Sharon Smith

From spotting AF to prescribing blood thinners, learn how primary care doctors can reduce stroke risk, manage side effects, and guide patients on anticoagulants. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/primary-care-doctors-guide-prescribing-anticoagulants-af-2025a1000kgp?src=rss

New data from the UK and the US reveal a broad and significant rise in gut-brain disorders, including IBS and functional dyspepsia, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/gut-brain-disorders-surge-after-pandemic-2025a1000kg3?src=rss

Pancreatic stereotactic radiotherapy is associated with a low 90-day mortality rate, but infections and gastrointestinal toxicity are concerns. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-safe-pancreatic-stereotactic-body-radiotherapy-2025a1000kex?src=rss

Older women with a history of TBI show significantly reduced volume in memory-related brain regions compared with uninjured peers — a pattern not observed in men, new research shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tbi-history-linked-brain-shrinkage-older-women-not-men-2025a1000kaz?src=rss

The analysis of FDA-approved next-in-class drugs also found that, among RCTs with head-to-head trials, fewer than 1 in 4 of the me-too agents demonstrated a survival benefit. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/me-too-cancer-drugs-not-often-compared-original-2025a1000kat?src=rss

Clinical benefits of finerenone for patients with heart failure diminish shortly after its withdrawal, underscoring the importance of continued therapy to maximize long-term gains, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/benefits-hf-drug-may-weaken-soon-after-withdrawal-2025a1000kaq?src=rss

Intranasal medications are effective and generally well-tolerated in children with allergic rhinitis, according to a meta-analysis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/meta-analysis-examines-efficacy-intranasal-medications-2025a1000kao?src=rss

Early achievement of the lupus low disease activity state, alone or with standard treatment targets, can predict a reduced risk for disease relapse in patients with lupus nephritis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/can-low-lupus-activity-predict-outcomes-lupus-nephritis-2025a1000k58?src=rss

Mirikizumab shows early and sustained efficacy in reducing bowel urgency and achieving remission in patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/mirikizumab-eases-bowel-urgency-crohns-disease-2025a1000k52?src=rss

Recent analyses have shown that da Vinci robotic surgery achieves a 99% reliability rate, with technical issues rarely affecting patient outcomes. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/da-vinci-malfunctions-how-safe-robotic-surgery-2025a1000jym?src=rss

Patients with AD treated with JAK inhibitors show higher risks for PE and deep vein thrombosis than those treated with dupilumab or methotrexate, according to the results of a global cohort study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/jak-inhibitors-raise-venous-thromboembolism-risk-ad-2025a1000jye?src=rss

Misclassifications may lead to erroneous descriptions of myocardial infarction, which are used to guide health policies and priorities, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/widespread-misclassification-found-administrative-codes-2025a1000jt2?src=rss

Five-grass-pollen liquid sublingual immunotherapy is effective in reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and the need for medications to treat symptoms. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/five-grass-pollen-liquid-sublingual-allergen-immunotherapy-2025a1000jsv?src=rss

The analysis finds that chemotherapy and prior thrombotic events increase the risk for COVID-related hospitalization, while COVID vaccination offers strong protection. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/more-data-cement-covids-impact-patients-cancer-2025a1000jst?src=rss

WHO’s new global guidance helps clinicians manage dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever with protocols for fluids, symptom clues, and drug safety. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/who-issues-first-global-arbovirus-guidelines-2025a1000jo8?src=rss

Patients who underwent mitral valve replacement, but not repair, had a higher risk for infective endocarditis than those at a moderate risk for the disease, a Danish study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/mitral-valve-replacement-linked-higher-endocarditis-risk-2025a1000jo7?src=rss

Loneliness is associated with a high probability of depression and an increased number of poor mental and physical health days a month, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/loneliness-may-drive-depression-poor-physical-health-2025a1000jkm?src=rss

Parents' childhood trauma may shape emergency care use patterns in their children with sickle cell disease, a study finds. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/parental-trauma-linked-higher-ed-use-children-scd-2025a1000jjr?src=rss

In a complete response letter, the FDA indicates the drug trial is not an adequate, well-controlled clinical investigation, among other issues. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-declines-approve-new-melanoma-therapy-2025a1000jki?src=rss

Men receiving tirzepatide showed greater reductions in body weight and waist circumference and improvements in erectile dysfunction than those treated with testosterone. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tirzepatide-tops-trt-men-hypogonadism-and-obesity-2025a1000jga?src=rss

A Delphi consensus from international laser experts gives detailed recommendations to reduce risks for scarring, pigmentation changes, and infection during and after fully ablative facial resurfacing. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-consensus-offers-guidance-managing-complications-fully-2025a1000jgb?src=rss

Up to 80% of men and 70% of women with MS experience sexual dysfunction — yet fewer than one in five physicians address it outside specialist programs. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/sexual-health-ms-overlooked-heres-how-change-2025a1000jg8?src=rss

Behavioral therapy focused on pelvic floor muscle training for overactive bladder in PD is as effective as solifenacin, with fewer side effects, suggesting the treatment could be a first-line option. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/behavioral-therapy-first-line-bladder-control-pd-2025a1000jg6?src=rss

