Once-Yearly Zoledronic Acid for Men with Osteoporosis
General Medicine Summary and Comment
This drug lowered the incidence of radiographic, but not clinical, vertebral fractures.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
November 13, 2012
Covering:
Boonen S et al., N Engl J Med 2012 Nov 1; 367:1714
Adjuvant Radiotherapy for High-Risk Prostate Cancer
At median follow-up of 10.6 years, postoperative radiotherapy improved biochemical progression-free survival, but not clinical disease progression.
Poor Physical Performance Associated with Dementia, Again
Neurology Summary and Comment
The "oldest old" are more likely to have dementia if they have physical impairments.
How Common Is Psoriasis Worldwide?
Dermatology Summary and Comment
An analysis of 53 studies suggests higher prevalence north of the equator, in lighter-skinned populations, and in older people.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
November 9, 2012
Covering:
Parisi R et al., J Invest Dermatol 2012 Sep 27
Loneliness and Subjective Well-Being: Chickens and Eggs?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Each appears to substantially affect the other, but subjective well-being's effects may endure longer.
By Joel Yager, MD
November 9, 2012
Covering:
VanderWeele TJ et al., Am J Epidemiol 2012 Nov 1; 176:777
Shingles Vaccine Protection Wanes
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Boosters might be needed.
By Abigail Zuger, MD
November 8, 2012
Covering:
Schmader KE et al., Clin Infect Dis 2012 Nov 15; 55:1320
USPSTF Again Recommends Against Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy for Chronic Disease Prevention
General Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
The task force suggests no change from its 2005 recommendations.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
November 8, 2012
Covering:
Moyer VA et al., Ann Intern Med 2012 Oct 23
Ultrafiltration for ADHF Underperforms in Patients with Cardiorenal Syndrome
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
In the CARRESS trial, the procedure was less effective than a diuretic-based approach for preserving renal function.
New Benzodiazepine Use Is Associated with Risk for Dementia
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Risk rose by about 60% among elders in whom treatment with these drugs was initiated.
Calculating Patients' Lifetime Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Is it more practical than the 10-year risk estimates we're accustomed to using?
SSRIs and Intracerebral Bleeds: A Small Risk
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Free
Clinicians should remain aware of the possibility, but these medications are probably safe for almost all patients.
By Jonathan Silver, MD
November 5, 2012
Covering:
Hackam DG and Mrkobrada M., Neurology 2012 Oct 30; 79:1862
McGrath ER and O'Donnell MJ., Neurology 2012 Oct 30; 79:1844
Norovirus Infection Causes Substantial Problems in Elders
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
Hospitalization rates and mortality rose during outbreaks in nursing homes.
Effects of Norovirus Outbreaks in Nursing Homes
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
In 2009 and 2010, outbreaks were associated with significant increases in all-cause hospitalization and mortality rates among nursing home residents.
Feeding Tubes in Patients with Advanced Dementia
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Tube feedings did not extend life in a nursing home cohort.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
October 30, 2012
Covering:
Teno JM et al., J Am Geriatr Soc 2012 Oct; 60:1918
Causes of Death in Men with Prostate Cancer
In the U.S. and Sweden, men diagnosed with prostate cancer were less likely to die from the disease than from other causes.
Predictors of Antidepressant Response in Late-Life Depression
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Hippocampal volume and cognitive processing speed are associated with response over time to sertraline treatment.
By Joel Yager, MD
October 29, 2012
Covering:
Sheline YI et al, Am J Psychiatry 2012 Oct 3
In a Randomized Trial, Multivitamins Lower Cancer Risk
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
But multivitamins had no effect on 11-year cancer-specific or overall mortality.
Self-Help Course Combats Insomnia
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Detailed behavioral techniques improved sleep in older adults.
By Abigail Zuger, MD
October 25, 2012
Covering:
Morgan K et al., J Am Geriatr Soc 2012 Oct; 60:1803
Widespread Screening for Type 2 Diabetes Might Not Lower 10-Year Mortality
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In a population-based U.K. study, screening all middle-aged high-risk patients did not help.
Herpes Zoster Roster
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Investigators explore the degree to which chronic medical conditions affect the unexplained burden of herpes zoster.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
October 19, 2012
Covering:
Joesoef RM et al., Mayo Clin Proc 2012 Oct; 87:961
Vitamin D's Effect on Calcium Absorption
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Supplemental vitamin D enhanced calcium absorption very little among women with mild vitamin D insufficiency.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
October 18, 2012
Covering:
Gallagher JC et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2012 Oct; 97:3550
When to Use, or Stop, Antipsychotics in Alzheimer Disease
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Free
Risperidone doesn't always work, but when it does, stopping might make things worse.
By Jonathan Silver, MD
October 17, 2012
Covering:
Devanand DP et al., N Engl J Med 2012 Oct 18; 367:1497
Vitamin D and Cognition: Shedding Light on the Subject?
Neurology Summary and Comment
A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests an association between Alzheimer disease and Vitamin D levels.
Patients at High Risk for Falls: A Reason Not to Anticoagulate?
Hospital Medicine Summary and Comment
Among patients taking anticoagulants, high risk for falls was not associated with elevated risk for major bleeding.
Stroke Risk After TIA
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Seven-day risk was highest after small-vessel (lacunar) transient ischemic attacks.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
October 9, 2012
Covering:
Paul NLM et al., Neurology 2012 Sep 25; 79:1356
