High HDL-C Increases CV Risk in Men with Hypertension, Study Finds
In patients with hypertension, HDL-C >80 mg/dL was linked to a greater risk for CV events among men but not among women. Protective?
FDA Authorizes Pfizer and Moderna Updated COVID-19 Booster Shots
The FDA EUA amendments for updated booster vaccinations are based on clinical studies of the omicron BA.1 variant and preclinical data on the BA.4 and BA.5 variants.
Polypill Reduces Risk of MACE in Secondary Prevention for Older Adults: Results from SECURE
Taking a 3-drug polypill (aspirin, ACEi, statin) vs each of the drugs separately reduced risk for a major CV event by 33%, according to results of the SECURE trial.
The Future of US Antimicrobial Resistance is in Our Hands and There is Work to Do
Steer clear of antibiotic Rxs whenever possible, says Anne Meneghetti, MD, to help the US get back to pre-COVID levels of antimicrobial stewardship.
8 Key Drivers of Hypertension Control & How to Improve Them
These 8 drivers of BP control reflect study of high-performing health systems and the strategies that have led to successful large scale hypertension management.
Primary Care Can Help Restore US Antibiotic Stewardship, Starting with Flu Shots
Preventing viral infections with vaccination can keep the most vulnerable out of the hospital, reducing the risk of bacterial superinfections.
Superinfection Rate in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients was Found to be Low
Only 9% of inpatients with COVID-19 had a bacterial superinfection that could be treated with antibiotics which curbed use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
Pfizer Reports Positive Topline Phase 3 Data for Bivalent RSV Vaccine in Older Adults
Pfizer announced that a single dose of the vaccine, RSVpreF, demonstrated 85.7% efficacy against severe disease, defined by ≥3 symptoms.
Antimicrobial Resistance During COVID-19 Gained New Ground: Expert Perspective
Widespread antibiotic prescribing in the first year of the pandemic set back US progress on the fight against antimicrobial resistance, says Anne Meneghetti, MD.
Novel Rapid-acting Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder First to Get FDA Nod
The dextromethorphan HBr-bupropion HCI combination uses the first new oral MOA in 6 decades and is labeled to improve depressive symptoms starting at 1 week.
Diagnoses of Youth-onset Type 2 Diabetes Spiked by 77% During First Year of COVID-19
Youth newly diagnosed with T2D also were metabolically sicker, with higher HbA1c, serum glucose levels, and BMI at presentation.
Three Flu Season Imperatives: Vaccinate the Young, the Old, and Everyone in Between
Influenza season in the southern hemisphere is "substantial," says Dr William Schaffner. To prepare: "Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate!"
USPSTF Updated Guidance on Statin Use in Primary CVD Prevention Similar to 2016 Recommendations
The recommendations guide initiation of statin therapy in persons aged ≥40 years without a history of CVD and no current signs/symptoms of CVD.
COVID-19, Flu, or Both—There are Always Patients on the Fence
The patients on the vaccine fence are the ones that take the extra time and, over time, an added measure of patience for the clinician.
Moderna Requests Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine
Moderna filed with the FDA for emergency use authorization of a 50-µg dose of a BA.4./BA.5 Omicron-targeting bivalent booster vaccine for those aged ≥18 years.
New Novo Nordisk Combination Rx Better than Components for T2D, Weight Loss
Phase II clinical trial shows a fixed dose combination of semaglutide/cagrilintide reduces HbA1c and weight much better than either drug alone.
Vegetarian Diet May Up Risk for Hip Fracture in Women
Among more than 26 000 women, a vegetarian diet was associated with a 33% greater risk of hip fracture vs diets that included fish or meat.
US Vaccine Fatigue May Harbor Some Unrealistic Expectations
Vaccine fatigue in the US, says Vanderbilt University's William Schaffner, MD, is plentiful for vaccines that are are good—but not perfect.
Don't Call them "Boosters" Anymore and Other COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
Let's call the next round of COVID-19 shots "updated vaccines," and help the public understand the true role of this vaccination, says NFID's Schaffner.
William Schaffner, MD: "If It's Not Flu and It's Not COVID, It's Probably RSV"
Respiratory virus season is top of mind for Schaffner, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, and he says it's going to be a challenge.
COVID-19 Vaccine Risk Presented in Context Could Improve Uptake
Pair the risk of side effects associated with a COVID-19 shot with the risk of death in a car accident and see what happens. It worked in this study.
Gout Found More Prevalent among Black Adults in Nationally-representative Population
Racial disparities in gout prevalence could be explained by diet, social determinants of health, kidney disease, and other factors that suggest interventions.
Persistent Vaccine Skepticism Can Erode Clinician Confidence in their Own Recommendations
Vaccine hesitancy and actual refusal can wear on clinicians over time; family physician Gretchen LaSalle, MD, offers potential antidotes to the frustration.
"Vaccination is More of a Marathon than a Sprint, so Keep Listening”
Listening to patient concerns about vaccines and guiding them to factual sources for answers pays off, says family physician Gretchen LaSalle, MD.
Self-measured BP Using Smartphone App No More Effective than Using Standard Device to Reduce Hypertension
Blood pressure reduction of approximately 11 mm Hg was seen at 6 months regardless of device used, suggesting patients can keep SMBP simple.
Booster Fatigue, Vaccines are for Kids, and Other Obstacles to Adult Immunization in Primary Care
Adult vaccine awareness in the US is historically low and complicated this year by booster fatigue and lots of catch-up, says family physician Gretchen LaSalle, MD.
Vaccine Hesitancy: How COVID-19 Changed the Tone, with Gretchen LaSalle, MD
Vaccine hesitancy didn't begin with COVID but family physician Gretchen LaSalle, MD, says the pandemic has changed the tone of the reluctance. She explains in this interview.
Salt Substitutes Lower BP, Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular, All-cause Mortality Across Patients, Borders
Meta-analysis authors say the significant preventive effects of replacing use of salt with salt substitutes have important worldwide public health implications.
Comorbidity Burden in T2D Patients Varies Widely, Becomes More Diverse Over Time
Analysis of 224 000 type 2 diabetes patients over 2 decades suggests the need for "revised care pathways" that better reflect the myriad causes of persistent morbidity.
Wrist-worn Devices Prove Cost-effective for AF Screening of 30 Million in Economic Simulation
Screening for atrial fibrillation with 6 wrist-worn wearable devices proved more cost effective than no screening and had greater relative benefit than using traditional modalities.