Sharon Smith

A new term is intended to limit negative connotations, but some experts consider it imprecise and difficult to interpret. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/will-changing-term-obesity-reduce-stigma-2024a10008dq?src=rss

A randomized study published in 2022 showed the vaccine's efficacy in preventing urinary tract infections over 9 months. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/vaccine-development-against-uti-2024a10008ed?src=rss

Irrespective of age, duration of disease, and other factors, people with rheumatoid arthritis have a consistently higher risk for venous thromboembolism than the general population. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/reasons-heightened-thrombotic-risk-rheumatoid-arthritis-2024a10008cd?src=rss

These five advanced technologies are already a reality for many doctors and could hit your office in the next few years. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/this-tech-will-change-your-practice-sooner-than-you-think-2024a10008bm?src=rss

A decision on approval is expected in the fourth quarter of 2024. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tapinarof-cream-treating-adult-pediatric-atopic-dermatitis-2024a10008bl?src=rss

The incidence of distant- and regional-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) has been increasing in individuals aged 46-49 years, a cross-sectional study of stage-stratified CRC found. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/rising-late-stage-crc-incidence-rates-support-screening-age-2024a10008bk?src=rss

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the possibility of stigmatization and bullying when assessing the social and mental health of children and adolescents with chronic skin disorders. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/children-chronic-skin-disorders-face-substantial-stigma-2024a100088o?src=rss

Some companies claimed that engaging in "brain games" can improve cognition or stave off cognitive decline. What's the evidence and do crosswords and Sudoku count? Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/does-brain-training-really-improve-cognition-and-forestall-2024a100088j?src=rss

Patients with IBS-C and moderate to severe bloating achieved reductions in bloating after receiving plecanatide, but those with mild bloating showed no improvement. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/bloating-ibs-c-can-plecanatide-help-patients-2024a100088g?src=rss

A network of countries and health agencies will coordinate a strategy to identify and mitigate future disease threats. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/europe-strengthens-future-disease-defense-2024a100084b?src=rss

Improving work hours and burnout were leading factors why physicians and advanced practice professionals turned to locum tenens assignments, according to a recent survey. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/my-hours-and-exhaustion-were-too-high-whats-driving-2024a100084c?src=rss

A large study reveals an increased risk for adverse cardiovascular events but not for liver disease progression in adults with MASLD disease and HIV infection. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/metabolic-dysfunction-associated-steatotic-liver-disease-2024a1000849?src=rss

Researchers demonstrated the model's excellent performance, raising hopes that it can someday prove a valuable tool for reducing such events in hospitalized patients. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ai-model-predicts-inpatient-hypoglycemic-events-2024a100081k?src=rss

More harm reduction strategies are needed to help eliminate hepatitis C by 2030, according to researchers. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/canada-will-likely-miss-whos-hepatitis-c-elimination-target-2024a100081g?src=rss

CAR T-cell therapy is the best option for patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma, even though it comes with serious side effects. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/timing-everything-car-t-follicular-lymphoma-2024a100081f?src=rss

The timing of moderate to vigorous physical activity was associated with a lower risk for mortality and CVD in adults with obesity, including those with type 2 diabetes. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/nighttime-best-time-exercise-2024a100080s?src=rss

An endocrinologist reviewed a crucial chapter in the latest position statement by the Francophone Diabetes Society at a recent conference. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/updates-managing-elderly-patients-type-2-diabetes-2024a10007vj?src=rss

A calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibitor that is FDA-approved for migraine prevention showed early promise against treatment-resistant redness and flushing of rosacea. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/erenumab-reduces-persistent-flushing-and-erythema-rosacea-2024a10007vq?src=rss

A 5-year randomised, placebo-controlled trial of pembrolizumab found a 38% reduction in death vs placebo. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/immunotherapy-renal-cell-carcinoma-saves-lives-2024a10007ij?src=rss

The update included background on the relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonists and endoscopic procedures, followed by clinical strategies for patients taking these medications. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/glp-1-receptor-agonists-before-endoscopy-aga-issues-rapid-2024a10007rz?src=rss

