Generic Version of Truvada Available in U.S. by Sept. 2020
Activists have been urging Gilead to make the generic drug more widely available
Longer Duration of Statin Use Linked to Lower Risk for Glaucoma
Self-reported high cholesterol levels without statin use tied to higher glaucoma risk
Mammo-Based Deep Learning Model Assesses Breast Cancer Risk
Deep learning models more accurate than models that use traditional risk factors, breast density
Progesterone Offers No Benefit for Bleeding in Early Pregnancy
Progesterone administered in first trimester does not result in significantly more live births
Alteplase Seems Beneficial at 4.5 to 9.0 Hours After Stroke
Trial terminated because of loss of equipoise after publication of positive results from previous trial
NHFOV Superior for Preventing Reintubation of Preemies
Findings strongest among very preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome ready for extubation
Low Glucose Levels at Hospital Discharge Tied to Poor Outcomes
Patients with diabetes and hypoglycemia have higher readmission rate, postdischarge mortality
Patent Foramen Ovale Ups Ischemic Stroke in Those With PE
Frequency of ischemic stroke increased in association with patent foramen ovale in symptomatic PE
Alcohol Consumption Per Capita Increasing Among Adults
By 2030, prevalence of current drinking set to increase to 50 percent
Neonatal Morbidity Increased for Apgar Scores 7, 8, and 9
Odds of neonatal morbidity increase with drop in Apgar score from 10 at 5 minutes to 9 at 10 minutes
In 2015 to 2016, 45.8 Percent of U.S. Population Used Rx Drugs
Prescription drug use increased with age, reaching 85.0 percent for those aged 60 years and older
Preablation Bariatric Surgery Linked to Reduced A-Fib Recurrence
Bariatric surgery was only independent predictor of arrhythmia-free survival in multivariate analysis
Less Invasive Mastectomy an Option for More Patients
Higher-risk patients may now be eligible for nipple-sparing mastectomy
Scientology Cruise Ship Passengers, Crew Still Under Quarantine
Affected crew member, who was immediately isolated after showing symptoms, has since recovered
Prices Will Soon Be Included in TV Drug Ads
Regulations will require companies to disclose prices of meds costing more than $35 for a month's supply
Percutaneous Ablation in Liver Cancer Tied to Better Outcomes
Intervention linked to better short-term outcomes versus surgical procedures
Test Predicts Benefit of Chemo in ER+, HER2− Breast Cancer
EndoPredict, a multigene test, helps predict whether adjuvant chemotherapy would be beneficial
CDC: Prevalence of Arthritis 22.8 Percent in U.S. Adults in 2017
Adults with arthritis in southeastern states have highest prevalence of severe joint pain, physical inactivity
New Lesions ID’d on Breast MRI During Treatment Likely Benign
New suspicious lesions detected on breast MRI during neoadjuvant therapy are more likely benign
Combat Application Tourniquet Suitable for Use in Children
CAT successfully occluded arterial blood flow in all upper extremities, 93 percent of lower extremities
External Reference Pricing Could Cut Drug Costs in U.S.
