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Showing posts from March, 2026

Can Children With Low-Risk Hodgkin Lymphoma Skip Radiation?

A dose-dense modified Stanford V regimen may improve early complete responses and allow some pediatric patients with low-risk Hodgkin lymphoma to skip radiotherapy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/can-children-low-risk-hodgkin-lymphoma-skip-radiation-2026a10009ux?src=rss

It’s a Fact: Fiction Could Make You a Better Doctor

These doctors say reading fiction sharpened their skills in unexpected ways, from empathy to ethics. Find out their favorite novels and discover your own. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/its-fact-fiction-could-make-you-better-doctor-2026a10009po?src=rss

Is Integrase Inhibitor-Based HIV Therapy Safe in Pregnancy?

In utero exposure to integrase inhibitor-based antiretroviral regimens is not associated with adverse 1-year neurodevelopmental outcomes compared with exposure to other antiretroviral regimens. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/integrase-inhibitor-based-hiv-therapy-safe-pregnancy-2026a10009pn?src=rss

Beyond Diabetes Control: Tirzepatide Boosts Quality of Life

Switching to tirzepatide yields greater quality-of-life benefits than increasing the dulaglutide dose in patients with type 2 diabetes. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/beyond-diabetes-control-tirzepatide-boosts-quality-life-2026a10009p8?src=rss

Liver Transplant Access Varies by Location, Not Just Need

Patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis living in deprived areas are less likely to be referred for a liver transplant when their disease severity is moderate. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/liver-transplant-access-varies-location-not-just-need-2026a10009p4?src=rss

Tips on Using Biologics for Psoriasis in Context of HIV

Research on best options is sparse, but biologics can still be helpful for HIV-positive patients with psoriasis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tips-using-biologics-psoriasis-context-hiv-2026a10009kw?src=rss

Patients Needing Interpreters Experience Delays in ED Care

Patients needing interpreters wait longer for evaluation in the emergency department; a study highlights delays in care initiation and potential inequities in treatment. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/patients-needing-interpreters-experience-delays-ed-care-2026a10009kn?src=rss

Sleeve Gastrectomy Tied to Improved Vascular Markers

After sleeve gastrectomy, carotid intima-media thickness and multiple inflammatory, lipid, oxidative, and fibrinolytic markers decline, with oxidized LDL levels predicting carotid thickening. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/sleeve-gastrectomy-tied-improved-vascular-markers-2026a10009js?src=rss

PCKS9s Seen Driving Down LDL-C in Diabetes

A subgroup analysis of the VASALIUS-CV trial showed evolocumab significantly cut LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular event risk in people with diabetes but no known atherosclerosis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/pcks9s-seen-driving-down-ldl-c-diabetes-2026a10009jb?src=rss

Upadacitinib Significantly Improves Vitiligo vs Placebo

The JAK1 inhibitor in development for treating nonsegmental vitiligo was superior to placebo on investigator ratings in two phase 3 trials. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/upadacitinib-results-significant-improvements-nonsegmental-2026a10009j2?src=rss

Dermatomyositis: Targeted Drug Shows Promise vs Placebo

At 52 weeks, the 30-mg daily oral dose of brepocitinib outperformed the 15-mg dose in a study of patients with dermatomyositis resistant to previous treatments. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/dermatomyositis-targeted-drug-shows-promise-vs-placebo-2026a10009iz?src=rss

LAAC an Alternative for NOAC in Lower-Risk AF Patients

CHAMPION-AF finds left atrial appendage closure and anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation about equal but raises doubts about whether the former is a true alternative. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/champion-af-trial-finds-laac-alternative-noac-lower-risk-2026a10009ij?src=rss

Universal resource menu more effective than social needs screening

In January, I wrote a Medscape commentary about the mixed evidence that routinely screening patients for social needs improves health outcomes. Although many patients could benefit from assistance with necessities like food, housing, or transportation, screening for social needs only works if patients are prepared to accept help and realistic options exist to provide it: There are also downsides to screening, which takes time and can distract from the purpose of the visit. ... Many of my patients decline social work referrals, leading me to wonder why we screened them in the first place if they knew that they would not want assistance. For others, referrals may be wasting their time and giving them false hope. Social workers can’t magically produce affordable housing in the midst of a national housing shortage or provide regular access to healthy meals — especially after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits were cut by hundreds of millions of dollars . In his 2020 Pr...

