A modeling study suggests that breast cancer overdiagnosis may occur in about 15% of screen-detected cases, rather than the estimated 30%. This could spare around 25,000 women unnecessary treatment. Researchers used data from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium to estimate the rate of overdiagnosis.
A study found that COVID-19 patients from high-vulnerability neighborhoods presented with more severe illness and required intensive care, but did not experience higher mortality rates. Researchers suggest policies targeting socially vulnerable neighborhoods to improve access to testing, treatment, and vaccination.
The new schedule includes revised guidance on the hepatitis B vaccine for adults aged 60 years and older, as well as simplified recommendations for pneumococcal vaccinations. The updated schedule also recommends co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines.
A retrospective cohort study of patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes found that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) were associated with a lower risk of diabetes complications and mortality than warfarin. The study suggests that NOAC may be a better therapeutic choice for this patient population.
A study found that risks of preterm birth, infant sepsis, and other adverse outcomes associated with CIN-3 treatment have decreased over time. Pregnancies after CIN-3 treatment should be managed as 'high risk' to reduce these risks.
A study of continuous monthly mortality data found that excess deaths associated with COVID-19 reached greater peaks than most other periods of excess deaths since 1918. The relative excess of deaths in 2020 was 12.5% in Switzerland, 8.5% in Sweden, and 17.3% in Spain.
Researchers found a markedly increased risk of carditis associated with BNT162b2 vaccination, particularly in adolescents after the second dose. The study's findings highlight the need for refined vaccination strategies to balance risk and benefits across different sub-populations.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released two new clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of diverticulitis. The guidelines recommend that clinicians manage most patients with uncomplicated disease in outpatient settings without antibiotics, while patients with complicated disease should be referred for colonos...
A case series found that a fourth dose of an mRNA-based vaccine increases antispike IgG titers in kidney transplant recipients with weak serologic response after three doses. The researchers noted no safety concerns with the additional dose and suggested its use for such patients.
A cross-sectional study found that mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) predominantly affects women, increasing the frequency and severity of hypertension and type 2 diabetes compared to nonfunctioning adrenal tumors. Patients with MACS carried an increased cardiometabolic burden similar to Cushing Syndrome, even without typical f...
Researchers found that mRNA vaccines were highly effective (86%) in preventing SARS-CoV-2-related deaths among vaccinated individuals, especially in the elderly population. However, vaccine effectiveness against infection was lower (69%) and decreased with increasing age and comorbidity burden.
Researchers found that adapted D-dimer thresholds are safe and efficient for ruling out acute pulmonary embolism, even in high-risk patient subgroups. Strategies with adapted thresholds have up to 3-fold increased efficiency, but also higher predicted failure rates.
Researchers found that video-based, telehealth-delivered exercise and weight loss programs improved pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity. The intervention with dietary component led to substantial weight loss and additional benefits.
Experts suggest expanding treatment options for hospital patients with opioid withdrawal symptoms, potentially allowing more individualized and patient-centered care. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the efficacy of short-acting opioids in this context.
A modeling study found that annual mammography screening beyond age 75 may provide little to no benefit in terms of lives saved, while increasing costs and potential harms from overdiagnosis. Biennial screening up to age 80 is more cost-effective but yields a small number of deaths averted.
A retrospective cohort analysis found that an algorithm-based automated text messaging system saved lives and reduced mortality rates by 68% among patients with COVID-19. The system, called COVID Watch, used text messages to monitor symptoms and escalate patients to healthcare providers for further care.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy screening significantly reduces colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, with a substantial protective effect maintained up to 19 years. The study's findings confirm the safety and effectiveness of flexible sigmoidoscopy as a preventive measure.
A randomized controlled trial found that CBT with yoga and education components significantly reduced pain impact and disability in patients on long-term opioid therapy. Patients receiving CBT also reported greater reductions in pain compared to those receiving usual care.
A randomized controlled trial found that adding genotypic resistance testing to routine care didn't improve virologic suppression among HIV patients with first-line antiretroviral therapy failure in public-sector clinics in Uganda and South Africa. The findings highlight the need for effective interventions for persons with virologic f...
A large study found that excess deaths during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic were significantly higher among Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Latino males and females. The disparities were attributed to structural and social determinants of health with deep roots in racism.
A randomized controlled trial found the live shingles vaccine to be safe and effective in preventing shingles in immunosuppressed patients taking TNFis. The vaccine showed robust immunogenicity responses, but variable cell-mediated responses that may require booster vaccinations.
A study of 100 adults with intermittent atrial fibrillation found that alcohol consumption significantly increased the risk for a near-term atrial fibrillation event. The association was more pronounced after one glass of alcohol and within a 4- to 6-hour time frame.
A prospective cohort study found that nearly 90% of immunocompromised patients developed an antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, suggesting potential protection against severe illness. The response was weaker than in healthy participants but still encouraging for immunocompromised individuals.
A randomized trial found that a shorter course of rifapentine-isoniazid therapy resulted in significantly higher treatment completion rates compared to a longer daily course. The findings suggest that this regimens can be more effective for preventing tuberculosis disease in individuals with HIV, particularly in high-transmission areas.
