2000 to 2020 Saw Increase in Drug Overdose Death Rates in Seniors
For men aged 65 to 74 and 75 years or older, drug overdose death rates were higher for non-Hispanic Black men
Timing of Puberty Linked to Risk for Self-Harm in Adolescence
Cytomegalovirus Linked to Faster Progression of Cystic Fibrosis
ACS: Surgery May Benefit Men With Stage IV Breast Cancer
Patients receiving systemic therapy, surgery, and radiation have survival advantage over systemic therapy alone
11.2 Percent of Pediatric Cancer Patients Positive for SARS-CoV-2
Vision, Balance Issues Common With Pediatric Concussions
Bariatric Surgery Cuts Hepatic Steatosis in Obesity and T2DM
Similar decline in liver fat fraction seen for sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from surgery to one-year follow-up
Many Patients Receive Guideline-Nonconcordant Care for Low Back Pain
AUA: Marijuana Tied to Increased Risk for LUTS Medications in BPH
Ticagrelor DAPT Linked to Lower Risk for Vein Graft Failure in CABG
But addition of ticagrelor linked to increased risk for BARC type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding events versus aspirin
Physician’s Briefing Weekly Coronavirus Roundup
Cognitive Remediation Benefits Patients With Schizophrenia
Benefits include cognitive and functional outcomes even for severely affected patients
Prescriptions Rise for Veterinary Drug for COVID-19 Patients
Increase in demand for ivermectin has been accompanied by a fivefold increase in calls to poison control centers
Hemodialysis Facility Practices Linked to Patient Outcomes
Fear of COVID-19 Keeping Adults From Emergency Care
IDSA: Long-Term Follow-Up Reported for Early Initiation of ART in HIV
Excess risk for AIDS, serious non-AIDS conditions, death for those deferring treatment reduced soon after initiation of ART
Low Glucose Levels at Hospital Discharge Tied to Poor Outcomes
Once-Weekly Insulin Icodec Promising for Type 2 Diabetes
Icodec results in greater increase in time-in-range versus once-daily insulin glargine U100 in two phase 2 randomized, open-label trials
U.S. Adults Support Net-Risk Pediatric Research
Most support pediatric research posing minimal risk and research posing greater risk if it has high social value
Adjuvant Nivolumab Beneficial in Esophageal, GE Junction Cancer
Disease-free survival significantly longer in patients with resected esophageal, gastroesophageal junction cancer
Exercise Intervention During Chemotherapy Beneficial
Intervention during chemo linked to lower decreases in VO2peak, health-related QoL, muscle strength immediately postchemotherapy
Statins Tied to Lower In-Hospital COVID-19 Mortality Risk
For adults hospitalized in Spain with COVID-19, treatment with statins associated with lower COVID-19-related mortality
MMR Not Linked to Autism in Danish Cohort Study
August 2020 Briefing – Rheumatology
New Drug For Vaginal Yeast Infections Approved by FDA
Brexafemme offers an alternative to Diflucan but at greater cost
FDA Panel to Weigh Improved Booster Shots From Moderna, Pfizer
Both Pfizer and Moderna have been testing updated booster shots that target the omicron variant
Smokers More Likely to Report Symptoms Suggestive of COVID-19
Current smokers have increased risk for reporting classic symptoms, more than five symptoms, more than 10 symptoms
Pembrolizumab Ups Survival in Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Overall survival longer with addition of pembrolizumab to chemo in tumors expressing PD-L1 with combined positive score of 10 or more
USPSTF Presents New Approach to Sex, Gender in Recommendations
Task force will use inclusive approach to identify issues related to sex, gender in guideline development; will use gender-neutral language
Machine Learning Algorithms Can Classify Surgical Expertise in VR Simulation
BNT162b2 Vaccine Effective Against Severe COVID-19 in Adolescents
Two doses highly effective against COVID-19-related hospitalization and critical illness for those aged 12 to 18 years
Adding a P2Y12 Inhibitor Does Not Improve Outcomes in COVID-19
Adding a P2Y12 inhibitor to a therapeutic dose of heparin does not improve outcomes among non-critically ill patients hospitalized for COVID-19
One in Five Adults May Have Avoided Health Care During the Pandemic
Finding among large survey of Dutch adults, including those with potentially urgent symptoms
