According to a new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, most adults who qualify for statin use for primary prevention are not receiving them. The study found that despite increased overall statin use over time, only 35% of eligible adults were taking statins between 2013 and 2018. The researchers suggest that innovative effo...
A randomized trial found that unfiltered traffic-related air pollution caused a rapid and significant increase in blood pressure, which persisted for more than 24 hours. The study suggests that effective cabin air filtration may reduce the negative effects of air pollution on blood pressure.
A study of over 20,000 middle-aged US adults found lower income status linked to increased hypertension risk. Higher-income adults faced rising rates of diabetes and obesity. Targeted public health initiatives are needed to address growing cardiovascular mortality among middle-aged adults.
A study found that 20% of patients treated with nirmatrelvir-ritavir (N-R) experienced virologic rebound, a phenomenon where viral load increases after initial decline. In contrast, only 1 untreated patient was affected. The researchers suggest considering the risks and benefits of N-R treatment in patients at low risk for severe disease.
Researchers found that acupuncture improved symptoms in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), but the benefits were not significant enough to meet the minimal clinical difference threshold. The study included over 300 participants and suggested that clinicians should consider using acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment.
A study found that physicians who presented treatments for obesity as good news and an opportunity were more successful in helping patients lose weight. Patients who received counseling with a positive and optimistic tone had significantly higher weight loss outcomes compared to those who received neutral or negative advice.
A virtual, home-based exercise program using cognitively enriched tai ji quan improved global cognition and reduced walking interference associated with dual tasking in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The intervention also showed favorable improvements in cognition, function, executive function, and working memory.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that both nurse practitioners (NPs) and physicians are similarly likely to inappropriately prescribe medications to older patients, with an average of 1.7 inappropriate prescriptions for every 100 prescriptions written. The authors suggest that use of clinician-level perform...
A study of 222 US hospitals found that 79.4% of patient-facing websites did not mention abortion, with limited information provided when it was mentioned. This lack of disclosure may contribute to stigma surrounding abortion care.
A study of over 850,000 Australian children born between 2009 and 2017 found a small increased risk of birth defects among those conceived through fertility treatment, partly attributed to parental infertility. The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was also associated with an increased risk for genitourinary abnormalities.
A study of hospitalized adults with new-onset atrial fibrillation found that 1 in 3 patients experienced a recurrent episode of AF within a year. This rate is approximately 7 times higher than in matched control participants, suggesting that oral anticoagulation therapy may be warranted for these patients.
A study of over 1 million Swedish men found that high blood pressure at age 18 was associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. Early intervention for hypertension may be critical to reducing later cardiovascular events.
The American College of Physicians has issued updated rapid, living practice points on treating COVID-19 patients in outpatient settings. The new guidance supports the use of molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir-ritonavir for symptomatic patients with confirmed mild to moderate COVID-19.
A large study found that people with an evening chronotype were more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, poor sleep, and physical inactivity. These individuals had a 72% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with a morning chronotype.
A nationally representative study found that at least one out of five prescriptions for commonly prescribed generic medications were cheaper through Amazon Prime or GoodRx Gold discount cards compared to actual out-of-pocket payments made by patients. The findings highlight the disproportionately higher frequency of out-of-pocket payme...
Two studies demonstrate that artificial intelligence in colonoscopy can increase adenoma detection rates and reduce miss rates, but also lead to increased removal of non-neoplastic polyps. The findings suggest the need for additional research on more defined detection parameters before AI can be integrated into routine clinical care.
Public health experts recommend continuing routine mask-wearing in healthcare settings to protect vulnerable patients and staff from COVID-19. The authors argue that while severe cases have decreased, asymptomatic spread remains a threat, particularly among high-risk patients and healthcare workers who may not be aware they are infected.
A large US study found that social determinants of health are a major factor contributing to higher cardiovascular disease mortality rates in Black individuals compared to Whites. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 adults and found significant associations between social factors such as unemployment and food insecurity with CVD m...
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that continued breast cancer screening after age 70 is associated with a greater incidence of cancer that likely would not have caused symptoms. Researchers estimate up to 47% of breast cancers found among women aged 74-84 were overdiagnosed.
The American College of Physicians recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 50 for asymptomatic adults with average risk. The guideline aims to balance benefits and harms of screening in this population. Screening in younger adults may not offer significant net benefit due to lower incidence rates.
The American College of Physicians recommends a federal pandemic preparedness plan, prioritizing health equity and real-time data sharing. ACP also calls for bolstering healthcare supply chains and supporting medical practices during emergencies.
A team of medical leaders recommends a sustainably funded public-private partnership to combat misinformation, citing challenges faced by the TIOS-VY organization. The American College of Physicians calls for modernizing public health infrastructure, including increased funding and addressing disinformation, especially on social media.
Researchers found that acute kidney injury does not predict worsening of kidney function trajectory in patients with CKD, suggesting that pre-existing kidney disease may be a major contributor. The study recommends focusing on flattening the eGFR slope and treating proteinuria to slow CKD progression.
A study of commercially insured adults with chronic noncancer pain found that state medical cannabis laws did not lead to a reduction in the use of opioid or nonopioid pain treatments. The researchers also suggested slow implementation and reluctance among healthcare leaders may have contributed to these findings.
A randomized controlled trial found that time-restricted eating produced similar weight loss results to traditional calorie counting in a racially diverse population of adults with obesity. Participants who engaged in 8-hour time-restricted eating had improved insulin sensitivity compared to those in the control group.
