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Showing posts from January, 2025

Around 50% Diabetes Patients Face Micronutrient Deficiency

A substantial proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes experienced micronutrient deficiency, particularly vitamin D deficiency, a meta-analysis of more than 50,000 participants revealed. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/around-50-diabetes-patients-face-micronutrient-deficiency-2025a10002fw?src=rss

French Medical Council Sets Standards for Doctor-Influencers

YouTube and France’s medical council have collaborated on a charter aimed at maintaining scientific integrity and preventing misinformation. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/french-medical-council-sets-standards-doctor-influencers-2025a10002ft?src=rss

High Pay, Low Stress: The Dermatology Boom

Dermatology has become one of the most sought-after medical specialties, offering high salaries, good work-life balance, and low patient mortality. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/high-pay-low-stress-dermatology-boom-2025a10002c4?src=rss

Psoriasis Tied to Higher Cardiovascular Risk in Delivery

Women with psoriasis had increased risks for preeclampsia/eclampsia and cardiac arrhythmias during delivery hospitalizations, according to a real-world study evaluating maternal cardiovascular complication risks in this group of patients. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/psoriasis-tied-higher-cardiovascular-risk-delivery-2025a10002c2?src=rss

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: Are We Overlooking Cases?

With delayed diagnoses and frequent misclassification, cyclic vomiting syndrome puzzles clinicians. Is it time to rethink its diagnosis and management? Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-are-we-overlooking-cases-2025a10002bz?src=rss

New Data Support ctDNA-Guided Treatment in CRC

New data from two studies presented at ASCO GI 2025 demonstrated that ctDNA testing could predict recurrence risk in early-stage colorectal cancer. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ctdna-testing-shows-promise-guiding-crc-treatment-decisions-2025a10002bx?src=rss

How to Choose a Medical Specialty

Is there a key to choosing a medical specialty? Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/have-you-selected-specialty-yet-2025a100026c?src=rss

High-Income Nations Lead, Others Lag in Cancer Care Equity

Despite progress, significant disparities in cancer drug access persist globally, with low-income nations struggling to provide even essential treatments, ESMO has reported. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/high-income-nations-lead-others-lag-cancer-care-equity-2025a100026a?src=rss

Morning Macrophage Activity Optimizes Inflammation Control

Aligning therapies with the biologic clock may improve efficacy, as macrophage activity peaks early in the morning, worsening inflammatory disease symptoms. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/morning-macrophage-activity-optimizes-inflammation-control-2025a1000266?src=rss

More Women Entering Medical School Than Men for 6th Straight Year: Why?

Women continue to make up the majority of medical school applicants, matriculants, and total enrollment. Experts share what’s fueling the ongoing rise of women in medical school. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/more-women-entering-medical-school-than-men-sixth-straight-2025a100021y?src=rss

Experts Warn Against Faricimab Rechallenge Post-Inflammation

Faricimab should be readministered with caution in patients who develop mild intraocular inflammation with a previous dose of the biologic agent, researchers warned. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/experts-warn-against-faricimab-rechallenge-post-inflammation-2025a100021x?src=rss

Compassion Fatigue: How Oncologists Can Recognize the Signs

Experts explore what compassion fatigue looks like, and how to identify and ease the often-subtle symptoms. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/compassion-fatigue-how-oncologists-can-recognize-signs-2025a100021r?src=rss

Frequent Polyp Diagnoses in Relatives Linked to CRC Risk

The risk for colorectal cancer was associated with the frequency of colorectal polyp diagnoses in relatives in a study based on family cancer datasets. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/frequent-colorectal-polyp-diagnoses-relatives-linked-2025a10001x8?src=rss

Drug Duo Enhances Myeloma Outcomes

Primary results of phase 3 AURIGA study indicated that dual maintenance therapy after transplant led to improved outcomes. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/drug-duo-enhances-myeloma-outcomes-2025a10001w2?src=rss

