A new study in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that mammography screening may lead to overdiagnosis of breast cancer, potentially causing unnecessary anxiety and altered quality of life. Meanwhile, an international network of experts proposes minimum standards for guideline development to ensure high-quality evidence-based care. Ad...
The American College of Physicians' AABB recommends a restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy for stable adults and children, with evidence showing no difference in mortality or hospital stay between liberal and restrictive approaches. The guideline suggests considering transfusion at a hemoglobin threshold of 7-8 g/dL.
Researchers found dapagliflozin effective as an add-on for type 2 diabetes treatment, despite long-term safety data limitations and increased hypoglycemia risk. Peer mentoring improved glucose control among African American veterans through behavioral interventions. However, the use of antiplatelet therapy in patients with chronic kidn...
The USPSTF recommends a three-year Pap smear schedule for women aged 21-65, allowing those over 30 to go five years between tests if they undergo HPV screening. Women under 21 and older than 65 are not recommended for routine screening.
The American College of Physicians recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 50 for average-risk adults, with individualized assessments and tailored intervals based on risk factors. The guidelines also encourage shared decision-making between patients and physicians to weigh benefits and harms.
The American College of Physicians has released a guidance statement for colorectal cancer screening, emphasizing the importance of individualized risk assessment and recommending screening starting at age 50 for average-risk adults. A survey found that most physicians are confused by cancer screening statistics, with many relying on m...
Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine highlight the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment of flu. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) are found to be accurate at diagnosing the flu but not ruling it out, requiring follow-up testing.
Annual deaths from hepatitis B and C now exceed those from HIV, concentrated among middle-aged persons. Researchers found that birth-cohort testing and treatment for HCV is cost-effective, saving thousands of lives each year.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) endorses the use of metformin as the initial treatment for most patients with type 2 diabetes, especially when lifestyle modifications have failed. The guideline also advises adding a second drug to metformin when necessary.
The American College of Physicians recommends metformin as the initial drug treatment for most patients with type 2 diabetes who have failed lifestyle modifications. Additionally, a study found that women are more likely to experience complications after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement compared to men. Meanwhile,...
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine HPV vaccination for males aged 11-12 years, catch-up vaccination for males aged 13-21. For adults with diabetes, Hepatitis B vaccinations are now recommended for those under 60 and over 60 based on specific conditions.
Scientists have engineered a highly transmissible H5N1 strain, sparking debate about its safety and appropriateness. Dr. Inglesby argues that the risks outweigh the benefits, while Dr. Pavia suggests that proper safeguards can mitigate concerns and promote critical scientific understanding.
Research on vitamin D supplementation in patients with severe COPD found no benefit, while CPAP treatment reduced mortality risk in women with obstructive sleep apnea. The American College of Physicians recommends discussing the benefits and harms of screening and diagnostic tests to improve healthcare quality.
The American College of Physicians has released the sixth edition of its Ethics Manual, addressing new topics such as health catastrophes and social media professionalism. Researchers also found that spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and home exercise are more effective than medication for relieving neck pain. In contrast, in-hospital ...
The American College of Physicians has released the sixth edition of its Ethics Manual, covering topics such as culturally sensitive care, social media professionalism, and research ethics. The manual provides guidance for clinicians, educators, and researchers on navigating complex ethical dilemmas in medical practice.
A recent survey of doctors and patients found contrasting opinions on electronic records, with PCPs worried about increased demands and patient confusion, but patients expressing enthusiasm for sharing notes. Meanwhile, the US Preventive Services Task Force reviewed evidence on vitamin D supplementation for fracture protection and canc...
Recent studies have shed light on the rising trend of total knee replacements, with researchers finding that increasing knee pain may be a contributing factor. Additionally, a single dose of influenza vaccine administered during pregnancy has been shown to protect both mothers and their newborns from swine flu. Meanwhile, a review of s...
Research found that higher CHADS2 scores are associated with increased risks of stroke, systemic embolism, and major bleeding in A-Fib patients taking oral anticoagulants. Additionally, a study on warfarin patients suggests a 12-week monitoring interval is non-inferior to the current four-week schedule.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that proactive screening for hepatitis C among the birth cohort (1945-1965) is cost-effective and can identify over 800,000 currently unidentified cases. This strategy could save thousands of lives each year compared to current case identification methods.
The American College of Physicians recommends that doctors assess the risk of venous thromboembolism and bleeding in patients hospitalized for medical illnesses, such as stroke, before initiating therapy to prevent VTE. Heparin or related blood thinners are prescribed unless the assessed risk of bleeding outweighs likely benefits.
A 12-week yoga program improved back function in patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain, but had similar effects on back pain and general health. The American College of Physicians also recommends assessing VTE risk and prescribing heparin to prevent venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients.
Researchers studied mammography registries to compare cumulative probability of false-positive results after 10 years of annual or biennial screening. Biennial screening reduced false-positive recalls by one-third, but associated with a small increase in late-stage cancer diagnosis. Digital mammography was found to be equally effective...
Researchers highlight the importance of clinicians recognizing signs of bioterrorism threats. Behavioral-based weight loss treatments have been shown to be safe and effective, yielding clinically meaningful results. Additionally, proper selection and programming can make MRI scans safe for cardiac device patients.
The American College of Physicians advocates for a seventh ACGME/ABMS general competency on cost-conscious care. Meanwhile, research on Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure in relation to diabetes remains inconclusive. Additionally, local incidence data may improve the diagnosis of strep throat, which affects millions worldwide each year.
Multiple lifestyle improvements can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by up to 80%, according to a study of over 100,000 men and women. Additionally, researchers warn that Babesia, a parasitic disease, poses a threat to the nation's blood supply, highlighting the need for donor-screening strategies.
