Articles tagged with Internal Medicine
The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine has released a comprehensive guide for primary care doctors on obesity diagnosis and management. Obesity rates increased by 30% between 1980 and 1994, carrying significant direct health care costs for the United States. The guide addresses key aspects of medical a...
A study found raw (uncooked), contaminated alfalfa and clover sprouts cause illnesses in California, leading to six outbreaks of salmonellosis and E. coli 0157. Researchers also discovered that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help lower blood pressure in women as they age.
The journal launches a series on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), classifying over 200 therapies into eight categories. ACP-ASIM opposes the legalization of physician-assisted suicide, citing concerns about inadequate care at end-of-life.
The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine opposes physician-assisted suicide, considering it a threat to the patient-physician relationship. Instead, they suggest improving access to hospice care, palliative care, and pain management.
The Annals series examines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), classifying hundreds of therapies into a new taxonomy. CAM modalities like herbs, acupuncture, and homeopathy are studied, as well as the social context and effectiveness of these practices.
A recent study by Dr. Tamera Coyne-Beasley found that 59% of surveyed law enforcement officers stored firearms unlocked, while 68% kept their guns loaded. The researchers called for mandatory safety training and stricter firearm storage laws to address the issue.
Postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy for less than one year had a 25% increase in risk for recurrent heart disease, while those taking hormones for two years or longer had decreased risk. UTI patients successfully diagnosed and managed their own care with short-term antibiotics.
A new study found that women younger than 60 had a higher mortality rate after heart attacks than men of the same age, with an almost threefold higher risk for death. Researchers also discovered that inhaled insulin shows promise for treating type 2 diabetes, improving blood sugar control without serious side effects.
A study by researchers compared colonoscopy to fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and sigmoidoscopy in screening for colorectal cancer. The findings show that colonoscopy is the most cost-effective option, reducing death rates at relatively low costs by removing precancerous polyps and detecting cancer at early stages.
A recent study suggests that hospitals and healthcare organizations can make quick and efficient changes to lower back pain treatment by adopting new guidelines and strategies. The ideal approach involves extensive use of patient education and self-care, with a focus on exercise therapy over diagnostic imaging tests.
The new book, edited by Howard Libman and Harvey J. Makadon, offers high-quality primary medical care to HIV-infected patients. With contributions from 23 AIDS experts, the book covers pathogenesis, antiretroviral therapy, and infection control.
A study found that prescribing sterile needles is ethical and clinically appropriate for injection drug users. Smoking daily can lead to impaired fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes. Long-term use of drugs promoting gastroesophageal reflux also increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
A prospective study of adults with type 2 diabetes found non-traditional risk factors for heart disease, including albumin and fibrinogen levels. Women internists in Pennsylvania earned 14% less per hour than male counterparts. Low body weight was linked to increased fracture risk in women.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that a combination of exercise and weight loss significantly reduces high blood pressure in overweight individuals. The researchers, led by James A. Blumenthal, Ph.D., randomly assigned 133 sedentary men and women to either aerobic exercise alone or a behavioral weight management...
A new study using a decision analysis model found that sildenafil was as cost-effective as kidney dialysis, cholesterol lowering medication or coronary artery bypass surgery. An editorial questions whether health insurance should cover treatment for erectile dysfunction when many Americans are not covered.
A self-help program using patented software increases smokers' success rates when combined with nicotine replacement therapy, shows a 56% increase in quitting at 12 weeks compared to standard materials. The Committed Quitters program provides tailored behavioral materials to support individuals in their quit attempt.
A new study found that asthma patients who experience more depressive symptoms have a lower quality of life. The study also showed that household income is negatively correlated with the level of depressive symptoms among patients.
A prospective cohort study found that regular exercise can benefit men with type 2 diabetes, while low physical fitness is associated with mortality. Meanwhile, a dangerous combination of blood thinners and intravenous steroids requires daily monitoring to prevent life-threatening bleeding.
A consensus panel convened by the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Bioethics discusses guidelines, treatments, and legal responses to assisted suicide. The panel aims to establish safeguards that make physician-assisted suicide voluntary, regulated, and an option of last resort.