USPSTF Urges CRC Screening for Adults Aged 50 to 75, 45 to 49
USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that CRC screening has moderate net benefit for those aged 45 to 49 years
Performance of ESC 0/1-, 0/2-, 0/3-Hour Algorithms for AMI Compared
European Society of Cardiology 0/1-, 0/2-hour algorithms have higher sensitivities and negative predictive values than 0/3-hour algorithm
Survivors of Childhood Cancer More Likely to Be Undertreated for CVD
Increased health-related self-efficacy associated with significantly reduced likelihood of undertreatment
Terlipressin Bests Placebo in Type 1 Hepatorenal Syndrome
Terlipressin is more effective for reversal of HRS but is associated with more adverse events and death due to respiratory disorders
Abemaciclib Beneficial for HR+, HER2− Early Breast Cancer
Some Newer Antiseizure Meds May Not Increase Suicide Risk
Current evidence does not support increased suicidality for certain newer antiseizure medications; class warning may not be merited
Most Children Experience Fluctuations in ADHD Symptoms
While nearly one in three will experience points of remission of ADHD symptoms, most experience recurrence over time and few outgrow it
Maternal H1N1 Flu Vaccination Not Linked to Autism in Offspring
Survivors of Adolescent, Young Adult ALL May Suffer Late Effects
May 2020 Briefing – Otolaryngology
16 Illnesses, One Death Reported From Listeria in Deli Meat, Cheese
Many of the 16 who got sick are of Eastern European background or speak Russian and ate food from deli counters
Specific Postoperative Complications Increased for Patients With Obesity
Odds of infection, venous thromboembolism, renal complications increased for patients with overweight, obesity
January 2019 Briefing – Dermatology
Combination Treatment Beneficial in Albuminuric CKD
7.4 year gain in event-free survival for 50-year-old patients with combo therapy with ACEi/ARB and SGLT2 inhibitors
Alcohol Brief Intervention Can Improve Health Outcomes in HTN
Adults with hypertension had modest but significant reduction in drinks at 12 months and in BP at 18 months
Ticagrelor, Prasugrel Compared in ACS Treated With PCI
Prespecified subgroup analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial suggest that a prasugrel-based strategy is preferable
Reviews Assess Tools to Identify, Diagnose, Treat Alzheimer Dementia
2010 to 2017 Saw >5,000 Travel-Linked Dengue Virus Cases in U.S.
COVID-19 Suspected for Surge in Medical Visits at End of 2019
Weaning Occurs Earlier for Infants With In-Hospital Formula Feeding
Few Brains From Deceased Military Personnel Have Evidence of CTE
All brains with chronic traumatic encephalopathy were from decedents who had participated in contact sports
Genetic Testing Underused in Breast, Ovarian Cancer
Social Vulnerability Tied to Higher Assault-Related Firearm Death Rates for Youth
Despite burden among socially vulnerable youth, states with restrictive gun laws have lower rates of assault-related firearm deaths
Racial/Ethnic Disparity Seen for Stroke in Dialysis Patients With A-Fib
Acalabrutinib Promising for Treatment of Severe COVID-19
Recommendations Simplified for Pneumococcal Vaccination
ACIP recommends PCV20 alone or PCV15 in series with PPSV23 for all aged 65 years and older or younger adults at risk
Hydrocortisone Early After Septic Shock Onset May Aid Outcomes
Odds of Gabapentin Rx Down for Adults With LBP Receiving Spinal Manipulation
Reduced odds seen for receiving gabapentin prescription in adults receiving chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy
Regular, Short Breaks From Sitting Aid Cardiometabolic Markers
Breaks every 30 minutes for five minutes may be enough to improve glycemic responses
Mindful Music Listening Aids Cognitive Recovery After Stroke
Targeted Intraoperative RT Is Effective Alternative to EBRT
Men Who Have Sex With Men Acting to Prevent Monkeypox Transmission
MSM report reducing their number of sexual partners, one-time sexual encounters, sex with partners met on dating apps
Adverse Maternal Outcomes Up With Motor Vehicle Crashes in Pregnancy
Increased risks seen for placental abruption, prolonged uterine contractions, antepartum hemorrhage, cesarean delivery
Pfizer to Seek Approval in Fall for COVID-19 Vaccine Use in Children Aged 2...