For some, the event has been "more devastating than COVID." KFF Health News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/hcps-still-grappling-unitedhealth-cyberattack-2024a10007ru?src=rss

An analysis evaluated growth in a study of 1326 children with AD younger than 12 years. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-does-moderate-severe-eczema-affect-growth-children-2024a10007n6?src=rss

Patients with GPA were two to three times as likely to experience disease relapse if they scored high on a patient-reported sinonasal symptom test. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/sinonasal-symptoms-help-predict-granulomatosis-polyangiitis-2024a10007n5?src=rss

Advanced systems for measuring patient-reported outcomes can help improve care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and inform clinical research. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/patient-knows-best-pros-ra-practice-and-research-2024a10007n3?src=rss

In the U.K. Cluster Randomized Trial for PSA Testing for Prostate Cancer (CAP), more than 400,000 men in primary care practices between 2001 and 2009 were either invited to receive a single PSA screening test or usual care. After a median follow-up of 10 years , there were more prostate cancer diagnoses in the screening group, but no effect on prostate cancer mortality. (Men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer were invited to participate in a separate trial comparing active monitoring, surgery, and radiotherapy, which Dr. Middleton discussed previously on the AFP Community Blog.) In a secondary analysis of the CAP trial after 5 more years of follow-up, researchers found a small difference in prostate cancer mortality favoring the screening group (absolute reduction = 0.09%, number needed to screen = 1,111 to prevent one prostate cancer death). However, the screening group was at greater risk of detection of low-grade (Gleason score <=6) cancers that are likely to be clinical

Although CADe did not increase burden of colonoscopy, real-world adenoma detection rates cast doubt on the generalizability of positive findings from randomized trials, according to a meta-analysis. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/colonoscopy-cade-fails-improve-adr-real-world-non-randomized-2024a10007kd?src=rss

In proof-of-concept study, high-pressure liquid spray showed promise for collecting cytology specimens from the stomachs of patients undergoing endoscopy for gastric cancer screening or surveillance. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/novel-power-wash-procedure-may-help-detect-gastric-cancer-2024a10007ka?src=rss

Researchers found a high prevalence of eating disorders in patients with major types of immune-mediated GI diseases, especially in pediatric patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/immune-mediated-gi-disease-may-eating-disorder-risk-2024a10007k7?src=rss

A new clinical practice update from AGA covers cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome that is triggered by chronic cannabis use and manifests with GI symptoms. Underdiagnosis remains a challenge. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome-rise-how-diagnose-and-treat-2024a10007gt?src=rss

Colorectal cancer screening remains inadequate in France, but DNA tests could enable screening through a simple blood test or stool analysis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/can-dna-tests-promote-colorectal-cancer-screening-2024a10007gn?src=rss

Researchers are trying to understand what role bacteria play in various eye conditions. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ocular-microbiome-may-be-dry-eye-culprit-2024a10007go?src=rss

Results of VICTORION-INITIATE study suggest better results with inclisiran first and highlight "stunning undertreatment" of cholesterol in usual care of patients with CVD. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/earlier-inclisiran-gives-better-long-term-ldl-reductions-2024a10007d6?src=rss

Those receiving an antibiotic in the primary- and urgent-care setting had a small but significant increase in overall length of illness, a new study found. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/antibiotics-little-benefit-lower-respiratory-tract-infection-2024a10007d4?src=rss

Guselkumab improved joint swelling, spinal pain, skin symptoms, and overall disease activity in a substantial number of patients with psoriatic arthritis through 2 years. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/guselkumab-provides-long-term-relief-psoriatic-arthritis-2024a10007d1?src=rss

Where long COVID treatment and research is right now — and where it's going. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/years-sobering-look-long-covid-progress-2024a10007a8?src=rss

A consensus document emphasizes the control of comorbidities, contraindications to oral immunotherapy, and the importance of informed consent. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/recommendations-guide-oral-immunotherapy-food-allergies-2024a1000796?src=rss

Response curves have continued to climb for as long as patients are followed, allowing many with disappointing early results to catch up, according to data presented at the AAD meeting. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/alopecia-areata-some-patients-have-late-responses-jak-2024a100073l?src=rss