A post-hoc analysis of the ASPREE trial found that low-dose aspirin was associated with a 20% increased incidence of anemia and decline in ferritin levels in healthy older adults. The study recommends periodic monitoring of hemoglobin for patients taking aspirin.
A study found that even insured patients with diabetes use crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to cover excess medical expenses, including uncovered co-pays and life-saving care. Researchers urge policymakers to consider these needs when developing affordable diabetes care policies.
A supervised hospital walking program has been shown to reduce nursing facility admissions for older adults by lowering the proportion of patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities from 13% to 8%. However, low participation rates and limited impact on length of stay or inpatient falls were noted.
An observational study of 329,000 Medicare admissions found that older persons receiving hospital care from allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physicians experience similar quality and cost of care. Researchers also highlight systemic health inequities faced by persons with sickle cell disease.
Survivors of firearm injury experience chronic PTSD symptoms and poor health-related quality of life, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care. Screening for chronic kidney disease could be cost-effective for US adults starting at age 35.
A new commentary from infectious disease experts emphasizes the importance of continued masking in healthcare settings due to low evidence of efficacy and high transmission risks. Despite recent conflicting views, the authors argue that mask-wearing remains a crucial strategy for infection prevention.
Researchers found that heavy alcohol use and the presence of metabolic syndrome were associated with a higher risk for advanced liver disease. The study suggests an increasing interaction effect between MetS, heavy alcohol use, and a recent surge in alcoholic liver disease-related mortality.
Researchers found that solriamfetol, armodafinil–modafinil, and pitolisant reduce excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea already using conventional therapy. However, patients may be more likely to discontinue the use of these medications due to adverse events including headache, anxiety, and insomnia.
A cohort study of 196 people treated with tecovirimat found that HIV status did not impact treatment outcomes. Only 22% of participants experienced nonsevere adverse effects, and 4 serious adverse events occurred, with 3 being persons with HIV. The findings contradict previous uncertainty about HIV's role in mpox acquisition.
A growing number of states have implemented policies to cover outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with kidney failure. This expansion may be due to increased awareness of poor outcomes with emergency hemodialysis and advocacy efforts. The move towards covering dialysis in all 50 states is called for by experts, who also...
Researchers found that removing ovaries during a benign hysterectomy increases the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women, but not necessarily for cancer. The study supports current recommendations to conserve ovaries in premenopausal patients at low risk for ovarian cancer.
Experts recommend managing SARS-CoV-2 like other endemic respiratory viruses using Standard and Transmission-based Precautions. They also suggest reconsidering pandemic-era strategies such as asymptomatic testing and contact tracing in the endemic era.
A study of over 43,000 adults found that parathyroidectomy has no estimated effect on long-term kidney function in older adults. However, early treatment may preserve kidney function in patients younger than 60 years old.
Researchers found that using monoclonal antibodies within two days of a COVID-19 diagnosis reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 39% compared to those who did not receive treatment. This finding suggests that early treatment with monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced the severity of COVID-19.
A randomized clinical trial found that a video-based decision support tool increased patient knowledge, but not assent, to ICD implantation among Black patients. The study also highlighted the complexity of aversion to cardiac procedures in Black communities, emphasizing the need for further research on social determinants of health.
A cohort study of over 9,000 persons found that asymptomatic middle-aged individuals with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis are at an 8-fold increased risk for myocardial infarction. The study highlights the importance of identifying and addressing obstructive coronary artery disease in patients without known cardiovascular disease.
Cases of Candida auris, a highly contagious fungal infection, rose drastically between 2019 and 2021, with an increase in echinocandin-resistant cases. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and infection control practices to prevent the spread of C auris.
A systematic review of 33 randomized controlled trials found that yoga improved gait speed and lower extremity strength in inactive older people. However, it did not offer a benefit for frailty markers compared to exercise or tai chi.
A study found that a commercial water purifier may have caused Mycobacterium abscessus infections in 4 cardiac surgery patients due to chlorine depletion. The hospital's water system was contaminated via municipal water, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and preventing mycobacteria.
A study found that over 80% of American adults with type 2 diabetes meet the criteria to use GLP-1 RAs or SGLT2is, but only a small percentage are using them. The medications have a substantially higher cost than current first-line treatments, making it difficult for patients to access them.
Researchers found that a combination of symptom and high-level viral rebound after untreated COVID-19 infection is rare, occurring in only 3 percent of study participants. This suggests that accounting for underlying rates of symptom relapse is crucial when evaluating antiviral treatment effects.
A recent study found that adults with type 1 diabetes are at a high risk of being overweight or obese, but only half receive lifestyle recommendations to manage their weight. The study also highlighted the importance of individualized patient education in improving weight management for these patients.
A systematic review found that higher vitamin D intake was associated with a 15% decreased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes in adults with prediabetes. Inexpensive vitamin D supplementation could delay the development of diabetes in over 10 million people worldwide.
A cohort study of over 600 persons with non-MRI-conditional implantable cardioverter defibrillators found that these devices continue to appropriately treat detected tachyarrhythmias after MRI scans. The findings suggest that patients with non-MRI-conditional ICDs can safely undergo MRI exams without compromising device function.
The American College of Physicians recommends using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or second-generation antidepressants as initial treatment for adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The guideline also suggests considering combination therapy and discussing patient preferences when selecting a treatment.