Sharon Smith

Recruiting patients from lower-income countries is associated with higher placebo response rates in rheumatoid arthritis trials, a recent study finds. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/economic-factors-shape-rheumatoid-arthritis-trial-outcomes-2025a1000mzd?src=rss

In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, vericiguat was associated with a reduction in all-cause death. But are the data strong enough to make the drug a new addition to the standard of care? Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-data-said-support-vericiguat-standard-therapy-heart-2025a1000mz9?src=rss

A new class of antihypertensive agent that blocks the production of aldosterone has shown impressive results in patients with resistant or uncontrolled hypertension. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/baxdrostat-game-changer-hypertension-2025a1000mz7?src=rss

Despite observational evidence supporting a low-dose approach to antihypertensive therapy in the old and frail, a randomized prospective trial finds no clear benefits for doing so. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/stepping-down-hypertensive-therapy-not-beneficial-frail-2025a1000mys?src=rss

A meta-analysis shows newer anticoagulants are safer than warfarin, especially for serious bleeding complications like intracranial hemorrhage. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/warfarin-still-option-frail-patients-atrial-fibrillation-2025a1000myp?src=rss

Trials reinforce calls for vaccination to be part of cardiovascular prevention strategies. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/largest-ever-individually-randomized-trials-show-high-dose-2025a1000mym?src=rss

Study results show mortality benefit from low-dose digitoxin for heart failure in symptomatic patients with reduced ejection fraction. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-data-support-digitoxin-comeback-some-heart-failure-2025a1000myi?src=rss

A cardiorespiratory exercise intervention started early after ischemic stroke fails to preserve hippocampal volume but has notable benefits on cognition in a randomized controlled trial. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cardiorespiratory-exercise-may-boost-cognition-after-stroke-2025a1000mua?src=rss

New research reveals that excess body weight could offer a survival edge for men with metastatic prostate cancer, raising fresh questions about the so-called ‘obesity paradox.’ Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/survival-benefit-obesity-prostate-cancer-2025a1000mu6?src=rss

In intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, recurrence risk in subsequent pregnancies is related to peak total bile acid levels. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/high-bile-acid-levels-first-pregnancy-linked-increased-risk-2025a1000mom?src=rss

The human case of screwworm reported this week by U.S. health officials is the country's only one so far this year and poses no risk to the farm sector, a U.S. Department of... Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/human-screwworm-case-poses-no-risk-agriculture-says-usda-2025a1000mkq?src=rss

In patients with initially unresectable pancreatic cancer, adding chemoradiotherapy after induction chemotherapy is not associated with better survival. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/does-crt-improve-survival-unresectable-pancreatic-cancer-2025a1000mle?src=rss

New research suggests that diets rich in red meat can exacerbate colitis by disrupting gut microbiota and driving inflammation. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/red-meat-rich-diet-can-exacerbate-ibd-2025a1000mgx?src=rss

Large proportions of obesity-related conditions among US adolescents and young adults may be attributable to obesity and, to a lesser extent, overweight. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/whats-cause-obesity-related-conditions-youth-2025a1000mgw?src=rss

The document offers a menu of options to help adults quit smoking tobacco. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/canada-releases-new-smoking-cessation-guideline-adults-2025a1000mgu?src=rss

A growing body of research suggests that the brain clears waste during sleep via the glymphatic system. How does this work and what are the implications for preventing neurodegenerative diseases? Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/while-you-were-sleeping-brains-waste-disposal-system-was-2025a1000mbb?src=rss

Patients with HIV infection enrolled in the fast-track, Test and Treat/Rapid Access program achieve faster entry to care, viral suppression, and immune recovery than those receiving standard care. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/rapid-care-access-improves-outcomes-hiv-2025a1000mb6?src=rss

A study of digital gait metrics shows that walking speed and cadence decline as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease progresses and differ significantly from those in healthy older adults. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/walking-patterns-worsen-severity-chronic-obstructive-2025a1000mb2?src=rss

In phase 3 APOLLO trial, ATRA-ATO combination therapy showed superior outcomes for high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/high-risk-apl-targeted-therapy-outshines-chemo-2025a1000m77?src=rss

