Is Mortality Increased with Essential Tremor?
Neurology Summary and Comment
A new study suggests so, but the findings are preliminary.
By Nikolaus R. McFarland, MD, PhD, and Michael A. Schwarzschild, MD, PhD
March 11, 2008
Covering:
Louis ED et al., Neurology 2007 Nov 20; 69:1982
Calcium Hydroxylapatite vs. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Wrinkles
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
For correction of nasolabial folds, calcium hydroxylapatite provided greater long-term satisfaction.
By George J. Hruza, MD
March 7, 2008
Covering:
Moers-Carpi M et al., Dermatol Surg 2007 Dec; 33:S144
What Happened to WHI Patients Who Stopped Taking Estrogen and Progestin?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Most risks reverted to prestudy levels, but some persisted.
Age Does Not Predict Prognosis in NSC Lung Cancer
Neither age nor comorbid conditions was an indicator of chemotherapy response or disease-specific survival.
No Effect of DHEA on Exercise Training in Older Women
General Medicine Summary and Comment
With DHEA or without it, exercise provided the same benefits.
By Robert W. Rebar, MD
February 28, 2008
Covering:
Igwebuike A et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008 Feb; 93:534
Proton-Pump Inhibitors to Prevent NSAID Complications
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Risk for upper GI events was higher when NSAIDs or coxibs were prescribed without PPIs.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
February 21, 2008
Covering:
Abraham NS et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2008 Feb; 103:323
Cancer Therapy Affects Caregivers
Oncology and Hematology Summary and Comment
Free
Physical and psychological symptoms of stress were evident in many cancer patients’ caregivers, even before initiation of radiotherapy.
New Insight into the Relation Between Sex Hormones and Prostate Cancer
Serum levels of androgens and estrogens were not related to risk for developing prostate cancer in initially healthy men.
By Robert Dreicer, MD, MS, FACP
February 19, 2008
Covering:
Endogenous Hormones and Prostate Cancer Collaborative Group., J Natl Cancer Inst 2008 Feb 6; 100:170
Carpenter WR et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 2008 Feb 6; 100:158
Education Level Affects Dementia Diagnosis
Neurology Summary and Comment
Educational achievement is associated with both delay in dementia diagnosis and accelerated memory decline after diagnosis.
By Dorene M. Rentz, PsyD
February 19, 2008
Covering:
Hall CB et al., Neurology 2007 Oct 23; 69:1657
Physical Activity and Leukocyte Telomere Length
General Medicine Summary and Comment
The most active individuals were found to have telomeres of the same length as sedentary individuals 10 years younger.
Venous Thrombosis and Occult Malignancy
Predictors of occult malignancy among patients with VTE were older age, unprovoked VTE, bilateral DVT, and anemia.
By David Green, MD, PhD
February 12, 2008
Covering:
Trujillo-Santos J et al., J Thromb Haemost 2008 Feb; 6:251
More on Melatonin, the Hormone of the Night
Neurology Summary and Comment
Sleep — and the lack thereof — affect melatonin levels.
By William J. Schwartz, MD
February 12, 2008
Covering:
Zeitzer JM et al., Sleep 2007 Nov 1; 30:1437
Conservative Treatment for Older Women with Early Breast Cancer
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Among 354 older women who were treated conservatively, 13% died of breast cancer during 15 years of follow-up.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
February 7, 2008
Covering:
Martelli G et al., Cancer 2008 Feb 1; 112:481
A Closer Look at Progeria Syndrome
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Study of this rare disorder provides insight into the mechanisms of aging.
By Mary Wu Chang, MD
February 6, 2008
Covering:
Merideth MA et al., N Engl J Med 2008 Feb 7; 358:592
Another Smoking Gun: The Effects of Cigarettes on Skin Aging
Dermatology Summary and Comment
One twin smoked; the other didn’t.
Survival After Onset of Dementia
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Dementia shortened survival time, especially among men, older adults, and functionally impaired people.
By Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP
January 31, 2008
Covering:
Xie J et al., BMJ 2008 Jan 10
Long-Term Outcomes of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
In a large observational study, patients treated with endovascular repair fared no worse than those treated with open surgical repair.
Desvenlafaxine: Future Nonhormonal Treatment for Menopausal Hot Flashes
General Medicine Summary and Comment
FDA approval appears likely.
By Robert W. Rebar, MD
January 29, 2008
Covering:
Speroff L et al., Obstet Gynecol 2008 Jan; 111:77
Nutrition and Physical Function in Elders
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Decline of physical function was associated with low serum vitamin E levels.
New ACP Guideline on Palliative Care
General Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
Simple recommendations highlight the need for clear communication, attention to caregivers, and continuity and coordination of care.
Glucocorticoid Gene Variants and Risk for CVD
General Medicine Summary and Comment
One of five glucocorticoid receptor haplotypes was associated with higher risk for MI and CHD.
GERD and Aging
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Age-related degradation of the gastroesophageal junction and progressive impairment of esophageal clearance result in more-severe GERD.
By David A. Johnson, MD
January 25, 2008
Covering:
Lee J et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007 Dec; 5:1392
ATAC at 100! (Months)
Anastrozole benefited women with early breast cancer for at least 3.5 years after treatment ended.
By William J. Gradishar, MD
January 22, 2008
Covering:
The Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination (ATAC) Trialists’ Group., Lancet Oncol 2008 Jan; 9:45
Stage II Colon Cancer: To Treat or Not to Treat?
Chemotherapy conferred a small absolute benefit on survival at 5 years in patients with uncertain indications for treatment.
Adverse Drug Events in the Elderly
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
Digoxin, warfarin, and insulin account for more than one third of ED visits for adverse drug events in older patients.
