Sharon Smith

Prescribing practices for immunosuppressive therapy in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis vary among rheumatologists, especially when managing skin or subclinical organ involvement. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/prescribing-limited-cutaneous-systemic-sclerosis-who-gets-2026a1000maf?src=rss

A study evaluates whether people with HIV infection and solid organ transplant recipients have higher odds of HPV-related cancers than unexposed control individuals. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/do-hiv-organ-transplant-raise-odds-hpv-related-cancers-2026a1000ma6?src=rss

Fecal microbiota transplantation offers no clear benefit in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a meta-analysis finds. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fecal-transplant-offers-no-clear-benefit-patients-ibs-2026a1000m3y?src=rss

In women with obesity, a very low-calorie ketogenic diet followed by structured refeeding can help maintain meaningful weight loss at 1 year while allowing the body’s energy expenditure to recover. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/year-after-keto-fat-loss-persists-metabolism-recovers-2026a1000m3v?src=rss

In patients with T2D and CKD, finerenone lowers the risk for adverse cardiovascular and kidney events compared with placebo, regardless of the CKM syndrome stage at baseline. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/finerenone-benefits-patients-t2d-ckd-across-cardiovascular-2026a1000m3s?src=rss

A novel knee distraction technique is drawing interest for severe osteoarthritis, with studies showing lasting symptom relief and tissue changes years later. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/knee-distraction-shows-promise-severe-osteoarthritis-2026a1000lxy?src=rss

Obstructive sleep apnea could be hiding behind subtle symptoms and uncontrolled cardiometabolic disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/sleep-apnea-could-be-missing-diagnosis-complex-2026a1000lxt?src=rss

Children and adolescents with venous thromboembolism, particularly children aged 4 years or younger, face a higher risk for mortality and economic burden. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/younger-children-vte-face-high-economic-and-mortality-burden-2026a1000lx5?src=rss

People with close family ties who live together share more oral and gut microbes with each other than with other people in their communities. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/people-living-together-share-more-oral-and-gut-microbiota-2026a1000lqn?src=rss

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation was associated with reduced anxiety severity but showed no significant benefit for working memory or inhibitory control in healthy adults. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/evidence-tvns-stronger-reducing-anxiety-vs-enhancing-2026a1000lqe?src=rss

For patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), adding pemetrexed to maintenance pembrolizumab may only increase toxicity, not survival. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/time-rethink-maintenance-pemetrexed-nsclc-2026a1000lqb?src=rss

Many patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer are not receiving bone-modifying agents, despite guideline endorsement. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/bone-agents-underused-and-declining-prostate-cancer-2026a1000lih?src=rss

Many pediatric dermatology fellowship positions remain unfilled from 2009 to 2023, highlighting an ongoing workforce shortage and regional disparities in access to care. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/one-third-pediatric-dermatology-fellowships-fail-match-2026a1000lid?src=rss

Patients with co-occurring obesity and T2D have more favorable QOL outcomes on GLP-1s than those with either condition alone or multiple comorbidities. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/glp-1-qol-benefits-greatest-those-obesity-plus-t2d-2026a1000lav?src=rss

Travel medicine specialists say that mosquito protection deserves the same attention as sunscreen because vector-borne infections become more common in Europe. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/traveling-europe-should-mosquito-risks-be-your-radar-2026a1000laj?src=rss

A digital mindfulness-based intervention significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and perceived stress in adults with noninfectious uveitis, a clinical trial shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/mindfulness-app-eases-mental-burden-eye-disease-2026a1000l43?src=rss

Death rates from Parkinson’s disease among US older adults decline in 2024 following a steady rise from 2014 to 2021, new data show. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/parkinsons-disease-deaths-decline-among-older-us-adults-2026a1000l3y?src=rss

Anal conditions affect up to 44% of women in labor yet remain underrecognized and poorly studied. Most cases improve with simple, conservative treatment. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/common-anal-problems-after-childbirth-2026a1000kwv?src=rss