Prices averaged 3.2 to 4.1 times higher in U.S.; differential varied from 1.3 to 70.1 for individual drugs
Efforts Needed to Ensure Publication of All Trials
67 trials ID'd that were unreported for median of nine years after completion, with 87,883 participants
Disability Often Precedes Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis
Functional disability continues even after diagnosis and treatment
Arsenic Exposure Linked to Changes in Heart Structure
Arsenic in drinking water linked to LV hypertrophy, especially for prehypertensive, hypertensive
Recommendations Issued for Treating Tourette Syndrome
Guidelines based on systematic review, focus on individualized treatment decisions
Gentamicin Appropriate Second-Line Therapy to Ceftriaxone for Gonorrhea
Two weeks after treatment, infection cleared for 98, 91 percent treated with ceftriaxone versus gentamicin
Radiology Residents Often Miss Child Abuse
Variation in correct call rate from 1 to 81 percent per year during 2014 to 2018
Burden of Heart Failure-Related CVD Mortality Higher in Blacks
Burden significantly higher among young and middle-aged black versus white men and women
Oral Aspirin Does Not Up FIT Test Sensitivity for ID’ing CRC
Sensitivity not significantly increased in aspirin versus placebo group at two cutoffs
CDC: Pregnancy-Related Deaths Occur Before, During, Postpartum
60 percent of pregnancy-related deaths determined to be preventable, with multiple contributory factors
FDA Approves Ruzurgi for Children With Rare Autoimmune Disorder
Ruzurgi previously approved for treatment in adults with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome
Plant-Based Diets Tied to Lower Risk for Heart Failure
Southern dietary pattern of more fried food and sweetened beverages tied to higher risk
In Men, Low BMI Tied to Later Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Risk lasts through 40 years of adulthood for underweight adolescent men
AUA: Marijuana Tied to Increased Risk for LUTS Medications in BPH
Marijuana use also linked to worse overall semen parameters due to induction of oxidative stress
Clinicians Believe Link Between Breast Pain, Cancer Is Weak
But many order imaging to exclude malignancy or for reassurance only
Positive Emotion Intervention Cuts Caregiver Stress
Focus on positive emotions reduces caregiver anxiety and depression after six weeks
U.S. Energy Drink Consumption Rose From 2003 to 2016
Energy drinks accounted for majority of total daily caffeine among consumers
Children With Chronic Illness Can Have Normal Life Satisfaction
Parent-reported health lower, but life satisfaction comparable to that of peers without chronic illness
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Tied to Lower Risk for Lung Cancer, CRC
For those diagnosed with lung cancer, CRC, higher CRF tied to lower risk for subsequent death
Oral Contraceptive Pill May Protect Against ACL Tears
Risk for acute cruciate ligament reconstruction reduced while on OCP, especially for 15- to 19-year-olds
Guidance Issued for Managing Heart Disease in Pregnancy
Race/ethnicity, age, hypertension, obesity are key risk factors for CVD-related maternal mortality
Guidelines Address Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Management
Recommendations apply to uveitis in JIA, JIA manifesting as nonsystematic polyarthritis, sacroiliitis, enthesitis
Maximal Use of Sunscreen Ups Absorption of Active Ingredients
Maximal use leads to plasma concentrations exceeding FDA threshold for waiving toxicology testing
CDC: Number of Measles Cases in the United States Reaches 764
So far this year, 23 states have reported measles cases
FDA: French Soft Ripened Cheese Possibly Contaminated
Agency warns of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination of l'Explorateur cheese
Congo Ebola Outbreak Death Toll Surpasses 1,000
International aid organizations halting their work due to deteriorating security conditions
FDA Approves Treatments for Heart Failure Caused by Rare Disease
Capsules approved to treat cardiomyopathy caused by transthyretin mediated amyloidosis
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders Reliable in Toddler Years
Diagnostic stability was 0.50 at 12 to 13 months, increased to 0.79 and 0.83 by 14 and 16 months
Implementing Surgical Safety Checklist Reduces Mortality
Findings based on long-term evaluation of surgical mortality in Scotland
