Prednisolone Disturbs Carbohydrate Metabolism
Patients with inflammatory diseases should consider other anti-inflammatory agents
Friday, May 17, 2013

Ultrasound Findings Can Improve Classification of RA
Ultrasound findings plus 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria can help predict need for methotrexate treatment
Wednesday, May 15, 2013

New FDA Survey to Assess Doc Attitudes on DTC Advertising
New survey will examine attitudes among non-physicians, including nurses, physician assistants
Monday, May 13, 2013

Strong Genetic Component of Fibromyalgia Suggested
One major locus for fibromyalgia detected on the chromosome 17p11.2-q11.2 region
Friday, May 10, 2013

User Satisfaction With Electronic Health Records Down
Twelve percent decrease in user satisfaction since 2010; increase in very dissatisfied users
Friday, May 10, 2013

Poor Service, Bedside Manner Top Patients' Online Complaints
Review of 'rate-your-doctor' websites reveals patients' most common gripes
Friday, May 10, 2013

Smartphones, Smartphone Apps Increasingly Used by Docs
Two reports show use of smartphones and apps for professional purposes is increasing
Thursday, May 09, 2013

HHS Releases Data on Inpatient Charges for Hospital Services
HHS is also providing funding to data centers to collate, analyze, publish data to assist consumers
Thursday, May 09, 2013

Application for Health Coverage Has Been Simplified, Shortened
First-time consumers will be able to complete one three-page application, see all available options
Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Patients Most Annoyed by Long Waits, Unclear Test Results
Survey regarding doctor's office grievances identifies patients' top pet peeves
Friday, May 03, 2013

Medicaid Coverage Doesn't Lead to Better Physical Health
After two years, no reductions noted in measured BP, cholesterol, or glycated hemoglobin levels
Thursday, May 02, 2013

Nearly One-Third Don't Pick Up New Osteoporosis Rx
Women receiving Rx from rheumatology, internist practicing 10 or more years more likely to get meds
Thursday, May 02, 2013

Health Industry Payment Details to Be Publicly Available
New CMS website will detail financial ties between drug, device manufacturers and docs, hospitals
Thursday, May 02, 2013

Renewed Efforts From AAFP to Repeal OTC Provision in ACA
Provision will increase costs to health care system; add to burden on physician offices
Tuesday, April 30, 2013

FDA Announces New Network to Focus Exclusively on Patients
Interactive tool designed to educate patients and advocates about processes of drug development
Monday, April 29, 2013

Medical Interns Spending Less Time With Patients
More time being spent at a computer since work hours were limited in 2011
Friday, April 26, 2013

Saturday Marks Sixth Annual Rx Drug Take-Back Day
Collection sites will be available around the country
Friday, April 26, 2013

Even Light Smoking Increases Risk of RA Among Women
Smoking cessation reduces, but does not eliminate, risk of rheumatoid arthritis
Thursday, April 25, 2013

Physicians Less Empathetic in Talking to Heavy Patients
Patient weight plays no role in quantity of physicians' biomedical communications
Thursday, April 25, 2013

Diagnostic Errors Are the Leading Type of Malpractice Claim
Diagnosis-related payments from 1986 to 2010 totaled $38.8 billion
Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Severe Cutaneous Adverse Rxns Up in Allopurinol Initiators
SCARs are rare; usually occur within first 180 days of initiating treatment
Tuesday, April 23, 2013

TEDMED: Patients Can Become Leaders on the Health Team
Communities can raise their own leaders; may be key approach to change at community level
Monday, April 22, 2013

TEDMED: Get the Joy Back Into Health and Wellness
Surgeon General talks about importance of bringing joy back into movement and medicine
Monday, April 22, 2013

Patient-Centered Decision Making Ups Health Outcomes
Health care outcomes improved for 71 percent of contextual factors that were addressed by PCDM
Friday, April 19, 2013

Family-Centered Teaching Rounds Good for Patients, Students
Higher patient satisfaction with exam room presentations; many residents have concerns
Thursday, April 18, 2013

Relative Proportion of MRSA Increasing in S. aureus Isolates
Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus becoming more resistant to antibiotics
Thursday, April 18, 2013

Community Benefit Spending Varies for Tax-Exempt Hospitals
Most spent on charity care, patient services; less spent on community health improvement
Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Speech Details Practices to Improve U.S. Health Systems
Mayo Clinic CEO outlines key steps to create high-quality, low-cost care in America
Thursday, April 11, 2013

Patients Using Different Rx Strategies to Save Money
Cost-saving strategies differ by age, health insurance status, and poverty status
Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Glucocorticoids Are Tied to Increased Risk of Clots
Higher rates of venous thromboembolism seen in both present and recent medication users
Thursday, April 04, 2013

Many Uninsured Vets Will Be Eligible for Medicaid Under ACA
But most of uninsured will have new coverage options only if their state expands Medicaid
Friday, March 29, 2013

Using Internet Search Logs Can Help Identify Drug Interactions
Tool may alert authorities to potential problems and aid in surveillance of adverse events
Thursday, March 28, 2013

Study: Primary Care Extension Program Should Be Funded
Authors say PCEP important to improving public health, translating research into practice
Thursday, March 28, 2013

Regional Variation Noted in Prevalence of Delayed Care
Populations in counties with high prevalence likely to be Hispanic, have low income, chronic disease
Thursday, March 28, 2013

Inpatient Deaths Fell by 8 Percent in Last Decade
But total number of hospitalizations increased by 11 percent
Wednesday, March 27, 2013

AHA: Active Docs More Likely to Advise Patients to Be Active
Review sees link between health care providers' physical activity level, counseling offered
Friday, March 22, 2013

Mobility Impaired May Have Difficulty Accessing Docs
Inability to transfer patient from wheelchair to examination bed most commonly reported issue
Friday, March 22, 2013

Impact of Budget Sequestration on Health Care Discussed
Cuts will not be equal: Medicaid protected; 2 percent cut for Medicare; 8.2 percent cut for NIH
Thursday, March 21, 2013

Effect of Immigration Status on Medicaid Eligibility Discussed
Seventeen percent of low-income, uninsured nonelderly are unauthorized or recently legal
Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Manual Osteopathic Treatment Improves Chronic Back Pain
Patients report pain relief, but not improvements in back functioning or work disability
Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Total Knee Replacement Poses Large Public Health Burden
Prevalence of total knee replacement about 4.2 percent among U.S. adults aged 50 years or older
Wednesday, March 20, 2013

ER Discharge Dx/Disposition Discordant With Chief Complaint
Presenting complaints don't differ amongst patients needing primary care, urgent care, hospital admission
Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Conflict-of-Interest Disclosures Common at 2011 AAOS Meeting
All featured symposia at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons disclosed conflicts
Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Final Rule in Notice of Benefit, Payment Parameters Issued
Rule expands on existing standards for risk adjustment, reinsurance, risk corridors
Friday, March 15, 2013

Pharmaceutical Companies Are Reducing Promotional Spending
Much less spent to promote biologics compared with small molecule drugs, study finds
Friday, March 15, 2013

Health Insurance Exchanges Will Mainly Be Run by Feds
Federal government will establish exchanges for 26 states; state-run exchanges for 17 states, D.C.
Friday, March 15, 2013

$120 Million to Be Sequestered From Health Centers in 2013
Losses likely to be more severe for health centers that are especially grant dependent
Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Salty Diet Implicated in Autoimmune Disease
Studies found it activated cells in the immune system, resulting in form of MS in rodents
Friday, March 08, 2013

Double-Jointed Adolescents Risk Musculoskeletal Pain
Hypermobility likely to affect shoulder, knee, ankle/foot, particularly among the obese
Thursday, March 07, 2013

Clinical Trials Published Almost Two Years After Completion
Funding source, number of participants, and journal impact factor all affect time to publication
Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Most Docs Report Information Overload in EHR-Setting
Docs who report information overload more likely to have missed results leading to delayed care
Wednesday, March 06, 2013

U.K. Health Performance Worse Than Comparable Countries
Tobacco, high blood pressure, high BMI leading risk factors for disability-adjusted life-years
Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Panel Recommends 10 Patient Safety Strategies
Ten strategies strongly encouraged for adoption; a further 12 strategies encouraged
Monday, March 04, 2013

CMS Reports on Progress Toward Improved Health Care
Progress includes slowing of growth in health care spending, decrease in readmissions
Monday, March 04, 2013

Computerized Provider Order Entry System Cuts Rx Errors
Given effect size, CPOE use, estimated reduction of 12.5 percent in medication errors each year
Monday, March 04, 2013

Sequestration to Impact Health Care-Related Programs
Medicare providers and medical researchers brace for cuts from fiscal impasse
Friday, March 01, 2013

ACR Releases Five 'Don'ts' for Rheumatologists
Top five list includes diagnostic tests, treatments that might be commonly misordered
Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Preparation Underway for Implementation of ACA in 2014
Medicaid and CHIP are still main source of insurance coverage for children, pregnant women
Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits Expanded
New rule from HHS outlines standards for essential health benefits
Friday, February 22, 2013

CMS Proposes Payment and Policy Updates for 2014
Suggested changes will increase value and protection for beneficiaries
Thursday, February 21, 2013

Faster Adoption of Electronic Health Records Needed
Penalties under 2009 law start in 2015
Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Multimodality Approach Needed to Reengineer Health Care
Rethinking, redesign, and application of necessary tools suggested for health care value reform
Tuesday, February 19, 2013

CMS: Unnecessary Medicare Regulations to Be Reformed
Proposed rule aims to increase ability of health care professionals to improve patient care
Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Artificial Intelligence Can Improve Patient Care
Modeling shows that computers can improve medical decisions and outcomes at lower costs
Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Health Care-Associated Infections Decreased in 2011
Largest drop in central line-associated bloodstream infections; surgical site infections also down
Friday, February 15, 2013

Self-Rated Health Measure Can Predict Outcomes in Knee OA
Single-item measure of self-rated health also mediates changes in social and mental health
Friday, February 15, 2013

IOM Urges International Action to Eradicate Fake Drugs
Falsified and substandard meds are ineffective; may trigger resistance and cause illness, death
Thursday, February 14, 2013

Psychological, Sexual Impact of Female Breadwinners Explored
Men who are outearned by their wives more likely to use erectile dysfunction medications
Thursday, February 14, 2013

Oregon Experiment Will Provide Insight Into ACO-Based Reform
Program centered on coordinated care organization highlights challenges of contracting with ACOs
Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Health Insurance Exchanges Are Top Priority on U.S. Agenda
Fifty-five percent view establishment of insurance exchange as top policy priority for their state
Wednesday, February 13, 2013

In Veterans With RA, PTSD Worsens Disease Activity
Worse patient-reported outcomes, higher tender joint counts in rheumatoid arthritis plus PTSD
Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Naltrexone Linked to Reduction in Pain in Fibromyalgia
Low-dose treatment also improves mood and satisfaction with life
Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Brain Activity Linked to TNF Inhibitor Response in RA
Response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors associated with activity in pain-related brain areas
Monday, February 11, 2013

Increasing Patient Activation Tied to Lower Health Care Costs
Having a higher score on the Patient Activation Measure linked to improved outcomes, lower costs
Monday, February 11, 2013

Study Explores Link Between UV-B Light Exposure, RA Risk
In older, but not younger women, UV-B light exposure linked to lower rheumatoid arthritis risk
Friday, February 08, 2013

