FDA Approvals: Rapamune and Alphanate

The FDA has approved new dosing recommendations for sirolimus (Rapamune) and a new indication for antihemophilic factor VIII-von Willebrand factor complex (Alphanate). (CME)
Medscape Medical News

Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children Linked to Cognitive Impairment

In a cohort of children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and possible obstructed sleep-disordered breathing, short or variable time in bed and nightly snoring predicted impaired cognitive function. (CME)
Medscape Medical News

Low-Cost Bottle-Spacer Bronchodilator Treatment May Be Effective in Children

In children with acute obstruction of the lower airway, a low-cost bottle-spacer was as effective as a conventional spacer for bronchodilator treatment. (CME,CE)
Medscape Medical News

Maternal Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy Increases Risk for Cryptorchidism

In a Danish-Finnish study, regular alcohol intake during pregnancy appeared to increase the risk for congenital cryptorchidism in boys; the mechanisms for this association are unknown. (CME,CE)
Medscape Medical News

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Improves Use of Prosthetic Arm

Researchers report on the use of targeted muscle reinnervation ? a technique that involves transfer of nerves, in this case from an amputated arm into the chest of the patient ? to provide more "intuitive" use of a prosthetic arm, as well as sensory feedback. The technique is ready to move out of the lab, they say, and into wider use.
Medscape Medical News
Susan Jeffrey

Prevalence of HIV-Related Dementia Second Only to Alzheimer's, Stroke

A new study suggests the rate of HIV-related dementia is so high it may rank among the world's most common forms of dementia ? second to Alzheimer's disease and stroke-related dementia.
Medscape Medical News
Caroline Cassels

Children With Stroke Increasingly Treated with tPA

A new study shows that despite the lack of data on safety or efficacy, children with stroke are receiving treatment with tissue plasminogen activator, often outside of treatment guidelines approved for adults. A separate report shows great variability in secondary-prevention strategies for children after a stroke. Both papers underline the need for randomized trials in children, authors say.
Medscape Medical News
Susan Jeffrey

"Excellent Results" With Implanted Radiation Seeds in Early Prostate Cancer

Pooled data from 11 institutions across the United States confirm excellent long-term results with permanent radiation seed implantation as the sole therapy for early prostate cancer.
Medscape Medical News
Zosia Chustecka

Very-Low-Protein Diet Improves Blood Pressure Control in Stage 4 and 5 CKD Patients

In a prospective Italian study, hypertensive stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease patients achieved better blood pressure control with a very-low-protein diet and concomitant lower salt intake.
Medscape Medical News
Marlene Busko

Clomiphene Recommended as First-Line Therapy for Infertility in PCOS

A randomized trial suggests that clomiphene is superior to metformin in achieving live birth in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome, although multiple birth is a complication. (CME)
Medscape Medical News

No Serious Safety Concerns With New Biologics for Psoriasis During Pregnancy

In an ongoing study, etanercept or adalimumab exposure during pregnancy has not been associated with adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.
Medscape Medical News
Martha Kerr

FDA Safety Changes: Kenalog-10 and Kenalog-40, Depacon, Depakene

The FDA has approved revisions to the safety labeling for triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog-10 and Kenalog-40) and valproate and valproic acid (Depacon and Depakene). (CME)
Medscape Medical News

Aprotinin Increases Long-Term Mortality After CABG Surgery

An observational analysis shows an increase in mortality linked with aprotinin after coronary artery bypass graft surgery; authors question the current system for drug safety evaluation. (CME)
Medscape Medical News

High BP in Pregnancy Increases Risk for Future Atherosclerosis

According to a Dutch study, women who had gestational hypertension were at increased risk of developing atherosclerosis when they were older. (CME)
Medscape Medical News

Risk for Fatal MI Persists 25 Years After Hodgkin's Treatment

Researchers report the increased risk is related to supradiaphragmatic radiotherapy and may also be linked to anthracycline and vincristine treatment.
Medscape Medical News
Allison Gandey

Study Determines Risk for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis in ESRD Patients Receiving Gadolinium

A population-based study determined that among ESRD patients, each radiologic study done using gadolinium contrast agent presented a 2.4% risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
Medscape Medical News
Marlene Busko

Major Increase in Cancer Burden Because of Aging

The latest statistics from Europe show a major increase in the number of new cancers being diagnosed, largely due to the aging of the population.
Medscape Medical News
Zosia Chustecka

New Guidelines Issued for Family Support in Patient-Centered ICU

The American College of Critical Care Medicine Task Force has issued clinical practice guidelines for support of patients and their families in the adult, pediatric, or neonatal intensive care unit. (CME,CE)
Medscape Medical News

Loneliness Increases Risk for AD-Like Dementia

In a large cohort of elderly persons followed annually for up to 4 years, lonely patients were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease-like dementia vs those who were not lonely. (CME,CE)
Medscape Medical News

Diabetic Foot Infection Classification System Validated

A study has validated the Infectious Diseases Society of America's classification system for foot infections in patients with diabetes, which is designed to provide better outcomes. (CME,CE)
Medscape Medical News

Pediatric Exclusivity Drug Program Yields Economic Returns by Improving Outcomes in Children

One third of the drugs tested separately in children had different effects than in adults; some were more toxic, and others were completely ineffective.
Medscape Medical News
Laurie Barclay

Exercise Training Program May Be Helpful in Young Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

