Awareness May Indicate Alzheimer Risk in Seniors
TUESDAY, April 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Low scam awareness is associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment among older adults, according to a study published online April 16 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Replacing 30 Minutes of Sitting With Activity May Cut Mortality
TUESDAY, April 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Replacing half an hour of daily sitting time with even light physical activity is associated with a reduction in mortality risk among less active adults, according to a study published online March 21 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Over Half of Patients Have Suboptimal Response to Statins
TUESDAY, April 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — More than half of patients initiating statin therapy have a suboptimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) response within 24 months, according to a study published online April 15 in Heart.
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Low-Carb Breakfast May Improve All-Day Glucose Control in T2DM
TUESDAY, April 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A very low-carbohydrate, high-fat breakfast may be a practical and easy way for patients with type 2 diabetes to lower their overall exposure to postprandial hyperglycemia and improve glycemic variability, according to a study published online April 9 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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CDC: 555 Confirmed Measles Cases in U.S. Since Jan. 1
MONDAY, April 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The 555 confirmed cases of measles reported in 20 states between Jan. 1 and April 11 this year represent the second highest number of measles cases reported in the United States since measles was eliminated in the nation in 2000, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
WHO: Congo Ebola Outbreak Still Not a Global Emergency
MONDAY, April 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The ongoing Ebola outbreak in Congo is of “deep concern” but does not yet qualify as a global emergency, the World Health Organization says.
Terminally Ill People in New Jersey Given Right to End Lives
MONDAY, April 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Terminally ill adults in New Jersey will soon be allowed to seek medical help to end their lives.
Standardizing Demographics Ups Accuracy of Patient Matching
MONDAY, April 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Standardizing demographic data can improve the accuracy of patient matching, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association.
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Telehealth Video Visits Risk Fragmenting Care
MONDAY, April 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Although telehealth video visits offer users greater convenience, they risk fragmenting care without greater coordination with usual care providers, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association.
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AEDs Tied to Higher Pneumonia Risk in Alzheimer Patients
MONDAY, April 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Antiepileptic drug (AED) use may increase the risk for pneumonia in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD), according to a study recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Added Sugar Labeling Could Reduce CVD, Diabetes Cases
MONDAY, April 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration policy on added sugar labeling could be a cost-effective way of improving health, according to a study published online April 15 in Circulation.
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Colorectal Neoplasia Risk Up for Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors
MONDAY, April 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors have an increased risk for advanced colorectal neoplasia, including advanced adenomas, advanced serrated lesions, and serrated polyposis syndrome, according to a study published in the March 15 issue of Cancer.
Normalizing BP in Elderly With Hypertension May Up Mortality
MONDAY, April 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Normalized blood pressure (BP) is associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality for older adults during hypertension treatment, with increased risk seen in octogenarians and those with previous cardiovascular events, according to a study recently published in the European Heart Journal.
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Daily Dose of Nature Cuts Stress Hormone Levels
FRIDAY, April 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Taking at least 20 minutes per day to leisurely walk or sit in a place that makes you feel in contact with nature can significantly lower stress hormone levels, according to a study published online April 4 in Frontiers in Psychology.
ACR Issues Position Statements on Drug Pricing, Step Therapy
FRIDAY, April 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Two position statements developed in relation to drug pricing and step therapy have been issued by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).
Position Statement – Drug Pricing
Position Statement – Step Therapy
Colchicine May Improve Obesity-Induced Inflammation
FRIDAY, April 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Colchicine is safe and effective at improving obesity-associated inflammatory measures among adults with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) without diabetes, according to a pilot study published online March 14 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Pruritus Prevalent and Disruptive in Nondialysis Chronic Kidney Disease
FRIDAY, April 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Almost one in four patients with nondialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) has moderate-to-extreme pruritus, which is associated with poorer quality of life, according to a study published online April 11 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Prevalence of Extragenital STDs High in Men Who Have Sex With Men
FRIDAY, April 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Extragenital (rectal and pharyngeal) chlamydia and gonorrhea are prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM), according to research published in the April 12 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
CDC: Superbug Fungus Has Sickened 600 Americans
THURSDAY, April 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The United States has had more than 600 cases of infection with a type of fungus called a “serious global health threat” by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ABC News Article
More Information: CDC
Mindfulness Yoga Aids Patients With Parkinson Disease
THURSDAY, April 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Mindfulness yoga is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson disease to help them manage stress and symptoms, according to a study published online April 8 in JAMA Neurology.