A multicenter randomized trial showed acupuncture improved symptoms of moderate to severe CP/CPPS, with effects lasting over 24 weeks. Acupuncture was more effective than sham therapy in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
A multicenter cohort study found that incomplete polyp removal is strongly associated with postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer. Researchers analyzed medical records for 233 participants and found that patients with incompletely removed polyps were more likely to develop metachronous neoplasia, including advanced tumors.
Rates of COVID-19 hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and in-hospital deaths peaked in December 2020 among adults aged 65+, males, and Hispanic or non-Hispanic Black persons. Effective therapeutics use increased while invasive interventions waned, suggesting clinical practice evolved based on increasing knowledge.
A prospective cohort study found that quitting smoking after being diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer can slow disease progression and decrease mortality. Patients who quit smoking lived longer overall, had a longer time to death from lung cancer, and experienced improved survival without cancer recurrence.
Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccines are more than 95% effective in preventing confirmed infection. The study also revealed significant disparities among different age groups and comorbidities, with higher risks observed among older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Additionally, a separate cohort study showed tha...
A Spanish study found that same-day rapid screening, face mask use, and improved ventilation significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates at an indoor concert with no physical distancing. The research suggests protocols for preventing virus transmission during such events.
A recent study in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers is strongly justified due to the higher mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2 compared to influenza. The authors propose strategies to increase employee acceptance and overcome vaccine hesitancy, emphasizing the importance of protec...
A new trial found that remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine have no impact on viral clearance in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Despite not affecting mortality, the treatment groups showed a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 load within the first week.
A prospective cohort study found that treatment at an infusion center is associated with substantially better outcomes than treatment in the emergency department for patients with sickle cell disease. Patients treated in ICs received parenteral pain medication faster and were more likely to have their pain reassessed within 30 minutes.
A retrospective cohort study found that COVID-19 surges in hardest-hit US hospitals doubled mortality rates. Researchers also discovered that nearly a third of persons with mild to moderate COVID-19 experience lingering symptoms months after infection.
A single case report describes a 65-year-old man who developed thrombocytopenia with thrombosis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination, highlighting the need for increased awareness and vigilance. The authors conclude that while rare events may occur, the benefits of vaccination should not be dissuaded.
The ACTIV (Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines) workgroup has developed nine master protocols to evaluate therapeutic agents for COVID-19. The protocols aim to accelerate drug development and improve treatment outcomes for patients with COVID-19.
A FDA advisory panelist outlines numerous issues with aducanumab's accelerated approval for Alzheimer's disease, including uncertainty regarding its clinical benefits and safety. The approval may lead to a substantial financial burden on American families due to the already substantial cost of the disease.
A recent study found that daily COVID-19 testing in the NFL enabled early detection of infections, even among asymptomatic individuals. The study also revealed disparities in vaccination rates among healthcare workers, with lower rates among Black and Hispanic employees compared to their Asian and White counterparts.
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increased antibody levels in organ transplant recipients who had a suboptimal response to standard vaccination. The study found that booster doses may be necessary for these patients, similar to hepatitis B and influenza vaccinations.
A modeling study found that schools can reopen safely with controlled community transmission and moderate mitigation strategies in place. Asymptomatic screening is one identified strategy to facilitate reopening while minimizing transmission risk.
A recent commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine highlights the growing concern of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis, or 'black fungus', in India. Experts recommend nonpharmacological measures and careful corticosteroid use to prevent and manage this syndemic.
A randomized controlled trial found that tai chi is as effective as conventional exercise in reducing waist circumference and improving HDL cholesterol levels among middle-aged and older adults with central obesity. The study's findings are good news for those who may prefer tai chi due to limited mobility or preference.
A small case series found that vaccination was not linked to worsening symptoms or reduced quality of life in patients with persistent COVID-19 symptoms. The study included 163 patients who received one dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
A retrospective cohort study found that autonomous cortisol secretion is associated with a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of death and cardiovascular disease in patients with adrenal incidentalomas. Researchers recommend treating known cardiovascular risk factors and incorporating findings into treatment decisions, including surgery.
A large cohort study reveals that despite impaired immunity, dialysis patients maintain SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels for at least 6 months following infection. The researchers found no indication that subgroups with impaired immunity had a shorter-lived humoral response compared to healthy individuals.
A retrospective study found that most COVID-19 patients in a home-based hospital care program did not require care escalation to traditional hospitals. The study suggests that physician hesitation may play a role in deciding which patients are enrolled in such programs.
A large US health care database study suggests that pregnant patients with COVID-19 have a lower rate of in-hospital death compared to non-pregnant women. The study revealed that pregnant patients were less likely to have comorbid conditions, resulting in a substantially lower mortality rate.
A new commentary suggests that more extensive use of minimally invasive non-endoscopic tests for Barrett's esophagus (BE) screening could lead to better early detection and prevention of esophageal adenocarcinoma, a deadly form of cancer. BE is often asymptomatic, but endoscopic treatment can reduce the risk of progression to cancer.
A prospective study found serial antigen testing can be an effective strategy for controlling infection during a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in nursing homes. The test was less sensitive than RT-PCR but performed well in identifying early infections and replicative viruses.
A liver transplant recipient was reinfected with SARS-CoV-2 111 days after initial diagnosis, using genomic sequencing to distinguish relapse from reinfection. Additionally, a study found people of color have substantially higher risks for hospitalization and intensive-level care for COVID-19 compared to White persons