Knowing Cost of Imaging Tests Doesn't Cut Utilization
Provider cost transparency alone does not significantly impact use of inpatient imaging
Friday, February 01, 2013

Physicians Commonly Report Unsafe Hospital Workloads
Findings from an online survey of hospitalists show excess workload affects patient outcome
Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Brain Scans Show Doctors Empathize With Patients
Regions associated with pain relief and reward activated
Tuesday, January 29, 2013

FDA Panel Votes for Tougher Restrictions on Hydrocodone
Panel votes in favor of moving hydrocodone combo products into Schedule II category
Friday, January 25, 2013

Physician Education Ups Communication for New Meds
Patients rate the new medication information transfer higher for docs in intervention group
Thursday, January 24, 2013

Large Teaching Hospitals Face More Readmission Penalties
After adjustment, likelihood of being penalized highest for safety-net hospitals
Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Care Transition Initiative Decreases Rehospitalizations
However, no significant reduction in 30-day rehospitalization as percent of hospital discharges
Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Poor Arthritis Outcome Risk Up in Overweight Black Women
May be due to factors including comorbidity, depressive symptoms, and knee pain
Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Canadian Pediatric Lupus Severity Varies With Ethnicity
But treatment, disease activity, and irreversible damage similar by ethnicity
Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Simple Intervention Ups Pneumococcal Vaccination Rate
Rate of immunosuppressed patients who are up-to-date with vaccination up with reminder form
Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Efforts Failed to Up Primary Care, Rural Resident Training
Net growth in primary care training, but outpaced by growth in non-primary care training
Friday, January 18, 2013

Even Brief Interruptions Dramatically Increase Errors
Error rate doubled or tripled in response to brief interruptions of only 2.8 to 4.4 seconds
Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Family Docs Are Early Adopters of Electronic Health Records
Sixty-eight percent currently use EHR systems; likely to surpass 80 percent by 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Most Newly Approved Biologics Studied in Peds Population
Majority are currently labeled for pediatric use or involved in trial; similar findings for vaccines
Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Certain Online Behaviors of Docs Warrant Investigation
Consensus in seven of ten vignettes; outcome less clear for other doc online behavior scenarios
Monday, January 14, 2013

Top Five Issues for Docs and Patients Identified for 2013
Issues include access to care, physician shortages, preparation for 30 million new patients
Monday, January 14, 2013

National U.S. Health Care Spending Relatively Stable
But during 2011, personal health care spending growth accelerated
Friday, January 11, 2013

SPIRIT 2013 Clinical Trial Protocol Guidelines Issued
Thirty-three-item SPIRIT checklist will serve as guideline for the minimum content of clinical trial
Thursday, January 10, 2013

Health Care Use Dropped Among All During Recession
Little evidence of racial or ethnic disparities, except for fewer physician visits for Hispanics
Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Cervical Spine Instabilities Frequently Develop in RA
Within about five years, 43.6 percent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop instability
Monday, January 07, 2013

Web-Based QoL Tool Beneficial in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Patients have more discussions with their doctor; doctors more satisfied with care
Monday, January 07, 2013

Shared Savings May Promote Care Coordination Entity Use
Sharing savings with dually eligible patients may foster enrollment in coordinated care entities
Monday, January 07, 2013

Association Between Health Care Cost, Quality Inconsistent
Review of 61 studies shows inconsistent evidence for the direction of the association
Thursday, January 03, 2013

Fracture Risk Down With Adherence to Bisphosphonates
Second study shows more than half of U.S. vets with rheumatoid arthritis are non-adherent
Thursday, January 03, 2013

House Joins Senate to Avert Medicare Cuts
U.S. health care could be significantly affected by failure to reach 'fiscal cliff' agreement
Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Fibromyalgia May Be Underdiagnosed, More So in Men
Patients meeting fibromyalgia research survey criteria found unlikely to receive diagnosis of fibromyalgia
Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Teen Vitamin D Intake Not Related to Adult RA or SLE Risk
No link between dietary vitamin D intake during adolescence, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus risk
Thursday, December 27, 2012

Data Suggest Smoking Doesn't Impact RA Treatment Response
No differences in mean disease activity score in 28 joints based on smoking status
Thursday, December 20, 2012

Two Drugs Promising for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Treatment
Two studies show patients respond well to tocilizumab and canakinumab
Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Health Care Satisfaction Rated As High by Unacculturated Hispanics
Unacculturated or biculturated Hispanics give higher ratings for health care experiences
Monday, December 17, 2012

Predictors of Organ Damage Identified in Patients With SLE
Patient age, hypertension, and corticosteroid use are most important predicts of organ damage
Friday, December 14, 2012

Immunogenicity Strongly Impacts Response to Adalimumab in RA
For anti-TNF therapy-naive patients, overall efficacy similar for etanercept, adalimumab
Thursday, December 13, 2012

Health Care Law Boosts Savings on Meds for Medicare Recipients
Savings on prescription drugs has reached $5.1 billion; for more than 5.8 million beneficiaries
Friday, December 07, 2012

Increasing Number of Workers in Self-Insured Health Plans
In 2011, 58.5 percent with health coverage self-insured; increase driven by large employers
Monday, December 03, 2012

Worse Outcomes for Total Joint Arthroplasty in RA Versus OA
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have increased risk of dislocation after THA, infection after TKA
Friday, November 30, 2012

Political Leaders Face Voter Opposition to Medicare Cuts
Voter poll analysis portends conflict in ACA implementation
Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Doc Earnings Growth Lags Behind Other Health Professionals
Adjusted physician earnings dropped by 1.6 percent from 1996-2000 to 2006-2010
Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Growing Number of Drugs Possibly Inhibited by Grapefruit
All drugs orally administered; have low-to-intermediate bioavailability; metabolized by CYP3A4
Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Obama Administration Moving Forward With Health Care Law
From 2014, insurance companies prohibited from discrimination based on pre-existing conditions
Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Pulmonary Complications Often Fatal in Systemic JIA
Pulmonary diseases may result from systemic disease or from medication exposure
Monday, November 19, 2012

Mental Illness, Job Stress Both Factors in Physician Suicides
Docs more likely to have antipsychotics, barbiturates, not antidepressants on toxicology testing
Friday, November 16, 2012

ACR: Overweight, Obesity Tied to Increased RA Risk in Women
Being overweight, obese has stronger effect on risk for seronegative than seropositive RA
Monday, November 12, 2012

ACR: Depression Linked to Increased Mortality in RA
Worsening of depression symptoms also tied to mortality risk; associations stronger in men
Monday, November 12, 2012

Impaired Central Pain Mechanism for Patients With RA
Sleep disturbance may mediate association between RA and impaired pain modulation
Friday, November 09, 2012

Racial Variation in Pain in Knee OA Linked to Vitamin D Levels
Experimental pain sensitivity, not self-reported clinical pain, up with low levels of vitamin D
Thursday, November 08, 2012

Antirheumatic Drugs Have Minor Effect on Preeclampsia Risk
Increased risk for women with SLE; nonsignificant increased risk for DMARD users in pregnancy
Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Few PT Interventions Effective for Knee Osteoarthritis
Some studies demonstrate benefit from specific exercise interventions and ultrasonography
Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Salivary Gland Ultrasonography Improves Sjögren's Diagnosis
Addition of ultrasonography to AECG classification improves diagnostic accuracy
Friday, November 02, 2012

Factors Impacting Benefit of Exercise in Knee OA Identified
Self-reported knee instability, fear of exercise linked to response to therapeutic exercise
Friday, November 02, 2012

NSAIDS Don't Affect C-Reactive Protein Levels in RA Patients
Stratified analysis of specific NSAIDs show significant effect; naproxen tied to decrease in CRP
Thursday, November 01, 2012

Self-Management of Low Back Pain Has Small Effects
Meta-analysis of moderate-quality evidence shows small effects on pain, disability
Thursday, November 01, 2012

U.S. Medicare Spending on Elderly Has Outpaced Canada's
Growth three times faster in the U.S., while Canada offers more comprehensive benefits
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Genuine Very Large Effects in Trials Rare in Medicine
Very large effects typically seen in small trials and diminish subsequently; seldom address mortality
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

TNF Inhibitor Use Doesn't Up Short-Term Cancer Incidence
In rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis
Monday, October 22, 2012

Women With RA Report Lower Sexual Function
Sexual dysfunction related to depression, disease severity, and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Patellofemoral Disease Features Analyzed in Osteoarthritis
Severe coexisting disease linked to distinct features from tibiofemoral OA alone/with mild PF disease
Monday, October 15, 2012

Methotrexate Use Linked to Reduced Mortality in RA
Findings for methotrexate use of more than one year in cohort of patients followed for 25 years
Friday, October 12, 2012

Diabetes Independently Predicts Severe Osteoarthritis
Type 2 diabetes also predicts arthroplasty; probability increases with duration of diabetes
Friday, October 12, 2012

Leflunomide Considered Safe, Effective for Psoriatic Arthritis
Improvements seen in joint scores, pain, fatigue, dactylitis, and skin disease
Friday, October 12, 2012

Belimumab Deemed Safe for Long-Term Treatment of Lupus
Over four years of exposure, adverse events were stable or declined
Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Increased Weight Cuts Death Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis
But overweight, obese tied to increased risks of comorbidity, reduced quality of life
Thursday, October 04, 2012

Limiting the Problem of Missing Data Urged for Clinical Trials
Special report: analysis methods can not compensate for missing data, simple fixes ruled out
Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Cherry Intake Linked to Lower Risk of Recurrent Gout Attacks
Cherries or cherry extract linked to lower risk; additive effect when combined with allopurinol
Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Increased VTE Risk Seen in Rheumatoid Arthritis Qualified
Risk does not vary with RA duration; risk post-hospitalization similar to general population
Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Observation Units Could Save $3.1 Billion Nationally Per Year
Hospital observation units could save $1,572 per patient; $4.6 million annually per hospital
Tuesday, October 02, 2012

New Guidelines Issued for Management of Gout
Two-part guidelines include approaches to hyperuricemia; therapy, prophylaxis for acute gout
Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Patients Benefit From Access to Physician Notes
Patients frequently access visit notes; almost all patients want open note policy to continue
Monday, October 01, 2012

Pain Intensity in Juvenile Arthritis Varies Widely
Pain intensity varies widely within days for youth with JIA, significantly impacting quality of life
Friday, September 28, 2012

Topical NSAIDs Effective for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Equivalent to oral NSAIDs in efficacy but with fewer adverse gastrointestinal effects
Thursday, September 27, 2012

Gout Is Primary Indication in About 0.2 Percent of ER Visits
Increased propensity for emergency department use linked to age, gender, household income
Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Study Looks at Pain Processing Abnormalities in Knee OA
Central sensitization may explain cases of knee OA with high clinical pain, low-grade disease
Monday, September 17, 2012

Not All Docs/Nurses Want to Be Asked About Hand Hygiene
Few were asked in the past month; more than a quarter do not want patients to remind them
Friday, September 07, 2012

No Increased Risk of Cancer With Biologics in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Use of biologic response modifiers for at least 24 weeks doesn't up overall, specific malignancy risk
Tuesday, September 04, 2012

In RA, Hand Surgery Improves Function, Appearance
Benefit seen for severe hand deformities treated with silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty
Monday, September 03, 2012

Subclinical Atherosclerosis Noted in Diffuse Scleroderma
Significantly elevated carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, stiffness index β
Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Muscle-Related Statin Effects Seem to Correlate With Potency
Fluvastatin is apparent exception to potency prediction of muscle-related adverse effects
Friday, August 24, 2012