Physicians who want to work entirely or partly remote from home can pursue numerous virtual options beyond telemedicine in its usual configuration. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/working-home-doctors-options-are-not-limited-classic-2024a100073j?src=rss

Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis achieved long-term disease control with subcutaneous tocilizumab treatment, without any new safety concerns, in an LTE study of two trials. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/subcutaneous-tocilizumab-gives-durable-long-term-response-2024a10006zt?src=rss

Integrating HCV treatment into opioid treatment programs improves access to HCV treatment, leading to high cure rates, new research shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/integrating-telemedicine-hcv-opioid-use-disorder-treatment-2024a10006zq?src=rss

The main points of the forthcoming recommendations were described at the French-speaking Days of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/first-french-recommendations-eosinophilic-esophagitis-2024a10006zn?src=rss

The experimental siRNA agent led to prolonged Lp(a) reduction of more than 90%, extended data from the phase 1 trial show, supporting the move to phases 2 and 3 trials. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/extended-zerlasiran-data-show-sustained-lp-reduction-2024a10006zm?src=rss

Combining probiotics and vitamin D was associated with improved cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia enrolled in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/probiotic-vitamin-d-combo-may-boost-cognition-schizophrenia-2024a10006wk?src=rss

A head-to-head trial of two widely used TAVR devices in patients with small aortic annuli, mostly women, showed differences in performance at 1 year in the SMART trial. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/small-annuli-self-expanding-tavr-may-have-advantage-2024a10006wi?src=rss

Although largely similar, some important histopathologic differences were seen in the biopsies of the labial and parotid salivary glands in individuals with suspected SjS. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/both-parotid-and-labial-gland-biopsies-can-diagnose-2024a10006wg?src=rss

The trial is expected to begin this summer and will enroll 12 individuals under age 18 years. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-oks-first-car-t-cell-trial-children-lupus-2024a10006t6?src=rss

Preventive PCI plus optimal medical therapy reduced cardiac events and death in patients with non–flow-limiting coronary plaques vs medical therapy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/preventive-pci-vulnerable-plaques-reduces-cardiac-events-2024a10006tc?src=rss

The randomized, controlled interventional trial also showed that circadian rhythm of the gut microbiome develops early and is detectable in vitro. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/infant-microbiome-development-minimally-affected-diet-2024a10006rm?src=rss

Large meta-analysis of individual participant data shows dose-dependent type 2 diabetes increase, but vascular benefit is greater. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/statins-raise-diabetes-risk-cv-benefit-outweighs-it-2024a10006ol?src=rss

Urologists can take a few steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/urologys-inconvenient-truth-warnings-impact-climate-change-2024a10006ok?src=rss

Sonelokimab is a novel humanized nanobody that selectively binds to interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/hidradenitis-suppurativa-sonelokimab-shows-promise-phase-2-2024a10006oj?src=rss

Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/esketamine-linked-reduced-postpartum-depression-risk-2024a10006oi?src=rss

Two weeks of antibiotics to eradicate the carcinogenic bacteria reduce the risk for CRC incidence and mortality, a new analysis suggested. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/eliminating-h-pylori-lowers-crc-incidence-mortality-risk-2024a10006le?src=rss

Low rates of follow-up colonoscopy after an abnormal stool-based screening test may be improved by a simple quality performance measure, researchers said. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-quality-measure-improves-follow-crc-screening-2024a10006lb?src=rss

Different bacterial species affect the onset and development of obesity in men vs women. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/gut-bacterias-influence-obesity-differs-men-and-women-2024a10006la?src=rss

A telemedicine program for patients with acute coronary syndrome discharged after percutaneous coronary intervention improved outcomes significantly compared with standard care. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/telemedicine-reduces-rehospitalization-revascularization-2024a10006l4?src=rss

A mandibular advancement device was non-inferior to standard of care CPAP to reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension and sleep apnea in the CRESCENT trial. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/mandibular-device-comparable-cpap-reduce-bp-hypertension-osa-2024a10006l0?src=rss

