Articles tagged with Internal Medicine
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that hearing impairment is common among adults with diabetes, affecting up to 54.1% of those with the condition. The study suggests that high blood sugar levels may damage the inner ear and nerves, leading to hearing loss.
Researchers found that misoprostol suppresses key immune responses and allows deadly infection to occur. The study has implications for understanding rare but life-threatening infections during pregnancy. More than a half-million women have taken the two-drug combination safely since its FDA approval in 2000.
A database review of 101,832 critically ill patients found that ICU patients managed by critical care specialists had higher mortality rates. In contrast, a review of 66 trials on salmeterol added to inhaled corticosteroids for asthma did not alter the risk for asthma-related hospitalizations or deaths.
Researchers found that adding noninvasive imaging to risk-assessment protocols increased the number of people classified as high risk for heart disease. This approach is proposed by the Screening for Heart Attack Prevention and Education task force, which aims to identify more patients who could benefit from cholesterol-lowering therapy.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that heart attack patients with acute kidney injury have a persistent risk of death after hospital discharge, with no significant decrease over time.
The American College of Physicians has released a new clinical practice guideline on screening for osteoporosis in men. Osteoporosis is expected to affect nearly 50% more men over the next 15 years due to increasing rates among older adults.
A study of 3,269 older men found that those taking loop diuretics had faster rates of hip bone mineral density decline compared to non-users. The risk was highest among continuous users, with a rate two-and-a-half times greater than non-users.
Researchers found that men with one or two hypertensive parents had higher average blood pressure and a greater risk of developing hypertension. Early-onset hypertension in both parents was associated with a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension by age 35.
A recent court ruling supported JAMA and Archives of Internal Medicine in their opposition to Pfizer's subpoena for confidential information regarding COX-2 inhibitors. The subpoenas sought documents related to the decision-making process, but the court ruled that this information was irrelevant to the pending claims.
A two-year study found that glucosamine sulfate was no better than placebo in controlling hip pain and progression of osteoarthritis. In contrast, Taiwan's universal health insurance program showed a small increase in life expectancy among the least healthy population, but with increased utilization and healthcare expenditures.
Researchers found that a delay in disabling conditions was crucial for centenarian survival, with male and female centenarians exhibiting different resilience levels. The study highlights the importance of understanding mechanisms for delaying disability to improve health outcomes and therapies.
Localized prostate cancer treatment options face uncertainty due to limited evidence. Gene expression tests for breast cancer hold promise but require further data on benefits and limitations. New HIV treatment guidelines suggest earlier initiation may increase life expectancy for younger patients. Pregnant women should not be screened...
Researchers propose steps toward a solution, including technology assessments by independent organizations, to identify beneficial and safe devices. This would increase awareness among health professionals of new technologies' potential promise and pitfalls.
Researchers found that frequent snoring is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic bronchitis, which involves inflammation of the lower airways. Individuals who snored six times or more per week were up to 68% more likely to develop bronchitis than those who never snored.
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 new study found that daily pain is far more prevalent and severe than previously thought in adults with sickle cell disease. Over half of the patients reported having pain on most days, with nearly one-third experiencing pain nearly every day.
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 Center of Research Translation will investigate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through a four-group approach, focusing on B-cells, disease progression, and gene contributions. This project aims to translate basic research findings in mice to human SLE, improving treatment options for patients.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers suggests that colon cancer screenings may bring little benefit and pose harm to certain patients. The 'payoff time' method estimates the minimum time required for screening benefits to outweigh harms, revealing a significant gap in current guidelines.
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...
Two studies found that consuming a Mediterranean diet and engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity were associated with reduced mortality rates over five years. The Mediterranean diet was linked to a lower risk of death from any cause, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
A UC Davis study found that physician styles, practice volumes, and HMO affiliations significantly influence the length of patient visits. Patient satisfaction is a crucial aspect of care, and doctors working in busy practices or within HMOs often risk shortening visit lengths.
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 AMPATH program, a comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS care, has made an ongoing difference in large numbers of individuals and communities. By addressing medical care, nutritional sufficiency, and economic security, AMPATH has improved the lives of over 52,000 HIV-positive people in western Kenya.
The University of Iowa team identified two key genes involved in moisture sensing, allowing fruit flies to detect subtle changes in humidity. This discovery provides crucial insights into the mechanisms of hygrosensation and its potential applications in understanding sensory processes.
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 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 (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...
A study found that hospitalist care led to shorter hospital stays, particularly for patients with specific diagnoses and complex discharge needs. Hospitalists' real-time monitoring and treatment adjustments may facilitate earlier discharge.
The Canadian mortality rate from colorectal cancer is high due to insufficient screening and prevention measures, resulting in advanced-stage treatments being administered too late. Effective screening tests can prevent the disease by detecting benign polyps, but education programs are necessary to address this issue.