Company also plans to apply to the FDA this month for full approval of the vaccine for use in people ages 16 to 85 years
TXA Seems Safe for Surgery in High-Risk Patients With IT Hip Fracture
No increased risk for mortality or thromboembolic complications seen with use of tranexamic acid among high-risk patients, entire cohort
Pediatricians’ Group Urges That All Infants Get New RSV Shot
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation applies to infants 19 months of age or younger
Methotrexate May Impair Immune Response to mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine
Poorer humoral, cellular immune responses seen in patients receiving methotrexate for immune-mediated inflammatory disease
Poverty-Stricken Adults More Likely to be Calcium-, Vitamin D-Deficient
Complications Higher Than Expected for Invasive Lung Tests
10.8 Percent of Children Live in Households With Food Insecurity
Percentage of children living in food-insecure households in 2019 to 2020 varied by ethnicity, urbanicity, family structure
Total Joint Arthroplasty Linked to Reduced Risk for Falls
Review Examines Methods for Diagnosis of Elevated ICP in Critically Ill
Mild, No Symptoms for Most Children With SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Major Insurers Offer $55 Million to Lower Generic Drug Costs
Feds Warn of Bedrails That Can Entrap; Three Deaths Reported
Warning applies to 10 models of bedrails made and sold by Mobility Transfer Systems
Methamphetamines, Opiates, Cocaine, Cannabis Up Risk for A-Fib
Methamphetamine, cocaine, opiate, and cannabis exposure each associated with increased incidence of AF
Decrease in PM2.5-Related U.S. Mortality From 2010 to 2017
Neuropsychiatric Manifestations Seen in Monkeypox Patients
Headache, fatigue, and myalgia are reported frequently; serious complications, such as confusion, encephalitis, and seizure, are less common
Cognition Declines Tied to Hearing Loss Begin Early
Uncontrolled Diabetes, Hypertension Rates High in CKD Patients
February 2019 Briefing – Internal Medicine
Furniture, TV Tip-Over Injuries Send Many Young Children to ED
Authors urge a mandatory safety standard for manufacturers and for families to anchor furniture to avoid head/neck injuries
No Sign of Vertical Transmission of COVID-19 Found in Late Pregnancy
Racial/Ethnic, Educational Barriers ID’d for DBT Screening Access
Use of digital breast tomosynthesis lower for Black versus White women, those with lower educational level, in lowest income quartile
Gestational Diabetes May Increase Risk for Fetal Hypoxia
Hypoxia-related ZigZag pattern, late decelerations of FHR on intrapartal CTG and increased risk of fetal asphyxia seen in GDM pregnancies
Stay-at-Home Orders Challenging Obese Patients
Permanent Hair Dye Not Linked to Cancer Risk, Mortality
Moderna Vaccine Top for Protection Against COVID-19 Hospitalization
Vaccine effectiveness higher for Moderna than Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine; both mRNA vaccines have higher VE than Janssen
Acetaminophen Exposure in Utero Tied to Child Neurobehavioral Problems
Problems with sleep, attention seen at age 3 years in children exposed to acetaminophen in utero
COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate High in Long-Term Dialysis Patients
Racial, sociodemographic, and dialysis-related factors predict COVID-19 infection risk among long-term dialysis patients
Pandemic Disrupting Health Care for 55 Percent of Older Adults
Firearm Use Up in Female Nurse Suicides in the U.S.