IFSH Guides Surgical Decisions in OPSCC but Has Limitations

Researchers investigated how margins may or may not be useful in the management of HPV-related OPSCC. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-reliable-intraoperative-frozen-section-histology-hpv-2025a10001rh?src=rss

Parental Divorce in Childhood Linked With Adult Stroke Risk

Researchers encourage clinicians to consider divorce in childhood a potentially important risk factor for stroke. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/parental-divorce-childhood-linked-adult-stroke-risk-2025a10001re?src=rss

Promising New Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening

A novel blood-based test for early detection of colorectal cancer in average-risk adults met the primary endpoints of sensitivity and specificity in the PREEMPT CRC trial. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/promising-new-blood-test-colorectal-cancer-screening-2025a10001rf?src=rss

EU and UNICEF Join Forces to Improve Child and Teen Health

The European Commission and UNICEF have announced a 3-year partnership to improve mental and physical health among children and adolescents in the EU, Iceland, and Norway. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/eu-and-unicef-join-forces-improve-child-and-teen-health-2025a10001l5?src=rss

Dogs Helping Ease Staff and Patient Stress

The dogs aren’t visitors. They work here, too, specifically for the benefit of the staff. KFF Health News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/dogs-helping-ease-staff-and-patient-stress-2025a10001l9?src=rss

How New Research Is Redefining Melanoma Treatment

Research has introduced daromun, therapeutic vaccines, and novel combinations for metastatic melanoma, reshaping the treatment landscape. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-new-research-redefining-melanoma-treatment-2025a10001kz?src=rss

Economic Stain Drives Child Scurvy Surge in France

A 9-year analysis revealed a dramatic post-pandemic rise in scurvy cases among children in France, linked to financial insecurity and poor access to nutrition. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/economic-stain-drives-child-scurvy-surge-france-2025a10001kx?src=rss

Genetic Factors Predict Post-Angiography Outcomes

Three genomic drivers of coronary artery disease were linked to the severity and burden of the condition observed angiographically and predicted the risk for adverse outcomes following angiography. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/genomic-risk-factors-predict-coronary-artery-disease-2025a10001fw?src=rss

Heritability Strongly Linked to Acne Fulminans

“There is in fact a greater than 3-fold risk with affected first-degrees family members,” Dr. Dawn Eichefield said. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/heritability-strongly-linked-acne-fulminans-2025a10001fq?src=rss

EVT Effective, but Use for Acute Stroke Still Low in Europe

Countries committed to rolling out endovascular thrombectomy services are meeting with varying degrees of success. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/evt-effective-use-acute-stroke-still-low-europe-2025a10001cr?src=rss

Nearly Half of Primary Care Docs Affiliated With Hospitals

The number of primary care physicians affiliated with hospitals or health systems has spiked in recent years, raising concerns because their negotiated prices for office visits are higher than for independent doctors, a new study found. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/indie-no-more-nearly-half-primary-care-docs-now-affiliated-2025a10001ct?src=rss

Is Radioiodine Beneficial After Thyroidectomy?

A 5-year follow-up of those randomized to receive or not receive radioiodine after thyroidectomy showed nearly the same low rates of recurrent events. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/radioiodine-beneficial-after-thyroidectomy-2025a10001ck?src=rss

Parenting Styles May Affect Asian American Kids’ Well-Being

Asian American children are less likely to flourish, maintain regular bedtimes, or have moderate screen time, with their parents engaging in positive parenting less frequently. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/parenting-styles-may-affect-asian-american-kids-well-being-2025a100019d?src=rss

Multitarget Stool DNA Tests Often Not Completed

Just over half of multitarget stool DNA tests ordered are completed, with age and race influencing compliance as well as positivity rates. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/multitarget-stool-dna-tests-often-not-completed-2025a100018h?src=rss

Childhood Vaccination Rates Are Slipping

Many states have recently reported an increase in people opting out of vaccines for their kids as Americans’ views shift. KFF Health News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/childhood-vaccination-rates-are-slipping-2025a100018e?src=rss

