Articles tagged with Internal Medicine
Researchers used a wearable device to track autonomic nervous system activity in IBS patients and healthy subjects. The study found that IBS patients' sympathetic nervous systems were activated before defecation and persisted after, leading to greater abdominal pain and lower quality of life.
A large study found that greater adherence to healthy eating patterns was associated with a lower risk of total and cause-specific mortality. The study followed 119,000 participants over 36 years and showed consistent associations across different racial and ethnic groups.
The American College of Physicians recommends bisphosphonates as initial pharmacologic treatment to reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis patients. Long-term use may increase risks, so treatment duration should be limited to 5 years or less.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for cancer-associated thrombosis found that DOACs are more medically effective and cost-effective. The most cost-effective DOAC, apixaban, was also shown to be the least costly anticoagulant.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that evening hot spring bathing is associated with a lower prevalence of hypertension among Japanese older adults. The study analyzed data from over 11,000 residents over 65 and discovered that those who bathed in onsen after 19:00 were 15% less likely to have hypertension.
The American Roentgen Ray Society has awarded the 2023 ARRS Gold Medal to Dr. Bernard F. King, Jr., MD, FACR, FSAR, in recognition of his distinguished service to radiology. Dr. King has made significant contributions to the field, including the development of contrast media recognition and treatment protocols.
Regular follow-up clinic visits with a nephrologist after hospital discharge significantly reduce mortality risk in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). This study found that such visits, focusing on cardiovascular disease and kidney complications management, lead to lower mortality rates by 29% compared to standard care.
A randomized controlled trial found that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet helped patients with type 2 diabetes achieve better weight loss and glucose control over a 6-month intervention compared to a high-carb, low-fat diet. However, changes were not sustained 3 months after the intervention.
A study of 510 children with chronic kidney disease found that declining hemoglobin levels were associated with significant growth impairment even when above guideline-targeted levels. Lower hemoglobin values are linked to poorer growth, independent of kidney function and age.
A recent study identified several characteristics associated with a higher likelihood of post COVID-19 condition diagnosis. These include female sex, previous mental health disorders, and asthma. The study also found that use of outpatient care was substantially elevated among individuals with post COVID-19 condition.
A study of over one million Medicaid beneficiaries found that more than half experienced significant lapses in coverage, with only 25% continuously enrolled throughout the period. The authors recommend increasing investments to improve long-term health outcomes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 122 US-based COVID-19 clinical trials found female participants were underrepresented in treatment trials, while Asian and Black participants were underrepresented in prevention trials. Hispanic or Latino participants were overrepresented in treatment trials.
Research suggests that long COVID patients share similar lingering negative effects on physical, mental, and social well-being with individuals who have other illnesses. The study found moderate-to-severe residual symptoms in 40% of COVID-positive participants and 54% of those who tested negative.
The introduction of a waiting room concierge service has led to significant improvements in patient satisfaction scores, rising from 60% to almost 90%. Patients report feeling more respected and informed while waiting, contributing to the positive changes.
The EPCD model, leveraging care team nurses, pharmacists, and social workers, improved diabetes care quality by increasing patients' adherence to treatment guidelines. Staff clinician practices saw significant improvements in glycemic control and patient outcomes after EPCD implementation.
Primary care clinicians are more likely to prescribe CGM when closer to specialized endocrinologists and serving more Medicare patients. Expanded insurance coverage and consultation on CGM issues can support increased use of the technology.
Researchers propose six competency domains for AI use in primary care: foundational knowledge, critical appraisal, medical decision making, technical use, patient communication, and awareness of unintended consequences. These competencies aim to harness AI's potential for patient and societal benefit.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that nearly 1 in 7 Americans experience bloating on a weekly basis. Women were more than twice as likely as men to report feeling bloated, and lifestyle changes, such as exercise and dietary modifications, can help manage symptoms.
Researchers from UCSF and the San Francisco VA Health Care System found that veterans with PTSD had an 8% increased risk of death and a 9% increased risk of hospitalization compared to those without psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with psychosis had a 58% increased risk of death and a 66% increased risk of hospitalization.