New Decision Aid for Treatment of Herniated Disc Beneficial
Instrument meets high-quality patient-reported survey criteria of acceptability, reliability, validity
Thursday, August 23, 2012

2012 Indicators of Well-Being for Older Americans Issued
Indicators of population, economics, health status, health risks, and health care described
Monday, August 20, 2012

Catastrophizing Doesn't Predict Low Back Pain Evolution
In routine practice, assessing baseline catastrophizing score not helpful
Thursday, August 16, 2012

Poor Follow-Up of Hospital Tests Often Due to Late Orders
Tests performed on day of discharge represent 6.8 percent of all tests, 46.8 percent of missed results
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Similar Mortality With Different TNF-α Inhibitor Therapies in RA
No mortality differences between adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab in rheumatoid arthritis
Thursday, August 09, 2012

Infection Risk Up for Seniors With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Comorbidity, rural residence, disease severity, prior infection, DMARDs linked to infection
Tuesday, August 07, 2012

Learned Helplessness Linked to Arthritis Disease Outcomes
Significantly linked to inflammatory polyarthritis outcome; mediates impact of socioeconomic status
Monday, August 06, 2012

Thigh Muscle Density Linked to Physical Functioning in RA
Rheumatoid arthritis characteristics account for most of the variability in thigh muscle density
Friday, August 03, 2012

Clinicians Can Unintentionally Prompt Nocebo Effect
Negative expectations, being informed about complications up likelihood of adverse effects
Thursday, August 02, 2012

Self-Efficacy Predicts Fibromyalgia Symptomatology
And, physical function at six months predicts self-efficacy at one year
Monday, July 30, 2012

Forefoot Joints Don't Improve 28-Joint Count Measurement
In early RA, inclusion of forefoot joint doesn't improve measurement range, precision
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Poorer Patient Experience at Safety-Net Hospitals
Worse performance on nearly every measure of patient experience; discrepancy persisted over time
Thursday, July 19, 2012

Discrepancy in Perception of RA Disease Activity Elucidated
RA patients see pain, doctors see joint swelling as the primary determinant of disease activity
Thursday, July 19, 2012

~12,000 Preventable Deaths in English Hospitals Annually
Main causes are poor clinical monitoring, diagnostic errors, and inadequate drug/fluid management
Thursday, July 19, 2012

Social Network Analysis IDs Informal Physician Networks
Geographic variation in network characteristics; similar physician, patient features within networks
Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Prevalence of Gout Increases With Increasing BMI
Elevated burden of gout exists in overweight and obese; link independent of serum uric acid
Tuesday, July 17, 2012

RA Patients Are Receiving Recommended Cancer Screenings
Rates for breast, cervical, and colon cancer screening higher than in general population
Thursday, July 12, 2012

Anxiety, Depression Common in Adults With Arthritis
Anxiety found more often than depression; one-third of patients have one of the two conditions
Monday, July 09, 2012

Gastrointestinal Perforation Rare in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Main risk factors for GI perforations include age, history of diverticulitis, glucocorticoid use
Friday, July 06, 2012

Obesity Is a Risk Factor for Poor Remission Rates in RA
Study looks at patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis treated with TNFα therapies
Friday, July 06, 2012

Positive Outcome No More Likely in Industry-Funded Trials
Industry-funded trials for rheumatoid arthritis drugs use better methodologic quality measures
Thursday, July 05, 2012

No Increase in Shingles After Vaccine in Those on Biologics
Vaccine significantly reduces longer-term shingles risk in patients with immune-mediated diseases
Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Not Linked to Specific Birth Defects
But authors advise use of contraception and avoidance of pregnancy while taking leflunomide
Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Supreme Court Upholds Health Care Reform Law
'Individual-mandate' insurance requirement deemed constitutional
Thursday, June 28, 2012

Duplicate Payments by Federal Government Increasing
Dually enrolled patients in the VA and Medicare account for substantial, duplicate costs
Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Cannabis Use for Fibromyalgia Linked to Poor Mental Health
Mental illness, opioid drug-seeking behavior, male gender linked to herbal cannabinoid use
Friday, June 22, 2012

Half of Residents Report Working While Sick
Most frequent reasons for presenteeism include feeling obligation to colleagues and to patient care
Thursday, June 21, 2012

Research Suggests Flavocoxid Causes Acute Liver Injury
Injury seen as mixed hepatocellular-cholestatic hepatitis beginning within one to three months of use
Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Belimumab Deemed Safe for Long-Term Lupus Treatment
In study, incidence rates of adverse events remained stable or declined over four-year follow-up
Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation Most Responsive Instrument
Comparison of five assessment tools shows PREE best identifies changes pre-, post-arthroplasty
Monday, June 18, 2012

EULAR: Myocardial Strain Imaging IDs Cardiac Disease in RA
Myocardial strain imaging IDs early abnormalities in cardiac function; tied to disease severity
Thursday, June 07, 2012

Aspirin Ups Risk of Bleeding in All But Diabetes Patients
Patients with diabetes have increased risk of major bleeding, independent of aspirin use
Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Self-Management Has Small Effect on Low Back Pain
Review shows use of self-management techniques has minimal effect on pain and disability
Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Acute Purine Intake Can Up Risk of Gout Attacks Nearly Five-Fold
Animal sources pose a greater risk than plant sources
Monday, June 04, 2012

Disability in Juvenile Arthritis Affects Adult Employment
Educational attainment impacts employment; influenced by functional disability, not JIA subtype
Friday, June 01, 2012

Oral, Injected Methotrexate Have Similar Efficacy in JIA
Injected methotrexate could be discontinued in favor of oral administration in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Risk Models Only Slightly Up Prediction of Complex Diseases
Modest improvement for risk models that consider gene-gene, gene-environment interactions
Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Gender, High DAS28-P Index Predictive of Pain in Early RA
Being female, high proportion of patient-reported components in DAS28 predict less improvement
Friday, May 18, 2012

African-Americans Have More Severe Sclerosis Complications
Complications related to the type of autoantibody and severity of interstitial lung disease
Friday, May 11, 2012

High Infection Rates Seen in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Oral glucocoticoids, but not methotrexate or TNF inhibitor use linked to increased infection
Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Lupus Nephritis Screening and Management Guidelines Issued
Include methods for identifying disease, new therapies, and treatment of pregnant patients
Friday, May 04, 2012

CMS Policy Helping Hospitals to Prevent Targeted Infections
Despite positive impact, less time spent on nontargeted infections, especially in large hospitals
Friday, May 04, 2012

Lower All-Cause, Cardio Mortality in Obese With RA
But substantially increased risks of comorbidities, total joint replacement, and greater pain
Wednesday, May 02, 2012

Methodological Heterogeneity Seen in Clinical Trials
Trials registered with ClinicalTrials.gov from 2007 to 2010 mainly small, single-center
Tuesday, May 01, 2012

A Third of Adults With Arthritis Have Anxiety, Depression
Anxiety more prevalent than depression among U.S. adults with arthritis
Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Obesity, Increased Incidence of Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked
Rise in obesity accounts for more than 50 percent of concurrent increase in RA incidence
Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Indirect Link ID'd Between Pain Catastrophizing, Severity
Pain catastrophizing, especially ruminating, linked to pain severity via sleep disturbance
Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Sleep Measures Do Not Predict Clinical Pain in Fibromyalgia
Spatial extent of pain, pain aftersensation, negative mood make up about one-third of pain variance
Friday, April 27, 2012

Early Menopause Ups Risk of Osteoporosis, Fractures, Death
Menopause before age 47 increases mortality risk, fragility fractures, osteoporosis at age 77
Thursday, April 26, 2012

Pain Coping Ability Impacts Lupus Symptomology
Modifiable pain coping strategies impact physical symptoms and psychological distress of SLE
Monday, April 23, 2012

Numerous Genetic Variants Linked to Bone Mineral Density
Fourteen bone mineral density-associated loci linked with fracture risk
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Low Gastroprotective Drug Adherence Ups Upper GI Events
Increased risk of events in patients taking coxibs with low adherence to gastroprotective agents
Monday, April 16, 2012

Pain Correlates Most Strongly With Disability in Hispanics With RA
Irreversible articular damage, depression, disease activity, age, pain predict later disability
Friday, April 13, 2012

More Gastro Events in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Upper and lower gastrointestinal events linked with increased mortality among patients with RA
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Lowers Health-Related QoL
Effects of lumbar spinal stenosis on health-related quality of life compounded by comorbidities
Friday, April 06, 2012

Exercise Training Improves Cardiac Parameters in Lupus
Three-month program improves chronotropic reserve, heart rate recovery for inactive SLE patients
Thursday, April 05, 2012

New Guidelines Issued for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Update of 2008 guidelines addresses screening for TB, immunization, treatment in high-risk patients
Thursday, April 05, 2012

Medical Malpractice Claims Incur Substantial Defense Costs
Costs higher for claims resulting in indemnity payments; significant variation by specialty
Wednesday, April 04, 2012

More Than 40 Percent of Patients With RA Are Inactive
Lack of motivation and belief in physical activity account for almost 65 percent excess inactivity
Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Statin Discontinuation Linked to Mortality in RA Patients
Increases risk of cardiovascular, all-cause death; suggests importance of treatment compliance
Thursday, March 29, 2012

Thigh Fat Area, Muscle Density Linked to RA Indicators
Fat area and muscle density, but not muscle area, associated with disability, physical performance
Friday, March 23, 2012

Health Care Team Members Key for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Epidemiologists, preventionists help stop infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms
Thursday, March 22, 2012

Poorer Health Literacy Linked to Increased Mortality
About one-third of older adults in England have medium or low functional health literacy
Friday, March 16, 2012

Analgesic Use After Surgery Linked to Long-Term Use
Prescription of opioids, NSAIDs within seven days of low-risk surgery increases risk of long-term use
Thursday, March 15, 2012

Higher Spending by Hospitals Improves Outcomes
Lower mortality, readmission for acute patients admitted to hospital in highest tercile of spending
Tuesday, March 13, 2012

U.S. Mortality Rates Dropped 60 Percent From 1935 to 2010
For every year, heart disease, cancer, and stroke are among the five leading causes of death
Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Flu Vaccine Up Among Medical Staff When They Believe It Works
Hospital health care workers more likely to get vaccinated when committed to preventing flu
Friday, March 09, 2012

Race and Socioeconomic Status Linked to Chronic Pain
Black race, lower socioeconomic status independently tied with chronic pain outcomes
Friday, March 09, 2012

Surrogates Tend to Misinterpret Poor Prognosis Information
Statements about low risk of death interpreted accurately; poor prognosis viewed optimistically
Friday, March 09, 2012

Buprenorphine Maintenance Therapy Not Recommended
Abstinence-based therapy recommended instead for opioid-addicted health care professionals
Thursday, March 08, 2012

Financial Burden of Medical Care Affects One in Three
More than one in five poor or near-poor adults younger than 65 have bills they are unable to pay
Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Electronic Test Result Access Does Not Reduce Test Ordering
Office-based physician access to computerized images may up image ordering by 40 to 70 percent
Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Inactivity and Obesity Relate to Cognitive Impairment in Lupus
Executive functions impaired in inactive and obese women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Low Back Pain Counseling Strategy Ups Return to Work
Early interventions for Belgian workers with low back pain improve return-to-work rates
Monday, February 27, 2012

