Articles tagged with Internal Medicine
A comprehensive study in patients with type 2 diabetes found no evidence that blood pressure medication increases the risk of falling and breaking bones. In fact, results showed possible trends towards fewer fractures in intensive treatment groups.
Two American missionaries who contracted Ebola virus in West Africa deserve special treatment for their selfless act of caring for infected patients. The author argues that limiting experimental treatment to these two patients is necessary due to the ethical concerns of exploiting vulnerable individuals during a public health outbreak.
A University of Michigan Medical School study reveals strategies for success in 'medical marriages', where one or both spouses are physicians. Key findings include the importance of mutual support, role definition, and shared values in maintaining a resilient relationship.
A commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals the history of 'miraculous' Ebola virus serotherapy, inspired by 19th century discoveries. Additionally, two systematic reviews address challenges of interpreting troponin levels in patients with chronic kidney disease.
The American College of Physicians recommends a full-night sleep study for patients with unexplained daytime sleepiness to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity is the best documented risk factor for OSA, and symptoms include snoring, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue.
A study of over 4,100 New York State residents aged 60+ found that 2.7% were financially exploited in the past year, with 78% having their money or property stolen. Family members, particularly adult children, are the most common perpetrators.
A study found that early initiation of menopausal hormone therapy has a neutral effect on atherosclerosis progression in women. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of decision aids for advanced care planning is unclear due to limited research. Additionally, recent safety lapses at government labs pose a bioterror risk, highlighting the need f...
Researchers found that over-expression of Xbp1s in mice protected them against obesity and diabetes, with improved body weight, decreased blood glucose levels, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. The study suggests the brain controls glucose production by the liver, paving the way for new therapies to treat these conditions.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis due to its high rate of false positives. A systematic review found no evidence that screening improves outcomes, but also identified a small risk of harms such as stroke and mortality.
New study finds sedentary behavior can be detrimental to cardiovascular health, independent of exercise. Researchers recommend taking short walks, tracking daily steps, and replacing desk chairs with fitness balls or treadmill desks.
The American College of Physicians recommends against routine pelvic exams for asymptomatic, average-risk women due to low diagnostic accuracy and potential harms. The guideline suggests that pelvic exams are appropriate only for women with symptoms or certain risk factors.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that providing hospitalized patients with addiction treatment during their stay and upon discharge significantly reduces the likelihood of relapse. Buprenorphine, an opioid substitute, was found to curb withdrawal symptoms and lead to fewer days of illicit drug use.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms in men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked, while cautioning against widespread lung cancer screening among high-risk older adults due to insufficient evidence. The committee cited age-related risks and diminishing benefits of extended life fro...
The American College of Physicians recommends assessing a woman's health history for unique events that increase her risk of stroke later in life. For chronic hepatitis C patients, routine screening for liver cancer may not lead to greater survival.
A pilot study found that e-cigarettes are more acceptable and effective in helping smokers quit than nicotine inhalers. The devices' better marketing and high acceptance rates contribute to their popularity.
The updated 2014-2016 HHS Viral Hepatitis Action Plan aims to tackle rising incidences of liver disease and cancer caused by untreated chronic viral hepatitis. The plan builds on previous goals but expands evaluation metrics, calling for further commitments to decrease morbidity and mortality.
The American College of Physicians advocates for a patient- and family-centered approach to physician training, recognizing the value of partnerships between healthcare professionals and their loved ones. The organization's proposal includes establishing guidelines for active participation of patients and families in medical care.
The American College of Physicians recommends nine strategies to address societal barriers to reducing firearms-related violence. ACP advocates for approach firearm safety as a public health issue and supports universal criminal background checks to keep guns out of the hands of felons and others at risk.
Dr. Roger Unger has been awarded the 2014 Rolf Luft Award for his groundbreaking research on glucagon, which he identified as a key hormone balancing insulin regulation of blood sugar. His work revealed diabetes is a bihormonal disease with insufficiency of insulin and excess glucagon.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a new pathway linking two major biological processes that occur after a heart attack, leading to potential cardioprotection. The study identifies the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway as key events in this process.