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Older Adults With Hearing Loss Have Lower Patient Activation
THURSDAY, April 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Nearly half of older adults report difficulty hearing, and those reporting difficulty are at risk for low patient activation, according to a study published online April 2 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Stress-Related Disorders Associated With Increased CVD Risk
THURSDAY, April 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Stress-related disorders are associated with cardiovascular disease, according to a study published online April 10 in The BMJ.
Inflammatory Arthritis Linked to Sexual Dysfunction
THURSDAY, April 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Sexual dysfunction appears to be highly prevalent in both men and women with inflammatory arthritis (IA), according to a review published online April 3 in Arthritis Care & Research.
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Very Low LDL-C, Triglycerides Tied to Hemorrhagic Stroke Risk in Women
THURSDAY, April 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Women with very low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or low triglycerides have an increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke, according to a study published online April 10 in Neurology.
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Domestic Responsibilities Tied to Physician Mothers’ Satisfaction
THURSDAY, April 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For physician mothers in procedural specialties, being responsible for five or more domestic tasks is associated with an increased likelihood of career dissatisfaction, according to a study published online April 10 in JAMA Surgery.
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CDC: Still No Source As E. Coli Outbreak Grows to 96 Cases
WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health officials say an outbreak of Escherichia coli illness from an unknown source has risen to 96 cases across five Eastern states, up from the 72 cases reported last Friday.
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FDA Warns of Consumer Devices That Claim to Diagnose Concussion
WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Consumer devices that claim to help assess, diagnose, or manage concussion and other head injuries are unproven and illegal, and using them could pose serious health risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.
FDA: Patients Should Not Abruptly Stop Taking a Prescribed Opioid
WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Because of the danger of “serious harm” to patients, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising doctors not to suddenly stop patients from taking opioid painkillers, or drastically lower the dose.
Caregiving for Older Cancer Patients Takes Emotional Toll
WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Poor emotional health is common among caregivers of older cancer patients, particularly when patients have higher numbers of geriatric assessment (GA) impairments, according to a study published online March 29 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Same Services More Expensive in Outpatient Than Office Settings
WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The same services are more expensive when performed in outpatient versus office settings, according to a blog post from the Health Care Cost Institute.
STI Incidence Up After Receipt of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis
WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For gay and bisexual men, receipt of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is associated with an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to a study published in the April 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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People With Obesity Are Blatantly Dehumanized
WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — People with obesity are not only commonly stigmatized, but are blatantly dehumanized, according to research published online April 2 in Obesity.
CDC: Measles Cases Reach 465 This Year in the United States
TUESDAY, April 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The number of reported measles cases in the United States hit 465 as of April 4, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday. That is 78 more than in the previous week’s update, CNN reported.
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FDA Approves Osteoporosis Tx for High-Risk Postmenopausal Women
TUESDAY, April 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Evenity (romosozumab-aqqg) was approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with a high risk for fracture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced.
Many NPs Unable to Prescribe Meds to Treat Opioid Addiction
TUESDAY, April 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Greater practice restrictions are associated with a lower percentage of nurse practitioners (NPs) with waivers to prescribe buprenorphine, but no association is seen for physician assistants (PAs), according to a study published in the April 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Functional Impairment in Middle Age Linked to Adverse Outcomes
TUESDAY, April 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Functional impairment in middle age is associated with an increased risk for hospitalization and nursing home admission, according to a study published online April 8 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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New, Revised Topics Released in ACR Appropriateness Criteria
TUESDAY, April 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The latest edition of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria has been released and includes 188 diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology topics, with 908 clinical variants covering more than 1,670 clinical scenarios.