Female nurses used firearms in suicides less often than other women from 2003 to 2013, but firearm use increased from 2014 to 2017
Drop in Firearm Deaths Linked to More Restrictive Gun Policies
Signs/Symptoms May ID COVID-19 Even With Negative RT-PCR
Patients who repeatedly tested negative but had signs/symptoms of COVID-19 had similar seroprevalence as RT-PCR-confirmed cases
Most Women Face 6 to 22 Percent Risk of Breast Cancer Metastases
Risk varies by age at diagnosis, decade of diagnosis, and type of breast cancer
February 2019 Briefing – Allergy
Health Coaches Improve Inhaler Use in COPD Patients
42.4 Percent of U.S. Teens Have Received at Least One COVID-19 Shot
Vaccination coverages vary by state, with rates of one dose or more ranging from from 20.2 percent in Mississippi to 70.1 percent in Vermont
Good Outcomes Seen With Primary Hip Arthroscopy for Borderline Hip Dysplasia
Overall survivorship of 82.2 percent seen at minimum follow-up of 10 years; significant improvement seen in all PROMs
Burden of Obesity-Associated Cancers Shifted to Younger Age Groups
AI Assistance May Improve Accuracy of Breast Cancer Screening
Sensitivity increased for subgroups with small lesion sizes, invasive carcinomas
E-Cigarette Aerosol Exposure Tied to Asthma Symptoms
Reinforced Learning Model Can Improve Sensitivity of Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Correct diagnoses made by dermatologists increased with reinforcement learning, incorporating human preferences into AI model
Experts Weigh in on Pace of Reopening, Preventive Measures
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation May Cut Pain After Orthopedic Surgery
Pain scores, opioid consumption reduced in first postoperative week with percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation versus sham treatment
Systemic Hormone Therapy During Menopause May Up Risk for Depression
Initiating systemic hormone therapy before age 50 years linked to increased risk for depression
Florida Bans Most Abortions After Six Weeks
New law will impact women in the state, as well as those in the region where many have traveled to Florida to access abortions
Melanoma Presentation, Mortality Varies by Race
Black patients face higher mortality with melanoma independent of insurance status and severity at diagnosis
Four Million New Peds Asthma Cases Attributed to NO2 Annually
Vestibular Dysfunction May Be Modifiable Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline
Findings seen in study of patients with Meniere disease
Phthalate Exposure May Increase Diabetes Risk in Women
Increased incidence of diabetes seen with exposure to certain phthalates for White, but not Black or Asian, women
ASH Issues Guidance for Preventing, Treating VTE in Cancer
Use of thromboprophylaxis not recommended for ambulatory patients at low risk for VTE who are receiving chemotherapy
Trainee Demographics Tied to Passage of U.S. Surgical Boards
Antibiotic Exposure Positively Linked to IBD Development
Positive dose-response seen for all aged 10 years and older, with greatest risks for those aged 40 to 60 years and 60 years and older
December 2019 Briefing – Internal Medicine
March 2019 Briefing – Psychiatry
In California Study, Many Veterans at Risk of Suicide Have Unlocked Gun at Home
Suicide by firearm is the number one cause of suicide death among veterans
ASTRO Issues Recs for Radiation Tx of Basal, Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Many With Relapsed/Refractory Lymphoma in Pregnancy Delay Treatment
Five of 23 women studied received intentional antenatal therapy; no malformations or genetic diseases observed
AAN: Teriflunomide Reduces Clinical Events in Radiologically Isolated Syndrome
Significant reduction seen in clinical events with teriflunomide; nonsignificant reduction noted in Gd+ lesions, new or enlarging T2 lesions
Virtual, Hybrid Format Feasible for Cardiac Rehabilitation
Improvements in functional capacity similar to in-person cardiac rehabilitation
Treatment Rates for Major Depressive Disorder Low Worldwide
Even bigger gaps in care seen for people living in low-income and lower middle-income countries
Potentially Tainted Marijuana Sold in Colorado
Suicide, Homicide Rates Up Among Youth Aged 10 to 24
Judge Overturns Arkansas Law Banning Gender Transition Care for Minors
Judge contends law discriminates against transgender people and violates the constitutional rights of doctors
