Researchers found that hormone therapy has no effect on prostate size in middle-aged men, while a study on presumed consent policies suggests it may increase deceased kidney donation rates but lower living donor rates. Additionally, high co-pay costs are linked to increased prescription abandonment rates, highlighting the need for affo...
Researchers found that patient age may diminish the death benefit of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Moderate to severe pain was common in patients' final years, especially for those with arthritis. E-cigarettes pose a new challenge for physicians counseling patients to abstain from nicotine due to safety concerns and potentia...
Researchers found that people with periodontal disease are at high risk for cardiovascular disease and that invasive dental procedures may raise this risk. However, studies have not consistently shown a link between these procedures and cardiovascular events. Meanwhile, peer support programs improved diabetes management in patients, su...
A new study found that dieters who slept 8.5 hours per night lost 56% more body fat compared to those who slept 5.5 hours, highlighting the importance of adequate sleep for weight maintenance. Researchers also discovered that sleep restriction increased ghrelin levels, leading to increased hunger and food intake.
The American College of Physicians has announced that current stool DNA tests are not effective or cost-effective for colorectal cancer screening. Additionally, researchers have found that using proton pump inhibitors and clopidogrel together does not increase risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes after a first heart attack. In anot...
Researchers found that a low-carb diet based on animal protein may increase death risk compared to a vegetable-based diet. Additionally, patients often overestimate the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and radiation-free magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) offers an accurate diagnosis for peripheral arterial disease.
Researchers found that local fishermen exposed to oil clean-up efforts two years prior showed persistent airway injury, including increased prevalence rates of respiratory symptoms and biomarkers of pulmonary oxidative stress. The study suggests even short-term exposure to oil sediments may have detrimental health effects.
Researchers found that proactively disclosing medical errors decreased new legal claims and costs for health care systems. Collaboration between internists and specialists improved care for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection by increasing adherence to quality-of-care measures. However, administering corticosteroids to de...
Researchers evaluated the long-term effects of low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diets on weight loss, serum lipid concentrations, and bone mineral density. Both groups achieved significant weight loss, but the low-carb diet produced greater increases in plasma HDL cholesterol concentration.
A pilot program gives patients access to their doctors' notes to improve communication and care outcomes. Meanwhile, a study finds that physicians often neglect contextual information leading to medical errors.
A recent study found that men taking erectile dysfunction drugs have a higher rate of STDs, particularly HIV infection, compared to those who do not use ED drugs. However, the optimal timing for initiating surgery on rotator cuff injuries remains unclear, with experts debating whether early or delayed intervention is best.
Alzheimer's disease may not be delayed by lifestyle interventions, while a promising medication, diet, exercise, and cognitive engagement show potential benefits. Ribavirin shows promise in treating Chronic Hepatitis E, and adding nucleic acid testing to HIV screening improves case yield.
Research reveals that group visits can significantly improve blood pressure in diabetics with hypertension but not blood sugar levels. Colorectal cancer risk increases with age and birth cohort, suggesting a potential burden to society. Opioid treatment agreements may not reduce misuse, and a new complication from contaminated cocaine ...
A new study by researchers found that measuring bone density before starting ADT can help prevent fractures and reduce costs. Another study suggests that CTCA can identify patients who need more invasive testing for heart disease.
A new article proposes a three-pronged strategy to address conflicts of interest in clinical guideline development, emphasizing intellectual and financial conflicts equally. The approach aims to balance expert insights with the avoidance of inappropriate influence from experts with financial or intellectual conflicts.
A survey of 2,058 physicians found that 17% of general internists and 4% of internal medicine subspecialists have left their practices by mid-career. The study suggests that the 'general' nature of general internal medicine may give internists more options for careers outside of medicine.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that human growth hormone (HGH) improves sprint capacity in healthy recreational athletes, with effects nearly doubled in men who also received testosterone injections. The researchers also noted significant reductions in fat mass but no increase in muscle mass.
Researchers found that healthy older adults taking rosuvastatin had fewer heart problems and strokes than those not taking the medication. A high false-positive rate was associated with low-dose CT lung cancer screening, highlighting its potential harms. U.S. News rankings are criticized for relying too heavily on subjective data.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) aims to provide most Americans with access to affordable healthcare, covering over 95% of legal residents. However, the law's impact on primary care access and cost control remains uncertain, with concerns about the shortage of physicians and increasing costs.
Childhood cancer survivors may experience a 10-year reduction in life expectancy due to late effects of treatment, according to researchers. Furthermore, social connections play a significant role in shaping alcohol consumption rates, with individuals influenced by friends and acquaintances' drinking habits.
A panel of experts concludes that P4P programs can strengthen the relationship between physicians and patients when linked to evidence-based measures. The panel emphasizes the importance of protecting scientific standards and promoting equity in healthcare delivery.
Researchers found a persistent excess risk of death after hip fractures, especially in men, which does not return to pre-fracture levels even after 10 years. Additionally, an empirical study explored the ethics of payment for kidney donation, finding no association between price and willingness to donate across income levels, but highl...
Researchers found that collaboration with industry would decrease mean population sodium intake by 9.5% and prevent 513,885 strokes and 480,358 heart attacks. Vitamin D supplements may reduce cardiovascular disease risk, while low-carbohydrate diets showed no difference in weight loss after 12 months.
Researchers found that pipe and cigar smoking is associated with decrements in lung function consistent with obstructive lung disease. HRT use also increases the risk of coronary heart disease, even after six years.
Researchers found that CT scans are more accurate than MRI in ruling out coronary artery disease. Extended-duration transdermal nicotine therapy was also shown to increase smokers' chances of quitting successfully.
