A three-week study of ten obese volunteers with mild type 2 diabetes mellitus found that a very low-carbohydrate diet led to an average weight loss of 3.6 pounds, primarily due to reduced calorie intake rather than loss of body fluid or increased metabolism. The results suggest that carbohydrate restriction may stimulate excessive appe...
Two studies examine the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus, a condition that affects millions of Americans. Researchers found positive lifestyle changes lowered risk among nonsmokers but not smokers. A computer simulation determined the diet-exercise program and metformin therapy were cost-effective options.
A 14-year study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that quitting smoking can add years to life. The study showed a significant reduction in death rates among participants who quit compared to those who continued to smoke.
A new study of 5,887 middle-aged smokers found that those who quit smoking had a significantly lower death rate than those who continued to smoke. The annual death rates for quitters were 6.0 per 1000 patients compared to 11.0 in non-quitters, showing a 46% reduction.
The American College of Physicians recommends one-time ultrasound examination for abdominal aortic aneurysm screening in men aged 65-75 who are smokers. New evidence suggests that large abdominal aneurysms may reduce deaths from ruptured aneurysms. Meanwhile, a study found that the COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib increases heart attack risk ...
Current FOBT screening recommendations are being reexamined due to low test accuracy and non-compliance. A study of 3,121 people found that single office-based FOBT tests missed advanced precancerous lesions 95% of the time.
A new analysis found that heavy alcohol drinking was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in men. Moderate drinking of red wine, on the other hand, was linked to a lower risk of stroke compared to other forms of alcohol consumption.
Acupuncture was found to be effective in treating osteoarthritis of the knee, while its effectiveness for chronic neck pain was no better than placebo. A third study identified a clinical prediction rule that can predict which patients with low-back pain are most likely to benefit from spinal manipulation.
A study of 1,718 people found that COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib was associated with a higher risk of heart attack compared to celecoxib and older non-selective non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NANSAIDs). In contrast, those who used NANSAIDs had a decreased risk for myocardial infarction.
A recent review of health journals found limited evidence on reducing health disparities, but identified a significant association between high-dose steroid use and increased cardiovascular risk. The review also provided new guidelines for blood thinner dosing in older patients with atrial fibrillation.
A new study suggests that using drugs to slow heart rate (rate control) is more cost-effective than restoring normal heart rhythm (rhythm control) for treating atrial fibrillation. The American College of Physicians released a tip sheet with these findings and several other articles on related topics.
A study found that antibiotics are ineffective in treating chronic prostate pain (CP/CPPS) but a-receptor blockers may provide relief for extended periods. Simple exercises improved dizziness in adults, while survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk for breast cancer.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that most US malaria deaths are preventable, with human error and inadequate medical care contributing to nearly two-thirds of cases. The CDC has expanded resources available to provide critical information on prevention and treatment of malaria.
A study of US travelers who died from malaria between 1963 and 2001 found that most deaths were preventable with proper medication and medical care. The researchers call for better education and resources for travelers and healthcare providers to reduce malaria-related deaths.
Two studies find that high hemoglobin A1c levels are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, including heart disease and stroke. Improvements in glycemic control may improve health outcomes in people without diabetes.
Optical colonoscopy may miss between 10-14% of polyps, highlighting the need for virtual colonoscopy. Meanwhile, a study on West Nile fever reveals more serious symptoms and longer recovery times than previously thought. Resynchronization of heart function after a heart attack can improve quality of life but is not cost-effective.
A new study found that wearing below-the-knee elastic compression stockings every day reduces the incidence of DVT complications from 49% to 26% and severe complications from 12% to 3.5% after a blood clot in two years. The study suggests that stocking therapy should be routine after a deep-vein blood clot.
A meta-analysis found that cardiac resynchronization therapy improved the quality of life of people with heart failure, while a cost-effectiveness study showed it costs $90,000 per quality-adjusted life-year saved. Guidelines for follow-up colonoscopies were also criticized for being too often performed.
A study of 2,220 patients with acute coronary artery disease found that early invasive treatment showed a benefit in preventing heart attack or death, especially for older patients. A survey also revealed significant salary disparities between female and male medical faculty members in the US.
The American College of Physicians shares tips on safe air travel for heart patients, the efficacy of antibiotics in treating Gulf War illnesses, and the impact of living wills on hospital deaths. The ACP also introduces a nine-item pretravel checklist for cardiovascular disease.
A study found that American ginseng reduced the anticoagulant effect of warfarin in healthy volunteers. Additionally, researchers observed that only 57% of doctors followed standard hand hygiene practices, with factors such as high workload and risk for cross-transmission affecting compliance.
A study of 300 people found that those with more abdominal fat were four times more likely to develop hypertension. Meanwhile, a six-year study of middle-aged men found no correlation between regular aerobic exercise and reduced artery thickening.
A study of 19,537 patients found that those taking cholesterol-lowering drugs statins before admission had better hospital outcomes than non-statin users. Meanwhile, researchers discovered limited information on the effectiveness of bioterrorism surveillance systems in detecting illnesses and emerging infections.
Two randomized trials compared low-carbohydrate diets with low-fat diets, finding improved triglyceride levels and slightly improved HDL cholesterol levels on the low-carb diet. Participants on the low-carb diet also lost more weight in the short-term study, but both groups lost similar amounts of weight in the 12-month study.