Physician Burnout Rate Increased From 2014 to 2017
Suicidal Behaviors, Deaths Lower for Childhood Cancer Survivors
Stepped Tx for Alcohol Use Disorder Studied in HIV Patients
Adding Maraviroc to c-ART No Better in Advanced HIV
Flu Activity Low in Southern Hemisphere in June to August 2020
2019 to 2022 Saw Increase in Mental Health Service Use, Spending
Telehealth visits increased more than 10-fold during acute phase of pandemic and remained high in postacute phase
Portable Low-Field MRI Allows Brain Imaging in ICU Patients
Odds of Severe, Critical COVID-19 Up With Vitamin D Deficiency
Patients with severe or critical disease more often had preinfection vitamin D deficiency than those with mild-to-moderate disease
FDA Testing Levels of Carcinogen in Diabetes Drug Metformin
Many Psychiatric Patients Are Getting Risky Drug Gabapentin ‘Off-Label’
FDA: Tattoo Inks Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination
RSV in First Year of Life Tied to Risk for Childhood Asthma
Authors say association is age- and severity-dependent
Long-Term Diastolic Dysfunction Seen After Early Preeclampsia
Hospitalization Rates Up During Omicron BA.2 Predominance
Hospitalization rates 3.4 times as high for unvaccinated adults compared with vaccinated adults
Global Coronavirus Outbreaks Stoking Fears of Pandemic
Public Health Interventions Could Cut Global Burden of Hepatitis C
Lower Mortality Seen With Hemodiafiltration for Kidney Failure
Risk for death from any cause reduced with hemodiafiltration versus hemodialysis among patients with kidney failure
January 2020 Briefing – Urology
New Ebola Drugs Highly Effective, Might Shorten Outbreak in Africa
Cardiovascular AEs Common With Carfilzomib in Multiple Myeloma
Trastuzumab Tied to Higher Long-Term Risk for Heart Failure
Myorelaxants, NSAIDs, NSAID-Acetaminophen Combo Ease Lower Back Pain
No improvement seen in lower back pain with acetaminophen alone or placebo across trials
Vascular Deaths Down for Diabetes Patients in the U.K.
Cancer is now the leading contributor to death among individuals with diabetes living in England
No Evidence Found for SARS-CoV-2 Vertical Transmission to Fetus
Fatty Tissue Transfer Benefits Arthritic Finger Joints
Minimally invasive procedure associated with significant improvements of osteoarthritis symptoms
Poverty Ups Risk for Amputation After Knee Replacement
Adverse Childhood Experiences Led to Poorer Mental Health During Pandemic
Teens reporting four or more ACEs during pandemic had prevalence of poor current mental health four times higher than those without ACEs
New Coordinator Appointed for U.S. Global Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
Gayle Smith's duties will include harnessing U.S. knowledge and resources to increase COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution worldwide
Minerals Not Linked to Multiple Sclerosis Risk in Women
TKA Complications Increased for Sickle Cell Disease Patients
Patients with sickle cell disease have longer length of stay, incur greater health care costs, have increased need for step-down health care facilities
Short-Term Mortality Link Identified for Increased Ozone Exposure
Europe Surpasses 1 Million COVID-19 Deaths
WHO wants to emphasize the need for Europe to maintain social distancing and speed up vaccinations
Federal Court Orders EPA to Reexamine Whether Roundup Causes Cancer
In its ruling, court challenged Trump-era finding that glyphosate was not a serious health risk and 'not likely' to cause cancer
August 2019 Briefing – Dermatology
OxyContin Maker Purdue Pharma Is Dissolved
Sackler family to pay $4.5 billion in bankruptcy settlement, denies any personal responsibility
Very Elderly Can Benefit From Brain Tumor Surgery
While there is short-term excess mortality, cumulative survival is similar to the general population
CDC Panel Urges Seniors to Get New, More Potent Flu Shot This Fall
Agency urges all Americans aged 6 months and older to get a flu shot every season
Oral Immunotherapy With Boiled Then Roasted Peanuts Feasible
Sequential approach is feasible and safe for peanut allergy, with very low frequency of rescue epinephrine use
CDC: Vaccinated More Likely to Die During Omicron Wave If They Got J&J Shot
However, breakthrough infections among J&J vaccine recipients were similar or lower compared to the other vaccines
Serum Elaidic Acid Levels Tied to Dementia, Alzheimer Disease