Bisphosphonate Use Linked to Reduced Colorectal Cancer Risk
On analysis of specific bisphosphonates, effect significant only for risedronic acid
Thursday, February 23, 2012

Classification-Based Therapy No Better for Back Pain
No significant difference with Delitto's classification-based or usual physical therapy care
Monday, February 20, 2012

Women With RA, Lupus Have Fewer Children Than Planned
Infertility, pregnancy loss, health concerns contribute to less than desired number of children
Friday, February 17, 2012

Anti-apoA-1 Ups Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in RA
Adding anti-apolipoprotein A-1 IgG to Framingham cardiovascular risk score improves predictive value
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

New Data Published on Safety of Leflunomide in Pregnancy
Data provide some reassurance to women exposed to leflunomide before or during pregnancy
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Fibromyalgia Symptoms More Severe in Obese Patients
Poorer quality of life, worse fibromyalgia symptoms seen in severely obese
Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Cancer Risk Higher in Children With Juvenile Arthritis
Treatment with methotrexate, TNF inhibitors have no effect on risk
Monday, February 13, 2012

Neuropsychiatric Events Have No Long-Term Impact in Lupus
Not linked to long-term disease activity, organ damage, or overall health-related quality of life
Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Subcortical Gray Matter Changes Seen in RA Patients
Subcortical changes and smaller intracranial volumes seen, but no cortical gray matter atrophy
Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Weight Loss Impacts Leg Muscle, Strength in Knee OA
Weight loss linked to loss of leg muscle tissue and strength, improved normalized muscle strength
Monday, February 06, 2012

RA Drug Trial Funding Source Not Linked to Outcome
Positive outcomes are not more likely in industry-funded rheumatoid arthritis drug trials
Monday, February 06, 2012

Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Ups Hip Fracture Risk for Women
More than 50 percent increased risk for postmenopausal current or former smokers
Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Disc Degeneration More Likely in Overweight, Obese Adults
Higher body mass index linked to greater severity in lumbar degenerative disc disease
Monday, January 30, 2012

More Than 40 Percent of Adults With RA Are Inactive
Lack of strong motivation and belief in physical activity account for most of inactivity
Thursday, January 26, 2012

Sex Differences Exist in Disease-Linked Pain Intensity
Women report higher pain intensity in musculoskeletal and other disorders
Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Overuse of Health Care Services Understudied
Research limited primarily to unnecessary antibiotic use and a few cardiovascular procedures
Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Unemployed Have Poorer Mental and Physical Health
And are less likely to receive needed medical care and prescriptions
Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Neuromodulators Reduce Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Second study shows no beneficial effect of muscle relaxants on pain in rheumatoid arthritis
Friday, January 20, 2012

No Autoimmune Safety Signal for Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine
Women vaccinated with HPV4 have no increase in incidence of 16 autoimmune disorders
Friday, January 20, 2012

Study IDs Optimal Interval Between Bone Density Tests
Researchers provide evidence-based estimates for BMD screening in postmenopausal women
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Juvenile Arthritis Disease-State Cut-Off Values Established
Key cut-off values established for inactive disease, minimal disease activity, subjective remission
Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Tool Predicts Improved Function After Hip Arthroplasty
Preoperative characteristics and radiographic assessment predict functional improvement
Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Pain and Depressive Symptoms Linked in Arthritis
Previous pain, depression are strongest predictors for change in pain and depression symptoms
Monday, January 16, 2012

Hyaluronic Acid Similar to Placebo for Ankle Arthritis
Single injection of hyaluronic acid to treat ankle osteoarthritis is not superior to saline solution
Monday, January 16, 2012

U.S. Health Care Expenditure Still Unevenly Distributed
In 2008 and 2009, 1 percent of population account for ~20 percent of spending
Friday, January 13, 2012

Gene Variant Identified in Families With Cold Urticaria
PLCG2 gene deletions associated with cold urticaria, immunodeficiency, and autoimmunity
Thursday, January 12, 2012

CDC: 2010 Saw Decrease in Age-Adjusted Death Rates
Homicide no longer in top 15 causes of death; replaced by pneumonitis due to solids and liquids
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Rilonacept Reduces Gout Flares During Acute Urate Lowering Rx
Phase 2 trial shows that rilonacept reduces gout flares during initiation of allopurinol therapy
Monday, January 09, 2012

Larger Trabecular Holes Explain Bone Fragility in Diabetes
More porous bone may up fracture risk despite normal bone density in postmenopausal women
Monday, January 09, 2012

Vibratory Sense Unimpaired in Knee-Injured Patients
Vibratory perception threshold intact in anterior cruciate ligament-injury, meniscectomy
Thursday, January 05, 2012

Spinal Manipulation Superior to Medication for Neck Pain
Spinal manipulation and home exercises better than medication for relieving neck pain
Thursday, January 05, 2012

Usual Care Doesn't Stop Muscle Loss in Idiopathic Fracture
Men have reduced muscle mass, physical function, quality of life six years after vertebral fracture
Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Traditional, Disease Risk Factors ID'd in SLE Osteoporosis
Fracture occurrence nearly five-fold higher for women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Perceptions of Inappropriate Care Prevalent Among ICU Staff
For ICU staff in Europe, Israel, perceptions independently linked to higher intent to leave job
Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Mindfulness Program Curbs Distress in Rheumatic Disease
Better than individual practice for reducing pain, fatigue in rheumatoid joint disease
Thursday, December 22, 2011

Vitamin D, Calcium Found to Cut Fracture, Cancer Risk
A second study offers no evidence that vitamin D supplementation prevents cardiovascular disease
Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Physician Opinions on Benefits of Open Visit Notes Vary
And, 79 percent of patients are interested in sharing their personal health record information
Monday, December 19, 2011

Concurrent-, Staged-Bilateral Knee Arthroplasty Compared
Reduction in joint infection, malfunction, but increased CVD events with simultaneous procedure
Thursday, December 15, 2011

Some RA Remission Criteria Underestimate Foot Synovitis
Only 1981 ACR and proposed 2011 ACR/ EULAR criteria include it in remission classification
Thursday, December 15, 2011

School-Based Clinics Feasible for ID'ing Chronic Fatigue
Children with CFS/ME detected through school-based clinics do well once treated
Thursday, December 15, 2011

Infection Prevention Up in VA, Non-Federal Hospitals
But catheter-associated urinary tract infection prevention practices remain low
Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Factors Affecting Micro-RNA Detection Accuracy Identified
Include variations in plasma samples, collection method, anticoagulant used, inhibitors in plasma
Friday, December 09, 2011

Knee Asymmetries Identified Early in Unilateral Hip OA
Loading and structural asymmetries identified early in disease course, when knee is asymptomatic
Thursday, December 08, 2011

Bisphosphonate Use Ups Knee, Hip Implant Survival
Almost two-fold increase seen in implant survival time after total knee or hip arthroplasty
Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Medical Students Fail to ID Hand Hygiene Indications
Preclinical phase medical students lack knowledge about hand disinfection indications
Monday, December 05, 2011

Belimumab + Standard Therapy Efficacious for Lupus
Combo improves Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Responder Index response rate
Monday, December 05, 2011

Metal, Ceramics on Par With Traditional Hip Implants
Limited comparative evidence shows no advantage of metal on metal, ceramic on ceramic bearings
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

U.S. Patients Highly Satisfied With Outpatient Medical Care
Patient satisfaction scores tied to waiting time, time spent with provider, and age category
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

High-Performing Docs Learn Equally From Success, Failure
High performers learn from successes, failures; low performers have asymmetric learning rates
Monday, November 28, 2011

Autoimmune Disorders Tied to Pulmonary Embolism Risk
High risk of pulmonary embolism during first year after admission; risk decreases over time
Monday, November 28, 2011

Behavioral Therapy Effective in Juvenile Fibromyalgia
Cognitive-behavioral therapy superior to fibromyalgia education for reducing disability
Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Adverse Effects of Pediatric Acupuncture Usually Mild
Mild adverse effects include pain, bruising, bleeding, and worsening of symptoms
Monday, November 21, 2011

Nonpunitive Method Improves Medical Error Reporting
Most common errors: misfiled or incorrectly entered patient info
Monday, November 21, 2011

Pain, Function Key Factors in Elective Amputation Decision
Satisfaction with outcome linked to patient's expectation of life after amputation
Monday, November 21, 2011

Survival Up With Posterior Cruciate-Retaining TKR
Significantly lower risk of revision with posterior-cruciate-retaining total knee replacement
Monday, November 21, 2011

CT Scan Beats Radiograph for Diagnosing Sacroiliitis
Excellent inter-reader reliability of staging and ascertaining sacroliitis with CT scans
Friday, November 18, 2011

'Number of Criteria' Approach Best Defines Gout Flare
Presence of four criteria provides 96 percent specificity, 85 percent positive predictive value
Friday, November 18, 2011

Sleep Problem Severity Tied to Fibromyalgia Risk in Women
Sleep problem severity has dose-response link with fibromyalgia, especially in older women
Thursday, November 17, 2011

Mycophenolate Mofetil Beats Azathioprine in Lupus Nephritis
With superior maintenance of renal response to treatment, and superior prevention of relapse
Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Whole-Body Vibration Does Not Improve Bone Density
WBV at 90 or 30 Hz well tolerated; doesn't improve bone density, structure in postmenopause
Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Patients Without Insurance Have Shorter Hospital Stays
Uninsured have shorter stays for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions, or non-ACSCs
Tuesday, November 15, 2011

SfN: Exercise Tied to Neuronal Changes in Fibromyalgia
Increased pain sensation following medication withdrawal is improved by aerobic exercise
Monday, November 14, 2011

Half of U.S. Adult Smokers Tried to Quit Last Year
Cessation services, however, tend to be under-utilized
Thursday, November 10, 2011

Glove Use Linked to Reduced Hand Hygiene Compliance
Gloves often worn when not indicated, and not worn when indicated
Thursday, November 10, 2011

TNF-α Antagonists Do Not Up Infection Hospitalizations
In autoimmune disease, infection hospitalization risk similar to that with nonbiologic medication
Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Varying Response to Etanercept in Juvenile Arthritis
Excellent response tied to low disability scores, prior DMARD use, younger age at onset
Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Centrally-Mediated Symptoms Tied to Pain Severity in OA
Age, radiographic severity, centrally-mediated symptoms partially explain pain severity variance
Tuesday, November 08, 2011

NASS: Low Vitamin D Common in Spinal Surgery Patients
With vitamin D inadequacy and deficiency in 57 and 27 percent of patients, respectively
Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Great Achievement at Young Age Function of Time, Not Field
Age dynamics tied to proportion of theoretical work, age of attainment of foundation knowledge
Monday, November 07, 2011

ACR: Vitamin D Beneficial in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
And, interferon-α-kinoid immunization is safe, shows promise for SLE
Monday, November 07, 2011

FDA Enhancing Surveillance for Anti-TNF Malignancy
Physicians requested to be alert, report cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma
Friday, November 04, 2011

Receptionists Contribute to Safety of Repeat Prescriptions
Clinicians often unaware of input of receptionists and administrative staff in repeat prescribing
Friday, November 04, 2011

Immune Response, Antibody Titers Seen Prior to Clinical RA
Anti-citrullinated protein antibody epitope spreading begins years prior to RA onset
Friday, November 04, 2011

Rooms of Patients With A. baumannii Often Contaminated
Supply carts, floors, infusion pumps, ventilator touch pads are most commonly contaminated
Friday, November 04, 2011