The study tracks 132 patients with asthma over 12 months and links frequent SAMA use to higher-risk profiles and clinical alert thresholds. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/rescue-drug-overuse-flags-uncontrolled-asthma-study-2025a1000m74?src=rss

Adding a focal boost to standard external beam radiotherapy improves biochemical disease-free survival in patients with localized prostate cancer, long-term data confirm. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/focal-radiation-boost-enhances-prostate-cancer-control-2025a1000m71?src=rss

An increasing trend of continuous TNF inhibitor use is seen among pregnant women with chronic inflammatory diseases, with associated reduced corticosteroid us Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tnf-inhibitor-use-pregnancy-shows-growing-trend-us-2025a1000m2h?src=rss

A 2-year telephone-based intervention is associated with a reduced BMI in preschool-aged children, particularly in those from lower-income families. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/phone-support-lowers-bmi-preschool-kids-2025a1000m2f?src=rss

This case highlights the importance of assigning glucose meters to individuals and of vaccination against hepatitis B. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/hep-b-transmitted-shared-glucometers-care-facility-2025a1000lxw?src=rss

Even climate skeptics listen when doctors frame plant-based diets and active living as health advice rather than environmental advocacy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-advise-patients-climate-without-turning-them-2025a1000lxs?src=rss

Sunscreen products marketed in mousse- or whipped cream-like formulations have not been tested to meet regulatory requirements. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-warns-about-mousse-sunscreens-2025a1000lxp?src=rss

The previously reported benefits of finerenone remain consistent in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction who are also on diuretics, a study finds. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/does-finerenone-have-diuretic-sparing-effect-heart-failure-2025a1000lua?src=rss

A tabletop light therapy device led to vision improvements over 4.5 years and a long pause between treatments in people with dry age-related macular degeneration. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/amd-light-therapy-restores-vision-gains-after-treatment-2025a1000lud?src=rss

Patients with local or regional cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are randomly assigned to receive cemiplimab or placebo post-op. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cemiplimab-extends-disease-free-time-skin-cancer-post-op-2025a1000lu7?src=rss

Patients with gout are more likely than matched control individuals to be prescribed chronic opioid therapy, a large cohort study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/gout-patients-face-elevated-risk-chronic-opioid-exposure-2025a1000lpx?src=rss

Nonalcoholic beer often contains more carbohydrates than regular beer; here’s what that means for blood sugar control. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/booze-bubbles-and-blood-sugar-trouble-2025a1000lpw?src=rss

In January 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a clinical practice guideline on the evaluation and treatment of obesity in children and adolescents. Dr. Kathryn McKenna and I noted in an editorial in American Family Physician that the recommendation to consider prescribing weight loss drugs in adolescents 12 years and older was based primarily on short-term studies: “only 5 out of 27 randomized controlled trials [available to the AAP] included results beyond six months.” Although the percentage of US adolescents with obesity who were prescribed drugs rose modestly between 2018 and 2023 , a recent study found that prescribing increased immediately after the guideline’s publication and every month thereafter through the end of 2024. To be sure, the effects of nondrug interventions for obesity have been discouraging. A Cochrane review from 2020 found that combined dietary and physical activity interventions in adolescents 13 years and older did not lead to stati...

Starting oral risdiplam soon after birth may put babies with spinal muscular atrophy on the path to normal development, new research shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/start-spinal-muscular-atrophy-treatment-birth-2025a1000lnl?src=rss

Monthly ivermectin for 3 months reduces the incidence of malaria in children living in an area with high coverage and use of bed nets, without any safety concerns. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/monthly-ivermectin-cuts-malaria-incidence-endemic-area-2025a1000liv?src=rss

Four out of 10 eczema patients struggle with sleep, and they may not volunteer that information unless you ask. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/one-crucial-question-ask-your-eczema-patient-2025a1000lis?src=rss

A new study shows that while RSV mostly affects younger kids, the often-overlooked human metapneumovirus also hospitalizes children, especially those with preexisting conditions and who are older. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/study-sheds-light-virus-s-not-peoples-radar-2025a1000lio?src=rss