Between 1998 and 2005, serious adverse drug events doubled, resulting in a significant increase in deaths associated with adverse drug events. The study found that pain medications and immune-modifying drugs contributed disproportionately to fatal events.
The university's Task Force for Obesity Research will tackle key molecular pathways, develop new approaches to prevent obesity and treat associated metabolic complications. Researchers will use data from the Dallas Heart Study and provide interdisciplinary training for postdoctoral fellows.
A study found that internal medicine residents scored low in a test of biostatistics knowledge, with many expressing low confidence in understanding medical literature statistics. The results highlight the need for more effective training in biostatistics for residency education to prevent incorrect interpretations of clinical research.
Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging technique that detects fat buildup in the heart of pre-diabetic people. The study found that fat accumulation occurs before diabetes onset and is unrelated to blood sugar or liver fat, but correlated with stomach fat.
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 study found that unconscious racial biases among doctors can lead to disparities in medical treatment, with doctors showing a preference for treating white patients over black patients. The bias is not based on conscious attitudes but rather on implicit stereotypes of cooperativeness by race.
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.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that waist-to-hip ratio is a stronger indicator of cardiovascular risk than body mass index. The study suggests that measuring this ratio can help identify individuals with an increased risk of heart disease and guide more effective treatment strategies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new treatment that effectively counters the cardiovascular effects of cocaine. The treatment successfully lowers both heart rate and blood pressure, alleviating symptoms commonly experienced by cocaine users.
A recent Yale University study found that 16% of chronically ill elderly patients refuse recommended medical and surgical interventions. The most frequently refused treatments were cardiac catheterization and surgery, with a combined refusal rate over 10%. Patients who refused treatments often cited fear of side effects as the primary ...
University of Michigan scientists are creating nanoparticles that can deliver morphine to wounded soldiers faster and more safely. The goal is to develop tiny drug-bearing particles that a fellow soldier could inject with a pen-like device, even in combat.
Internal medicine faculty report that reduced resident duty hours worsen aspects of patient care, education, and professionalism, while improving residents' well-being. Key clinical faculty also express concerns about increased workload, burnout, and decreased autonomy for residents.
A new study by Brandeis University recommends routine screening in primary care for mental health and substance abuse problems. This can help identify more people with behavioral health conditions, leading to earlier treatment.
A Yale University study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that top-ranked hospitals may not necessarily provide better care for heart attack patients. The research compared death rates among patients treated at both ranked and non-ranked hospitals, revealing a surprising disparity between the two groups.
Autophagy, a normal process in which cells recycle proteins, may paradoxically contribute to the progression of heart disease. Mice with amplified autophagy fared worse in cardiac stress tests than those with muted responses.
A survey of 415 adults in the US found that 78.1% of patients wanted physicians to shake hands, while 50.4% preferred their first name used during greetings. The study suggests that physicians should use patients' first and last names when introducing themselves and remain sensitive to nonverbal cues.
Researchers found that patients who tackled all three behaviors simultaneously had better success rates in changing their habits compared to those who addressed them separately. The study suggests a simultaneous approach may be superior for long-term multiple behavior change.
A Yale University study found that limiting medical residents to 80-hour workweeks improved patient care by reducing transfers to intensive care and minimizing medication errors. More patients were discharged home or to rehabilitation centers instead of nursing homes.
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.
A study at Yale University found that older drivers who underwent a physical conditioning program showed improved driving performance, including reduced critical errors. The program, led by researchers, aimed to enhance flexibility, coordination, and speed of movement relevant to driving.
A study found that nearly all physicians admit they would disclose a hypothetical error, but less than half have actually done so. The survey also revealed that those with more experience and those who prioritize forgiveness in their spiritual beliefs were more likely to disclose errors.
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 study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that cigarette smoking status can be used as a clinical indicator for alcohol misuse, which presents an opportunity for intervention. Non-daily smokers are five times more likely to have a problem with alcohol compared to people who have never smoked.
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.
A study of 2,000 US physicians found that two-thirds believe experiencing illness increases patients' awareness of religion and spirituality issues. Most physicians (85%) believe the influence of religion and spirituality is generally positive, but few think it changes medical outcomes.
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.
A Mayo Clinic study found that using computerized reminders can increase mammography screening rates, with 64.3% of women in the intervention group getting a yearly mammogram compared to 55.3% in the control group. The program has expanded beyond mammograms to include other preventive services.
Two Nobel laureates, Drs. Michael Brown and Joseph Goldstein, along with mentor Donald Seldin, will receive Research!America's Builders of Science Award for their contributions to developing UT Southwestern into a world-class research institution. The award recognizes their achievements in advancing biomedical research.