Carisoprodol-Related Emergency Visits Up in United States
Most ER visits involving carisoprodol involve another drug; usually narcotics or benzodiazepines
Thursday, November 03, 2011

No Medicare Savings From Disease-Management Hotline
Modest improvement in quality of care, but no reduction in costs of care or acute care utilization
Thursday, November 03, 2011

Risks for C. difficile Infection, Colonization Identified
Host, pathogen factors differentially affect this health care-associated infection, colonization
Thursday, November 03, 2011

CDC: Opioid Overdoses Have Reached Epidemic Proportions
Overdose death rates, sales, OPR-related treatment admissions increased between 1999 and 2008
Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Yoga Beats Usual Care for Pain-Related Back Function
However, back pain and general health scores similar with yoga and usual care intervention
Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Switching From IV to Oral Meds Cuts Health Care Costs
In patients eligible for oral intake, switch from IV to oral equivalents cuts hospital costs
Monday, October 31, 2011

Study Finds Statins Don't Slow Atherosclerosis in Pediatric SLE
No difference in mean-mean common carotid intima-media thickening with atorvastatin, placebo
Thursday, October 27, 2011

Briakinumab More Effective Than Methotrexate in Psoriasis
Although more frequent serious infections and cancers seen with briakinumab
Thursday, October 27, 2011

Ghost Authorship Prevalent in About One-Fifth of Articles
Prevalence of honorary, ghost authorship, down from 29.2 to 21.0 percent from 1996 to 2008
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Radiographic Osteoarthritis Phenotypes Linked to Race
African-Americans less likely to have hand rOA phenotypes, more likely to have knee phenotypes
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Early Impact of RA on Women's Daily Activities, Occupation
Daily activities and occupational identity are impacted in the first 12 months after diagnosis
Friday, October 21, 2011

Ultrasound, Shock Wave Not Effective for Low Back Pain
Available evidence shows that different treatments of acute low back pain give similar results
Friday, October 21, 2011

Readmission Risk Models Display Poor Predictive Ability
Current hospital readmission risk models for comparative or clinical purposes perform poorly
Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Rare Disorders ID'd by NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program
Integrated high-density SNP arrays, whole exome or genome analyses used to aid diagnosis
Thursday, October 13, 2011

'Timed Up and Go' Test Predicts Nonvertebral, Hip Fractures
TUG test performance independent risk factor for incident nonvertebral, hip fractures in older women
Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Financial Conflicts of Interest Prevalent, Under-Reported
Conflicts of interest prevalent; under-reported by members, chairs of panels developing guidelines
Wednesday, October 12, 2011

ERα Autoantibodies Affect Disease Activity in Lupus
Anti-estrogen receptor α induces cell activation by interfering with T lymphocyte homeostasis
Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Septicemia Most Costly Reason for Hospitalization in 2009
Almost one in 23 patients had septicemia; average of 4,600 new patients treated each day
Monday, October 10, 2011

Anti-TNF-α Use Cuts Diabetes Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis patients have a 51 percent reduced risk of diabetes with anti-TNF-α use
Friday, October 07, 2011

Use of Oral Steroids Linked to Vitamin D Deficiency
Steroid users have more than two-fold increased risk of vitamin D deficiency than steroid nonusers
Thursday, October 06, 2011

More Minority Patients in Low-Quality, High-Cost Hospitals
More elderly black, Hispanic, Medicaid patients consult worst rather than best hospitals
Thursday, October 06, 2011

Poor Footwear Ups Impairment, Disability in Chronic Gout
Comfort, fit, support, and cost influence footwear choice in patients with chronic gout
Monday, October 03, 2011

Vitamin D Insufficiency Prevalent in Psoriatic Arthritis
Researchers find that season and location appear to have no effect
Monday, October 03, 2011

Doctors, Patients Identify Tacit Clues in Their Interactions
Non-verbal tacit clues most common, but interpretation differs for doctors and patients
Friday, September 30, 2011

Three Weekly Hyaluronate Shots Improve Ankle Arthritis
Three weekly intra-articular hyaluronate injections improve pain, function, balance, patient satisfaction
Thursday, September 29, 2011

Stratified Care May Be Best Option for Back Pain Patients
Study finds that patients fare better and that care costs less
Thursday, September 29, 2011

DMARDs Found to Be Effective Treatment for Juvenile Arthritis
But more research is needed to define long-term safety
Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Multilevel Hemilaminectomy Economical for Lumbar Stenosis
Mean two-year cost per quality-adjusted life year $33,700 following surgery
Friday, September 23, 2011

Mortality Up in Hospitals With More Minority Trauma Patients
Trauma patients' odds of mortality linked to the proportion of minority patients in the hospital
Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Ongoing Disease Evident in Population-Based Study of JIA
Most children have mild ongoing disease with relapsing course; 58 percent receive medications
Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Mycophenolate Mofetil Safe, Effective for Refractory Lupus
MMF, standard therapy tolerated for antimalarial-resistant cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Lower Frontal/Saggital Proprioceptive Acuity in OA
Higher threshold to detection of passive movement in all directions seen in knee osteoarthritis
Friday, September 16, 2011

Surgery Effective for Subaxial Cervical Synovial Cysts
Surgical resection effective with no deaths, and minimal postoperative complications
Thursday, September 15, 2011

Many Mistakenly Believe FDA OKs Only Safe, Effective Drugs
Consumer explanations about safety, efficacy of drugs help public make better decisions
Wednesday, September 14, 2011

TNF Inhibitors for RA Do Not Increase Malignancy Risk
But tumor necrosis factor inhibitor exposure ups non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma risk
Monday, September 12, 2011

Many Hospital Staff Uniforms Contaminated With Bacteria
More than 60 percent of uniforms are contaminated, with similar rates between nurses, physicians
Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Public Sector Funds Large Part of State Obesity-Related Costs
State medical expenses would be nearly 7 to 11 percent lower in the absence of obesity
Monday, August 29, 2011

Self-Efficacy Tied to Achieving Physical Activity Goals in RA
Achieving physical activity goals lowers pain and increases quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis
Monday, August 29, 2011

Loss of Jobs Means Loss of Health Coverage for Many in U.S.
Majority report delay in getting needed healthcare and financial difficulties paying medical bills
Monday, August 29, 2011

Complementary Medicine Used More by Health Care Workers
U.S. health care providers use complementary, alternative medicine more than support workers
Friday, August 26, 2011

Pharmaceutical Ads Often Don't Adhere to U.S. FDA Guidelines
Only 18.1 percent of advertisements fully adhere to FDA guidelines, over half do not quantify serious risks
Thursday, August 25, 2011

NSAID Intolerance Indicative of Intolerance to Etoricoxib
Patients with urticaria or angioedema reactions to NSAIDs may also be intolerant to etoricoxib
Monday, August 22, 2011

Methotrexate Lowers Response to Pneumococcal Vaccine
In patients with arthritis, methotrexate reduces antibody response after pneumococcal vaccination
Monday, August 22, 2011

CDC: 2010/2011 Flu Vaccination Coverage Studied
Coverage in health care personnel and pregnant women remained stable versus previous season
Thursday, August 18, 2011

Delayed Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Europe Studied
A 24-week delay observed from symptom onset to rheumatologist assessment in patients with RA
Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Cost of Interacting With Payers Higher in U.S. Than Canada
U.S. physicians and nursing staff spend more time and money interacting with health plans
Friday, August 05, 2011

Knee Arthroplasty Unaffected by Patellar Resurfacing
In addition, no difference in reoperation incidence in patella-friendly or unfriendly designs
Monday, August 01, 2011

BMI Changes Predictive of Bilateral Knee Pain in Women
Significant association between higher body mass index at year one and knee pain in year 15
Friday, July 15, 2011

Higher Incidence of OA Seen in U.S. Military
Female, black, and older active-duty personnel have higher incidence of osteoarthritis
Thursday, July 07, 2011

New Tool Validated for Vision-Related Quality of Life
EYE-Q may reliably assess vision-related quality of life in children with juvenile arthritis
Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Unequal Care Access for Children With Public Insurance
Disparities exist in providers' acceptance of public insurance compared to private insurance
Thursday, June 16, 2011

Life Expectancy in U.S. Counties Below Many Nations
Women, and black men and women have lower life expectancy in all U.S. counties
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

NSAID Use Linked to Increased Venous Thromboembolism Risk
Increased risks for VTE, unprovoked VTE, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism
Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Youth Bear Large Burden of Global Death, Disease
Higher rates of disability-adjusted life-years in Africa compared to high-income countries
Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Effect Estimates May Be Inflated in Biomarker Studies
Highly cited studies overestimate biomarker effect compared to meta-analyses
Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Health-Related Quality of Life Lower in Arthritis Sufferers
Low income, inability to work, diabetes associated with worse HRQOL
Friday, May 27, 2011

Lupus Factors Tied to Weak Response to Influenza Vaccine
Ethnicity, prednisone treatment, increased disease flares linked to low antibody response
Thursday, May 26, 2011

Contact With Drug Industry Linked to Positive Attitudes
Substantial proportion of medical students believe gifts from drug industry affect prescribing
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Tai Chi May Prevent Falls and Improve Mental Health
Tai chi may improve general health of seniors, not effective for treating cancer or arthritis
Friday, May 20, 2011

Systemic Sclerosis Linked to Coronary Calcification
Systemic sclerosis independently increases risk of severe coronary artery calcification
Friday, May 20, 2011

Medical Education Participants Recognize Funding Bias
Yet most are unwilling to pay more for continuing medical education registration to overcome bias
Wednesday, May 11, 2011

NSAIDs May Increase Cardio Risk in MI Patients
In patients with MI, NSAIDs may increase the risk of MI, death during the course of treatment
Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Ultrasound Shows Pathology in Joints Despite Remission
Pathology detected in idiopathic arthritis may assist with assessment in children
Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Physical Activity Guidelines May Improve Survival
Adherence to guidelines most beneficial for adults with at least one chronic health condition
Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Adalimumab Maintains Remission of Childhood Uveitis
Compared with infliximab, adalimumab treatment more effective at delaying time to relapse
Monday, April 18, 2011

Self-Rated Health Predicts Outcomes of Joint Replacement
Health outcomes after surgery predicted by mental well-being and self-rated health
Thursday, April 14, 2011

'Global Trigger Tool' Identifies 10 Times More Errors
New tool identifies many more adverse events in hospital admissions compared to other methods
Thursday, April 07, 2011

Guidelines for Juvenile Arthritis Treatment Published
Guidelines suggest drug therapies based on disease characteristics
Thursday, April 07, 2011

Patients, Doctors Agree OA Care Needs Improvement
Need for more information at time of diagnosis, and osteoarthritis specialist in primary care
Monday, April 04, 2011

Autoimmune Diseases Number Two Cause of Chronic Illness
Major burden on all U.S. health care costs, patient expenses, and loss of earnings
Friday, April 01, 2011

Cell Phone Proximity to Hip Tied to Bone Mineralization
Compared to nonusers, mobile phone users have lower hip bone mineral content and density
Friday, April 01, 2011

