Recent studies in Annals of Internal Medicine reveal significant advancements in palliative care and insights into sickle cell disease's prevalence. Researchers also discovered a new strain of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcal Infections primarily affecting men who have sex with men, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention measu...
A study found that targeted digital mammography screening can be cost-effective for younger women with dense breasts, while conventional film mammography may be more effective for older women. Additionally, labeling epinephrine as a dose or ratio affected dosing errors among doctors.
The American College of Physicians has issued new clinical guidelines that recommend against routine screening for carotid artery stenosis. Meanwhile, the use of vitamin D as a standard treatment for chronic kidney disease remains unchanged despite concerns over its effectiveness. Additionally, experts have called for revisions to orga...
The American College of Physicians emphasizes the need for a more efficient and equitable healthcare system. Internists advocate for a focus on patient-centered care and recommend various strategies to achieve this goal. One such approach is implementing pay-for-performance programs that prioritize patient well-being over profit motives.
The American College of Physicians emphasizes the need to balance performance incentives with patient-centered care. Pay-for-performance programs may neglect complex patient needs, particularly for elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions. ACP advocates for a more nuanced approach that prioritizes patient welfare and preferences.
The American College of Physicians proposes a pluralistic system with government and private organizations ensuring universal access, or a single-payer system with lower administrative costs. The organization also recommends improving patient care coordination, disease prevention, and reducing healthcare administration costs.
Physicians spend approximately 8 hours a week providing unreimbursed care outside of office visits, which can include talking with families or ordering medicines. Lumbar supports have been shown to reduce low back pain in healthcare workers with existing back pain, but not work absences.
The American College of Physicians has released comprehensive guidelines for diagnosing and treating stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A new study also found that a nutrient supplement can reduce the need for steroids in patients with stubborn ulcerative colitis. Additionally, an atypical antipsychotic drug has been shown t...
The American College of Physicians has released a new clinical practice guideline on diagnosing and treating stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The guidelines recommend the use of spirometry in patients with respiratory symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, to diagnose airflow obstruction. For symptomatic patien...
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has endorsed the 2007-08 adult immunization schedule, which recommends vaccination for varicella and zoster in adults. The CDC's adult immunization schedule aims to reduce vaccine-preventable deaths, with approximately 50,000 Americans dying each year from such diseases.
A new systematic review of trials comparing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) found that survival to 10 years was similar between the two procedures. CABG was more effective in relieving angina, but had a higher risk for procedural stroke, while PCI led to more repeated revasculari...
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued comprehensive guidelines for treating low back pain, recommending that clinicians avoid routine imaging and diagnostic tests. The ACP also found that the newer drug telbivudine is more effective than adefovir in suppressing hepatitis B virus levels.
The American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society released joint guidelines on diagnosing and treating low back pain, emphasizing that clinicians should not routinely order imaging tests. Non-pharmacologic treatments like acupuncture and spinal manipulations can provide relief for those with severe pain.
Both aerobic and resistance exercise improved glycemic/blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, with the greatest improvements seen in those who performed both types of exercise. The study found that combining aerobic and resistance training resulted in a significant decrease in A1c value, indicating better blood sugar control.
The American College of Physicians recommends setting blood sugar targets for patients with type 2 diabetes, aiming to prevent microvascular complications. Additionally, a study reveals that many women of childbearing age are prescribed dangerous drugs without proper birth control monitoring.
A study found that clinicians follow depression treatment guidelines poorly, failing to address key issues like suicide risk and alcohol use. Better clinician adherence is associated with reduced persistent depressive symptoms.
A systematic review found ICDs to be safe and effective in reducing mortality among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The devices reduced overall death from all causes by 20%, mostly due to a significant decrease in sudden cardiac deaths.
A new analysis of rosiglitazone data found an uncertain heart risk, while a study on geriatric conditions revealed they are common among adults 65+ and increase with age. Counseling programs about preventing car accident injuries showed inconclusive evidence.
A review of type 2 diabetes treatment found older agents have similar or superior effects on glycemic control and intermediate endpoints compared to newer, pricier medications. Gonorrhea is becoming resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, leading to recommendations for alternative treatments.
A large national study found that selenium supplements may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while a leading researcher advises against taking excessive selenium supplements. The study analyzed data from over 1,200 participants and found higher risks among those with higher blood selenium levels at the start of the study.
Researchers found that dietary counseling leads to a 6% weight loss after one year, but dieters return to baseline weight after five years. Studies also showed high-dose cholesterol-lowering medication reduces cardiovascular risk in older and younger patients, and beta-blockers decrease plaque buildup in artery walls.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that dietary counseling results in significant weight loss, with 10-15 pounds lost after one year. Moderate weight loss reduces diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure risk, making a lasting impact on overall health.
Women with diabetes experienced a decline in death rates, but at a cost: their bone density and endometrial thickness may have increased. In contrast, a study on soy products found that genistein supplements boosted bone mineral density and improved markers of bone metabolism.
The study found that the death rate for men with diabetes declined by 43% between 1971 and 2000, while the death rate for women with diabetes did not change. The authors suggest that different approaches may be needed to improve health outcomes for women with diabetes.