Researchers found prescribed opioids associated with significant overdose risk. Leptin therapy holds promise for long-term weight loss. Atrial fibrillation risk is lower with certain antihypertensives, while higher statin doses may not always prevent coronary artery disease.
The American College of Physicians has issued a position paper to guide ethical relationships among patients, physicians, and caregivers. The paper outlines four primary principles for physicians to consider when collaborating with patients and caregivers, including respect for patient dignity and effective communication.
Research reveals that quitting smoking can increase type 2 diabetes risk in the short term due to weight gain. Additionally, spoon size affects dosing accuracy with liquid medicine, leading to errors. The latest adult immunization schedule emphasizes HPV and influenza vaccinations, while antiretroviral adherence is linked to lower heal...
Two studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine explore alternative approaches to breast lesion diagnosis and the potential of teaching health centers to expand primary care services. The research suggests that core needle biopsy is a viable option for breast lesion diagnosis with comparable accuracy to open surgical biopsy, while...
A new self-assessment score has been developed to predict diabetes risk, showing promise as a simple and effective tool. Additionally, researchers are considering alternative bacteria, Fusobacterium necrophorum, for sore throat treatment due to its association with a rare but life-threatening complication, Lemierre syndrome. Furthermor...
The US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against routine breast cancer screening for women under 50 due to insufficient evidence. However, women between 40-49 at high risk should discuss biennial mammography with their doctor. The task force also suggests changing the screening interval from one year to two until age 74.
Family health history disclosure may not improve clinical decision making, according to researchers. Meanwhile, community-based interventions in developing countries have been shown to effectively reduce blood pressure. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may also benefit from conventional DMARD therapy or biologics, but their cost...
The American College of Physicians recommends initiating therapy with a PDE-5 inhibitor in men with ED unless there's a contraindication. Treatment with PDE-5 inhibitors results in statistically significant improvements in sexual intercourse and erectile function, regardless of cause or baseline severity.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued clinical practice guidelines for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), recommending the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and individualizing decisions on hormonal tests. For patients with stable ischemic heart disease, adding ACE inhibitors to standard care improves ou...
Researchers analyzed the clinical and cost-effectiveness of early H1N1 vaccination, finding that vaccinating 40% of the population in October or 35% in November could save costs and shorten the pandemic. Expanded vaccination and antiviral prophylaxis are also effective against avian flu, with a focus on mitigating the pandemic potentia...
Researchers found that tamoxifen citrate, raloxifene, and tibolone reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer, but increase the risk for adverse events. Particle beam radiation therapy may be more effective in treating cancer while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Researchers found that a Mediterranean-style diet was more effective in managing type 2 diabetes than a low-fat diet, with patients on the Mediterranean diet requiring less medication and experiencing greater weight loss. Additionally, retail clinics were shown to provide quality care at lower costs compared to urgent care centers and ...
Researchers found a Chinese herbal remedy to be more effective than standard treatment in reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, elective induction of labor may reduce cesarean deliveries and improve fetal outcomes for pregnant women at term.
Researchers review prophylactic treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors for seasonal flu prevention, finding them effective in preventing symptomatic but not asymptomatic flu. Improved hand hygiene and face masks implemented within 36 hours of symptom onset also show promise in reducing household transmission of pandemic flu.
A new comprehensive health care database, DARTNet, aims to advance medical research and improve patient care by facilitating secure data sharing among clinicians and organizations. The database, part of a national health data network, has the potential to transform the quality of healthcare by enabling high-quality observational studies.
Researchers found that HIV-positive patients who underwent susceptibility testing had lower mortality rates. Internet-based self-management programs improved asthma control and lung function in adult patients, but not quality of life or asthma attacks. Restricting artificial trans fat in restaurants led to healthier fatty acid profiles...
Research suggests that starting antiretroviral therapy at a CD4 count of 350 is highly cost-effective. This approach may reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve long-term survival for patients in South Africa.
Research finds that long-distance travel significantly increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, prompting recommendations for low-cost interventions. Stepped-dosing of efavirenz also decreases incidence and severity of neuropsychiatric adverse events while maintaining efficacy.
The IOM CER Committee recommends prioritizing research on high-priority topics, including improving the uptake of new knowledge and its translation into better decision-making. The committee aims to create a sustainable national CER initiative that can improve healthcare for individual patients and communities.
Researchers investigated calcium supplementation's effect on obese patients' weight loss, found no benefits. Red yeast rice capsules improved LDL cholesterol levels in statin-intolerant patients without muscle pain side effects. Colonoscopy-related adverse events were low but increased with age and specific comorbid conditions.
Researchers identified BCL2, p53, and high microvessel density as molecular factors associated with increased risk of death from prostate cancer. Additionally, a study found that news reports often sensationalize medical research, potentially misleading the public about its relevance to human health.
The American College of Physicians has released a guidebook and DVD to assist patients in managing high blood pressure, a condition that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. The resource provides information on causes, risk factors, and lifestyle changes to control hypertension.
Researchers found that patient-tailored treatment regimens may have a more positive impact than strict glycemic control in managing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, universal insurance coverage may reduce race-based health care disparities by improving chronic disease control among patients from different racial or ethnic groups.
Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine propose an intensive disease management approach to help smokers quit successfully, including repeated or intensive interventions that include pharmacotherapy and counseling. The studies also suggest targeting healthier older patients with colorectal cancer screening and using LD...
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends taking aspirin in at-risk patients to prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, the quality of care in nursing homes remains suboptimal, and creating a specialized physician training program may help address this issue.