High Response Seen for All Hep C Tx Models in Injection Drug Users
TUESDAY, April 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who inject drugs (PWID) and receive opioid agonist therapy (OAT), receipt of HCV treatment is associated with high sustained virologic response (SVR), according to a study published online April 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Dietary Supplement Use Not Linked to Mortality Benefits
TUESDAY, April 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For U.S. adults, dietary supplements are not associated with mortality benefits, according to a study published online April 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Guidance Statements Issued for Breast Cancer Screening
MONDAY, April 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Four evidence-based guidance statements on breast cancer screening have been developed by the American College of Physicians and published online April 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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FDA Warns Against Use of Preowned or Unauthorized Test Strips
MONDAY, April 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning patients not to use preowned test strips or test strips not authorized for sale in the United States because of possible infection or inaccurate results that could cause serious harm.
Preventive Drugs Often Used in Last Year of a Cancer Patient’s Life
MONDAY, April 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Preventive drugs are frequently used in the last year of life among older adults with cancer, according to a study published online March 25 in Cancer.
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Alcohol, Drug Misuse Tied to Long-Term Health Problems
MONDAY, April 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — More than one-third of U.S. adults in recovery for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use have health problems related to previous substance use, according to a study published online March 16 in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.
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Early T2DM Diagnosis Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Risk
MONDAY, April 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The cardiovascular risks associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are greater for patients diagnosed before age 40 years, according to a study published online April 8 in Circulation.
Draft Recommendation Promotes Screening Women for Anxiety
MONDAY, April 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Adolescent and adult women, including those who are pregnant and postpartum, should be assessed for anxiety as a routine preventive health service, according to a draft recommendation statement published online April 1 by the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI).
October May Be Best Time for Older Adults to Receive Flu Shot
FRIDAY, April 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — It may be best for older adults to wait until October to receive their flu vaccine, unless that delay would cause them to skip getting their flu shot altogether, according to a study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
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Pregnancy History Not Likely Tied to Later Cognitive Function
FRIDAY, April 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — There is no clinically meaningful long-term association between pregnancy history and age-related change in cognitive function, according to a study published online March 18 in Menopause.
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Depressive Symptoms May Up Risk for Death in HIV+ Veterans
FRIDAY, April 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Among U.S. veterans with HIV infection, depressive symptoms are associated with a significantly increased risk for mortality, but depression is not, according to a study published online March 29 in HIV Medicine.
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CDC: Prevalence of COPD High Among Some Nonsmokers
FRIDAY, April 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among individuals who have never smoked is high in certain industries and occupations, according to research published in the April 5 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Topical Corticosteroids Associated With Higher Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
FRIDAY, April 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — There is a positive association between use of topical corticosteroids and incident type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a study published online April 1 in Diabetes Care.
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FDA Issues Warning on E-Cigarette Liquids Resembling Cough Syrup
THURSDAY, April 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Warning letters have been sent to two companies that make and sell electronic cigarette liquids that look like prescription cough syrups, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.
FDA: High Levels of Heavy Metals Found in Kratom Products
THURSDAY, April 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Dangerously high levels of heavy metals have been found in dozens of kratom products, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.
Early Hospital Intervention for Diabetes Improves Outcomes
THURSDAY, April 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Early intervention for patients with diabetes in the hospital decreases hyperglycemia and hospital-acquired infections, according to a study published online March 28 in Diabetes Care.
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Readmission Risk Up With Shorter Stay at Nursing Facility
THURSDAY, April 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For patients with heart failure discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) and then home, the risk for readmission is highest during the first two days at home and is attenuated with a longer SNF length of stay, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.
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Short Sleep Duration, Not OSA, Linked to Daytime Sleepiness
THURSDAY, April 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Short sleep duration (SSD) is associated with daytime sleepiness, while obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, according to a study published online April 1 in CHEST.
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Odds of Hay Fever Up With Very Early, Late Spring Onset
THURSDAY, April 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Very early onset and late onset of spring are associated with increased odds of hay fever, according to a study published online March 28 in PLOS ONE.