Early Rehabilitation Post-Knee Arthroplasty Beneficial
Starting rehabilitation within 24 hours of total knee arthroplasty improves pain and autonomy
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Osteoarthritis Patients Show Increased Pain Sensitivity
Increased pain sensitivity linked to higher levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Changes Seen in Incidence of ESRD From Lupus Nephritis
Disparities observed in pediatric patients; incidence up in younger patients, African-Americans
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Online Health Records Less Used by Minorities, Poor
Low-income patients, blacks, and Hispanics less likely to use Internet personal health record
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Use of Strategies to Reduce Risk of Opioid Misuse Is Low
At-risk patients are not monitored closely and are more likely to receive early opioid refills
Friday, March 25, 2011

Reduced Hours for Trainees Has Had Little Effect in U.S.
Shorter work week for doctors in training has had little impact, positive or negative, on patient safety
Thursday, March 24, 2011

Rheumatic Disease Patients Require Two Flu Vaccine Doses
Vaccine response independently affected by certain disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Qigong Comparable to Exercise for Treating Neck Pain
Similar effect regarding neck pain, disability, and quality of life; superior to no treatment
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Bunions Impact General Quality of Life
Hallux valgus has broader detrimental effects beyond pain
Thursday, March 17, 2011

Professional Values of U.S. and U.K. Doctors Examined
Nearly one-third of doctors fail to report inadequate colleague, often for fear of retribution
Thursday, March 17, 2011

Short Nurse Staffing Linked to Higher Patient Mortality
More deaths seen when shifts fall eight or more hours below target
Wednesday, March 16, 2011

U.S. Death Rate Reaches All-Time Low
In 2009, death rate hits 741 per 100,000 population, a 2.3 percent decline
Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Weight Loss Counseling Rate Rises for Adults With Arthritis
But lack of progress in physical activity counseling and arthritis education discouraging
Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Risk of Infection, Malignancy With Anti-TNF Therapy Unclear
No raised risk in early rheumatoid arthritis patients, naive to methotrexate
Friday, March 11, 2011

HealthGrades Finds Rates of Patient Safety Events Vary
Patients have 46 percent lower risk of safety error in top versus bottom-ranking hospitals
Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Ethnic Differences Seen in Academic Measures for U.K. Docs
Gap exists in academic performance of white versus nonwhite medical students and doctors
Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Pharmacological Meta-Analyses Rarely Report Disclosures
Meta-analyses of pharmacological interventions rarely disclose funding or conflicts of interest
Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Improvement in Fibromyalgia Pain Scale Quantified
Two-point improvement on Brief Pain Inventory implies meaningful pain reduction
Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Maternal Opioid Use Tied to Higher Birth Defect Risk
Opioid analgesic use just prior to or during early pregnancy may up risk of certain defects
Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Many Patients Do Not Consolidate Drugs Efficiently
Low literacy identified as independent predictor of dosing more times than necessary per day
Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Equations Predict Quadriceps Strength in Knee Osteoarthritis
Equations based on submaximal strength are good measures of actual maximal strength
Thursday, February 24, 2011

Ultrasound Detects Silent Enthesitis in Arthritis
Power Doppler ultrasound detects clinically silent enthesitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Nitroglycerin Strengthens Bones in Older Women
Treatment found to increase bone mineral density, lower bone resorption in postmenopausal women
Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Different Therapies Improve Chronic Fatigue Outcomes
Cognitive behavior and graded exercise therapy effective additions to specialist medical care
Friday, February 18, 2011

Insomnia in Arthritis Tied to Pain, Depression Ups Risk
Adults with arthritis having depression and anxiety are at highest risk of sleep disturbance
Friday, February 18, 2011

New U.S. Report on the Nation's Health 2010 Released
The 34th annual CDC report includes a special feature on death and dying
Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Most Recalled Medical Devices Given Lenient Approval
Over 70 percent of the medical devices recalled were considered low or moderate risk
Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Obesity, Arthritis Shorten Quality-Adjusted Life-Years
Reducing obesity to levels of 10 years ago would prevent more than 100,000 knee replacements
Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Researchers Explore Nature of Difficult Clinical Encounters
Patients, physicians both contribute characteristics; difficult patients have worse outcomes
Monday, February 14, 2011

Joint Effusions Signal Possible Lyme Arthritis
Indications of Lyme arthritis include knee involvement, willingness to bear weight
Monday, February 14, 2011

Addison's Disease Is a Risk Factor for Hip Fracture
Diagnosed or undiagnosed disease ups fracture risk; highest risk for women age 50 or younger
Friday, February 11, 2011

Public Sector Plays Big Role in Drug Research
Role of public-sector research institutions larger than previously thought
Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Early Prophylaxis Effective for Children With Hemophilia
Children initiated on prophylaxis by 36 months of age have less hemarthroses and no arthropathy
Thursday, February 03, 2011

Givinostat a Promising Treatment for Juvenile Arthritis
Drug appears safe, well tolerated, beneficial for arthritic component of disease
Thursday, February 03, 2011

Community-Based Exercise Alleviates Arthritis Pain
Pain and physical function improved by community-deliverable exercise programs
Thursday, January 27, 2011

Electronic Health Records May Not Improve Care Quality
Use with clinical decision support not tied to better quality of care
Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Suicide Risk, Accidental Death Increased in Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia patients not at increased risk for mortality but risk of suicide, accidents increased
Friday, January 21, 2011

Physical Exam Helps Diagnose Source of Lumbar Pain
Physical exam tests can accurately predict lumbar nerve impingement presence and location
Friday, January 21, 2011

CDC Report Highlights Important Health Disparities
Outlines disparities by sex, race/ethnicity, income, and other social characteristics
Thursday, January 13, 2011

Burnout Levels Particularly High in Residents
High percentage of anesthesiology chairs also meet criteria for high or moderately-high burnout
Monday, January 10, 2011

Clinicians Not Adhering to Arthritis Guidelines
Emphasis should be on weight loss and exercise rather than imaging, pharmacology, and surgery
Monday, January 10, 2011

Etanercept Improves Growth in Children With JIA
Effective when used with or without methotrexate for juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Thursday, December 02, 2010

Burnout Driving Away Many Emergency Physicians
French study finds work-family conflicts, poor teamwork associated with burnout
Thursday, December 02, 2010

Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Evaluation Improves Outcomes
Delayed exam tied to more joint destruction, lower chance of DMARD-free remission
Wednesday, December 01, 2010

RSNA: Visceral Body Fat Tied to Poor Bone Health
Women with more visceral fat have higher bone marrow fat and lower bone mineral density
Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Reallocation of Care Would Increase PCPs' Work Weeks
Study investigates plausibility of reallocating specialty care follow-up to primary care physicians
Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Is Worse If Other Areas Hurt Too
More aches, pains in multiple areas -- especially back, foot, and elbow -- tied to worse knee pain
Monday, November 22, 2010

U.S. Health Insurance Compared to 10 Other Nations
U.S. adults spend more time, money on insurance; have more coverage denials
Friday, November 19, 2010

Fraud in Scientific Literature Appears Intentional
Characteristics of articles retracted for fraud versus error suggest deliberate effort
Thursday, November 18, 2010

ACR: Tai Chi Associated With Improvements in Arthritis
May reduce pain, fatigue, stiffness, improve feelings of well-being in arthritis patients
Friday, November 12, 2010

Physician-Industry Financial Ties Decreased Since 2004
But 83.8 percent of physicians still have some type of industry financial relationship
Friday, November 12, 2010

ACR: Treatment Adherence Low With Rheumatic Diseases
Low adherence in those with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus negatively impacts outcomes
Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Workers' Compensation Hand Injuries Receive Different Care
More testing and longer time to surgery interval seen in Workers' Compensation recipients
Monday, November 08, 2010

Last Years of Life Painful for Many Older Adults
For those with arthritis, 60 percent deal with pain in their last month of life
Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Effective Neck Pain Treatments May Be Underutilized
Meanwhile, diagnostic imaging, narcotics, and unproven treatments are overused, study finds
Monday, November 01, 2010

FDA: Methotrexate Injection Vials Recalled
Recall issued due to presence of small glass particulates in limited number of vials in four lots
Friday, October 29, 2010

Primary Care Trails Other Specialties in Hourly Wages
In other study, physicians point to Medicare reimbursement problems, differ on reforms
Tuesday, October 26, 2010

ASBMR: Osteoporosis Screening Interval Assessed
Bone mineral density key determinant of screening interval in postmenopausal women
Monday, October 18, 2010

Expectations Don't Predict Recovery Time for All Injuries
Predictive only for workers filing back-injury claims, not for other musculoskeletal issues
Friday, October 15, 2010

Fibromyalgia Sufferers May Benefit From Yoga Practice
Meditation, poses, breathing exercises ease symptoms, aid coping
Thursday, October 14, 2010

DMARDs, Glucocorticoids, Biologics Similar for RA
Equally effective at slowing joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis
Friday, October 01, 2010

FDA Calls for Halt on Marketing of Unapproved Colchicine
Orders companies to stop making, distributing the gout medication
Friday, October 01, 2010

Assaults Linked to Pain in Nursing Home Workers
Many providers report recent assaults at work; issue associated with musculoskeletal pain
Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Exercise Preserves Functioning in Women With Osteopenia
Elderly osteopenia patients who exercise may also have fewer fractures, lower mortality risk
Tuesday, September 28, 2010

RA May Raise Complication Risk After Ankle Arthroplasty
Those with inflammatory connective-tissue disease have 14-fold higher risk for additional surgery
Monday, September 27, 2010

Daily 100 mg Milnacipran Found Effective in Fibromyalgia
Drug improves pain, fatigue, and global scores; is well tolerated
Thursday, September 23, 2010

Krystexxa Approved for Gout
For adults who can't use other therapies
Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Sacrifice Makes Industry Gifts Seem More Acceptable
Residents reminded of med school sacrifices tend to perceive gifting more favorably
Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Re-Consent Important Before Secondary Use of Genetic Data
Research participants want to be asked before their data are added to federal database
Monday, September 13, 2010

Annual Medical Liability Costs Surpass $50 Billion
Account for more than 2 percent of total health care spending in the United States
Thursday, September 09, 2010

Few Procedures Account for Most Ortho Adverse Events
Hip fracture repair, total knee arthroplasty lead list for adverse events linked to orthopedic surgery
Monday, August 09, 2010

Industry-Funded Clinical Trials Yield More Positive Outcomes
Also less likely than government-, nonprofit-funded trials to be published within two years
Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Exercise Adherence Helps Osteoarthritis Patients
Those who stick with home exercise plans and have greater physical activity have better outcomes
Friday, July 30, 2010

Calcium Supplements May Increase Heart Attack Risk
Meta-analysis reveals significant increase in risk in those taking calcium versus those on placebo
Friday, July 30, 2010

Vaccinations Not Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
Researchers find no link between common vaccinations in adults and increased RA risk
Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Cardio Exercise Safe, Beneficial in Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA patients who exercise experience small but significant improvements in quality of life, pain
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Doctors Agree Malpractice Fears Drive Overuse of Tests
Almost all surveyed physicians say more tests and procedures are ordered than needed
Monday, June 28, 2010

Celecoxib Linked to Lower Rate of Gastrointestinal Events
Associated with lower risk than diclofenac plus omeprazole in arthritis patients
Thursday, June 17, 2010

Fatal Medication Errors Rise in July at Teaching Hospitals
Researchers say arrival of new medical residents at least partly explains the increase
Tuesday, June 08, 2010

FDA: Proton Pump Inhibitors Linked to Fracture Risk
Product labeling changed due to higher fracture risk associated with high doses or long-term use
Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Many General Internists Leave Field by Mid-Career
One in six leave internal medicine versus one in 25 internal medicine subspecialists, survey finds
Friday, May 14, 2010