CDC: Foodborne Infections Increased From 2015 to 2018
Incidence of most infections increasing, including those due to Campylobacter, Salmonella
Model Predicts Progression Risk for Rare Type of Lymphoma
Model can improve monitoring of patients with asymptomatic Waldenström macroglobulinemia
Vascular Surgery for Gun Injuries Carries Higher Mortality Risk
Vascular surgery required to repair major blood vessels in one of 10 hospitalized with a firearm injury
Prolonged Exposure to Low-Dose Radiation May Increase HTN Risk
Significant linear association seen for hypertension and liver-absorbed dose from external γ-rays
More Than Half of U.S. Adults Have Medical Financial Hardship
Hardship in material, psychological, behavioral domains more likely for those age 18 to 64 versus ≥65
Impact of Azithromycin Studied in Acute Exacerbation of COPD
Azithromycin leads to significant drops in treatment intensification and step-up in hospital care
ART Stops HIV Transmission in Serodifferent Gay Couples
Zero rate of HIV transmission seen through condomless sex when viral load is suppressed
Serum Free Fatty Acid Level Verifies Fasting State in Children
Free fatty acid level consistent with nonfasting in 9.7 percent of outpatients and 1.6 percent of inpatients
Lifetime Risk for Brain Mets Up in Elderly With Three Common Cancers
Highest incidence seen for patients with non-small cell lung cancer and triple-negative breast cancer
Primary Care Constitutes Minority of Research Funded by PCORI
Both the number of studies and percentage of funding for primary care low
Microbial Toxins Found in Electronic Cigarette Products
Endotoxin and glucan concentrations seen in cartridge and e-liquid samples
AUA: Atenolol Linked to Drop in Low-, Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer
After adjustment for confounders, atenolol displayed significant protective effect on prostate cancer
Observation Feasible Strategy for Some Eyes With Diabetic Macular Edema
In eyes with good visual acuity, no difference in vision loss found two years after initial treatment
Cardio-Oncology Services Growing in Number and Demand
Need for subspecialists increased due to more cancer survivors, aging population
Patients Satisfied With Oral Sedation for Cataract Surgery
Oral sedation found to be noninferior to IV sedation in terms of patient satisfaction
Cervical Adenocarcinoma Rates Increased in Some Populations
Increasing and stabilizing incidence trends seen for several subpopulations; declines attenuated in SCC
Abdominal Etching Procedure Gives Patients ‘Six-Pack Abs’
Power-assisted liposuction can be used to sculpt the abdomen in both men and women
Childhood Oral Infection Linked to Atherosclerosis in Adulthood
Periodontal disease, caries, or both tied to subclinical atherosclerosis in adulthood
Few U.S. Adults Use USB-Shaped Electronic Vapor Products
7.9 percent report ever use of USB-shaped EVPs in 2018; nicotine delivery, friend/family use drive use
Out-of-Pocket Costs for Neurologic Meds Have Increased
Fastest rise in monthly out-of-pocket expenses was seen for multiple sclerosis medications
Psoriasis Symptoms, Quality of Life Tied to Disease Severity
Findings show alignment of patient-reported symptoms, clinician assessment tools
Preterm Birth Tied to Elevated Risk for Chronic Kidney Disease
Strongest correlation seen at ages 0 to 9 years; risk still increased at 10 to 19, 20 to 43 years
Prepregnancy Folate Intake Linked to Reduced Risk for GDM
Folate intake before pregnancy tied to 22 percent reduction in developing gestational diabetes
New Drugs May Influence Social Behaviors in Those With Autism
Drugs modulating the vasopressin pathway explored as agents to modify social behaviors in autism
ASTRO: Prior Authorization Obstacles Delaying Treatment
Almost all radiation oncologists report their patients are delayed from receiving life-saving treatment
Cocaine-, Psychostimulant-Involved Death Rates Increasing
Synthetic opioids driving increases in cocaine-involved deaths, less so in psychostimulant-involved deaths
FDA Approves Dengue Vaccine for Endemic Regions
Vaccine indicated for individuals aged 9 to 16 who have previously had laboratory-confirmed dengue disease
Measles Case Leads to Quarantine of Cruise Ship in St. Lucia
Also, woman with measles attended a midnight screening of Avengers movie in Orange County, California
FDA: Breast Implants Linked to Cancer Can Still Be Sold in U.S.