TikTok users draw patterns with sunscreen and then burn themselves to reveal the designs, exposing themselves to UV damage that raises the risk for melanoma and carcinoma. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/skin-not-canvas-deadly-sun-tattoo-craze-2025a1000lin?src=rss

Having multiple chronic conditions may signal higher odds of disease flare and lower odds of achieving remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/multiple-chronic-conditions-tied-poor-prognosis-rheumatoid-2025a1000ldr?src=rss

In the Southeastern US, a pediatric-to-adult HIV care transition model shows low viral suppression despite optimal engagement; regional politics and HIV stigma hinder its success. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/pediatric-adult-hiv-transition-model-shows-mixed-results-2025a1000ldm?src=rss

The EU court strips TiO₂’s carcinogen label, but experts warn that its DNA-damaging and gut barrier effects remain serious concerns. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/titanium-dioxide-safe-skin-toxic-gut-2025a1000lac?src=rss

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, older age, and concomitant immunomodulation delay the onset of psoriasiform dermatitis in pediatric patients treated with TNF inhibitors, a study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/factors-affecting-tnf-inhibitor-induced-psoriasiform-2025a1000l6w?src=rss

US deaths related to poisoning from the inhalant drug nitrous oxide increased sharply from 2010 to 2023, revealing a concerning trend, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/nitrous-oxide-deaths-growing-us-health-crisis-2025a1000l6q?src=rss

Remote care for uncontrolled hypertension may substantially improve cardiovascular health, mainly owing to blood pressure control. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/remote-care-may-help-improve-hypertension-2025a1000l1r?src=rss

This report shows how family placement offers stability and boosts recovery in patients with complex addictions and medical requirements. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/shame-hope-one-patients-radical-journey-2025a1000l1q?src=rss

Early-life exposure to lead at levels much lower than the recommended threshold can negatively affect a child’s future academic performance, a recent study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/even-low-lead-exposure-can-impair-academic-outcomes-kids-2025a1000ky9?src=rss

Caregivers living in rural areas report poorer general health, with higher rates of obesity and smoking than their counterparts living in urban places. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/health-issues-more-likely-rural-vs-urban-caregivers-2025a1000ky6?src=rss

More than half of community oncology practices in a national research program have faced drug shortages that affected patient care. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cancer-drug-shortages-common-community-oncology-2025a1000ky5?src=rss

New study highlights link between low-calorie diets and risks for anxiety and depression, especially in men. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/low-calorie-diets-can-backfire-patients-obesity-2025a1000ku4?src=rss

Social isolation from living alone is independently associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality in US adults with chronic liver disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/social-isolation-tied-higher-mortality-liver-disease-2025a1000ku0?src=rss

Four years of lecanemab treatment led to less cognitive decline and potentially even improvement in clinical scores over time, with a favorable safety profile, in the open-label extension trial. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/lecanemab-preserves-memory-over-4-years-early-alzheimers-2025a1000ktw?src=rss

Rectal cancer chemoradiotherapy was tied to an increased risk for second nonpelvic cancers but not second pelvic cancers. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/does-chemoradiation-second-cancer-risk-rectal-cancer-2025a1000kpc?src=rss

The number of drug-related deaths involving stimulants plus opioids has surged in the US and Canada, a ‘silent epidemic’ researchers say needs more attention. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/surge-deaths-involving-co-use-stimulants-plus-opioids-north-2025a1000kp8?src=rss

Adding lobeglitazone, a thiazolidinedione-based antidiabetic agent, to metformin and sitagliptin therapy may enhance glycemic control in patients with T2D who do not respond well to the dual therapy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/add-lobeglitazone-boosts-glycemic-control-t2d-2025a1000kma?src=rss

Pathologic complete response does not predict overall or disease-free survival in patients with rectal cancer, according to a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/rectal-cancer-survival-not-tied-pathologic-complete-response-2025a1000km8?src=rss

The push for expansion of alcohol sales outlets in Nova Scotia is facing strong resistance from doctors and health groups that predict higher disease and death rates. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/experts-oppose-expanding-alcohol-access-nova-scotia-2025a1000km6?src=rss