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Showing posts from April, 2025

EMA Greenlights Self-Administered Acromegaly Drug

The drug works by reducing and normalizing IGF-1 and growth hormone levels. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ema-greenlights-self-administered-acromegaly-drug-2025a1000ae4?src=rss

Vaginal Estrogen Boosts Outcomes for Older Women With UTIs

Women using vaginal estrogen had markedly lower sepsis and death rates and fewer hospitalizations than women not using the cream. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/sharp-drop-sepsis-mortality-when-older-women-use-vaginal-2025a1000a8n?src=rss

The Hospitalist’s Elusive Race Against Sepsis

It’s quick to attack, potentially fatal, and yet maddeningly difficult to diagnosis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/hospitalists-elusive-race-against-sepsis-2025a1000a8e?src=rss

Does Magnesium Prevent Cisplatin-Associated Kidney Damage?

Prophylactic IV magnesium is associated with a reduced risk for cisplatin-associated acute kidney injury in patients with cancer. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/can-intravenous-magnesium-prevent-cisplatin-associated-acute-2025a1000a3i?src=rss

Patients Benefit From Statin-Ibrutinib Combo

Research shows improved survival outcomes with statin use in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia receiving ibrutinib treatment. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/patients-benefit-statin-ibrutinib-combo-2025a1000a3c?src=rss

Tinea Pedis Prevalence in Children Varies Widely

A systematic review highlights significant variations in the prevalence of tinea pedis among children, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and diagnosis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tinea-pedis-prevalence-children-varies-widely-2025a1000a39?src=rss

For family medicine workforce, HHS reorganization plan receives a failing grade

Match Day  on March 21, 2025 unfolded similarly to the National Resident Matching Program in previous years . My program successfully recruited a full class of 13 future interns from medical schools across the country, but family medicine as a whole, despite the typically rosy American Academy of Family Physicians news story , didn't even come close, with 15% of slots unfilled and a quarter of programs needing to enter the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP, previously known as the "Scramble"). The sub-headline from a Medscape news article said it all: "Anesthesiology Still Hot, Family Medicine Is Not." Before becoming a core faculty member at the Lancaster General Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program , I spent more than 15 years teaching in Georgetown's family medicine department. Part of my job was to encourage students' interest in primary care careers and mentor those who chose to enter family medicine. Out of a typical graduatin...

Imaging Aids High-Risk Cutaneous SCC Management

A study demonstrates that radiologic imaging significantly alters management strategies in nearly half of high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cases. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/imaging-reveals-unexpected-findings-high-risk-cutaneous-scc-2025a10009y3?src=rss

Peanut Oral Immunotherapy Shows Success in Adult Patients

Treatment shows improved quality-of-life measures and significant immunological changes. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/adult-patients-peanut-allergy-show-promising-response-real-2025a10009y6?src=rss

Why Malaria Treatments Are Failing and How to Respond

With increasing malaria treatment failures, understanding the causes of resistance and adjusting strategies, including new drugs, is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/why-malaria-treatments-are-failing-and-how-respond-2025a10009u1?src=rss

Diversity Rises for Some but Not All in AxSpA Trials

Axial spondyloarthritis trials show increased diversity over time, with more Asian and Hispanic/Latino participants, but Black representation remains low, highlighting ongoing challenges. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/diversity-rises-some-groups-not-all-axial-spondyloarthritis-2025a10009qb?src=rss

Dengue Outbreaks: The Growing Threat and Global Response

Dengue’s rise in 2024, influenced by climate change and shifting serotypes, underscores the need for effective vaccines to curb the expanding global threat. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/dengue-outbreaks-growing-threat-and-global-response-2025a10009qa?src=rss

AI Shows Promise for Rapid NSTEMI Diagnosis

Artificial intelligence can identify a non–-ST-elevated myocardial infarction more accurately than a clinician in an emergency department, which might upend standard practice. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ai-shows-promise-rapid-nstemi-diagnosis-2025a10009pw?src=rss

Hepatitis Testing, Guidance, on Hold as Labs Close

Shutdown strands clinicians managing outbreaks and patients with chronic conditions. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/hepatitis-testing-guidance-hold-labs-close-2025a10009pj?src=rss

Asthma Care Hindered by Cost, Even With Insurance

Among US adults with asthma, demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors influence the financial barriers to care, and these barriers vary according to the type of insurance coverage. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/asthma-care-hindered-cost-even-insurance-2025a10009ll?src=rss

Stroke Mortality Trends Reveal End-of-Life Care Gaps

Home deaths from ischemic stroke surged across the US, especially in rural and minority populations, highlighting gaps in end-of-life care access, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/stroke-mortality-trends-reveal-end-life-care-gaps-2025a10009lh?src=rss

How Does Cutaneous Lupus Affect Quality of Life?