A survey of family physicians found that those with a prior history of depression or somatic complaints were less likely to consider the possibility of serious illnesses and order testing. Cognitive shortcuts can be helpful but also lead to false generalizations, highlighting the need for awareness among physicians.
The ACP-ASIM End-of-Life Care Consensus Panel provides guidance on identifying and managing depression in dying patients, which can improve their quality of life. The panel's recommendations are based on state-of-the-art psychosocial interventions and/or drug treatments.
This issue of Annals of Internal Medicine offers guidance on identifying and treating depression in terminally ill patients. A new program combining physical therapy and exercise is shown to effectively manage osteoarthritis symptoms, potentially delaying surgery for affected adults. Meanwhile, a pet parrot infection has been transmitt...
The Annals of Internal Medicine's Millennium Issue explores various facets of time, including its impact on physician time management and patient care. The issue delves into alternative views of time, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to medicine.
A new molecular biology test detected a substance in lymph nodes that may indicate future recurrence of colorectal cancer. The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine also cautions physicians about selling products from their offices, emphasizing the need for high ethical standards.
The American College of Physicians recommends that physicians only sell products from their offices if they are clinically relevant to the patient's condition. The guidelines emphasize transparency and disclose financial interests in products, ensuring patients have access to alternative options and reasonable charges.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that illness severity, rather than age, is a key predictor of death among seriously ill patients. The research analyzed data from over 9,000 hospitalized patients and found that those with the sickest conditions were at highest risk of dying within six months.
A study of 30 people with iron deficiency anemia found that curing Helicobacter pylori reversed the anemia. Meanwhile, researchers discovered that 51% of eligible elderly patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction did not receive early beta-blocker therapy, leading to higher in-hospital mortality rates.
Researchers found that misdiagnosed electrocardiographic artifact, caused by body movement or poor contact, led to unnecessary procedures like pacemaker implants and heart catheterization. The study highlights the need for improved training in recognizing artifact and increased awareness among physicians.
A new questionnaire effectively screens primary care patients for sleep apnea, identifying nearly half of high-risk patients. A man with severe adult-onset rheumatoid arthritis also experienced remission after a stem-cell transplant from his healthy twin, believed to be the first case of its kind.
A study of 46 Internet sites selling prescription drugs found that only five revealed their locations, while nine sites sold medications without a physician's prescription. The researchers also found that online doctor consultations cost more than in-person visits, and some popular drugs were sold at higher prices online.
A study of 232 rheumatology patients found nearly half used alternative treatments and discussed them with physicians, highlighting the need for physician inquiry. Additionally, a single dose of azithromycin prevents syphilis in exposed individuals, while flu vaccinations benefit HIV-infected patients.
Fire ant attacks have been reported in US healthcare facilities and homes, resulting in severe medical complications, including death. The medical complications of fire ant stings can range from mild irritation to death from a generalized allergic reaction, depending on the number of stings and the physical condition of the victim.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that lean cuts of red meat can be part of a heart-healthy diet. Researchers found that subjects who consumed 80% lean red meats had nearly identical changes in cholesterol levels compared to those who ate lean white meats.
The Merck Manual has been extensively revised to reflect ever-increasing medical knowledge, with new additions on topics like drug therapy for the elderly and chronic fatigue syndrome. The Centennial Edition is now nearly 3,000 pages, divided into 23 thumb-indexed sections, making it a vital necessity for today's clinicians.
The six-month study demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, establishing a foundation for FDA approval of ENBREL. The results support the use of etanercept as an additional treatment option for these patients.
A study of 1,208 young physicians found that women doctors married to other doctors worked fewer hours, earned less money, and took on more family responsibilities. In contrast, men MD2s also experienced benefits, including higher family incomes and successful spouses' careers.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center has received a five-year grant to train graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in molecular microbiology. The program will focus on the molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis and interactions with host cells, among other topics.
A Canadian survey analysis suggests that language barriers are a significant factor in reduced healthcare access for non-native English speakers. Researchers urge improving communication with such patients to increase participation in preventive health programs, but caution that some solutions may be too costly or ineffective.