Family physicians perform high-quality colonoscopies, but access is an issue

Most patients who choose colonoscopy as a screening test for colorectal cancer are referred from primary care to a gastroenterologist or other specialist who performs endoscopy. But that wasn’t the case for the estimated 1 in 15 US patients whose screening colonoscopies were performed by family physicians in 2021. A study of an insurance claims database found that family physicians are more likely to perform colonoscopies in older, male patients residing in more rural areas of the Midwest, South, and Western United States. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) maintains that clinical privileges should be based on documented training and experience rather than the physician’s specialty. In 2000, American Family Physician published an AAFP position paper (an updated version currently resides on the AAFP website) emphasizing that “colonoscopy can be a natural extension of the total care provided by a well-trained family physician.” In 2008, a Society of Teachers of Famil...

PSA screening: shared decision making is a flawed approach

In early 2020, I accepted an invitation to participate in a live debate with a nationally prominent academic urologist at the annual scientific meeting of the American Society for Men's Health. The topic: "The Great Debate of the 21st Century: To PSA screen or not to screen." Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the meeting to the canceled. By the time I was re-invited in 2021, my academic interests had drifted away from prostate cancer screening, so I declined. But over the past 5 years, I have watched with increasing dismay as family physicians and urologists (mis)interpreted the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's more permissive stance on PSA screening  as a license to start screening indiscriminately again without warning men about the adverse consequences of doing so. " We Should Be Doing Fewer PSA Tests, But We Are Doing More ," I pleaded in a 2022 Medscape commentary for primary care physicians. I moved to Lancaster and was appalled when my ...

Are Zero Alcohol Products Normalizing Drinking for Teens?

Over one third of teens have tried zero-alcohol drinks, often introduced by parents. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/teen-use-zero-alcohol-drinks-worries-experts-2025a100014c?src=rss

Serum Uric Acid Levels Predict NAFLD Risk in Nonobese Adults

In young adults without obesity, increased levels of serum uric acid, even when not reaching the level of hyperuricemia, were associated with an increased risk for NAFLD. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/serum-uric-acid-levels-predict-nafld-risk-nonobese-young-2025a1000146?src=rss

Cataract Surgery May Cause Dry Eye, Indicates Meta-Analysis

Certain symptoms of dry eye can last for as long as 3 months after cataract surgery, a new meta-analysis found. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cataract-surgery-may-cause-dry-eye-indicates-meta-analysis-2025a100011h?src=rss

GLP-1s Show No Increased Risk for Thyroid Cancer

In a large population of people with diabetes, the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists was not linked to an increased risk for thyroid cancer; however, follow-up was short. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/glp-1s-show-no-increased-risk-thyroid-cancer-2025a100011a?src=rss

Can MS Patients Safely Stay on DMTs During Pregnancy?

A new study revealed safe MS treatment options during pregnancy, reassuring women to balance effective care with their plans for motherhood. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/can-ms-patients-safely-stay-dmts-during-pregnancy-2025a1000117?src=rss

PM1 Pollution Drives Respiratory Hospitalizations

New evidence has linked PM1 pollution to significant increases in hospitalizations for COPD and pneumonia, with older adults facing the greatest risks. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/pm1-pollution-drives-respiratory-hospitalizations-2025a10000wk?src=rss

To Combat Leukemia, Researchers Harness CD37

Novel CD37 antibody-drug conjugate shows promise in targeting the Achilles’ heel of acute myeloid leukemia cells. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/combat-leukemia-researchers-harness-cd37-2025a10000wh?src=rss

DoxyPEP Cuts STIs in At-Risk Groups

Doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis has the potential to substantially reduce real-world population-level incidence of sexually transmitted infections. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/doxycycline-postexposure-prophylaxis-cuts-stis-risk-groups-2025a10000se?src=rss