Climate change is expanding the geographic range of endemic fungal diseases, such as Valley fever, blastomycosis, and histoplasmosis, which can mimic pneumonia. Physicians are often misdiagnosing these conditions due to a lack of training and limited testing options.
A randomized controlled trial found that both total ankle replacement and ankle fusion improve quality of life and have similar clinical scores in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, TAR is associated with greater wound-healing complications and nerve injuries, while AF is linked to more blood clots and nonunion of t...
The risk of death from infective endocarditis (IE) among young US residents aged 15-44 years has doubled in the last two decades. IE cases among younger patients and those who inject drugs have increased, with mortality rates increasing by 50%.
A randomized controlled trial found that oral ENT-01 significantly improves constipation and possibly neurological symptoms in persons with Parkinson disease. The treatment is safe for up to 25 days, with a dose-dependent effect that persists beyond the treatment period.
Researchers evaluated 116 adults' diets and found most underestimated their own diet quality, with a significant gap between self-assessment and objective measurements. The study suggests that people trying to lose weight or health professionals should provide concrete information on improving diet quality.
Research found a hospital code response team arrives at least one minute quicker and leads to better patient outcomes with smartphone emergency code notification systems. The study used a secure texting system that connected with electronic medical records, reducing conventional methods' average delay of 78 seconds.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh found that high COVID-19 stress in women is associated with changes in menstrual cycle length, period duration, and spotting. The study suggests that these changes can have economic and health consequences for women, including increased costs for feminine hygiene products.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a position paper emphasizing the need for policy actions to address climate change, reduce hazardous substance exposure, and promote environmental justice. ACP calls for immediate action to limit global temperature rise and comprehensive efforts to achieve environmental justice.
A new study found that soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels are significantly higher in patients with heart failure, predicting both heart failure and death. When combined with traditional measures like BNP, suPAR's predictive ability increases.
Researchers found a significant association between extreme heat exposure and emergency room visits for acute kidney injury, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections. The impact of extreme heat exposure lasted up to a week, with stronger effects during transitional months.
The American College of Physicians recommends increasing funding for health services and prioritizing health promotion in Indigenous communities. Community-driven public policy is also necessary to address historical trauma, social determinants of health, and inadequate access to healthcare services.
A new study from UCLA found that students who attended high-performing charter schools had a 50% lower rate of alcohol use disorder compared to waitlisted students. Males in the intervention group also reported better physical health and lower obesity rates, while females did not show similar benefits.
A Swedish cohort study found that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were associated with a lower risk of kidney function decline or kidney failure compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA). DOACs also showed a lower risk of acute kidney injury.
A national US kidney disease registry found that 60% of participants were unaware of their kidney function level, hindering clinical trial recruitment. The National Kidney Foundation Patient Network aims to address this issue through real-world data collection and patient-centered research.
Anemia is common among adults with advanced kidney disease, associated with adverse outcomes and low eGFR levels. Effective iron supplementation is a low-risk intervention to address this issue, emphasizing the need for increased testing and treatment.
Reduced kidney function and increased urine albumin excretion are associated with brain volume reduction in regions typically affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementia etiologies. Cognitive decline is common in patients with kidney disease, and this study provides new insights into the etiology and localization of brain damage.
A novel study in Virginia uses state all-payer claims data to accurately assess and predict future primary care workforce needs. The approach differentiates physicians with primary care training from those who practice true primary care, providing a more accurate estimate of U.S. primary care capacity.
A cohort study found that endoscopists performing colonoscopies in FIT-based screening programs should aim for markedly higher ADRs compared to primary colonoscopy screening. The study suggests that high ADRs are associated with lower colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Researchers recommend using ADR targets, including differen...
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that adults with more chronic health conditions are at higher risk of serious financial problems, including late payments, poor credit scores, and bankruptcy. The study analyzed nearly 3 million privately insured adults and found that those with seven or more chronic conditions had three to four...
Researchers analyzed over 6,700 patients treated for blood clots and irregular heart rhythms. Stopping aspirin significantly reduced bleeding complications by 32.3% and prevented one major bleeding event per every 1,000 patients who stopped taking aspirin.
Researchers surveyed FAU residents on perceptions, coping strategies, and mental health during the pandemic. Residents reported effective coping mechanisms like acceptance, self-distraction, and emotional support, but found depression and anxiety levels in normal ranges.