Agency considering new patient warnings and checklists for the implants
FDA Puts Tough Warning Label on Ambien, Lunesta, Other Sleep Aids
Move spurred by 66 cases of 'complex sleep behaviors' after taking the insomnia medications
Cognitive Function Does Not Predict Pediatric Bariatric Surgery Outcome
Weight loss trajectory did not differ between those with, without cognitive impairment
Patient Hand Contamination With Drug-Resistant Organisms Common
Link seen between patient hand contamination with resistant organisms and room surface contamination
Medicaid Reimbursement for Breast Radiation Varies by State
Across 48 states and D.C., total episode reimbursement varied from $2,945 to $15,218
Mental Health Treatment, Diagnoses Up in Military Children
Mental health diagnoses, visits, prescriptions increased since 2003
Thiazide Use May Lower Fracture Risk in Patients With Alzheimer Disease
Longer thiazide use tied to decreased risk for low-energy fractures, hip fractures in Alzheimer disease
E-Cigarette Use Similar for Pregnant, Nonpregnant Women
Prevalence of current cigarette smoking lower among pregnant women than nonpregnant women
Diagnostic Criteria Proposed for Advanced-Age Proteinopathy
Gaps remain in understanding of limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy
Radical Hemithoracic Radiation Tx Ups Survival in Mesothelioma
Higher overall survival seen at two years in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma
AAN: Cannabidiol Tied to Drop in Seizures in Dravet Syndrome
Percentage reduction in convulsive seizures higher for cannabidiol 10 and 20 mg/kg/day versus placebo
FDA Approves Mavyret for Children, Adolescents With Hep C
Drug approved for treatment of all six genotypes of hepatitis C virus in children ages 12 to 17
Radiotherapy Tied to Lower Recurrence of Early, Hormone-Driven Breast Cancer
Antihormone treatment also recommended in conjunction with radiotherapy
Living Alone Tied to Increased Risk for Mental Disorders
Loneliness explains majority of the association with common mental disorders
‘Vampire Facials’ at New Mexico Spa Linked to HIV Infections
Facial involves injecting nutrient-rich plasma into the face using a microneedling pen
EPA Says Weed Killer in Roundup Is Safe
EPA states that glyphosate 'is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans'
Rare Variants Identified in DENND1A Gene in PCOS
Variants are associated with reproductive and metabolic traits in PCOS families
CDC: 704 Measles Cases Reported in U.S. Through April 26, 2019
Thirteen outbreaks were reported; six of these were linked to underimmunized close-knit communities
2009 WIC Food Package Change Tied to Reduced Obesity Risk
Children with full dose of new food package had healthier growth trajectory, lower obesity risk at age 4
Adopted Children Should Undergo Comprehensive Health Evaluation
Evaluation should include medical history review, complete physical examination, diagnostic testing
Work Stress, Impaired Sleep Tied to CVD Risk in Workers With HTN
Highest risk for cardiovascular disease mortality seen for those with work stress and impaired sleep
Patients Find Video Primary Care Visits Convenient
Eighty-four percent of patients report improved patient-provider relationship with video visits
Targeted Therapy Promising for Rare Hematologic Cancer
Tagraxofusp seems effective for treating blastic plasmacytoid dendritic-cell neoplasm
Maternal Comorbidity Higher for Women With Congenital Heart Defects
Higher risk seen for comorbidities, adverse delivery events in pregnant women with congenital heart defects
Combo Nicotine Replacement Tx Ups Success in Quitting Smoking
Higher doses of nicotine gum and patches also may increase quit rate
Nonpharmacologic Tx Enhances Care of Opioid-Exposed Newborns
Reduction seen in length of hospital stay and in use of medication to treat neonatal abstinence
Confidence in Inhaler Technique Poor Proxy for Correct Use
Findings seen among children and parents of African-American children with asthma
Postchemo Radiation Tx May Benefit Some With Hodgkin Lymphoma
Survival benefit seen for radiotherapy after ABVD regimen, but difference not statistically significant
Coronary Vessel Wall Thickness Surrogate for CAD in Women
Coronary VWT is primary independent surrogate of CAD in women; age is strongest risk factor in men
Texting Program May Improve Schizophrenia Outcomes
Significant improvement in medication adherence and reductions in relapse, rehospitalization observed
Poll: Americans Among Most Stressed People in the World
Younger and poorer Americans driving new highs for reports of stress, worry, anger