Ginkgo biloba extract, alone or in combination with desmopressin, is safe and effective for treating monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in children, a trial shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ginkgo-biloba-adds-edge-pediatric-enuresis-2026a1000kwt?src=rss

In patients with systemic sclerosis, specific gastrointestinal manifestations are linked to distinct cardiac complications, a recent study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/gastrointestinal-symptoms-may-predict-cardiac-complications-2026a1000kwp?src=rss

Panelists at HLTH Europe 2026 warned that clinicians and patients are increasingly deferring to algorithmic outputs over independent judgment. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ais-blind-trust-problem-puts-patients-risk-2026a1000kwf?src=rss

Patients who lived more than 30 miles away from their specialists had median annual expenses over $400 in Tennessee and over $300 in California. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/families-traveling-uveitis-screenings-face-higher-annual-2026a1000kpa?src=rss

Chronic overlapping pain conditions affect more than half of the adults with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with distinct patterns seen across rheumatic disease subtypes. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/chronic-overlapping-pain-conditions-burden-many-patients-2026a1000kp6?src=rss

Experts urge clinicians to address intimacy and sexual well-being routinely, noting that chronic pain often affects relationships, self-esteem, and quality of life. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/why-sexual-health-still-overlooked-chronic-pain-care-2026a1000kki?src=rss

Hypotension-related events increased after starting GLP-1s in patients taking multiple antihypertensive medications. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/glp-1s-tied-higher-risk-dizziness-fainting-some-2026a1000kjq?src=rss

A hyaluronic acid injectable product previously approved for cheek smoothing gets a new indication for reducing horizontal neck wrinkles. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-approves-hyaluronic-acid-filler-reducing-neck-lines-2026a1000kjh?src=rss

Surgical plume exposure occurs frequently for clinicians who perform laser-based procedures, but a new study suggests there is a lack of awareness of specific hazards. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/surgical-plume-prevalent-safety-protocols-may-be-lacking-2026a1000kd1?src=rss

A large study links the use of e-cigarettes after smoking cessation to higher lung cancer incidence and mortality than complete nicotine abstinence. Medscape News Global source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/e-cigarettes-and-lung-cancer-harm-reduction-overstated-2026a1000kcy?src=rss

A novel noninvasive magnetic therapy is effective, safe, and well tolerated in patients with fecal incontinence, reducing symptom burden and disease severity. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/noninvasive-magnetic-therapy-effective-fecal-incontinence-2026a1000k70?src=rss

Interim findings from the phase 3 MonumenTAL-3 trial highlight overall and progression-free survival as well as response rates compared with standard therapy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/talquetamab-combinations-show-survival-benefit-r-r-myeloma-2026a1000k6r?src=rss

Deaths from alcohol show no sign of declining, and some experts are calling for stronger regulation of alcohol advertising and more specialist services to meet demand. Medscape News Australia source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/alcohol-induced-deaths-australian-experts-call-support-2026a1000jz0?src=rss

The oral modulator of the calcium-sensing receptor targets the causes of ADH1, significantly improving serum and urine calcium levels. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/encaleret-shows-rapid-response-autosomal-dominant-2026a1000jyu?src=rss

Chronic urticaria is occasionally challenging, but dermatologists and allergists can help each other as well as the patient by combining their unique skills in difficult cases. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/challenging-urticaria-often-team-sport-dermatologists-and-2026a1000jyq?src=rss

Only 12% of patients prescribed testosterone underwent appropriate diagnostic testing, and overprescribing was common in a single-center US study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/testosterone-prescribing-often-ignores-guidelines-2026a1000jym?src=rss

Final results from the PaTHway trial show the long-acting parathyroid hormone therapy enabled patients with hypoparathyroidism to achieve independence from high-dose calcium and vitamin D supplements. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/phase-3-palopegteriparatide-results-show-sustained-benefits-2026a1000jyi?src=rss