Two studies found that low-carbohydrate diets led to greater weight loss in obese adults than conventional diets. The low-carb group showed improvements in triglyceride levels and better control of blood sugar for those with diabetes.
The US task force recommends targeted screening of healthy women over 70 with mammography and Pap tests, as there is limited evidence to support universal screening for lung cancer. Meanwhile, a study reveals that managing drug care for older adults requires improvement, with failures in educating patients on medication use and underus...
The American College of Physicians recommends statin therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes, regardless of cholesterol levels, due to the high risk of cardiovascular disease. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of monitoring liver function and muscle enzymes only in patients with pre-existing conditions.
A study found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a slightly increased risk of colorectal cancer. The American College of Physicians task force released eight recommendations to redefine the domain of general internal medicine, suggesting a balance between breadth and depth in practice, as well as team-based care.
A new study of people with newly diagnosed Alzheimer disease found that median survival period was significantly shorter than similar-aged individuals. The severity of cognitive impairment and other factors were strongly associated with decreased survival. Meanwhile, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for alcoho...
A study of 299 smokers found that nicotine nasal spray and skin patch both led to similar abstinence rates after six months. However, certain groups achieved higher success rates with one form over the other based on their ethnic background, weight and nicotine dependence level.
The US Preventive Services Task Force finds insufficient evidence to show that routine screenings for physical abuse and intimate partner violence lead to decreased disability or premature death. Clinicians should remain vigilant and look for signs of abuse or neglect, despite the lack of proof that interventions work.
The US Preventive Services Task Force has issued new recommendations for screening asymptomatic people for heart disease. However, evidence is insufficient to recommend EKG, treadmill tests, and CT scans for these groups. Additionally, hospice care may increase overall Medicare costs, but provide savings in certain cases with aggressiv...
The decline in hormone therapy (HT) use was attributed to the release of data from two long-term studies showing that HT did not protect against heart disease and may even increase the risk. The study found that women who took HT had a higher risk for heart disease and breast cancer compared to those who did not take HT.
A six-month graded activity program reduced lost work days by 29 days compared to usual care for patients with work-related low back pain. The program's focus on patient function despite pain was commended, but more research is needed to develop powerful treatments.
A study found that people with kidney disease have higher levels of non-traditional risk factors for heart disease. Treating these risk factors may help prevent heart disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Additionally, an editorial highlights the need for malpractice reform to prevent medical injury.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have released joint clinical guidelines to manage atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition. The guidelines focus on controlling heart rate and stroke prevention with blood thinners, rather than restoring sinus rhythm.
The American College of Physicians released guidelines for treating atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to stroke if uncontrolled. Researchers also reviewed 18 studies on melanoma and sunscreen use, finding no link between the two conditions.
A study found that a waist measurement greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Another study discovered that patients rated their doctors' care higher when both were of the same race, leading to longer matched-race visits.
A substantial proportion of U.S. doctors support national health insurance, with 49% backing government-led legislation and 40% opposing it. Mammography screening is found to be cost-effective for women aged 65-80 with no serious health conditions, reducing death at reasonable cost.
A new study highlights the need for improved care of vulnerable older adults with conditions such as bedsores and incontinence. Leech therapy shows promise in relieving pain from osteoarthritis, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
Recent studies question the volume-outcome relationship, suggesting that patient characteristics and hospital quality may play a greater role than previously thought. Additionally, topical nerve growth factor shows promise in treating pressure ulcers, with significant healing outcomes reported.
The SARS epidemic taught four important lessons: the need for global cooperation, improved public health infrastructure, care for patients despite personal risk, and measures to minimize infectious risks to healthcare workers. The response to SARS demonstrates that a strong public health infrastructure can help contain outbreaks and pr...
A new set of guidelines aims to standardize reporting of medical guidelines, reducing misunderstandings among clinicians, patients, and reporters. Blood pressure pills have been found to lower hip fracture risk in older adults, but the protective effect disappears after four months without treatment.
A recent study found treating older adults with the flu to be cost-effective, while a Hong Kong-based SARS study reveals higher-than-expected mortality rates, highlighting the need for more effective diagnostic tools.
A new study by the American College of Physicians found that treating older adults with flu-like symptoms can be cost-effective, but preventing them through annual vaccinations is more beneficial. Vaccination decreases hospitalization needs and mortality rates, making it the best strategy for older adults.
Research reveals that obese individuals are more likely to develop symptoms of acute mountain sickness at high altitudes, with lower blood oxygen levels. In contrast, smoking marijuana or taking synthetic cannabinoids in HIV patients did not affect key treatment indicators, according to a new study. A no-fault medical malpractice syste...
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common among older men, affecting one-third of men aged 53-90, with increasing age being a significant risk factor. Modifiable health behaviors such as physical activity and leanness are associated with maintaining good erectile function.
A randomized pilot study found that alternating two triple-drug regimens every three months significantly reduced drug failure and kept the viral load suppressed. However, a cost-effectiveness study identified four strategies to determine if a sore throat is caused by bacterial infection, reducing inappropriate antibiotic use.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against use of beta-carotene supplements for cancer or cardiovascular disease prevention due to lack of benefit and potential harm. Lawsuits involving human subjects research are increasing, leading to more careful research and increased costs, according to experts.
A new study suggests that pneumococcal vaccination can save medical costs for individuals aged 50 to 64, particularly those at high risk of pneumococcal disease. The cost-effectiveness of vaccination is comparable to other preventive services in this age group.