The USPSTF published its final recommendation statement on primary care interventions to prevent or reduce illicit drug and nonmedical pharmaceutical use in children and adolescents. Nearly one in 10 American adolescents use illegal drugs, with serious health consequences.
Most people who commit suicide receive regular healthcare services, yet a significant portion of these individuals are left with undiagnosed mental health conditions. Healthcare providers must become more attuned to patients' mental health states and possible suicide ideation to prevent suicides.
A study by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that young adults with hypertension are less likely to be prescribed antihypertensive medication, even when they have regular primary care visits. This delay can increase the risk of future cardiovascular events.
Aortic valve replacement improves symptoms but may not improve overall quality of life for high-risk patients. Researchers found rituximab to be ineffective in treating primary Sjögren's syndrome, while microsporidiosis should be considered in febrile transplant patients, especially those with unexplained illnesses.
A recent study by Group Health Research Institute found that patients with treated hypertension had 27-28% fewer specialty visits after implementing a patient-centered medical home. In contrast, clinically complex patients with multiple diseases saw a 3-5% increase in specialty use during the first two years after implementation.
The American College of Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released an updated adult immunization schedule for 2014. Key changes include the removal of health care worker vaccination as an indication and updated recommendations for certain adults at increased risk for Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) i...
A recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that gastric banding patients often fail to meet daily nutrient requirements despite supplements and counseling. To maintain health after bariatric surgery, patients are advised to consume more protein-rich foods, include fatty fish, and limit processed foods.
The American College of Physicians has published new research on MERS, highlighting the need for better understanding and collaboration to combat its potential as a major public health threat. Guidelines for cholesterol treatment have also been released, sparking debate among physicians, while expert advice is offered on effective scre...
A study found that training hospital staff in basic hospice strategies led to improved end-of-life care, including more orders for pain medication and the removal of nasogastric tubes. The intervention also increased the presence of advance directives, reducing distress for patients and families.
A new study finds that FTM transgender patients have over 10 times higher odds of having an inadequate Papanicolaou (Pap) test compared to female patients. The researchers also found that FTM patients were more likely to have multiple inadequate Pap tests and had longer latency to follow-up testing.
A Mediterranean diet rich in extra-virgin olive oil reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 50% without calorie restriction, exercise, or weight loss. The study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that a Mediterranean diet may have public health implications for diabetes prevention.
A recent study found that minority physicians care for 54% of minority patients and 70% of non-English-speaking patients. Minority physicians are also more likely to care for patients with lower self-reported health status. The study suggests expanding the racial diversity of the physician workforce could improve access to care.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for high-risk adults between 55 and 80 years old. Heavy smokers or former heavy smokers who have quit within the past 15 years are considered high risk due to increased lung cancer risk. The recommendation is based on comprehensive evi...
A study found that preoperative medical consultation for cataract surgery became more common among Medicare patients, with significant variations in referral rates by patient age, race, and location. The research highlights an area of opportunity for reducing unnecessary healthcare resources.
The article discusses the use of unlicensed vaccine Bexsero to combat meningitis outbreaks in the US, as well as new guidelines for BRCA mutation screening in high-risk women. The American College of Physicians also explains how Medicaid expansion will benefit poor citizens and their physicians by increasing access to healthcare.
Most multivitamin supplements have no benefit in preventing chronic disease or death, and long-term use does not preserve cognitive function. Researchers found that high doses of multivitamins and minerals do not protect against cardiovascular events following myocardial infarction.
Less than 15% of internal medicine residency programs have a formal curriculum addressing cost-conscious care, despite a national consensus on the issue. The study found that western US programs and university-based programs were more likely to adopt such curricula.
A recent study found that over 18% of lung cancers detected by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) may be cases of overdiagnosis, where the cancer would not have become clinically apparent without screening. This could lead to unnecessary treatment, anxiety, and increased healthcare costs.
A study published in JAMA found that simulation-based communication skills training had no effect on the quality of end-of-life care, but was associated with a small increase in patients' symptoms of depression. The researchers suggest that skills transfer from simulation training to actual patient care may be inadequate.
The American College of Physicians recommends restricting red blood cell transfusions to severe anemia cases in patients with heart disease. ACP also advises against using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in mild to moderate anemia with heart conditions due to increased risks of thromboembolic events and stroke rates.