Findings suggest young females should be assessed and, if at risk, monitored. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/one-four-teen-girls-and-young-women-risk-pmos-2026a1000jxz?src=rss

The drug was previously approved for stage 2 T1D. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/teplizumab-approved-pediatric-stage-3-type-1-diabetes-2026a1000jxu?src=rss

The NHS faces a ‘triple whammy of pressure’ from striking resident doctors, a predicted heatwave, and England's opening World Cup game, health officials warn. Press Association source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/nhs-faces-triple-whammy-during-resident-doctor-walkout-2026a1000jub?src=rss

Migraine with aura is associated with an increased risk for ischemic stroke in middle-aged and older adults, particularly men younger than 72 years, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/migraine-aura-tied-higher-stroke-risk-2026a1000jrc?src=rss

Higher levels of Fitbit-recorded physical activity are linked to lower odds of irritable bowel syndrome, whereas greater sedentary time is linked to higher odds of the condition. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ibs-and-physical-activity-whats-link-2026a1000jqz?src=rss

A prospective study finds that semaglutide initiated 1 month after sleeve gastrectomy is associated with greater weight loss at 1 year than surgery alone. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/early-semaglutide-after-bariatric-surgery-improves-outcomes-2026a1000jkc?src=rss

Dilation of the ureter is linked to an increased risk for urinary tract infections in children with prenatal hydronephrosis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/dilated-ureter-may-uti-risk-kids-hydronephrosis-2026a1000jk4?src=rss

Condyloma lata in secondary syphilis shows consistent histopathologic findings that may help prevent misdiagnosis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/secondary-syphilis-condyloma-lata-shows-reliable-histologic-2026a1000jjy?src=rss

Under new billing codes starting in January, maternity care doctors will charge à la carte for visits and services related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. KFF Health News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/upcoming-billing-change-could-make-pregnancy-pricier-2026a1000jdo?src=rss

Harrowing scenes are unfolding at health facilities at the epicenter of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. KFF Health News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/we-live-fear-congo-doctors-face-ebola-little-protection-2026a1000jdc?src=rss

A federally funded review conducted to inform US dietary advice supports a one-drink-per-day limit for all adults — a stricter recommendation than current federal guidance. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/federally-funded-research-backs-tighter-drinking-limits-than-2026a1000jcx?src=rss

Use of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies during early pregnancy was associated with an increased risk for spontaneous abortion results of a large retrospective cohort study show. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/anti-cgrps-early-pregnancy-linked-miscarriage-risk-2026a1000j6a?src=rss

The Canadian Dermatology Association proposes increasing residency spots, expanding technology, and integrating international graduates into the workforce. Medscape News Canada source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-can-canada-improve-access-dermatologic-care-2026a1000j61?src=rss

A doctor struck off in France kept practicing in Belgium, exposing how gaps in EU medical oversight can let sanctioned clinicians cross borders. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/europes-medical-loophole-banned-doctors-2026a1000j60?src=rss

Researchers weigh peer review, indexing, transparency, and audience reach alongside impact factor when deciding where to submit scientific work. Medscape News Global source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/choosing-journal-what-matters-more-than-impact-factor-2026a1000izz?src=rss

Maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy is associated with protection against RSV-associated acute respiratory illness. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/maternal-rsv-vaccination-reduces-infant-hospitalization-risk-2026a1000izc?src=rss

Full results from two Lilly trials of the novel triple hormone receptor agonist show reductions in A1c, osteoarthritis knee pain, and obstructive sleep apnea. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/retatrutide-data-show-dramatic-weight-loss-other-benefits-2026a1000iz0?src=rss

Patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes have more favorable QOL outcomes taking a GLP-1 than those with either condition alone or with multiple comorbidities. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/glp-1-qol-benefits-greatest-those-obesity-plus-t2d-2026a1000iyu?src=rss