Cutaneous lupus affects quality of life by limiting social participation and increasing mental health concerns, according to the results of a global survey. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-does-cutaneous-lupus-affect-quality-life-2025a10009l6?src=rss

Ready to Pick a Specialty? These May Have Brightest Futures

Many factors should go into the decision to pick a specialty, which can have life-altering impacts. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ready-pick-specialty-these-may-have-brightest-futures-2025a10009if?src=rss

Is the 7/7 Hospitalist Shift Right for You?

Hospitalists have many options when it comes to scheduling work. Weigh them carefully. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/7-7-hospitalist-shift-right-you-2025a10009i9?src=rss

Survey: Dermatologists Recommend 23 Key Skincare Ingredients

A recent study identifies 23 essential topical ingredients recommended by cosmetic dermatologists for treating common skin issues. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/survey-dermatologists-recommend-23-key-skincare-ingredients-2025a10009i5?src=rss

Avacopan Safety Described in Pooled Vasculitis Trial Data

Use of avacopan with a lower dose of glucocorticoids leads to fewer total and serious side effects, as well as infections. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/avacopan-safety-described-pooled-vasculitis-trial-data-2025a100097n?src=rss

Cannabis Use in Gastroparesis May Increase Healthcare Burden

Cannabis use in patients with gastroparesis increases and is linked to increased healthcare utilization, including more frequent emergency visits and hospitalizations. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cannabis-use-gastroparesis-may-increase-healthcare-burden-2025a100097h?src=rss

Brexpiprazole Effective for Treating Schizophrenia in Teens

Brexpiprazole is effective in alleviating the symptoms of schizophrenia in adolescents, and provides a tolerable safety profile, new research suggests. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/brexpiprazole-effective-schizophrenia-teens-2025a1000978?src=rss

FDA Okays Osilodrostat for Treating Cushing Syndrome

The drug had previously been approved for Cushing disease in adults. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-okays-osilodrostat-treating-cushing-syndrome-2025a1000977?src=rss

Anticonvulsant Cuts Pain Fast in Facial Neuralgia

The anticonvulsant fosphenytoin is safe and effective in quickly decreasing pain from sudden attacks of acute trigeminal neuralgia, phase 3 results show. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/anticonvulsant-rapidly-reduces-pain-acute-trigeminal-2025a100094e?src=rss

Allergic Diseases Linked to Increased Risk for Migraine

Atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis are among the allergic diseases tied to a significantly increased risk for migraine, research shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/allergic-diseases-linked-increased-risk-migraine-2025a1000943?src=rss

When Do Brain Metastases Strike in Breast Cancer Care?

Brain metastases become more prevalent with each line of therapy in metastatic breast cancer and are more common in patients with certain cancer subtypes, new research shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/when-do-brain-metastases-strike-breast-cancer-care-2025a1000941?src=rss

How Stress Shapes Cancer’s Course

Studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors — could beta blockers slow them down? Knowable Magazine source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/how-stress-shapes-cancers-course-2025a10008zq?src=rss

Childhood Obesity: New Canadian Guideline Published

A clinical practice guideline that stresses a multidisciplinary approach is intended to help clinicians manage obesity in children and teens. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/childhood-obesity-new-canadian-guideline-published-2025a10008zo?src=rss

Skin Signs That Could Help You Diagnose Arboviruses Faster

Skin lesions may hold the key to diagnosing dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever. Learn how dermatologists can spot these infections. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/skin-signs-could-help-you-diagnose-arboviruses-faster-2025a10008x0?src=rss

Resistance Training + Protein May Lower GLP-1 RA Muscle Loss

Supervised lifestyle intervention from a medical professional may help maximize fat loss and minimize muscle tissue loss in people taking the potent weight loss drugs. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/resistance-training-protein-may-lower-glp-1-ra-muscle-loss-2025a10008x6?src=rss

Wage Dispute Unresolved After Australian Doctors Strike

The doctors’ union agrees to suspend industrial action after a 3-day strike of nearly 6000 doctors employed by public hospitals in New South Wales. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/wage-dispute-unresolved-after-australian-doctors-strike-2025a10008x3?src=rss

EU Emergency Plan Misses Local Healthcare

The EU’s new emergency strategy highlights healthcare but overlooks local service. Experts call for urgent disaster medicine training. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/european-union-emergency-plan-misses-local-healthcare-2025a10008wt?src=rss