A new review urges oncology researchers to treat patient-reported outcomes as core trial endpoints — not just secondary stats. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/qol-deserves-more-than-footnote-cancer-trials-2025a1000jbv?src=rss

Long-term exposure to particulate matter and traffic-related air pollution is linked to risk for meningioma, a tumor of the central nervous system, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/air-pollution-linked-increased-cns-tumor-risk-2025a1000jbr?src=rss

The study suggests a potential benefit of routine multidose methotrexate treatment for recurrent cases of ectopic pregnancy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/single-dose-methotrexate-less-effective-recurrent-ectopic-2025a1000jbg?src=rss

Romosozumab, used in osteoporosis treatment, may offer dual benefits by also reducing the risk for osteoarthritis, notably knee osteoarthritis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/romosozumab-use-osteoporosis-may-cut-osteoarthritis-risk-2025a1000jbf?src=rss

The recall affects Dexcom G6, G7, ONE, and ONE+ continuous glucose monitor receivers but not the smartphone apps or insulin pump receivers. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/dexcom-recalls-cgm-receiver-devices-due-alert-malfunction-2025a1000j6k?src=rss

‘Complex-to-manage’ and ‘treatment-refractory’ PsA reflect a more nuanced understanding of treatment failure, investigators say. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-definitions-refine-difficult-treat-psoriatic-arthritis-2025a1000j2o?src=rss

A new study highlights the risk for head and neck cancer in a subset of patients with dermatomyositis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/imaging-key-detect-head-and-neck-cancer-dermatomyositis-2025a1000j2j?src=rss

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, also known as razor bumps, is a common reason soldiers request medical waivers, so they don’t have to shave. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-army-policy-demands-clean-shaven-faces-few-exceptions-2025a1000j2k?src=rss

In 2021, a significantly higher proportion of older adults, particularly men, died by suicide compared with individuals of all ages, and they were likely to use firearms. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/suicide-firearms-concern-among-elderly-men-2025a1000j2h?src=rss

But type 2 diabetes alongside excess body weight does not, new research suggests. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cvd-plus-excess-weight-increases-breast-cancer-risk-2025a1000ixi?src=rss

Patients with milk or egg allergies as well as those with milk or egg and nut allergies show nutrient intakes distinct from with peers with no allergies. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/food-allergies-alter-nutrient-intake-adults-2025a1000ixb?src=rss

Researchers find that disrupted circadian rhythms may impair gut regeneration and microbiome balance, heightening colon cancer susceptibility. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/circadian-disruption-hidden-cancer-link-2025a1000ir1?src=rss

Researchers warn that only DTP is on track to reach 90% global coverage by 2030, while measles and pneumococcal vaccines lag behind significantly. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/global-childhood-vaccination-stalls-2030-targets-risk-2025a1000iqx?src=rss

A French study found that menstrual cup users had a 2.6 times higher risk for IUD displacement or expulsion, even after a single use. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/menstrual-cup-use-linked-increased-iud-displacement-risk-2025a1000iqw?src=rss

Carriers of the APOE ε4 allele have a threefold greater risk for intracranial hemorrhage than noncarriers when taking apixaban for atrial fibrillation, new research suggests. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/apoe4-may-raise-brain-bleed-risk-apixaban-users-af-2025a1000in1?src=rss

Goal alignment and motivational interviewing can reshape vaccine conversations and build lasting trust. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-talk-vaccines-skeptics-5-tips-doctor-2025a1000imz?src=rss

French health officials received dozens of reports of syringe pricks at a public festival, sparking fear about HIV and chemical submission. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/syringe-prick-reports-spark-hiv-concerns-france-2025a1000imv?src=rss

A 68-year-old man with 1 week of bloating and constipation undergoes CT, which reveals Stanford type B aortic dissection despite normal x-rays. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/bloating-or-aortic-tear-68-year-olds-shocking-diagnosis-2025a1000iic?src=rss

Excessive protein intake may harm weight loss patients through kidney strain and cardiovascular risks. Consider nutritional counseling referrals for balanced approach. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/protein-problem-why-too-much-may-harm-your-patients-weight-2025a1000ii9?src=rss

In a recent editorial , Dr. Joel Selanikio discussed how 24/7 access to generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT empowers patients to retrieve health information and self-manage low-acuity conditions that would have previously involved visiting a clinician. By embracing the capabilities of AI to reduce administrative burdens and improve clinical outcomes, Dr. Selanikio argued that practices can demonstrate “the unique and irreplaceable value doctors bring to health care.”  Another opinion envisioned the rise of “AI-augmented generalists” who integrate the knowledge base of subspecialists and use large language models (LLMs) as “active cognitive collaborators.” New competencies required for the AI era include “AI system proficiency,” “collaborative problem-solving,” and “contextual adaptation.” Recently published and ongoing research provides several real-world examples. A 2025 Graham Center Policy One-Pager synthesized information from online peer forums an...