Liraglutide Added to Metformin Effective for Type 2 Diabetes
Trial shows superiority of liraglutide with respect to glycemic control in children, adolescents
Single-Dose Brachytherapy Effective for Prostate Cancer
Two-year and three-year biochemical progression-free survival rate of 100 percent for low-risk disease
FDA Approves Device That Allows for Reassessment of Lung Transplant Suitability
With Xvivo Perfusion System, surgeons can reassess lungs originally considered unsuitable for transplant
Healthy Diet Tied to Lower Odds of Physical Impairment in Men
Findings seen for higher intake of vegetables, nuts, legumes, and lower intake of meat, sugary drinks
Events for Living Kidney Donors Mainly Occur After Two Years
Overall, 90.2 percent of the events that took place two or more years after donation were nonsurgical
Transition Support Program May Aid Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
However, benefits were not sustained 12 months after completion of the intervention
EHR Decision Support Can Reduce Inappropriate GI Testing
Restricting orders cut inappropriate GIPP tests from 21.5 to 4.9 percent for inpatients with diarrhea
No Increase in Complications Seen With Abdominoplasty in Obese
Rates of perioperative complications no higher in obese than nonobese patients
Intensive Blood Pressure Therapy Aids Patients With T2DM
Overall death from any cause reduced, regardless of cardiovascular risk
Ambiguous Genitalia in Newborns Not Uncommon
Ratio of prematurity, small for gestational age higher in newborns with disorders of sex development
Most Pediatric Residents Report Caring for Gun Injuries
Almost all residents agree pediatricians should ask about guns in the home, ask parents to lock guns
12 Percent of Caregivers Have Pediatric Flu Vaccine Hesitancy
Most hold inaccurate beliefs about flu, flu shots, including believing child will be protected with one shot
FDA Approves First Treatment for Pediatric Lupus
Approval based on study showing children who received Benlysta plus standard therapy had lower risk for flare
Prevalence of Workplace Health Promotion Programs Low
Proportion of programs increased from 2004 to 2017, but only 17.1 percent had comprehensive programs in 2017
Poor Olfaction Tied to Elevated Long-Term Mortality in Seniors
Correlation evident for those who reported excellent-to-good health at baseline, not fair-to-poor health
Significant Number of Referred Patients Misdiagnosed With MS
At MS referral centers, almost one in five new patients have been incorrectly diagnosed with the disease
Longer Duration of Antibiotic Use Tied to Risk for CVD in Women
Risk for cardiovascular disease increased for women in middle, late adulthood with longer antibiotic use
CDC: First Confirmed ID of ‘Kissing Bug’ in Delaware
Triatoma sanguisuga insect can transmit parasite that causes Chagas disease
Hundreds Quarantined for Measles at Two Los Angeles Universities
Alert comes just days after a measles outbreak was declared in Los Angeles County
Telerehabilitation Aids Function, Pain With Advanced Cancer
But the addition of pharmacological pain management did not offer further benefit
Gender Differences Seen in Adverse Drug Reactions
Differences found in reaction symptoms and types of drugs tied to adverse reactions
Swapping Red Meat for Plant-Based Proteins May Cut CVD Risk
Switching to plant proteins rather than fish, carbs leads to bigger improvements in lipids, lipoproteins
Dapagliflozin Improves Glucose Outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes
Benefits observed without increase in time spent in hypoglycemic range
Children With ADHD May Have Higher Risk for Poor Diet
However, having a poor diet does not seem to contribute to ADHD symptom development
Many With Chronic Pain Achieve Remission From Suicidality
Having a confidant boosts likelihood of remission, while poverty decreases recovery likelihood
U.K. Study IDs Risk Factors Tied to Knee Replacement Revision
Findings point to modifiable, nonmodifiable factors associated with revision due to joint infection
CKD Risk Lower for Those Following Healthy Plant-Based Diet
Slower eGFR decline seen in association with greater adherence to overall and healthy plant-based diets
Peanut Oral Immunotherapy May Up Allergic Reaction Risk
Increase seen in anaphylaxis risk, anaphylaxis frequency, epinephrine use with oral immunotherapy
Improvement Needed in Doctor-Patient Lung Cancer Screening Discussions
Crude estimated rates of physician-patient discussion dropped from 6.7 to 4.3 percent in 2012 to 2017
Psychostimulant Use Pervasive in Young Adults’ Fatal Strokes