Use of a microaxial flow pump led to a lower risk of death in patients with STEMI-related cardiogenic shock in the DanGer Shock trial, although with more adverse events. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/impella-cp-improves-survival-stemi-cardiogenic-shock-2024a10006kz?src=rss

In a face-off against tamsulosin, the implant therapy was associated with greater resolution of symptoms. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-data-boost-urolift-frontline-approach-bph-2024a10006jv?src=rss

Empagliflozin did not significantly reduce overall HF hospitalization or all-cause death in high-risk patients in EMPACT-MI but did reduce first and total hospitalizations. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/empagliflozin-fails-reduce-events-after-acute-mi-2024a10006kn?src=rss

ApoA1 infusions in acute MI did not significantly reduce the composite endpoint in the AEGIS-II trial. However, an exploratory analysis suggested benefit at higher LDL levels. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/apoa1-trial-misses-endpoint-hdl-hypothesis-still-alive-2024a10006km?src=rss

For an all-comer population with any impairment of LV function, an interarterial shunt device missed the primary endpoint in RELIEVE-HF, but benefit was seen with LVEF less than 40%. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/no-net-hf-benefit-interarterial-shunt-device-2024a10006kk?src=rss

I have a personal stake in the answer to this question. For most of my adult life, my body mass index (BMI) has ranged between 22 and 25 kg/m2, which is considered to be in the normal range (the threshold for overweight is a BMI of 25, and obesity a BMI of 30). But it turns out that I've been overweight for most of that time if one applies a race-specific definition of overweight (BMI greater than 23) for individuals of Asian descent. Where did this race-based cutpoint come from, and is it still relevant in an era when we generally frown on using race as a surrogate for social determinants of health in making clinical decisions? The story starts more than two decades years ago, when an expert committee convened by the World Health Organization  (WHO) examined associations between BMI, body fat percentage, and risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in studies of Asian populations. They found that at similar BMI levels, Asian adults have higher body fat percenta

Socioeconomic challenges, reasons for immigration, and resettlement experiences may affect health outcomes among different immigration groups. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/birth-outcomes-differ-across-canadian-immigration-categories-2024a10006gy?src=rss

Researchers are homing in on a long noncoding RNA fragment called Xist, essential to X chromosome inactivation, as the culprit in sex-biased autoimmune diseases like lupus. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/how-autoimmunitys-sex-biased-e-xist-ence-possible-2024a10006cz?src=rss

New analysis of the REDUCE-IT trial suggested benefit of icosapent ethyl doesn't vary by Lp(a) level and confirmed risk for Lp(a) with high triglycerides but not cholesterol. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/lp-tied-higher-cvd-events-risk-reduction-ipe-2024a10006d8?src=rss

Years after clinicians started reporting data on care provided to patients with depression, metrics used to score quality are the focus of new scrutiny. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/measuring-how-many-times-patients-get-screened-depression-2024a10006d1?src=rss

The number of physician assistants is rising across the country, and many tout income and work-life balance as key advantages to the profession, according to a new analysis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/physician-assistant-workforce-sees-ongoing-growth-income-2024a10006cy?src=rss

Clinical diagnosis continues to be the primary method for diagnosing varicella, but only about half of clinically diagnosed cases were positive for the VZV in a new study. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/lab-tests-are-key-diagnosing-chickenpox-2024a100069a?src=rss

Tirzepatide was more effective than basal insulins in reducing A1c and postprandial glucose levels in a post hoc analysis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tirzepatide-offers-better-glucose-control-regardless-2024a1000699?src=rss

Industry payments appeared to have been little changed by public reporting in the Open Payments database. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/drug-device-makers-paid-physicians-12-billion-just-under-2024a100066f?src=rss

Concierge fees provide new revenue directly to hospitals, and doctors provide lucrative referrals to the hospitals that employ them. KFF Health News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/hospitals-cash-concierge-care-2024a1000666?src=rss

Over time, exercising at least twice a week is associated with significantly fewer insomnia symptoms and better sleep duration, new research showed. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/regular-exercise-linked-better-sleep-2024a1000664?src=rss

Researchers are using technology similar to that of COVID-19 vaccine. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/lung-cancer-vaccine-gets-injection-funding-research-and-2024a1000663?src=rss