A novel MRI-based ‘aging’ clock may offer a simple way to identify patients whose biological age is outpacing their chronological age, allowing for early intervention. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/single-brain-mri-reveals-accelerated-aging-dementia-risk-2025a1000ido?src=rss

The Générations Futures urges systematic PFAS screening across all food categories and stricter REACH regulations to reduce PFAS exposure in Europe. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/toxic-pfas-contaminate-eggs-meat-and-milk-2025a1000idj?src=rss

Omission of defibrillation testing did not significantly affect mortality or shock efficacy in most recipients of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, a new study finds. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-study-questions-defibrillation-testing-all-s-icds-2025a1000idl?src=rss

Nearly half of patients who engage in violent behavior in out-of-hospital settings continue to engage in violence in the emergency department or hospital, a study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/violent-behavior-patients-often-persists-across-emergency-2025a1000ibx?src=rss

Infants of mothers treated in the first trimester with TMP-SMX appeared to have a higher risk for any malformation than those treated with beta-lactam antibiotics. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/first-trimester-tmp-smx-antibiotics-may-raise-risk-serious-2025a1000iaf?src=rss

Physicians who champion immunization sustain herd immunity, reducing the incidence of severe diseases, hospitalizations, and deaths across all age groups. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/50-years-vaccines-how-epi-saved-154m-lives-globally-2025a1000ia7?src=rss

Reading, exercise, and films are doctors’ top hobbies; 71% spend over 2 hours online daily to relax after clinical shifts. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/doctors-happier-duty-than-job-survey-finds-2025a1000ia0?src=rss

A new combination of inputs for the estimation of left ventricular filling pressure has shown to outperform those from guidelines published in 2016. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/novel-algorithm-transforms-echocardiographic-assessment-2025a1000ia3?src=rss

Around 5% of healthy adults exposed to cannabidiol show elevated liver enzyme levels exceeding the normal threshold alongside increased eosinophilia, according to a recent study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/does-cannabidiol-affect-liver-enzymes-healthy-adults-2025a1000i5c?src=rss

Despite marketing claims, no regulatory body approves kratom in Germany, and physicians warn that the safety data are insufficient for clinical support. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/kratom-really-safe-herbal-remedy-patients-2025a1000i56?src=rss

Popular SSR inhibitor drugs are known to cause weight gain, which can worry patients. But you can help. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/antidepressants-can-cause-weight-gain-help-patients-manage-2025a1000i0p?src=rss

Discover why customizable blood pressure alerts in EMRs, combined with team-based workflows, may be key to catching more untreated hypertension cases. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/could-simple-emr-advisories-be-enough-boost-hypertension-2025a1000i0h?src=rss

Researchers report that symptoms such as irritability and sleep disruption can persist for more than a year after SARS-CoV-2 infection in some patients under the age of 5 years. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/why-long-covid-may-hit-toddlers-harder-than-thought-2025a1000i0d?src=rss

Some breast cancer survivors may have a slightly reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease, though the benefit appears to be limited and fade over time, new data suggest. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/are-breast-cancer-survivors-vulnerable-alzheimers-disease-2025a1000hv0?src=rss

Contact allergies linked to wearables like smartwatches and earbuds are rising, with nickel and acrylates among the top allergens, a French dermatologist reports. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/allergic-your-smartwatch-youre-not-alone-2025a1000hv2?src=rss

Remote monitoring and patient-initiated care match usual care in maintaining low disease activity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/axial-spondyloarthritis-low-disease-activity-maintained-ok-2025a1000hsl?src=rss

One-time surgical application of genetically engineered autologous keratinocyte sheets provides significant closure and pain relief at 24 weeks, in a phase 3 study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/rdeb-genetically-corrected-skin-grafts-lead-sustained-2025a1000hse?src=rss

In a large cohort study, patients with ASDs have significantly better all-cause and cancer-specific survival after antineoplastic therapy compared with those without an autoimmune skin disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/autoimmune-skin-diseases-linked-better-survival-patients-2025a1000hs2?src=rss

Recent data show pesticide residues reach household dust and bathing linens, exposing residents to enduring health risks. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/why-farmers-arent-blame-pesticide-risks-2025a1000ho5?src=rss

Microplastics and nanoplastics range from mountain peaks to brain cells, raising urgent questions regarding their impact on human health. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/apheresis-may-sweep-microplastics-veins-2025a1000ho6?src=rss

Pulmonary rheumatoid nodules can resemble cancer or infection, making biopsy and careful imaging critical for accurate diagnosis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/rheumatoid-nodules-rare-recurrent-and-still-challenge-2025a1000ho3?src=rss

Researchers identified significant differences in gut microbial composition between gestational diabetes and healthy pregnancies. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/early-gut-microbiota-changes-predict-gestational-diabetes-2025a1000hkp?src=rss

Researchers in France have developed an antibody that blocks AMH, reversing PCOS symptoms in mice and opening the door to future human trials. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/can-blocking-amh-reverse-pcos-new-study-says-yes-2025a1000hkk?src=rss

The addition of anagliptin to insulin and metformin therapy may improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes while maintaining an acceptable safety profile. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/adding-anagliptin-insulin-and-metformin-enhances-t2d-care-2025a1000hkj?src=rss