Roflumilast Promising for AD in Children Down to Age 3 Mos

Global assessment and itch/scratch scores highlight the effectiveness of topical roflumilast for treating atopic dermatitis in children 3 months to 2 years old, in a phase 2 study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/roflumilast-shows-promise-treating-atopic-dermatitis-2026a10009ia?src=rss

Insulin Resistance Detected Early May Guide HS Therapy

Screening for insulin resistance early after the diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa shows promise for guiding therapies to improve the disease course. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/insulin-resistance-detected-early-may-guide-hidradenitis-2026a10009i5?src=rss

Knowledge Areas: Transforming Hospital Care

Vall d’Hebron reorganized care into Knowledge Areas; the Heart Area pilot cut length of stay by 18%, 30-day readmissions by 12%, and in-hospital mortality by 48% — early but promising. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/knowledge-areas-transforming-hospital-care-2026a10009du?src=rss

Extensive Screen Time Tied to CV Risk

Screen time is identified as an independent cardiovascular risk factor in an observational study of young adults living in Pakistan. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/extensive-screen-time-may-be-independent-cv-risk-factor-2026a10009db?src=rss

Which Factors Predict Progression From Prediabetes to T2D?

A real-world study suggests that adults with prediabetes aged 35-64 years are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than patients aged 18-34 years or have certain comorbidities. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/which-factors-predict-progression-prediabetes-t2d-2026a100097x?src=rss

Extending Postpartum Monitoring Reduces Severe Complications

Extending the surveillance period past the delivery period to 6 weeks postpartum would align with World Health Organization practices. Medscape News Canada source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/extending-postpartum-monitoring-period-could-catch-more-2026a100097a?src=rss

Placental Abruption Linked to Heart Disease in Teens

Cardiovascular disease shows up as early as within the first year of life. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/placental-abruption-linked-heart-disease-teens-2026a1000975?src=rss

From Pathology to Precision: The Story of Leukemia Therapy

From 19th century ‘white blood’ observations and pathological anatomy to the discovery of BCR-ABL and imatinib, leukemia care evolved from near-certain death to precise, life-extending therapies. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/pathology-precision-story-leukemia-therapy-2026a100091o?src=rss

Colon Cleanses Pose Risks With No Proven Benefit

Colon cleansing claims are unsupported by evidence, while adverse effects, including hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and nephropathy, are well documented. Medscape News Global source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/colon-cleanses-pose-risks-no-proven-benefit-2026a1000914?src=rss

Novel Blood Marker Can Differentiate Infection From Colitis

The monocyte distribution width derived from routine blood testing can distinguish bacterial enterocolitis from acute severe ulcerative colitis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/novel-blood-marker-can-differentiate-bacterial-infection-2026a100090w?src=rss

Itch Tracker: Potential Use in Managing Pediatric AD

Use of a nighttime scratch tracker app is linked to reduced scratching activity and treatment response. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/nighttime-scratch-tracker-study-shows-potential-use-managing-2026a10008up?src=rss

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Widely Variable in Ped Rheum

In a survey, pediatric rheumatologists cite a lack of training, lack of data, turnaround time, and lab timing as barriers to broader use. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/therapeutic-drug-monitoring-use-varies-widely-pediatric-2026a10008nt?src=rss

Is ‘Spring Fatigue’ Real? Sleep Study Questions It

In a nine-wave online survey of 418 adults over 18 months, researchers find fatigue levels do not fluctuate seasonally — only everyday activity fatigue falls as days lengthen. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/spring-fatigue-real-sleep-study-questions-it-2026a10008np?src=rss

Germany’s Growing Medicine Supply Crisis

Hundreds of medicines have been intermittently unavailable in Germany for years, with generics and antibiotics most affected by concentrated API production and low margins. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/germanys-growing-medicine-supply-crisis-2026a10008nn?src=rss

Can Romiplostim Reduce Chemo Disruptions in GI Cancer?