Sleep-Disordered Breathing Tied to Insulin Resistance in Pregnancy
In pregnant women with BMI ≥27 kg/m², respiratory event index and oxygen desaturation index linked to HOMA-IR
Minorities Less Likely to Undergo MRI After Elevated PSA Test
Disparities in subsequent MRIs more pronounced at higher PSA thresholds
2018 Health Care Spending Up Due to Higher Prices
Lopinavir-Ritonavir No Benefit in Adults With Severe COVID-19
Black Americans More Likely to Know Someone Who Has Died of COVID-19
Meta-Analysis Links PTSD to Increased Dementia Risk
DDW: Cannabinoid Use Ups Sedation Requirements During Endoscopy
However, patients with cannabis use do not have increased awareness or discomfort during procedures
Moderate-to-Late Preemies Likely Go Home at 36 Weeks
WHO Slams COVID-19 Booster Shots in Wealthy Nations
Agency calls for a moratorium on booster shots until at least the end of September
Liver Transplant Outcomes Worse for Nonoverweight NAFLD Patients
Outcomes worse before and after liver transplant for nonoverweight versus overweight/obese adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Younger Women With AMI Have More Adverse Outcomes After Discharge
Sex differences seen for coronary-related and noncardiac hospitalizations in year following discharge
Infants of COVID-19-Infected Mothers Doing Well in Short Term
Exposure to Greenspace Linked to Lower Risk for Pediatric-Onset IBD
Risk reduced for both ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease; linear dose response seen across increasing quartiles of greenspace
Global Maternal, Fetal Outcomes Worsened During COVID-19 Pandemic
Increase seen in stillbirth and maternal deaths, surgically managed ectopic pregnancies, and maternal depression
More Lung Injury Seen With Vaping Cannabis Versus Vaping, Smoking Nicotine
'Wheezing or whistling' in chest nearly two times higher among teens who had used cannabis in electronic nicotine delivery systems
Americans Have High Trust in Health Care Providers: Poll
Trust in health care providers could be an important factor in efforts to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates
Flu Cases Already Up 23 Percent This Season: Walgreens
Significant increase shown by the company's analysis of its own data reflects the historically low levels of flu last year
Ten Infant Deaths Linked to Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleepers
Pandemic Worsened Mental Health, Social Risk in Minority Children
Depression/anxiety problems increased for urban, racial- and ethnic-minority children during versus six months before the pandemic
Infant Screen Use Linked to Alterations in Cortical EEG Before Age 2
Link between infant screen time, executive functioning at school age partially mediated by frontocentral and parietal theta/beta ratios
November 2019 Briefing – Gastroenterology
Wearables Detect Physiologic Changes at COVID-19 Symptom Onset
Alterations seen in basal heart rate, heart rate response to physical activity, circadian variation in heart rate, autocorrelation of heart rate
Brepocitinib Beneficial for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriatic Arthritis
Significantly greater ACR20 response rates seen at week 16 for 30 and 60 mg QD versus placebo; response maintained or improved at 52 weeks
CDC: GI, Respiratory Illnesses More Likely in Low-Income Children
Drive-Through IOP Screening Clinic Feasible During COVID-19
Intraocular pressure screening clinic allows for continued management, including necessary changes in management
Mortality Increased in Association With SARS-CoV-2 U.K. Variant
Mortality hazard ratio was 1.64 in association with infection with VOC-202012/1 versus infection with previously circulating variants
SPPADE Symptoms Common in Cancer Patients
Co-occurrence of symptoms also very common across cancer types
Fentanyl Is Main Agent in Fatal Pediatric Opioid Poisoning
5 percent of deaths from opioids in 1999 were from fentanyl compared with 94.0 percent of opioid deaths by 2021
Lower BMI Cutoff Tied to Endometrial Cancer in Chinese Women
Lower obesity threshold of BMI ≥25 kg/m2 tied to increased risk of endometrial cancer in Asian women presenting with postmenopausal bleeding
Stem Cell Transplant Reviewed for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma
Three- and five-year overall survival similar with allogeneic or autologous HSCT, but transplant-related mortality higher with allogeneic HSCT