New FDA Program Targets Misleading Drug Advertising
Aims to teach health care providers their role in recognizing, reporting untruthful ads
Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Risk Factors for Physician Misconduct Identified
Male sex, lower socioeconomic status, and difficulty in medical school increase misconduct risk
Wednesday, April 28, 2010

FDA Changes Medical Device Advisory Committee Process
Expert panels reviewing devices for premarket approval will discuss information differently
Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Financial Ties Negatively Affect Perceptions of Research Quality
Patients believe their physicians' ties also influence clinical care
Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Most Doctors Not Knowledgeable About Herbals
Survey also finds health care providers think the public has 'misplaced faith' in herbal medicines
Monday, April 26, 2010

Many Women Unaware of Increased Fracture Risk
Even those already diagnosed with osteoporosis may not perceive their increased risk
Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Knee Osteoarthritis Patients Often Rely on Self-Help
Many seek medical help but also make their own lifestyle changes, which improve pain, function
Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Two Approaches, Similar Improvement in Back Pain
Group multidisciplinary rehab, individual exercise programs lead to improvements in pain, disability
Monday, March 22, 2010

Integrated Care Program Beneficial in Low Back Pain
Intervention group returned to work an average of 120 days earlier than usual-care group
Wednesday, March 17, 2010

SSRIs Show Anti-Inflammatory Benefit in RA Models
Fluoxetine, citalopram findings point to possible role of Toll-like receptors in condition
Friday, March 12, 2010

Medical Checklists Needed to Improve Care and Outcomes
Johns Hopkins authors advocate medical checklist use and propose a process to develop them
Monday, February 22, 2010

Many Adults in Utah Report Using Opioids Incorrectly
Nearly 2 percent say they have used prescription opioids not prescribed to them
Friday, February 19, 2010

2009 H1N1-Related Deaths and Hospitalizations Examined
CDC finds cases, related hospitalizations and deaths highest among 18 to 64 year olds
Monday, February 15, 2010

Gout Associated With Higher Heart Attack Risk in Women
Research suggests the risk of heart attack with gout higher in women than men
Thursday, February 11, 2010

Laparoscopic Practice Takes Physical Toll on Surgeons
Study finds that 87 percent of laparoscopic surgeons suffer discomfort or physical symptoms
Thursday, February 11, 2010

Dietary Supplement Suspected of Causing Selenium Poisoning
Case finding study suggests liquid supplement responsible for 201 cases in 10 states
Thursday, February 11, 2010

AHRQ: U.S. Adults Seeing Big Barriers to Specialty Care
About one in 13 who need specialty care report 'big problem' in gaining access to specialists
Wednesday, February 10, 2010

FDA Initiative Aims to Cut Medical Radiation Exposure
Focus of efforts include computed tomography, nuclear medicine studies and fluoroscopy
Wednesday, February 10, 2010

H1N1 Vaccination Still Highly Recommended
H1N1 activity leveling off, but CDC still recommends vaccination
Monday, February 08, 2010

Many American Adults Do Not Get Recommended Vaccines
40,000 to 50,000 die each year of vaccine-preventable diseases, per report
Monday, February 08, 2010

Coalition Launches Campaign to Limit Residents' Hours
Advocates say 30-hour workdays cause fatigue and medical errors that impact patient safety
Friday, February 05, 2010

Health Care Spending Makes Record Leap in GDP Share
GDP health share now estimated at 17.3 percent; health spending in 2019 projected at $4.5 trillion
Thursday, February 04, 2010

Diversity Growth Incremental in the Medical Professions
A century after the Flexner Report, minorities still woefully underrepresented and obstacles remain
Thursday, February 04, 2010

The Lancet Retracts Study Linking MMR Vaccine, Autism
Medical panel finds several elements of the controversial study to be incorrect
Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Antioxidants Found to Alter Muscle Oxygen Use in Rats
Study finds oxygen delivery and consumption altered in resting and contracting muscle
Monday, February 01, 2010

Tylenol Recall in Effect Includes Several Other Drugs
Motrin, Benadryl and Rolaids are also part of recall by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary
Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Researchers Call for Reform of Opioid Prescription Practices
Study finds overdose risk is greater in patients receiving higher versus lower doses
Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Rituximab May Adversely Affect Immune Function
Studies show the drug decreases RA patients' response to pneumococcal and influenza vaccines
Thursday, January 14, 2010

Combination Approach Found to Aid Knee Osteoarthritis
Middle-aged patients in early stages of disease benefit from strength training and self-care
Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Biomedical Research Funding Shows Decline in 2008
The decline followed 7.8 percent annual increases in 1994 to 2003, 3.4 percent in 2003 to 2007
Tuesday, January 12, 2010

First Few Weeks Most Critical After Joint Replacement
Excess mortality persists but steadily decreases during first 26 postoperative days
Monday, January 11, 2010

Precautions and Training Can Reduce Scalpel Injuries
Study suggests technological innovations reduce the need for traditional blades
Thursday, December 31, 2009

Patients Often Lack Knowledge of Their Own Medications
Study suggests incorporating them into medication management would improve safety
Thursday, December 10, 2009

Women Researchers Lag Behind Men in Grant Awards
Study finds 36.2 percent of women researchers earn awards versus 45.6 percent of men
Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Most Medical Journals Have Conflict of Interest Policies
Still, study suggests definition of conflict and disclosure requirements of authors vary greatly
Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Study Finds Costs of Quality Programs Burden Practices
Another study finds many clinical trials change study design outcomes without explanation
Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Muscle Strength May Lower Alzheimer's Disease Risk
Study finds increased muscle strength likely decreases cognitive decline in elderly
Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Medical Errors Disclosure Can Help Physicians and Patients
Second study suggests patients give higher quality ratings when staff report mistakes
Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Arthritis Drugs Unlikely to Increase Cancer Risk
Study finds anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents are not associated with elevation in cancer risk
Monday, November 09, 2009

Teriparatide May Help Treat Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis
Drug found better than alendronate at increasing bone mineral density and preventing fractures
Thursday, November 05, 2009

Stats Helps Paint Picture of H1N1 Hospitalizations
Study reviews cases of flu hospitalizations and deaths in California from April to August
Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Background Disease Rates Important in H1N1 Pandemic
Awareness is essential to prevent public fears that could hinder mass immunization programs
Monday, November 02, 2009

Overweight Patients May Have Effect on Doctor's Attitude
Study finds that physicians may have lower respect for patients with higher body mass index
Thursday, October 29, 2009

Medical School Enrollment Continues to Expand
Number of residency slots also needs to increase to meet future demand for physicians
Monday, October 26, 2009

Some Hospital Staff Predicted to Be Infection Superspreaders
Hand washing compliance by staff in contact with all patients has biggest impact
Thursday, October 22, 2009

Sources Find Different Numbers of Active Physicians
Study compares projections of future physician work force using U.S. Census, AMA Masterfile
Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Cardiovascular Disease Linked to Hip Fracture Risk
Swedish twin study even suggests elevated risk for those whose twin had heart failure or stroke
Tuesday, October 20, 2009

FDA Launches Drug Disposal Advice Web Page
Flushing recommended for some drugs with potentially deadly effects
Friday, October 16, 2009

Pronation and Supination Compared for Pulled Elbow
Further studies need to be performed to verify limited evidence from three small trials
Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Study Finds Exercise Reduces Bone Loss During Lactation
New moms lose significantly less lumbar spine bone mineral density and lean body mass
Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Study Evaluates Hospital Quality and Mortality Rates
Findings suggest major quality differences between hospitals, but mortality rate improving
Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Cytokines Linked to Knee Pain With Meniscal Injury
IL-6, MCP-1, MIP-1β and IFN-γ higher in painful knees and correlated with pain scores
Friday, October 09, 2009

Health Care Disparities Among States Found to Be Widening
Commonwealth Fund Commission state report card emphasizes need for health care reform
Friday, October 09, 2009

Glatiramer Acetate May Delay Multiple Sclerosis Onset
Early treatment shown to delay conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis
Thursday, October 08, 2009

Roundtable Discussion Tackles Health Care Reform
Improvements in payment, more data to guide decisions could lead to wiser health spending
Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Medical Students Want More Practice of Medicine Training
Report finds time devoted to medical economics does not adversely affect clinical training quality
Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Wrist Fractures Less Likely Evaluated for Osteoporosis
Study finds hip and spine fracture patients more apt to undergo bone density scans
Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Effectiveness and Cost Help to Make Coverage Decisions
Study suggests countries that use these two criteria can also incorporate other factors
Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Surgical Masks Found to Be Non-Inferior to Respirators
Masks may be just as effective as respirators in preventing flu in health care workers
Thursday, October 01, 2009

CDC Says States Not Meeting Fruit and Veggie Objectives
State-by-state report finds states deficient in supporting healthy food in stores and schools
Thursday, October 01, 2009

Bacterial Infections Are a Factor in Many H1N1 Deaths
Finding underscores importance of pneumococcal vaccination for those at high risk for pneumonia
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

H1N1 Virus's Genetic Makeup Appears to Be Staying Stable
CDC suggests forthcoming vaccine likely to be very effective in preventing the disease
Monday, September 28, 2009

Review Advises Hand Washing, Other Antiviral Measures
Masks, gloves, focusing on children's hygiene helpful in preventing respiratory virus spread
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Spotlight on Social Networking Use Among Medical Students
Survey finds a minority of medical schools have policies governing online posting by students
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Scoliosis Surgery Linked to Good Long-Term Outcomes
Rates of low back pain, employment, childbearing are similar to those of general population
Monday, September 21, 2009

Taxes on Sugared Sodas Could Cut Consumption
Price increase would deter some from buying; money could be used for health programs
Thursday, September 17, 2009

FDA Approves Four Vaccines for H1N1 Influenza
Clinical studies have shown robust immune response in adults within 10 days
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Drug Interaction E-Alerts Show Benefit to Patient Safety
Electronic alerts reduce adverse events including death and disability, as well as costs
Monday, September 14, 2009

Mutated H1N1 Virus Resistant to Antiviral Drug Oseltamivir
Resistant H1N1 prompts new CDC advisory on prophylactic use of antviral drug
Friday, September 11, 2009

Compensation Status Doesn't Delay Canadians' Back Surgery
Study dispels notion of longer waits for workers' compensation or personal disability patients
Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Department Issues New HIPAA Notification Regulations
HHS regulations cover need to notify individuals after breaches of their health information
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Alarm Symptoms Often Do Not Result in Timely Diagnosis
Many evaluated for hematuria, hemoptysis, other conditions lack definite diagnoses after three years
Friday, August 14, 2009

FDA Aims to Ease Access to Investigational Drugs
New rules make the drugs more widely available to seriously ill patients outside clinical trials
Wednesday, August 12, 2009

HHS Releases Reports on Health Insurance Reform
Health and Human Services says reform would decrease costs, increase number of options
Friday, August 07, 2009

Stroke Can Increase Risk of Hip or Femur Fracture
Fracture risk heightened in recent stroke patients, females, and those under 71 years
Friday, August 07, 2009

Electronic Disease Surveillance Systems Vary Widely
Lack of unified systems will increase cost of data sharing, report predicts
Friday, July 31, 2009

U.S. Health Data Network a Powerful Tool for Quality
DARTNet, a prototype for data sharing, already gives clinicians access to data on 400,000 patients
Friday, July 31, 2009