A recent analysis assesses whether romiplostim can reduce thrombocytopenia-driven chemotherapy dose reductions, delays, and discontinuations. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/can-romiplostim-reduce-chemotherapy-disruptions-gi-cancer-2026a10008hr?src=rss

Adrenaline Fails to Reverse Histamine-Induced Hypotension

Standard intramuscular adrenaline fails to reverse histamine‑induced hypotension in healthy adults, new research shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/adrenaline-fails-reverse-histamine-induced-hypotension-2026a10008hp?src=rss

COVID Shots in Pregnancy Protect Infants’ First 6 Months

The research adds important evidence for clinicians counseling pregnant patients. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/covid-vaccination-pregnancy-protect-infants-first-6-months-2026a10008hm?src=rss

How Babies Process Pain — and Sugar’s Role in Relieving It

Mounting evidence backs sucrose as an analgesic for newborns — yet their experience of pain remains mysterious. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-babies-process-pain-and-sugars-role-relieving-it-2026a10008dw?src=rss

Prenatal Antiseizure Med Exposure: Risks Vary by Agent

A large cohort study sheds new light on neurodevelopmental risk in children after prenatal antiseizure medication exposure, with variation across individual agents. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/prenatal-antiseizure-med-exposure-risks-vary-agent-2026a10008dp?src=rss

Match Day Traditions Are Evolving

Opening the Match Day envelope with other med students is a once-in-a-lifetime event that most students want to celebrate together, but private options are good too. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/envelope-ceremony-how-match-day-traditions-are-evolving-new-2026a10008dl?src=rss

Stop Using ‘Geriatric’ to Describe Pregnant Women Over 35

A new survey finds that American adults do not want the label to be used anymore. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-push-stop-using-geriatric-describe-pregnant-women-older-2026a100088c?src=rss

This Test Could Predict Incontinence Risk After HoLEP

Men with a shorter membranous urethra appear more likely to experience urinary incontinence after laser enucleation for benign prostatic hyperplasia, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/this-test-could-predict-who-will-experience-incontinence-2026a1000887?src=rss

Cholecystectomy Outcomes Improve Despite Patient Complexity

Among Medicare inpatients who undergo minimally invasive cholecystectomy, the rates of overall and serious complications decline over a decade. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cholecystectomy-outcomes-improve-despite-patient-complexity-2026a1000885?src=rss

Depemokimab Shows Promise in Type 2 Asthma With Nasal Polyps

An asthma medication improves asthma control, respiratory quality of life, and upper airway symptoms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/depemokimab-shows-promise-type-2-asthma-nasal-polyps-2026a1000882?src=rss

Early Treatment Goes a Long Way for Ulcerative Colitis

In patients with ulcerative colitis, initiation of biologic therapy within 12 months of diagnosis is linked to a lower risk for disease progression than later initiation. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/early-treatment-goes-long-way-ulcerative-colitis-2026a1000822?src=rss

Exercise Frequency, Cadence May Predict White Matter Health

The frequency of physical activity and step cadence may be the top predictors of brain health outcomes in adults aged 40 years or older, new research suggests. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/exercise-frequency-cadence-may-predict-white-matter-health-2026a100081z?src=rss

Winter Sports and Lower Limb Motor Disability

People with lower limb motor disability need tailored equipment, training, and medical oversight to boost performance while preventing upper limb overload and skin problems. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/winter-sports-and-lower-limb-motor-disability-2026a10007w8?src=rss