A Cambridge-developed AI vaccine targeting shared features across coronavirus families has passed a phase I safety trial, with a phase II study now planned. Press Association source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/cambridge-teams-ai-vaccine-passes-first-human-trial-2026a1000iyl?src=rss

Chinese herb-derived compound tetrandrine shows signs of efficacy in methotrexate-treated patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, but placebo rates are high. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tetrandrine-trialed-novel-rheumatoid-arthritis-treatment-2026a1000iya?src=rss

The amylin analog petrelintide reduces body weight with 'placebo-like' tolerability, a phase 2 trial shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/petrelintide-tolerability-could-improve-glp-1-challenges-2026a1000iy7?src=rss

Zemprocitinib, a next-generation JAK1 inhibitor, may tame rheumatoid arthritis that does not respond to at least one biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, a phase 3 clinical trial finds. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/selective-jak1-inhibitor-zemprocitinib-hits-efficacy-targets-2026a1000iy3?src=rss

Low-dose naltrexone does not provide real clinical benefit for patients with fibromyalgia compared to placebo, according to a clinical trial. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/low-dose-naltrexone-fails-outperform-placebo-pain-2026a1000iy0?src=rss

In patients with psoriatic arthritis, long-term bimekizumab treatment shows sustained improvement in symptoms and disease impact, according to an analysis of data from two phase 3 trials. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/bimekizumab-gives-lasting-symptom-relief-patients-psoriatic-2026a1000itb?src=rss

Early data from the ANISE-II study show that the lupus-approved treatment may also work well in managing Sjögren disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/anifrolumab-improves-multiple-sj%C3%B6gren-disease-measures-2026a1000isz?src=rss

A new analysis ranks intravenous administration of dexamethasone as the most effective approach to prevent rebound pain after peripheral nerve block, whereas preemptive opioids offer little relief. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/iv-dexamethasone-ranks-best-against-post-block-rebound-pain-2026a1000in0?src=rss

A nurse-patient ‘mutuality’ shows a positive association with self-care behaviors in adults with inflammatory bowel disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/nurses-could-be-key-better-self-care-patients-ibd-2026a1000imo?src=rss

A five-infusion course of veligrotug is well tolerated and results in rapid improvements in diplopia, proptosis, and disease activity in patients with thyroid eye disease, a phase 3 trial shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/phase-3-rapid-relief-thyroid-eye-disease-veligrotug-2026a1000ifw?src=rss

An independent inquiry links roughly 70 excess deaths at Zurich’s university heart clinic (2016-2020); prosecutors now probe valve-implant use, raising device-safety concerns. Medscape News Europe source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/zurich-heart-surgery-scandal-device-safety-alert-2026a1000ifs?src=rss

Approximately 1 in 10 patients with axial spondyloarthritis fulfill the criteria for difficult-to-manage disease; higher spinal pain scores and fibromyalgia are linked to difficult-to-manage disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/nearly-10-patients-axspa-meet-criteria-difficult-manage-2026a1000ifj?src=rss

Early peanut oral immunotherapy may confer lasting immune benefits, with most young patients continuing to consume peanuts years later and only a few reporting allergic reactions. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/early-peanut-immunotherapy-may-yield-long-term-benefits-2026a1000ifg?src=rss

Among commonly used antiplatelet agents, prasugrel offers the most optimal balance between efficacy and safety after invasive management of patients with coronary syndrome, a meta-analysis finds. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/prasugrel-outshines-rival-drugs-after-invasive-coronary-care-2026a1000i8y?src=rss

Adverse childhood experiences set the stage for life later on. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/positive-childhood-experiences-linked-adult-wellbeing-2026a1000i8q?src=rss

Psychotropics are associated with increased BMI, and users with a high BMI genetic risk score and an unhealthy lifestyle have triple the risk for CVD, new research shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/psychotropics-linked-increased-bmi-cvd-risk-2026a1000i8n?src=rss