Cancer Drug Use Declines After Negative Confirmatory Trials

Use of certain cancer drugs declines significantly after the emergence of negative confirmatory trial data, even though the medications remain available through off-label use. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cancer-drug-use-declines-after-negative-confirmatory-trials-2025a10008wr?src=rss

Cephalexin BD as Effective as QID for UTIs in the ED

Taking 500 mg cephalexin twice daily is as effective as taking it four times daily for treating urinary tract infections in the emergency department, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cephalexin-twice-daily-effective-four-times-daily-urinary-2025a10008rt?src=rss

FDA OKs First-line Nivolumab + Ipilimumab in Advanced HCC

Approval for the combination therapy is based on improved survival and response rates from CHECKMATE-9DW. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-oks-first-line-nivolumab-ipilimumab-advanced-hcc-2025a10008rs?src=rss

Spanish Cardiologists Release Gender-Specific CV Guide

The new clinical guide reveals gender-specific cardiovascular risks and prevention strategies for women across all life stages. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/spanish-cardiologists-release-gender-specific-cv-guide-2025a10008ro?src=rss

What's new in osteoporosis screening and fracture prevention?

In the two years since publication of the latest American Family Physician review article on osteoporosis , new guidelines and research studies have enhanced management of this common condition. In early 2025, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated its recommendations on screening for osteoporosis . Although on the surface these are unchanged from the 2018 version —recommending screening in all women 65 years or older and postmenopausal women younger than 65 years at increased risk for an osteoporotic fracture and finding insufficient evidence to screen men—an accompanying editorial noted a small, but significant, difference. Previously, the USPSTF defined increased risk by a threshold on the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) that corresponded to the 10-year fracture risk of an average 65-year-old White woman. However, evidence indicates that the predictive value of FRAX without bone mineral density is poor and inferior to simpler tools such as the Osteoporos...

Popular Joint Supplement Cuts Nephropathy Risk in T2D

People with type 2 diabetes who regularly use the supplement glucosamine have a lower risk for microvascular complications and diabetic nephropathy, a prospective observational study finds. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/popular-joint-supplement-cuts-nephropathy-risk-t2d-2025a10008nr?src=rss

Prenatal Folic Acid May Boost Brain Health in Offspring

Taking folic acid early in pregnancy is safe, even at high doses, and associated with improved neuropsychological outcomes in the offspring at age 6 years. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/prenatal-folic-acid-may-boost-brain-health-offspring-2025a10008nm?src=rss

Canadian Pediatricians Ill Prepared to Treat Drug Overdoses

Illicit drug toxicity is an ‘escalating public health emergency’ in Canada that affects adolescents as well as adults. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/canadian-pediatricians-ill-prepared-treat-drug-overdoses-2025a10008nk?src=rss

Cardiac Dysfunction Surfaces Early With Cancer Treatment

Cardiac problems associated with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors occur frequently in patients with cancer. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cardiac-dysfunction-surfaces-early-cancer-treatment-2025a10008jx?src=rss

Canadian Medical Groups Urge Participation in April Election

Medical groups are pressing their members to keep healthcare a priority for federal officials in an election campaign dominated by concerns about a trade war with the United States. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/canadian-medical-groups-urge-participation-april-election-2025a10008ju?src=rss

New Scoring System May Streamline Food Allergy Diagnosis

The NAPFA score may predict which children have a food allergy, even without allergy test results. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/novel-scoring-system-may-improve-food-allergy-diagnosis-2025a10008jv?src=rss

Novel Blood Test Could Help Diagnose, Track Alzheimer’s

A new blood test identifies a key biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease, which may help make assessing the presence and stage of the disease more accessible in clinical practice. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/novel-blood-test-could-help-diagnose-track-alzheimers-2025a10008gi?src=rss

GPs’ Approaches to Promote Physical Activity in Routine Care

GPs in Australia discuss physical activity during consultations, often using a patient-centered approach, and exercise prescriptions and general advice are tailored to individual patient needs. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/gps-approaches-promote-physical-activity-routine-care-2025a10008gj?src=rss

Private Equity Booms in Cardiology

The cost of heart disease and high-priced procedures are fueling a surge in private equity–acquired cardiovascular outpatient practices and experts discuss how this is affecting patients. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/private-equity-booms-cardiology-2025a10008g5?src=rss

Often Overlooked Brain Bleeds Linked to Poor Stroke Recovery

Asymptomatic hemorrhagic infarction and subarachnoid hemorrhage after endovascular thrombectomy for stroke are linked to worse 90-day functional recovery in a new study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/often-overlooked-brain-bleeds-linked-poor-stroke-recovery-2025a10008cn?src=rss

GMALL Protocol in Rare Lymphoma: The Good, Bad, and Toxic

German study shows GMALL protocol is effective yet highly toxic in treating Burkitt lymphoma in adults. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/gmall-protocol-rare-lymphoma-good-bad-and-toxic-2025a10008cf?src=rss

Do Low-Grade Toxicities Affect Melanoma Treatment Success?