Innovations in HIV Care for Women Worldwide

Every week, 4000 young women contract HIV. Discover hidden barriers to prevention and innovative solutions that can change the game. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/innovations-hiv-care-women-worldwide-2025a10000s0?src=rss

California Ambulance Offload Times Exceed State Standards

California's average ambulance offload time was 42.8 minutes, with 47.1% of agencies exceeding the 30-minute limit and 60.6% experiencing worsening of offload times from 2021 to 2023. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/nearly-half-california-emergency-medical-service-agencies-2025a10000ow?src=rss

10 Actionable Resolutions to Combat Cancer in the New Year

Tackle cancer risk with evidence-based resolutions inspired by the Latin American and Caribbean Code Against Cancer. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/10-actionable-resolutions-combat-cancer-new-year-2025a10000oj?src=rss

Around 5% of US Population Diagnosed With Autoimmune Disease

A new analysis tool estimated that over 15 million individuals in the United States were affected with autoimmune diseases in 2022, with women representing the majority of the cases. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/around-5-us-population-diagnosed-autoimmune-disease-2025a10000of?src=rss

NECTORS for Advanced HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer?

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by transoral robotic surgery (NECTORS) and neck dissection led to better survival outcomes in HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/nectors-advanced-hpv-related-head-and-neck-cancer-2025a10000oa?src=rss

J&J Halts Varipulse Field Ablation for AFib

The temporary pause follows reports of four cases of neurovascular events in the US external evaluation study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/j-j-halts-varipulse-field-ablation-afib-2025a10000j8?src=rss

Dementia Risk Higher for Stroke Survivors

Dementia risk is nearly 80% higher in stroke survivors than in those without stroke, with risk declining within 1 year but remaining elevated for up to 20 years, data show. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/dementia-risk-higher-stroke-survivors-2025a10000ja?src=rss

Do Antibiotics Before Conception Affect Fertility?

An expert cautions against misinterpretation of a meta-analysis linking preconception antibiotics to infertility and pregnancy complications. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/do-antibiotics-before-conception-affect-fertility-2025a10000j9?src=rss

Remimazolam-Flumazenil Combo Cuts Extubation Time in TAVI

Compared with sevoflurane, a combination of remimazolam and flumazenil reduced the time to extubation in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation by approximately 7 minutes, a study found. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/combining-remimazolam-flumazenil-cuts-extubation-time-2025a10000f9?src=rss

Reducing Risk, One Mask at a Time: What the Science Says

Could masks create a comeback as we move beyond COVID-19? Here are the latest insights into their impact and effectiveness on public health. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/reducing-risk-one-mask-time-what-science-says-2025a10000f6?src=rss

New Therapy Brings Hope for Dry AMD Vision Loss

The FDA has approved a first-of-its-kind treatment for dry age–related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in adults over 55. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/new-therapy-brings-hope-dry-amd-vision-loss-2025a10000f2?src=rss

How Often Do Radiation Plans Need Peer Review Changes?

A meta-analysis found that peer reviews in radiation oncology led to recommendations to change treatment plans in more than one in four patients. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-often-do-radiation-plans-need-peer-review-changes-2025a10000bh?src=rss

Gabapentin Shows Lower Fall Risk Than Duloxetine in Elderly

Older users of gabapentin demonstrated lower fall-related healthcare visits than duloxetine users. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/rethink-fall-risk-assessment-when-choosing-between-2025a10000bd?src=rss

Cardiac Health Can Determine Breast Cancer Severity

Individuals with cardiovascular disease could have an increased risk for advanced breast cancer at diagnosis, potentially guiding recommendations for personalized screening. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cardiac-health-can-determine-breast-cancer-severity-2025a10000be?src=rss

Merkel Cell Less Common, With Higher Mortality Than Melanoma

A study analyzing over 660,000 skin cancer cases highlighted significant risk factors. incidence and mortality for MCC and melanoma. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/mcc-less-common-higher-mortality-than-melanoma-us-data-show-2025a10000bb?src=rss