Recent studies and guidelines suggest that traditional Chinese medicine may be effective in treating seasonal flu, while delayed surgery for hip fractures may not necessarily lead to poor outcomes. Additionally, new guidelines from the USPSTF recommend against bladder cancer screening in asymptomatic adults due to inadequate evidence. ...
The American College of Physicians and three other organizations issue new clinical recommendations for diagnosing and treating stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The guidelines aim to help clinicians diagnose and manage COPD, prevent and treat exacerbations, and improve patient quality of life. In contrast, the risks...
The American College of Physicians, along with three other medical organizations, has released a joint clinical practice guideline for diagnosing and treating stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The guidelines recommend obtaining spirometry to diagnose airflow obstruction in patients with respiratory symptoms, but not ...
Researchers found that testing for Lynch Syndrome in all colorectal cancer patients is cost-effective and can help identify families at risk. Antiretroviral therapy also increased life expectancy for HIV patients in Africa to nearly normal levels, with men showing lower survival rates than women. In contrast, low health literacy was li...
The 'July Effect' is associated with increased patient mortality and lower efficiency in teaching hospitals. Researchers found that the sudden changeover of medical trainees leads to disruptions in established teams, resulting in longer hospital stays and surgical times.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that massage therapy is more effective than usual medical interventions for improving pain and function in patients with chronic low back pain. The researchers also suggest that relaxation massage may have a slight advantage over structural massage due to its wider availability.
Researchers recommend using multiple blood pressure readings to accurately assess control in patients with hypertension, suggesting home monitoring could improve quality of care. For suspected appendicitis, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is recommended as standard preoperative care due to its high sensitivity and specificity....
A prospective study found that smoking significantly increases a woman's risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can cause pain and discomfort. The study also suggests that smoking cessation reduces the risk, but even after 20 years of abstention, the risk remains elevated.
Drs. Fauci and Dieffenbach emphasize the importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in controlling HIV transmission, with early treatment preventing 96% of transmission in a clinical trial. They also highlight the need for a cure and new biomedical prevention therapies to ultimately end the epidemic.
A new article suggests changes to compassionate release guidelines to address medical-related flaws, including the development of standardized guidelines and the assignment of advocates to help navigate the system. The authors propose palliative care for critically-ill prisoners awaiting decision on compassionate release or approval.
Researchers found that add-on diabetes drugs for patients with uncontrolled diabetes on metformin and sulfonylurea have no clear between-drug differences. High-seelenium yeast supplements slightly reduced cholesterol levels but increased the risk of harm, particularly in countries with adequate selenium intake. Obesity is linked to fun...
Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine explore treatments for older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and patients with severe allergic asthma. Long-acting inhaled beta-agonists were found to increase survival rates over anticholinergics, while omalizumab improved symptoms and quality-of-life sc...
Researchers found that off-label use of rFVIIa for various conditions had no mortality benefit and increased risk for thromboembolism in patients. Routine monitoring of troponin levels may be warranted to identify perioperative MI in asymptomatic patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery.
A reformed Medicaid program must prioritize coordinated primary care to ensure access and sustainability. The American College of Physicians recommends various improvements, including increased payment rates, reduced administrative burdens, and expanded long-term care options.
The American College of Physicians urges a national policy to ensure better access to healthcare for immigrants, who face numerous barriers, including lack of insurance and fear of deportation. The organization emphasizes the importance of addressing these concerns to prevent public health issues and promote equitable care.
Researchers found that adults reporting workdays of 11 hours or longer had a 67 percent higher relative risk for CHD than those working 7 or 8 hours a day. Additionally, self-monitoring and self-adjustment of anticoagulant doses resulted in superior patient outcomes without an increase in major bleeding events.
Researchers found that hospitals with low AMI mortality rates shared an overall vision of excellence and had more senior management involvement, broad staff presence, and better communication among physicians. A new low-radiation alternative to CT angiography also shows promise in diagnosing coronary artery disease, with good specifici...
A new study predicts the spread of cholera in Haiti and identifies effective control strategies. The researchers' model suggests a three percent risk reduction in infection through vaccination, which is twice the impact of providing clean water.
Researchers find that oral steroids improve symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis, while surrogate treatment decisions have a significant negative emotional impact on healthcare providers. The Hepatitis B vaccine has reduced infections in children, but targeted efforts are needed for adults. The USPSTF is updating its scree...
Researchers found that obesity reduces duration and quality of life by 12 percent, while knee osteoarthritis has a similar impact. A new guideline also recommends targeted prevention and treatment strategies for patients with specific characteristics, such as age, race, and functional status.
The American College of Physicians recommends limiting routine imaging for low back pain due to lack of evidence on its health benefits, recommending only in higher-risk patients. ACP aims to preserve high-value, high-quality care by controlling unsustainable healthcare costs.
African American patients with hypertension who viewed stories about real patients experienced better blood pressure control compared to usual care. High-volume hospitals for congestive heart failure showed improved patient outcomes but higher costs, contradicting previous studies that only focused on cost-effectiveness.
Colonoscopy significantly reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 90% in both the left and right sides, according to a new study. However, the effectiveness of colonoscopy in preventing cancers on the right side may be limited to older patients.
Researchers found that Echinacea has no significant effect on reducing the duration or severity of cold symptoms. In contrast, a diet rich in whole-fat dairy products may help lower the risk of developing diabetes due to increased levels of trans-palmitoleate. Exercise and Vitamin D supplements are also recommended as effective interve...
A recent study found that nearly half of men in this age group would like to have more sex, despite the common perception that elderly people are not capable of or interested in sex. Meanwhile, a meta-analysis of heart treatments failed to show significant differences between two commonly used medications. The American College of Physi...