Add BrightSurf on Google Email

BU: Central American kidney disease epidemic linked to occupational heat exposure

A new study finds that occupational heat exposure is linked to a decline in kidney function and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in artisanal brick makers in Nicaragua. The researchers found 12.1% of the sample had stage 3-5 CKD, with risk factors including operating ovens, less education, older age, and inadequate water intake.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateMar 14, 2019

Social risk factors and readmission penalties

A new model accounting for social risk factors could reduce financial penalties for at least half of all safety net hospitals, the study found. The research suggests that adjusting for social risk factors has potential to level the playing field for hospitals serving vulnerable patients.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalHealth Services Research·DateMar 14, 2019

Study reveals elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in young

A new study published in Diabetologia found that women who develop gestational diabetes (GDM) during pregnancy are at double the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to those without GDM. The study also revealed that this increased risk remains even if women with GDM do not go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateMar 7, 2019

Antibiotics and PPIs linked to increased risk of infectious diarrhea in children

A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that prior antibiotic exposure and use of proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk for hospitalized children to contract Clostridioides difficile infections. Clinicians should judiciously use antibiotics in hospitalized children to minimize this risk.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 7, 2019

AI study of risk factors in type 1 diabetes

A recent AI study identified high long-term blood sugar levels, kidney dysfunction, and excess bad cholesterol as the strongest predictors of cardiovascular disease and death in type 1 diabetes patients. The study also found that keeping these risk factors under control can lead to lower risks of cardiovascular events.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCirculation·DateMar 6, 2019

Challenges in cardiovascular risk prediction and stratification in women

The article highlights the challenges in predicting and stratifying cardiovascular risk in women due to sex-specific factors, traditional risk models' flaws, and inadequate representation of women in CVD research. This has led to a persistent gap in awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of ischemic heart disease in women.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateFeb 28, 2019

US older women three times as likely to be treated for osteoporosis as men

Research published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that US older women are three times more likely to receive treatment for osteoporosis than men of similar age. Men aged 80+ were particularly under-screened and undertreated, with only 10-13% having a bone density scan and fewer than 1 in 10 treated with bisphosphonates.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2019

Study examines association between birth weight, risk of developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood

A Swedish study involving over 500,000 siblings found that lower birth weight was associated with a small but significant increased risk for several psychiatric disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. After controlling for family-related factors, the study fo...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 6, 2019

Higher suicide rates evident among youth certain groups of Medicaid enrollees

A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nearly four in ten youth who died by suicide were Medicaid enrollees. The study suggests effective suicide screening for enrollees could decrease suicide mortality in the US, and highlights the need for targeted prevention efforts among specific demographic subgroups.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 17, 2019

Psychological distress is a risk factor for dementia

A Danish population-based study found that vital exhaustion, a state of emotional suffering and somatic symptoms, is associated with a higher risk of dementia later in life. The study, published in IOS Press, suggests that addressing psychological risk factors may be crucial in preventing dementia.

Genetic risk for atypical heart attack in women identified

A new study has found a genetic factor on chromosome 6 that increases the risk of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare and atypical form of heart attack primarily affecting young to middle-aged women. The genetic variant, known as rs9349379, is also associated with a small protective effect from classic heart attacks.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 14, 2019

Tobacco use linked with higher use of opioids and sedatives

Concurrent tobacco use is associated with a higher likelihood of receiving prescriptions for opioids combined with muscle relaxants and benzodiazepines. This increased co-prescription may lead to prescription drug addiction due to the heightened risk of overdose.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal on Addictions·DateJan 9, 2019

What predicts teen partner rape?

Social scientists from Michigan State University identified consistent risk factors for partner rape among young women in their first relationships. Lower socioeconomic status, being of a younger age, and higher levels of physical abuse and coercive control predicted sexual violence. The researchers found that experiences with partner ...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJan 3, 2019

Is very low LDL-C harmful?

Several studies have shown that reducing LDL-C to levels lower than 50 mg/dl can provide cardiovascular benefits. However, data on the impact of lowering LDL-C below 25 mg/dl is limited, with some evidence suggesting no increased risk of cancer or hemorrhagic stroke.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateJan 1, 2019