In cases of hemorrhagic stroke among young adults, psychostimulant use should be considered
Minor Birth Defects Up in Progeny of Female Gulf War Veterans
Higher prevalence seen for minor birth defects, including eye and musculoskeletal anomalies
New App Aids Surgeons in Predicting Hernias After Abdominal Surgery
Real-time risk score predicts incisional hernias following abdominal surgery
CDC: Drinking Alcohol Not Uncommon Among Pregnant Women
Among pregnant women who report consuming alcohol, one-third report binge drinking
WHO: No More Than One Hour of Screen Time a Day for Young Children
WHO guidelines similar to recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics
FDA Announces New Steps to Reduce Risks Tied to Surgical Staplers
Agency proposing higher classification of surgical staplers that will require premarket notification clearance
Naproxen Sodium Does Not Slow Presymptomatic Alzheimer Disease
Study shows increased frequency of adverse events but little impact on rate of change in APS
Interdisciplinary Care Pathway Helps Manage Frail, Elderly Trauma Patients
Significant decreases seen in delirium, 30-day readmission, but not complications
Peanut Oral Immunotherapy Appears Safe for Preschool-Age Children
Most children reached maintenance; 0.4 percent had severe adverse reaction
Eating Breakfast Tied to Lower Risk for Death From CVD
Mortality risk related to cardiovascular disease 87 percent higher among those who never eat breakfast
Stroke Patients Infrequently Screened, Treated for Bone Loss
5.1 percent of patients with stroke, 2.9 percent of those without prior testing had bone mineral density test
Emergency Medical Diseases Account for About Half of Mortality
31 emergency medical diseases contribute 50.7 percent of global mortality in 195 countries
Machine Learning Can Speed Diagnosis of Genetic Diseases in Children
Automated, retrospective diagnoses concurred well with expert manual interpretation
Six Prognostic Factors ID’d for Invasive Disease After DCIS
Six significant factors include African-American race, premenopausal status, detection by palpation
U.S. Death Rate From Drug Poisoning Up for Teens, Young Adults
Significant increases seen in rates for whites, Asian/Pacific Islanders, blacks; in Midwest and Northeast
CDC: Number of U.S. Measles Cases Reaches New High
The number -- 695 cases -- is the highest since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000
Over Half of Seniors Initiating Dialysis Die Within One Year
Higher one-year mortality tied to activity-of-daily-living dependence, age ≥85, at least four comorbidities
Many Seniors Will Be Unable to Afford Care They Need by 2029
Many middle-income seniors are projected to need level of care provided in senior housing
Nusinersen Promising for Later-Onset Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Phase 1/2 studies reveal long-term improvement in motor function for children with SMA type II and III
1998 to 2015 Saw Increase in Outpatient Depression Treatment
Proportion using psychotherapy decreased; proportion receiving drugs remained stable
CDC Provides Clarification of Opioid Prescribing Guideline
Misapplication of the guideline can put patient health and safety at risk
New York City Measles Cases Increase to 390
Two of the patients have been pregnant women
Risk-Based Screening Improves Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Benefits seen for prevention of major cardiovascular events, higher quality-adjusted life years
Sleeping Pill Use Tied to Greater Need for BP Meds in Older Adults
But no association observed between sleep duration or quality and change in BP drug use
AAP Updates Guidance for Care in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Report describes criteria for diagnosis, role of genetic testing, possible health manifestations
Sucking Ice Chips Cuts Oral Side Effects of Oxaliplatin Chemo
Benefits include less trouble eating and fewer symptom-related negative effects on quality of life
Risk Factors ID’d for Rheumatoid Arthritis Complications
Disease duration and socioeconomic factors tied to likelihood of hospitalizations and infections
PCI Beneficial for All Categories of Older AMI Patients
PCI linked to improved survival versus medical therapy for young-old, middle-old, and old-old patients
Low Socioeconomic Position Linked to Poor End-of-Life Care
People living in most deprived neighborhoods more likely to die in hospital, not receive palliative care
Some Children With Asthma Miss Critical Step in Inhaler Use
More children miss a critical step when using spacer with mouthpiece versus spacer with mask