Articles tagged with Internal Medicine
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.
A new study finds anxiety to be as prevalent as depression, affecting nearly 20% of patients in primary care. The GAD-7 screening tool identifies undiagnosed anxiety disorders, highlighting the importance of physician assessment.
Anxiety disorders are common in primary care settings, affecting nearly 20% of patients, with many untreated. Internists perform fewer procedures than in 1986, with a significant decrease in varied procedures. Annals of Internal Medicine launches a reproducible research initiative to improve data sharing.
The American College of Physicians recommends periodic health evaluations to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. A new study found that immunochemical FOBT is an effective tool for detecting colorectal cancer, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.
The American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Physicians released new clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing and managing venous thromboembolism. The guidelines emphasize the use of clinical prediction rules, diagnostic tools like D-dimer and ultrasonography, and low-molecular weight heparin for patients with d...
A review found that growth hormone had minimal effects on body composition but increased rates of unhealthy side effects, diabetes, and adverse events. The use of GH for anti-aging in healthy adults is not recommended due to the lack of evidence and potential risks.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that race consciousness is pervasive among physicians of African descent, leading to negative experiences and 'racial fatigue.' The study highlights the need to address racial disparities in the healthcare workplace to increase diversity and retain minority physicians.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that men with high blood pressure can safely consume one or two drinks per day without increasing their risk of heart attack. Additionally, a three-year study discovered that daily folic acid supplementation slowed the decline in hearing for low-frequency sounds among older adu...
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of heart attacks among men with hypertension. The study analyzed data from nearly 12,000 men and showed that drinking one or two drinks per day does not increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Researchers found that intensive support programs for caregivers improved their quality of life, reducing depression and stress. Coordinated support systems also enhanced dementia patient care, with 64% meeting guidelines in the intervention group.
A review in the Journal of Internal Medicine estimates that 50 million people acquired zoonotic diseases between 2000 and 2005, resulting in up to 78,000 deaths. The Dengue virus and Japanese Encephalitis Virus are among the most common zoonotic killers.
A new study found that women with disabilities are less likely to undergo breast-conserving surgery after a breast cancer diagnosis. In contrast, older adults with three or more chronic diseases may not benefit from colorectal cancer screening due to shortened life expectancy.
A recent study reveals that medical misdiagnoses often result from multiple breakdowns in the diagnostic process, including failure to order tests or follow up on patients. In contrast, patients receiving high-quality hemodialysis care are less likely to experience hospitalizations and deaths.
A New York City analysis found that non-HIV-related deaths among people with AIDS increased by 32.8% from 1999 to 2004, with underlying causes including substance abuse and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests a shift in healthcare models to address physical and mental health needs is necessary to reduce these deaths.
A recent survey of 4,193 New York City men found that nearly 10% of those identifying as straight reported having sex with at least one man. This group was more likely to be from minority racial or ethnic groups, foreign-born, and married. They were also less likely to get tested for HIV or use condoms during last sexual encounter.
Individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders are significantly more likely to develop depression, especially those with moderate or worse disorders. The study found a dose-response association between sleep-related breathing disorder and depression, suggesting a causal link between the conditions.
Patients with allergic rhinitis experience more difficulty sleeping and sleep disorders compared to those without allergies. Allergic rhinitis affects about 20-50% of the population, contributing to snoring, breathing problems, and sleep apnea.
A survey of US and Canadian physicians reveals they generally support disclosing medical errors that would be apparent to patients, but differ in when and how to do so. Most patients want detailed information following a medical error, including an explicit statement of the error and explanations for what will be done to prevent future...
Two University of Iowa studies examine factors that hinder or help physicians disclose medical errors. The research reveals a range of positive and negative motivations, including responsibility to patients, self, profession, and community. Understanding these factors can improve patient safety and doctor-patient relationships.
A team of medical experts has established clinical guidelines to inform the best care for patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators under advisory or recall. The guidelines consider device failure rates, patient dependency, and mortality to guide replacement decisions.
The second edition of 'Medicine in Quotations' features over 450 new quotations on various topics, fully referenced to their original sources. The book offers a unique perspective on the evolution of medical concepts and practices.
Patients who received a disclosure were more likely to correctly identify their physician's payment model and report enough knowledge to judge its influence on health care. Loyalty to the physician group was higher among those receiving a disclosure, with no significant decrease in trust.
A study by Jasminka M. Vukanovic-Criley and colleagues found that cardiac examination skills appear similar among medical students, residents, and faculty physicians, but decline significantly after years in practice. The authors conclude that improvement is needed to ensure accurate diagnosis and patient safety.
The article discusses scientific fraud prevention and the growing concern of community-acquired MRSA infections. The key responsibilities for addressing misconduct can be shared among institutions, co-authors, and journal editors.
Researchers found that physical symptoms of frailty are often reversible and can be addressed through early intervention. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, included 754 participants aged 70 or older and found high rates of recovery from frailty.
A 15-year study found that elderly men with higher optimism levels had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular death. The study also showed that older age, depression, and lower physical activity were associated with lower optimism scores over time.