Med Students: Ready for Residency, but Not Career

New survey results showed that some med students feel confident heading into the next phase of learning but not so much in their eventual jobs. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/med-students-ready-residency-not-career-2025a100008f?src=rss

Gestational Eclampsia Linked to Fivefold Epilepsy Risk

A new study links gestational hypertension, eclampsia, or preeclampsia to new-onset neurologic conditions, underscoring the importance of pregnancy history, researchers said. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/gestational-eclampsia-linked-fivefold-epilepsy-risk-2025a1000087?src=rss

Meta-analysis Finding of a Fluoride-IQ Link Controversial

Review finds an inverse association and a dose-response link between fluoride and IQ; editorialists disagree on the results and conduct of the study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/meta-analysis-finding-fluoride-iq-link-controversial-2025a1000088?src=rss

RA Tied to Higher Risk for Specific Heart Failure Type

A cohort study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis had an increased risk for heart failure, particularly with preserved ejection fraction. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/patients-rheumatoid-arthritis-show-higher-risk-heart-failure-2025a100006b?src=rss

Preoperative Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases Shows Promise

Preoperative stereotactic radiosurgery to treat brain metastases resulted in low rates of local recurrence, radionecrosis, and nodular leptomeningeal disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/preoperative-radiosurgery-brain-metastases-shows-promise-2025a1000069?src=rss

Prourokinase Rivals Alteplase in Acute Stroke Treatment

Recombinant human prourokinase is noninferior to alteplase and associated with decreased bleeding risks among patients with acute ischemic stroke, a new trial showed. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/prourokinase-rivals-alteplase-acute-stroke-treatment-2025a1000062?src=rss

Inflammation Now the Key Target for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Topical antifungals, although often effective, are being discouraged in the early treatment of seborrheic dermatitis now that inflammation is considered key to the underlying pathology. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/inflammation-now-key-target-seborrheic-dermatitis-2025a100005x?src=rss

Gastro Issues Common Symptom Cluster Tied to Kidney Failure

Common symptom clusters in kidney failure included gastrointestinal problems, neuromuscular symptoms, and sexual concerns, showed a systematic review. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/gastro-issues-common-symptom-cluster-tied-kidney-failure-2025a100002i?src=rss

Intensive Psychiatric Home Care May Cut Hospital Readmission

Intensive home treatment after a psychiatric crisis is linked to lower readmission rates and inpatient days than standard inpatient treatment. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/intensive-psychiatric-home-care-may-cut-hospital-readmission-2025a100002g?src=rss

Brain Changes in Youth Who Use Substances: Cause or Effect?

New research challenges the idea that substance use explains structural brain changes in youth, a theory that underlies current brain disease models of addiction. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/brain-changes-youth-who-use-substances-cause-or-effect-2025a100002e?src=rss

In HCV, Starting Treatment Trumps Staging for Liver Fibrosis

Biomarker staging of liver fibrosis in hepatitis C was cost effective, but so was initiating treatment without testing. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/hcv-starting-treatment-trumps-staging-liver-fibrosis-2025a100000h?src=rss

TNF Inhibitors Ward Off Fracture in Axial Spondyloarthritis

TNF inhibitors offered greater protection against fractures than NSAIDs in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tnf-inhibitors-ward-fracture-axial-spondyloarthritis-2025a100000c?src=rss

Higher-Speed Traffic Noise May Up Stress, Anxiety

Natural soundscapes may help reduce stress and anxiety, but adding in traffic noise can mask these potential positive effects, a new study suggested. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/higher-speed-traffic-noise-may-stress-anxiety-2025a100000a?src=rss

Nummular Headache Linked to Range of Secondary Causes

The largest case series to date of this rare headache type saw intracranial lesions, skin disorders, and other causes in more than a quarter of patients. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/nummular-headache-linked-range-secondary-causes-2025a1000009?src=rss