Tight Glycemic Target in Gestational Diabetes Reduces Risks

Tight glycemic targets in gestational diabetes can lower the risk for large-for-gestational-age births without increasing the risk for serious maternal and neonatal complications. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tight-glycemic-target-gestational-diabetes-reduces-risks-2026a10007w4?src=rss

'Concerning': CRC Continues to Shift Toward Younger Adults

Nearly half of new colorectal cancer cases now occur in people younger than age 65 years, highlighting the need for earlier screening and better symptom awareness. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/concerning-crc-continues-shift-toward-younger-adults-2026a10007w2?src=rss

Albumin Replacement Therapy Shows No Benefit in Septic Shock

Albumin replacement therapy targeting serum levels ≥ 3.0 g/dL does not improve 90-day survival in patients with septic shock in the emergency department, a trial shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/albumin-replacement-therapy-shows-no-survival-benefit-septic-2026a10007qy?src=rss

Activity Trackers May Predict MS Progression

Reduced daytime physical activity, as measured with wearable trackers, is tied to increased risk for multiple sclerosis progression and brain atrophy, new research shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/activity-trackers-may-predict-ms-progression-2026a10007qv?src=rss

Light Therapy May Improve Vision in Patients With Dry AMD

Light therapy with multiple wavelengths may safely improve vision, reduce new retinal damage, and improve vision related quality of life in patients with dry age related macular degeneration. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/light-therapy-may-improve-vision-patients-dry-amd-2026a10007l3?src=rss

Sleep Apnea Measure May Predict Postop Complications, Death

In patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing major surgery, sleep apnea-specific hypoxic burden is associated with a risk for cardiovascular complications and deaths within 30 days. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/sleep-apnea-measure-may-predict-postop-complications-and-2026a10007ky?src=rss

Opioid Risk Score Falls Short in External Study

A validation study raises concerns about an Epic risk score for opioids used in primary care. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/opioid-risk-score-falls-short-external-study-2026a10007e6?src=rss

ADHD Prescription Rates Rose Quickly After Pandemic Onset

The number of new monthly dispensations of ADHD drugs to adults in Ontario more than doubled after the onset of the COVID pandemic. Medscape News Canada source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/adhd-prescription-rates-rose-quickly-after-pandemic-onset-2026a10007e4?src=rss

Bariatric Surgery Reduces Sleep Apnea Long Term

In adults with obesity, bariatric surgery is linked to a higher sleep apnea remission rate and fewer new cases of obstructive sleep apnea over 20 years than usual obesity care. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/bariatric-surgery-reduces-sleep-apnea-long-term-2026a100078x?src=rss

Alternative Medicine for Breast Cancer: Study Raises Concern

Patients who receive both standard medical treatment and complementary and alternative therapies have higher mortality — possibly due to reduced use of endocrine therapy and radiation. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/alternative-medicine-breast-cancer-study-raises-concern-2026a100078r?src=rss

Novel Cortisol Blockade Controls Hypertension in Cushing

Relacorilant, a selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator, provides sustained blood pressure control and metabolic benefits in patients with Cushing syndrome, according to a phase 3 trial. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/novel-cortisol-blockade-controls-hypertension-cushing-2026a100071k?src=rss

Exhaled Compounds May Identify Allergic Rhinitis

Volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath may help distinguish patients with allergic rhinitis from patients with nonallergic rhinitis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/exhaled-compounds-may-identify-allergic-rhinitis-2026a100071i?src=rss

Smartwatch screening for hypertension

An analysis of 2021-2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data found that among nonpregnant adults with hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure 130 mm Hg or higher, diastolic blood pressure 80 mm Hg or higher, or use of antihypertensive medication), nearly 80% had a mean of three blood pressure (BP) measurements higher than 130/80 mm Hg. Of this group with uncontrolled BP, based on some practice guidelines , fewer than 40% were taking antihypertensive medications. Although undertreatment of high BP may result from therapeutic inertia , many adults do not have a regular source of care and simply do not know that they have hypertension. Identifying undiagnosed hypertension is the goal of the Apple Watch’s hypertension notification feature, which was cleared in September 2025 by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in nonpregnant people 22 years or older. The watch is not a substitute for a home BP monitor , and it does not provide individual B...