In a randomized controlled trial, women with polycystic ovary syndrome had better cardiopulmonary functional capacity after a 3-month exercise training program. (CME,CE)
Medscape Medical News

Curettage Followed by Imiquimod Highly Effective in Squamous Cell Carcinoma

In 2 preliminary studies, the clearance rate using the dual treatment approached 100%.
Medscape Medical News
Martha Kerr

First-Time Generic Approvals: Inderal LA, Duragesic-12, DuoNeb

The FDA has approved first-time generic formulations for propanolol HCl extended-release capsules (Inderal LA); a fentanyl transdermal system (Duragesic-12); and albuterol sulfate plus ipratropium bromide inhalation solution (DuoNeb).
Medscape Medical News
Yael Waknine

Aromatase Inhibitors Show Survival Benefit in Advanced Breast Cancer

A new review confirms a survival benefit from aromatase inhibitors in advanced breast cancer.
Medscape Medical News
Zosia Chustecka

CMS Proposes Expanded Coverage for Carotid Stenting

The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services have announced a proposal to expand coverage for carotid artery stenting procedures to include those done in patients with high surgical risk and symptomatic stenosis of 50% or higher or asymptomatic stenosis of 80% or more.
Medscape Medical News
Susan Jeffrey

Levetiracetam Effective, Safe as First-Line Monotherapy in Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy

Levetiracetam, a new generation antiepileptic drug, is as effective and well-tolerated as carbamazepine when used in newly diagnosed epilepsy.
Medscape Medical News
Caroline Cassels

Four-Item Score May Predict Hip Fracture, Mortality Risk in Elderly Women

Swedish researchers found 4 prediction rules (FRAMO Index) that identified most women who had hip fractures during a 2-year follow-up. (CME)
Medscape Medical News

Fewer HF Hospitalizations Occur With High- vs Low-Dose Statin Therapy

The risk for heart failure hospitalizations decreased among patients in the Treating to New Targets trial who received atorvastatin at 80 mg-day vs those taking it at 10 mg-day. (CME)
Medscape Medical News

Pramlintide Associated With Greater Satisfaction in Type 1 Diabetes

Despite similar reductions in glycated hemoglobin, pramlintide treatment was associated with greater treatment satisfaction than placebo, independent of insulin delivery method. (CME)
Medscape Medical News

Higher Air Pollution Levels Increase Risk for CV Events in Women

The Women's Health Initiative linked particulate air pollution to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a population of postmenopausal women, who were initially free of heart disease. (CME)
Medscape Medical News

Meta-Analysis Shows Sustained Efficacy, Safety With TNF Blockers for Psoriasis

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy was associated with a 75% response rate in moderate to severe psoriasis.
Medscape Medical News
Martha Kerr

FDA Approvals: Vapotherm 2000i Reintroduced to Market

New instructions for disinfecting the high-flow respiratory gas humidification device are intended to minimize risk to patients.
Medscape Medical News
Yael Waknine

Muscle Damage During Childbirth Linked to Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Women with organ prolapse and fallen bladder more often had defects in the levator ani and generated less vaginal closure force during a maximal contraction than did control subjects.
Medscape Medical News
Laurie Barclay

Pertuzumab Ineffective in Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer

Results of a phase 2 trial show that not a single patient achieved the primary endpoint of a greater than 50% decline in prostate-specific antigen.
Medscape Medical News
Allison Gandey

Higher Hemoglobin Targets Linked to Increased Mortality Risk in CKD Patients With Anemia

Risk of all-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients treated with erythropoietin to higher vs lower hemoglobin targets in a meta-analysis of 9 trials and more than 5000 patients.
Medscape Medical News
Marlene Busko

Transfusion-Transmitted West Nile Virus Still Possible

The CDC urges clinicians to consider WNV in immunosuppressed patients who develop unexplained neurologic symptoms after blood transfusion.
Medscape Medical News
Yael Waknine

International Approvals: Mirena, Champix, Elaprase

Japan has approved a long-acting intrauterine contraceptive system (Mirena), Canada has approved varenicline tartrate tablets (Champix), and the EU has approved idursulfase intravenous infusion (Elaprase).
Medscape Medical News
Yael Waknine

Acupuncture May Moderately Reduce Short-Term Pain in Neck Disorders

A systematic Cochrane review showed that acupuncture was moderately effective in reducing pain associated with neck disorders during short-term follow-up. (CME)
Medscape Medical News

Contrast MR Angiography as Effective as CT Angiography or DSA in Detecting Arterial Stenoses

Magnetic resonance angiography can disclose critical supra-aortic arterial lesions about as often as computed tomographic or digital-subtraction angiography, according to investigators. (CME)
Medscape Medical News

Pay for Performance Linked to Modest Improvements in Hospital Quality

Hospitals engaged in both public reporting and pay for performance achieved modestly greater improvements in quality than did hospitals engaged only in public reporting.
Medscape Medical News
Laurie Barclay

Biomarkers May Predict Outcome for Bladder Cancer Patients

A new test may help clinicians identify patients at the highest risk of recurrence after surgery.
Medscape Medical News
Allison Gandey

Guidelines Issued on Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management

The American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Physicians released clinical practice guidelines on the diagnosis and management of venous thromboembolism. (CME,CE)
Medscape Medical News

Proteins That Regulate Cerebral Blood Flow Linked to Alzheimer's Pathogenesis

The overexpression of 2 proteins that regulate cerebral blood flow has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Medscape Medical News
Caroline Cassels