The American College of Physicians recommends that individuals with heart disease should only receive red blood cell transfusions if they have severe anemia. Additionally, researchers found that the concept of 'healthy and overweight' is a myth, as individuals in the same BMI category can have varied metabolic features. The study's fin...
A review of President John F. Kennedy's medical records reveals a complex medical history, including Addison's disease and hypothyroidism. Researchers now believe Kennedy may have had polyendocrine syndrome type II, a rare autoimmune disorder combining the two conditions.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that maintaining a direct channel of communication between patients and primary doctors is crucial to success. Patients in regular contact with their primary physicians are most satisfied with their care, according to a new study.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that calculating comorbidity-adjusted life expectancy may help physicians determine whether to continue or stop cancer screening in elderly patients. The researchers found that patients with higher levels of comorbidity had shorter life expectancies than healthy patients of ...
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that women who adhered to a Mediterranean-type diet in midlife had greater physical and mental function in old age. Researchers also developed a scoring system to identify low-risk patients for strep throat, which could potentially save hundreds of thousands of doctor visits...
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends against routine screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in asymptomatic adults, citing the potential harms of testing. ACP also advises against treating patients with stage 1-3 CKD with combination therapy, due to increased risk of adverse effects.
The USPSTF found no conclusive evidence to support routine blood pressure screening in asymptomatic youth. However, there is a growing concern about the increasing rates of childhood obesity and its potential impact on adult cardiovascular health.
A new study reveals that American doctors are more likely to experience burnout, depression, and lower satisfaction with their quality of life due to long working hours and personal responsibilities. The study found that physicians who work in academic medical centers, are younger, or female are particularly affected.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women with acute coronary syndromes are more likely to present without chest pain, despite it being the most common symptom for both sexes. The study also showed that women without chest pain had fewer symptoms overall compared to those with chest pain.
The American College of Physicians outlines a team-based model of healthcare with 13 principles to encourage effective teamwork and collaboration. Highly-functioning teams assign responsibility based on patient needs, prioritize culture, communication, and mutual respect.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that critically ill patients often receive futile treatment, with estimated costs of $2.6 million over three months. The most common reason for perceiving treatment as futile was the significant burden it placed on the patient's quality of life.
A UCLA/USC study finds that a patient-centered model with round-the-clock access and coordinated care improves patient satisfaction to 65% and physician satisfaction to 51%. The Galaxy Health program also shows promise for encouraging more medical school graduates to enter primary care.
The USPSTF recommends that primary care clinicians provide education or brief counseling to prevent tobacco use in school-aged children and adolescents. A systematic evidence review found that such interventions can reduce the risk of smoking initiation by 19% compared to control participants.
Researchers found that generic substitutions result in $127-$160 annual savings, while therapeutic substitutions yield $389-$452 per beneficiary. Therapeutic substitutions have the potential to double or triple annual cost savings compared to generic substitutions.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded Richard M. Allman, MD, with the 2013 Joseph T. Freeman Award for his contributions to geriatric research and practice. The award recognizes his focus on understanding mobility loss in older adults and improving age-related health disparities.
The UT Southwestern Geriatrics section has received a $1 million four-year grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to enhance interprofessional education and patient safety. The grant will support a curriculum that incorporates virtual and face-to-face experiences, as well as faculty development and training.
Screening asymptomatic high-risk adults for lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) may significantly reduce mortality, according to a systematic review. The US Preventive Services Task Force reviewed 67 articles and found that LDCT screening can detect lung cancer at an earlier stage, leading to lower mortality rates.
A study found that strong doctor-patient relationships facilitate conversations about healthcare costs, particularly when patients feel trust their physician. Patients are more willing to discuss personal out-of-pocket costs than insurer costs, and older and sicker individuals are more receptive to discussing costs.
A recent study by Yale University researchers found that former prisoners are more likely to be hospitalized for acute preventable conditions, with a rate 30-65% higher than the general population. The study's results highlight the need for improved healthcare before and after release.
Two independent reviews of rhBMP-2 trial data found no significant benefits and potential increased risks of cancer associated with its use. The studies suggest that patients should be counseled on the relative benefits and harms of each option, as the role of rhBMP-2 in spinal surgery is still being defined.