Parent Stress Emerges as Key Factor in Child Obesity

Adding a parental mindfulness intervention improved parenting and child food intake and obesity risk over nutrition and activity counseling alone. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/parent-stress-emerges-key-factor-child-obesity-2026a1000711?src=rss

Kidney Biomarkers as Sentinels in COVID Prognosis

Derived from early pandemic waves and needing recalibration for new variants, these renal markers and IL 10 could act as sentinel biomarkers in other viral pneumonias. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/kidney-biomarkers-sentinels-covid-prognosis-2026a10006wo?src=rss

France Adopts Law on Brexit Licensing Gap for UK Doctors

France adopts legislation to ease licensing barriers for physicians trained in the UK, whose medical education began before Brexit but ended afterward. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/france-adopts-law-brexit-licensing-gap-uk-doctors-2026a10006wg?src=rss

Should Biology Replace Organ Labels in Cancer Treatment?

A leading oncologist proposes classifying metastatic cancer by molecular alterations rather than organ origin, arguing that the shift could accelerate drug access. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/should-biology-replace-organ-labels-cancer-treatment-2026a10006we?src=rss

Infant Deaths in Inclined Sleepers Persist Despite Recall

Child death review data show that infant deaths occur in inclined sleepers despite recalls; most incidents happen at home, with the sleeper material often being the reason for airway obstruction. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/sudden-unexpected-infant-deaths-inclined-sleepers-persist-2026a10006wc?src=rss

Nearly Half Have PTSD After Second-Trimester Termination

Women undergoing medically indicated abortions in the second trimester may be at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder; no maternal or obstetric factors are linked to the condition. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/nearly-half-screen-positive-ptsd-after-second-trimester-2026a10006r1?src=rss

Fix Mold, Reduce Asthma ED Visits?

New York City’s Mold Busters program is associated with thousands fewer emergency department visits for asthma per year, research shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fix-mold-reduce-asthma-ed-visits-2026a10006qy?src=rss

Young Adults Report Urge to Drink After Seeing Alcohol Posts

After young adults view alcohol-related posts on social media, they report a stronger desire to drink than those who do not see such posts, especially if they find the influencers credible. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/young-adults-report-urge-drink-after-seeing-alcohol-posts-2026a10006my?src=rss

AI Finds Three Predictive Variants for Postoperative Sepsis

A genome-wide AI model prioritizes three genetic variants linked to postoperative sepsis and outlines how preoperative genotyping could support targeted monitoring strategies. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ai-identifies-three-predictive-variants-postoperative-sepsis-2026a10006mo?src=rss

Novel GLP-1 Promising for Reducing Weight, Glucose

A new GLP-1 drug showed superior efficacy in reducing A1c and weight in patients with T2D. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-oral-glp-1-beats-oral-semaglutide-a1c-weight-loss-2026a10006jd?src=rss

CKM Syndrome Recognition and Collaboration Gaining Traction

While first-ever guidelines are in the works, experts across specialties share their take on the current state of preventing, diagnosing, and managing CKM syndrome. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/interdisciplinary-focus-ckm-syndrome-gains-traction-2026a10006j6?src=rss

Does Budesonide Shield Against Air Pollution in Rhinitis?

In patients with allergic rhinitis, intranasal budesonide lowers type 2 and neutrophilic marker levels, improves airflow, and alters epigenetic age signals after allergen or diesel exhaust exposure. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/does-budesonide-shield-against-air-pollution-rhinitis-2026a10006bp?src=rss

Study Backs Longer Compounded Lido Plus Epi Shelf Life

Research supports the safety and efficacy of compounded lidocaine plus epinephrine for up to 24 hours at room temperature and up to 7 days with refrigeration. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/compounded-lidocaine-plus-epinephrine-remains-safe-and-2026a10006bk?src=rss