A new study found that both newer atypical and older conventional antipsychotics are associated with increased mortality in older adults with dementia. The risk appears to be highest for conventional antipsychotics.
The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) has updated its policy to align with the World Health Organization's Clinical Trials Platform. The revised policy now requires registration in a primary registry that participates in the WHO ICTRP for all trials beginning enrollment on or after July 1, 2008.
A study published by the American College of Physicians found that antipsychotic medication can increase the risk of death in older people with dementia. This conclusion was drawn from a review of existing research and data, highlighting the importance of carefully weighing treatment options for individuals with this condition.
Prescription data sale to marketing firms is linked to lower death rates among those with depression, a study of 1,226 older adults found. Fibromyalgia patients have a lower pain threshold than healthy individuals, according to a literature review.
Two studies found infliximab ineffective in managing giant-cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica, highlighting steroid treatment as the standard approach for these chronic conditions.
A new meta-analysis of published research concludes that chondroitin has little effect on knee or hip pain caused by arthritis, while a clinical trial testing two different ways to treat Helicobacter pylori infection found sequential therapy cured the infection more often than standard treatment.
The American College of Physicians released a guideline for mammography screening in women between ages 40 and 49, emphasizing the need for individualized decision-making based on risk factors. The guidelines also highlight the uncertainty surrounding long-term effects of false-positive screening results on women's behavior.
The American College of Physicians recommends that clinicians assess each woman's breast cancer risk profile before making a decision about screening mammography. Women between 40-49 years old should weigh the potential benefits and harms of screening, discussing their concerns with their doctor to make an informed choice.
A study on rheumatoid arthritis found that flexible use of drugs with close patient follow-up can effectively control the disease. Additionally, a trial on men with prostate cancer showed that an osteoporosis drug strengthens bones and reduces bone loss.
Anxiety disorders are common in primary care settings, affecting nearly 20% of patients, with many untreated. Internists perform fewer procedures than in 1986, with a significant decrease in varied procedures. Annals of Internal Medicine launches a reproducible research initiative to improve data sharing.
The American College of Physicians recommends periodic health evaluations to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. A new study found that immunochemical FOBT is an effective tool for detecting colorectal cancer, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.
The number of very elderly beginning dialysis increased from 1996 to 2003, with one-year survival rates remaining at around 50%. Ambulatory techniques for diagnosing sleep apnea were found to be as effective as polysomnography.
A review of human growth hormone use in healthy elderly people found minimal benefits and high adverse events. Narcotics are often prescribed for chronic back pain but have poor efficacy data and high abuse rates. Meanwhile, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved HIV survival rates among those diagnosed since 2000.
A review found that growth hormone had minimal effects on body composition but increased rates of unhealthy side effects, diabetes, and adverse events. The use of GH for anti-aging in healthy adults is not recommended due to the lack of evidence and potential risks.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of heart attacks among men with hypertension. The study analyzed data from nearly 12,000 men and showed that drinking one or two drinks per day does not increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that men with high blood pressure can safely consume one or two drinks per day without increasing their risk of heart attack. Additionally, a three-year study discovered that daily folic acid supplementation slowed the decline in hearing for low-frequency sounds among older adu...
A federally funded study found that black cohosh was no better than a dummy pill in reducing hot flashes and night sweats in women with menopause. Symptoms declined by about 30 percent over 12 months, regardless of treatment.
A study on black cohosh found no significant benefit in reducing hot flashes and night sweats during menopause, contradicting its long-held status as a treatment option. In contrast, enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease slowed progression of complications, but high costs remain a concern.
A study of 119 physician groups found that integrated medical groups delivered higher quality care on four of six measures than individual practice associations. Routine, voluntary rapid HIV testing for all adults, except those with low prevalence, is cost-effective and supported by the CDC recommendation.
A study found that patients with lower literacy and those taking multiple medications had difficulty understanding prescription label instructions. The researchers recommend redesigning label text and format, as well as a system approach to verify patient understanding, to improve quality care.
Researchers found that intensive support programs for caregivers improved their quality of life, reducing depression and stress. Coordinated support systems also enhanced dementia patient care, with 64% meeting guidelines in the intervention group.
A new study found that women with disabilities are less likely to undergo breast-conserving surgery after a breast cancer diagnosis. In contrast, older adults with three or more chronic diseases may not benefit from colorectal cancer screening due to shortened life expectancy.
A new study suggests that rifaximin may improve IBS symptoms by over 50% compared to placebo. However, the researchers caution that antibiotics can have side effects and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits.
A new study found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) reported greater global improvements in symptoms and less bloating after taking rifaximin, an antibiotic. The randomized, double-blind study demonstrated a sustained benefit of an antibiotic for IBS symptoms even after treatment was stopped.
A recent study reveals that medical misdiagnoses often result from multiple breakdowns in the diagnostic process, including failure to order tests or follow up on patients. In contrast, patients receiving high-quality hemodialysis care are less likely to experience hospitalizations and deaths.
Researchers found that more people with AIDS died from common causes in 2004 compared to 1999. A survey of gay men revealed a significant gap between self-identified straight men who have sex with men and their actual behavior.