MDedge Daily News

USPSTF expands BRACA1/2 testing recommendations by Andrew D. Bowser The updated recommendations substantially expand the pool of individuals for whom risk assessment, testing, and counseling would be warranted. Other stories: FCC backs designating 988 as suicide prevention hotline The Federal Communications Commission is backing the use of a 3-digit versus 10-digit number. Cardiovascular cost of smoking may last up to 25 years ... Read more

Planned Parenthood withdraws from Title X by Alicia Gallegos The withdrawal comes in the wake of the so-called abortion "gag rule." Other stories: Self-reported falls can predict osteoporotic fracture risk The study shows that a simple question about falls may be best at predicting the risk of fracture. New measles outbreak reported in western N.Y. The outbreak includes five new cases. ACP unveils clinical guidelines disclosur... Read more

How to nearly eliminate CLABSIs in children's hospitals Using a mix of common-sense steps and public accountability, one hospital dropped its central line-associated bloodstream infection rate dramatically in just a few months. Other stories: Prescription use varies between U.S. and Canada Antidepressants are the top drug type in the US, while analgesics were the leading drug. TAVR valves now FDA approved for low-risk patients ... Read more

Doctors concerned about recent immigration changes by Alicia Gallegos New Trump administration regulations make it more difficult for immigrants to remain in the US if they receive health care assistance. Other stories: USPSTF draft guidance calls for drug use screening They found "adequate evidence" that screening tools can detect illicit drug use. FDA takes another swing at updating cigarette pack warnings Advocates say addin... Read more

Doctors concerned about recent immigration changes by Alicia Gallegos New Trump administration regulations make it more difficult for immigrants to remain in the US if they receive health care assistance. Other stories: USPSTF draft guidance calls for drug use screening They found "adequate evidence" that screening tools can detect illicit drug use. FDA takes another swing at updating cigarette pack warnings Advocates say addin... Read more

Ketogenic diets are what’s cooking for drug-refractory epilepsy Story by Bruce Jancin, reporting from the International Epilepsy Congress. There are new developments in a long-established form of epilepsy therapy. Other top stories: 1. Possible role of enterovirus infection in acute flaccid myelitis cases detected High levels of enterovirus peptides were found in the cerebral spinal fluid of individuals with AFM. 2. Maternal facto... Read more

PCPs play role in identifying severe, difficult-to-treat asthma Story by Jeff Craven, reporting from the Cardiovascular & Respiratory Summit by Global Academy for Medical Education. Primary care providers are seeing patients with severe asthma and should learn to recognize and diagnose these patients. Other top stories: Midlife hypertension is associated with subsequent risk of dementia Elevated blood pressure in midlife is assoc... Read more

Is a rigid HPV vaccination schedule really necessary? Story by Bruce Jancin, reporting from the annual meeting of the European Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Delayed administration of the second dose of an HPV vaccine had no negative impact on the magnitude of the immune response. Other top stories: Women are underrepresented as lead authors in oncology trials  The proportion has been increasing but still lags behind... Read more

Beyond sunscreen: Skin cancer preventive agents finding a role by Ted Bosworth, reporting from the 2019 annual summer meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. A growing list of skin cancer chemopreventive agents is expanding options for risk management. Other top stories: Mediterranean diet improves cognition in patients with type 2 diabetes The association was significant in those with effective glycemic control.  Quart... Read more

Undiagnosed COPD may change heart function before heart attacks occur by Michele B. Sullivan Screening patients admitted for acute coronary syndromes with respiratory measures could identify those at risk for undiagnosed COPD.  Source: COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease  Other top stories: Medical societies urge action to reduce gun violence Comprehensive criminal background checks for all firearm purchases,... Read more

Undiagnosed COPD may change heart function before heart attacks occur by Michele B. Sullivan Screening patients admitted for acute coronary syndromes with respiratory measures could identify those at risk for undiagnosed COPD.  Source: COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease  Other top stories: Medical societies urge action to reduce gun violence Comprehensive criminal background checks for all firearm purchases,... Read more

Urine albumin testing is crucial for patients at risk for CKD, but drop the 24-hour urine test by Randy Dotinga An update on diagnosing, managing, and treating patients with comorbid hypertension and diabetes. Other top stories: NSAIDs a significant mediator of cardiovascular risk in osteoarthritis NSAID use could be responsible for a significant proportion of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with osteoart... Read more

Urine albumin testing is crucial for patients at risk for CKD, but drop the 24-hour urine test by Randy Dotinga An update on diagnosing, managing, and treating patients with comorbid hypertension and diabetes. Other top stories: NSAIDs a significant mediator of cardiovascular risk in osteoarthritis NSAID use could be responsible for a significant proportion of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with osteoart... Read more

mRNA technology for respiratory vaccines impresses First-ever mRNA vaccines against avian H10N8 and H7N9 influenza viruses show favorable safety and immunogenicity.  Other top stories: CDC finds that too little naloxone is dispensed Many patients at risk for overdose are not offered the potentially life-saving treatment, according to an analysis of national retail pharmacy data. USPSTF reaffirms recommendation against pancreati... Read more

mRNA technology for respiratory vaccines impresses First-ever mRNA vaccines against avian H10N8 and H7N9 influenza viruses show favorable safety and immunogenicity.  Other top stories: CDC finds that too little naloxone is dispensed Many patients at risk for overdose are not offered the potentially life-saving treatment, according to an analysis of national retail pharmacy data. USPSTF reaffirms recommendation against pancreati... Read more

COPD adds complexity to shared decision making for LDCT lung cancer Current guidelines stress the importance of shared decision making, with discussion of the risks and benefits of screening. Other top medical news: Survey: Burnout gets personal for 68% of physicians Young primary care providers, beware.  Antiepileptic drug outcomes have remained flat for 3 decades Dr. Martin J. Brodie says, "We don't treat the whale; we treat ... Read more

COPD adds complexity to shared decision making for LDCT lung cancer Current guidelines stress the importance of shared decision making, with discussion of the risks and benefits of screening. Other top medical news: Survey: Burnout gets personal for 68% of physicians Young primary care providers, beware.  Antiepileptic drug outcomes have remained flat for 3 decades Dr. Martin J. Brodie says, "We don't treat the whale; we treat ... Read more

Older patients who stop statins may be increasing their cardiovascular risk Discontinuation of statins was associated with an increased risk of hospital admission for a cardiovascular event.  Other top stories: Physicians who receive coaching are less exhausted, less likely to burn out Physicians who received 3.5 hours of professional coaching sessions had lower levels of emotional exhaustion and overall burnout. Too many blood... Read more

Critics say hospital price transparency proposal 'misses the mark' by Gregory Twachtman The proposal from CMS would require hospitals to make public both their list prices and the prices they negotiate with payers.  Other top stories: AI technology meets AFib detection An AI-enabled ECG model suggests clinical implications for early identification of atrial fibrillation. Placental bacteria not linked to adverse pregnancy outcom... Read more