Higher Rheumatoid Arthritis Burden Seen in Poorer Nations
Patients in countries with low gross domestic product had significantly higher disease activity
Thursday, July 30, 2009

Methods to Determine Health Care Priorities Questioned
Debate over whether to base resource allocation on measures of patient or public attitudes
Friday, July 24, 2009

Camera Phones Can Help Doctors Make Rare Diagnoses
Patient captured images of transient symptoms and gave them to her doctor
Friday, July 24, 2009

Some Improvements Seen in Hip Fracture Pain Practices
Numeric rating scale assessment has increased; but opioid management has remained static
Thursday, July 23, 2009

Obesity Rates Highest Among African-American Population
Prevalence among African-Americans 51 percent higher than among Caucasians
Friday, July 17, 2009

Obesity Rates for American Adults Still Going Up
CDC survey finds a quarter of the population in 32 states is now obese
Thursday, July 09, 2009

Priorities Set for Comparative Effectiveness Research
Best ways to spend $400 million research budget identified
Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Americans Paying for More of Their Health Care Costs
Families with individual coverage may spend 22 to 50 percent of household income on health care
Wednesday, June 24, 2009

President Signs Tobacco Law, Acts on Medicare Coverage
New law regulates tobacco marketing; Medicare reform to cut costs for seniors in coverage gap
Monday, June 22, 2009

Reinforced Infection Control Needed to Combat H1N1
Health care personnel are picking up infections in medical and community settings
Monday, June 22, 2009

AMA: Policy Statement Supports Health Care Reform
Association also adopts strategies to reduce medical school debt, increase supply of physicians
Thursday, June 18, 2009

Individual Mandate for Health Insurance Affordable and Fair
Perspective offers that compulsory minimum health insurance would benefit health care reform
Wednesday, June 17, 2009

AMA: Air Travel Guidelines Needed to Prevent Flu's Spread
Separate policy recognizes health care facilities' role in sustainable, healthy food system
Wednesday, June 17, 2009

AMA: Guidance Offered on Medical Record Breaches
American Medical Association also addresses male breast cancer, anti-aging hormone use
Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Sweeping Medical Reforms Lack Medical Liability Element
Focus is on cost control, with other issues not yet addressed
Monday, June 15, 2009

Bill Giving FDA Authority Over Tobacco on Way to President
House of Representatives rapidly endorses Senate's version of bill passed late Thursday
Friday, June 12, 2009

Senate Approves Bill Giving FDA Authority Over Tobacco
Measure requires companies to list ingredients and agency to approve new products
Thursday, June 11, 2009

Many U.K. Trained Doctors Stay in National Health Service
And men and women found to choose similar career paths
Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Democrats Set Ambitious Goal for Health Care Reform
Physicians can take lead to get much-needed federal legislation passed
Thursday, May 21, 2009

Medical Center Press Releases Often Lacking Key Details
Many overstate importance and clinical relevance of studies but omit cautions and limitations
Tuesday, May 05, 2009

More Americans Reporting Disability
Arthritis, rheumatism, back and heart problems most common causes
Friday, May 01, 2009

New Web-based Information Source to Support UK Clinicians
NHS Evidence employs technology and rigorous criteria to assure relevance and quality
Thursday, April 30, 2009

NEJM Commends New Conflict of Interest Proposal
Editorialist says comprehensive recommendations could significantly impact practices, institutions
Thursday, April 30, 2009

FDA Requires OTC Pain Relievers to Display Warnings
New rule requires warnings on stomach bleeding, liver damage on NSAIDs and acetaminophen
Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Pharmacist Involvement May Decrease Medication Errors
Two studies suggest benefits of an interdisciplinary medication reconciliation process
Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Steep Copayments Increase Risk of Non-Adherence
Higher out-of-pocket drug costs delay initiation of therapy for patients with chronic conditions
Tuesday, April 28, 2009

ACP: Board Votes to Enhance Perception of Primary Care
Regents support measures including legislation to fund studies assessing value of primary care
Friday, April 24, 2009

Shoe Insoles Don't Appear to Prevent Back Pain
Review finds strong evidence against insoles for prevention; insufficient evidence on treatment
Thursday, April 23, 2009

Having Health Insurance May Not Improve Mortality Risk
Researchers say finding suggests universal coverage would not decrease US death rate
Thursday, April 23, 2009

Oral Bisphosphonates Link to Esophageal Cancer Analyzed
Studies reported in NEJM correspondence find no cancer risk with osteoporosis drug
Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Stretches Without Health Insurance More Common
Change from early 1980s to early 2000s seen particularly in those with lowest education level
Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Continuity of Care Declining for Medicare Beneficiaries
Less than a third of beneficiaries saw their PCP when they were hospitalized in 2006
Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Spine Patients Choose Surgery to Improve Functioning
Patients with serious spinal deformities are less interested in pain relief, more interested in walking
Friday, April 17, 2009

Gastrointestinal Symptoms Common in Fibromyalgia
Nearly all fibromyalgia patients had functional gastrointestinal disorder, compared to 39 percent of study controls
Thursday, April 16, 2009

Financial Rewards for Healthy Behavior Can Be Effective
But the practice can be fraught with moral dilemmas
Friday, April 10, 2009

Electronic Prescribing Online-Learning Tools Launched
American Medical Association tools will help physicians evaluate ePrescribing systems
Thursday, April 02, 2009

Changes Needed in New-Drug Evaluation Process
Patients get 'poor return on investment'; independent evaluation and transparency needed
Wednesday, April 01, 2009

New Health Program Leads to Questions in the UK
Program calls for each primary care trust to seek a general practitioner-led health center
Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Safe Practice Scores Do Not Add Up to Fewer Patient Deaths
Safe Practices Survey data only shows how hospitals have implemented safety guidelines
Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Cost Barriers Slow Adoption of Electronic Health Records
But government intervention and funding could quickly spur improvement
Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Transdermal Patches Pose Burn Risk During Scans
Metal in patches can cause burns during MRI
Friday, March 06, 2009

Obama Wants to Spend $630 Billion on Health Care Reform
President's plan calls for replacement of Medicare reimbursement system, increase in FDA budget
Thursday, March 05, 2009

US Motor Vehicle-Related Death Rates Vary Geographically
Mortality rate in the South double that of the Northeast
Monday, March 02, 2009

Guidelines for Prevention of Rheumatic Fever Updated
Prevention requires proper identification and treatment of the streptococcal infection
Friday, February 27, 2009

AAOS: Soaring Demand for Joint Surgery May Not Be Met
Shortage of qualified surgeons may prevent many patients from receiving new hips and knees
Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Insurance Essential for Good Health, Well-Being
Report calls on policymakers, public to address uninsurance problem
Tuesday, February 24, 2009

US Health Spending May Have Hit $2.4 Trillion in 2008
Private health spending growth due to hit 15-year low
Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Proposed Changes to Health Care Would Reduce Costs
Investing in health care reform will improve outcomes, save money
Thursday, February 19, 2009

Transparency, Globalization Growing in Clinical Research
Enhanced data reporting, increased globalization among recent trends in clinical trial research
Thursday, February 19, 2009

Implementing a Quality Improvement Faculty Path
Criteria include broadening promotion factors, considering publication alternatives
Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Ads Featuring 'Drug Facts Box' Help Educate Consumers
Replacement of brief summary with 'facts box' may lead to better informed medication choices
Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Care Coordination Programs Don't Benefit Medicare Patients
Few such programs reduce hospitalizations, monthly expenditures or improve quality of care
Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Graded Exercise Program Improves Low Back Pain
Program emphasizes stabilizing exercises
Thursday, February 05, 2009

Clinical Information Technology Leads to Safer Hospitals
Automated records associated with lower mortality, fewer complications
Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Prolonged Use of Loop Diuretics May Raise Fracture Risk
Medications are normally used by women already at risk for fractures
Monday, January 26, 2009

Meditation Practice Linked to Less Pain Sensitivity
Experienced Zen meditators needed higher temperature stimulation to feel moderate pain
Monday, January 26, 2009

AHA: Medical Usage High Among Heart Failure Patients
Each year, those with severe disease see up to 23 clinicians
Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Premiums Up, Coverage Down for Medicare Part D Plans
Nearly all stand-alone Medicare Part D plans will have a coverage gap in 2009
Monday, November 10, 2008

Access to Primary Care Key to US Health Care Reform
Careers in primary care should be supported and promoted
Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Credit Crisis to Take Long-Term Toll on Health System
UK's National Health Service will have no real growth in funding
Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Placebo Treatments Commonly Utilized
Prescribing placebo treatments viewed as both common and ethical
Friday, October 24, 2008

Financial Bailout Puts US Health Care Reform in Jeopardy
Neither McCain's nor Obama's proposals would escape unscathed
Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Biologicals Prone to Regulatory Actions
First to be approved in a subgroup at higher risk for regulatory action
Tuesday, October 21, 2008

UK Researchers Demand Regulatory Relief
Regulatory burden of clinical research threatens to inhibit delivery of potential life-saving benefits
Friday, October 17, 2008

Stroke and Heart Attack Risk of Vioxx Confirmed
Long-term data compatible with earlier findings on rofecoxib and cardiovascular events
Tuesday, October 14, 2008

NSAIDs May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
Inconsistent results may be related to COX-2 expression
Friday, October 10, 2008

Americans Urged to Get Physically Active
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issues guidelines on recommended levels of physical activity
Wednesday, October 08, 2008

News Media Under-Report Drug Company Funding of Research
Few newspapers have written policy on reporting funding and using generic names for drugs
Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Bisphosphonate Infusion Linked to Ocular Complication
Case study documents orbital inflammatory disease in patient who received zoledronic acid
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

No Change to 2009 Part B Medicare Premium
First time since 2000 that premium has not been raised yearly
Monday, September 22, 2008

Antibiotic Resistance Has Become a Global Pandemic
Major medical breakthroughs under threat from loss of antibiotic efficacy
Friday, September 19, 2008

Lancet Supports WHO Report on Health Inequality
Journal applauds report's call to action, will participate in conference and publish theme issue
Friday, August 29, 2008

Bunion Patients Brake Faster Six Weeks After Surgery
Six weeks appears sufficient for return to driving after first metatarsal osteotomy for bunion
Thursday, August 28, 2008

New Pain Guidelines Released
More than 200 evidenced-based recommendations for chronic pain are outlined
Thursday, August 28, 2008

Outlook Mixed on US Presidential Candidates' Health Plans
Commentary examines potential benefits, flaws in McCain and Obama health care proposals
Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Behavioral Counseling Technique Reduces Back Pain
Involves improvement in posture and neuromuscular coordination
Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Seniors Likely to Find Medicare Health Web Site Unusable
Study of computer-savvy seniors shows the site is difficult to use and navigate
Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Over 1 Billion U.S. Doctor, Hospital Visits Logged in 2006
CDC attributes increase to aging of the U.S. population
Thursday, August 07, 2008

International Issue of Torture Complicity Analyzed
Medical community may condone torture or fail to intervene
Friday, August 01, 2008

Device May Decrease Musculoskeletal Procedure Pain
Reciprocating procedure device also found to improve outcomes, increase safety
Thursday, July 31, 2008

Exception Reporting Improves Pay-for-Performance Benefits
Inappropriate exclusion is rare
Thursday, July 17, 2008

Health Cash Incentives for Poor People Debated
Affirmative side says they may reduce health inequality; negative side doubts significant benefit
Wednesday, July 09, 2008