11 Million Deaths Attributable to Poor Diet in 2017
THURSDAY, April 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Suboptimal diet is associated with increased mortality and morbidity from noncommunicable diseases, according to a study published online April 2 in The Lancet.
Most Osteoporosis Guidelines Do Not Discuss Patient Choices
THURSDAY, April 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Less than 40 percent of osteoporosis clinical practice guidelines include any mention of patients’ beliefs, values, or preferences (BVPs), according to a study published online March 11 in Osteoporosis International.
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Patient-Report Instrument Helps Identify ADEs in Older Adults
THURSDAY, April 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A patient-report instrument has good predictive value for identifying adverse drug events (ADEs) in older adults in the community setting, according to a study published in the March/April issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Minerals Not Linked to Multiple Sclerosis Risk in Women
WEDNESDAY, April 3, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Mineral intake seems not to be associated with the risk for multiple sclerosis (MS) among women, according to a study published online April 3 in Neurology.
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Many ICU Workers Contaminated With Drug-Resistant Bacteria
WEDNESDAY, April 3, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Improper removal of personal protective equipment (PPE) contaminates health care workers interacting with patients who are on contact precautions for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), according to a study published online March 20 in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
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New Plan Limits Out-of-Pocket Costs for Insulin
WEDNESDAY, April 3, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Out-of-pocket costs for insulin could be restricted to $25 a month for people under a drug benefit plan announced Wednesday by Express Scripts.
U.S. Measles Cases Already Top Last Year’s Total
TUESDAY, April 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The number of measles cases in the United States so far this year has already surpassed the total for last year.
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Americans Borrowed $88 Billion in Past Year to Pay for Health Care
TUESDAY, April 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — About one in eight Americans borrowed a total of $88 billion in the past year to pay for health care, a new West Health-Gallup survey shows.
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One Hour of Activity/Week Helps Maintain Disability-Free Status
TUESDAY, April 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For adults with lower-extremity joint symptoms, attaining about one hour of moderate-vigorous activity per week is associated with an increased likelihood of maintaining disability-free status over four years, according to a study published online March 19 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Sex Hormone Levels May Impact Development of Asthma
TUESDAY, April 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Sex hormones may impact the risk for asthma, with elevated sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) demonstrating a protective effect in females, according to research recently published in Thorax.
Guidelines for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Updated
TUESDAY, April 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations have been updated for the management of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB); the Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guideline was published online March 21 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Dolutegravir Feasible for HIV Tx in Women of Childbearing Age
TUESDAY, April 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Dolutegravir should be considered for antiretroviral therapy (ART) in treating HIV in women of childbearing potential in resource-limited settings, despite its associated risk for neural tube defects, according to a study published online April 2 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Over-the-Counter Meds Save Health Care System Money
TUESDAY, April 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — On average, each dollar spent on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines saves the U.S. health care system $7.20, totaling nearly $146 billion in annual savings, according to a report released March 18 by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA).
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Best Practices Developed for Diagnosing, Managing MINOCA
TUESDAY, April 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In an American Heart Association scientific statement published online March 27 in Circulation, best practices are presented for diagnostic evaluation and management of myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA).
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Doctors Unclear on Legal Obligations in Caring for Patients With Disability
MONDAY, April 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Practicing physicians might not understand their legal responsibilities when caring for people with disability, which may contribute to inequalities in their care, according to a study published online April 1 in Health Affairs.
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Discharge, Interhospital Transfer Varies With Insurance Status
MONDAY, April 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Uninsured patients and Medicaid beneficiaries with acute pulmonary diseases have higher odds of interhospital transfer, according to a study published online April 1 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Vitamins, Carotenoids Associated With Lower Risk for Cataract
MONDAY, April 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Higher consumption of certain vitamins and carotenoids is associated with a significantly decreased risk for age-related cataract (ARC) in cohort studies, according to a meta-analysis published in the January issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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Liquid Meal Replacements Cut Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
MONDAY, April 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Liquid meal replacements in weight loss diets lead to modest reductions in cardiometabolic risk factors for overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a review published online March 28 in Diabetes Care.
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