The burden of low-grade toxicity is clinically significant in patients treated with adjuvant pembrolizumab for stage III melanoma. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/do-low-grade-toxicities-affect-melanoma-treatment-success-2025a10008ca?src=rss

When COVID-19 and EBV Collide: The MIS-C Link Doctors Miss

New research links multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children with COVID-19 to Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, revealing immune dysfunction and potential treatment targets. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/when-covid-19-and-ebv-collide-mis-c-link-doctors-miss-2025a1000898?src=rss

What Else Can GLP-1 Drugs Do for Your Patients?

How GLP-1 analogs are reshaping diabetes care and obesity treatment and unlocking potential in cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neurological diseases. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/what-else-can-glp-1-drugs-do-your-patients-2025a1000892?src=rss

Secukinumab May Protect Against Bone Erosion in PsA

Secukinumab treatment reduces bone erosion volume and enhances partial healing of erosions in patients with psoriatic arthritis, according to results from a randomized controlled trial. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/secukinumab-may-protect-against-bone-erosion-psa-2025a100084p?src=rss

Blood Cancer Blues: Can Dx Take a Toll on Mental Health?

Survey shows that depression and anxiety are reported by more than half of patients newly diagnosed with lymphoma or myeloma. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/blood-cancer-blues-can-dx-take-toll-mental-health-2025a100084g?src=rss

Population vs Tailored Skin Cancer Screening: Which Is Best?

Broad-based skin cancer screening may strain healthcare resources and lead to overdiagnosis, but it may also help catch more skin cancers earlier. Experts debate the pros and cons. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/population-vs-tailored-skin-cancer-screening-which-best-2025a100084a?src=rss

Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: What Approach Works Best?

Moderately hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated radiotherapy demonstrate similar efficacy, but one hypofractionated approach has a better toxicity profile. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/radiotherapy-prostate-cancer-what-approach-works-best-2025a100083y?src=rss

No Rise in T2D Risk After Mild COVID-19 in Vaccinated Adults

No increased risk for new-onset T2D was found after mild SARS-CoV-2 infection in a multiethnic Asian cohort during the Omicron or Delta wave, particularly among fully vaccinated individuals. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/no-rise-t2d-risk-after-mild-covid-19-vaccinated-adults-2025a1000801?src=rss

Virtual Nursing Programs Are Transforming Patient Care

Virtual nursing programs leverage technology, enhance access, and improve efficiency to revolutionize patient care. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/virtual-nursing-programs-are-transforming-patient-care-2025a10007zt?src=rss

Intermittent Fasting Beats Calorie Cutting for Weight Loss

A 4:3 nonconsecutive intermittent fasting regimen was more tolerable and yielded somewhat greater weight loss at 1 year than daily caloric restriction. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/intermittent-fasting-outperforms-daily-calorie-cutting-2025a10007vw?src=rss

Multiple Drug Initiations Common Despite Limited Evidence

A recent study shows that primary care physicians often initiate multiple medications simultaneously despite limited supporting evidence, with notable variations across prescribers and institutions. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/multiple-drug-initiations-common-despite-limited-evidence-2025a10007vu?src=rss

Hormonal Contraceptives and Allergies: Is There a Link?

The use of systemic hormonal contraceptives may be associated with an elevated risk for allergic rhinitis, a recent study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/hormonal-contraceptives-and-allergies-there-link-2025a10007vg?src=rss

Don’t Overlook Processed Meat as CRC Risk Factor

By addressing this often-underappreciated dietary factor, physicians can promote awareness and healthier eating habits, ultimately contributing to improved colorectal health among their patients. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/dont-overlook-processed-meat-colorectal-cancer-risk-factor-2025a10007vd?src=rss

FDA Okays Perioperative Durvalumab for Bladder Cancer

Approval was based on improved survival outcomes vs platinum-based chemotherapy as demonstrated in the phase 3 NIAGARA study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-okays-perioperative-durvalumab-regimen-muscle-invasive-2025a10007rs?src=rss

Staff Teamwork May Aid Regular Follow-Up in Primary Care

Teamwork and systematic follow-up strategies among interdisciplinary staff can improve patient engagement and appointment regularity for chronic conditions in primary care clinics. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/staff-teamwork-may-aid-regular-patient-follow-primary-care-2025a10007qq?src=rss