The study found a significant decline in peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis rates over time, with consistent differences in risk by race and age. The decline suggests improvements in clinical practice and highlights the importance of uniform coding standards to identify additional risk factors.
A cross-sectional study of over 25,000 adults found that approximately 70% of identified adrenal tumors were nonfunctioning, regardless of participant's age. The prevalence of adrenal tumors increased with age, from 0.2% in young adults to 3.2% in older adults.
Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is associated with improved birth outcomes, including lower infant mortality. The review also found that WIC participants are more likely to receive child preventative services, such as vaccines.
A prespecified subgroup analysis of East Asian adults with lupus nephritis found that belimumab added to standard therapy improved kidney outcomes significantly. The study also showed no new safety concerns were raised in the subgroup.
A study found melamine and cyanuric acid in nearly all pregnant participants' samples, with higher levels in women of color and those with greater tobacco exposure. Regulatory action is needed to limit exposure to these carcinogenic chemicals.
A study of 641 participants found that midlife and older Hispanic/Latinx adults were more likely to experience prolonged loneliness, with 16% persistently lonely. The researchers suggest that culturally important familism was disrupted by social distancing, and reduced access to transportation and community activities may contribute to...
A prospective cohort study found that drinking two or more cups of black tea per day is associated with a moderately lower mortality risk. The findings suggest that tea can be part of a healthy diet.
A large cross-sectional study found that baseline plasma antigen levels are highly associated with both the severity of pulmonary illness and clinically important patient outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Higher antigen levels were linked to increased risk of pulmonary worsening and delayed hospital discharge.
A case-control study found that pregnant women with higher folate levels are at a lower risk of having children with congenital heart disease. The researchers measured red blood cell folate levels and found that those with CHD had significantly lower median levels than those without CHD.
Researchers analyzed 2.8 million adults with chronic disease diagnoses and found a correlation between adverse credit outcomes and rising medical debt. The study highlights the significant financial burden associated with chronic conditions.
A large-scale clinical study reveals high cumulative rebleeding rates among patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. The study identified overt OGIB, anticoagulants, and liver cirrhosis as independent predictors of rebleeding, emphasizing the importance of long-term follow-ups.
A national study by UC San Francisco found that basic home blood pressure cuffs and smartphone-connected devices have no significant difference in improving blood pressure control. After six months, patients who used basic cuffs had a lower blood pressure reduction compared to those using Bluetooth-enabled devices.
The AABB has released clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma, recommending its use for nonhospitalized patients at high risk for disease progression. The guidelines suggest that CCP is most effective when transfused with high neutralizing titers early after symptom onset.
Researchers discovered 13 cases of asymptomatic MSM with positive monkeypox virus PCR results in anal samples, raising concerns about the outbreak's transmission dynamics. The findings suggest that vaccination may not be an effective strategy for preventing infection, highlighting the need for expanded public health interventions.
The new guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for managing patients on warfarin, DOACs, and antiplatelet drugs before and after surgeries. It aims to minimize preventable bleeding and thrombotic events by standardizing approaches and protocols.
A 12-month exercise program improved physical functioning and aerobic exercise capacity in adults with CKD stages G3b-4. The program, which included resistance and aerobic exercise, showed no significant impact on cardiovascular risk factors.
A cohort study found that reinfection rates are low after successful hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in people who inject drugs, suggesting a benefit of treatment in this population. The risk for reinfection was highest among those with ongoing injecting drug use and needle sharing.
A study by West Virginia University found that over 7% of junior high and high school students in rural Appalachia identified as gender-diverse, including nonbinary or transgender identities. This exceeds previous estimates and highlights the need for support services in these areas.
Researchers found that orally administering gold nanoclusters to mice with colitis eliminated reactive oxygen species, increased antioxidant enzymes, and inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines without side effects. The nanoclusters also showed benefits over natural enzymes used in traditional IBD treatments.
The Women's Preventive Services Initiative issues guidelines for preventing obesity in midlife women, recommending counseling on healthy eating and physical activity. The guideline aims to mitigate concerns about weight stigma by normalizing counseling among all midlife women, regardless of BMI status.