Natural History of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Older Adults
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Some people revert back to euthyroid status.
Newer Oral Anticoagulants Are as Efficacious as Enoxaparin in Preventing Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In a meta-analysis of patients who underwent hip or knee arthroplasty, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, and apixaban all performed well.
Triaging Patients with Acute Heart Failure in the Emergency Department
General Medicine Summary and Comment
A new tool for estimating prognosis could facilitate rapid risk assessment.
Mutation May Protect Against Alzheimer Disease
Neurology Summary and Comment
A rare mutation in the <$EMPH_O>APP<$EMPH_C> gene appears to reduce risk for Alzheimer disease and age-related cognitive decline.
Wnt Inhibitor Stems Hair Growth
Dermatology Summary and Comment
The DKK-1 protein affects the anagen-to-catagen transition in the hair cycle.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
July 20, 2012
Covering:
Kwack MH et al., J Invest Dermatol 2012 Jun; 132:1554
Wrinkles Yes, Cancers No: Topical Tretinoin for Preventing NMSC
Dermatology Summary and Comment
No differences were observed between tretinoin and control groups in time to recurrence or other measures.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
July 20, 2012
Covering:
Weinstock MA et al., J Invest Dermatol 2012 Jun; 132:1583
Radical Prostatectomy vs. Observation for Early-Stage Prostate Cancer
Oncology and Hematology Summary and Comment
Free
All-cause mortality and prostate-cancer mortality were similar with both approaches.
By Robert Dreicer, MD, MS, FACP
July 18, 2012
Covering:
Wilt TJ et al., N Engl J Med 2012 Jul 19; 367:203
Thompson IM and Tangen CM., N Engl J Med 2012 Jul 19; 367:270
The USPSTF Recommendation on PSA Screening: Our Readers Have Spoken
Results of an online poll and reader feedback about prostate-specific antigen screening
Herpes Zoster Vaccine and Incidence of Recurrent Disease
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
A matched cohort study suggests a low incidence of recurrent HZ among immunocompetent older patients, regardless of their vaccination status.
HZ Vaccine Safety in Patients Receiving Immunosuppressive Treatment
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Among older patients taking biologic immunosuppressive therapy for immune-mediated conditions, herpes zoster vaccination was effective and did not increase risk for varicella zoster disease.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson Disease: Time to Change Practice
Neurology Summary and Comment
A 3-year study shows globus pallidus interna stimulation as successful as subthalamic nucleus stimulation overall and suggests individual needs should drive the choice between the two.
By Michael S. Okun, MD
June 26, 2012
Covering:
Weaver FM et al., Neurology 2012 Jul 3; 79:55
Tagliati M., Neurology 2012 Jul 3; 79:19
Soy Supplementation in Women Has No Effect on Global Cognition
Neurology Summary and Comment
A trial designed to simulate soy equivalents in an Asian diet fails to demonstrate a significant benefit on cognition in postmenopausal women.
Estrogen for Depression in Menopausal Women?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Free
Studies in mice provide a physiological rationale for the benefit of estrogen therapy in depressed menopausal women.
By Barbara Geller, MD
June 25, 2012
Covering:
Suzuki H et al., Mol Psychiatry 2012 Jun 5
Phan A et al., Neuropsychopharmacology 2012 Jun 6
Defining Optimal Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Low levels were associated with elevated risk for hip fracture, myocardial infarction, cancer, and death.
Low-Dose Aspirin Use Raises Risk for Major Bleeding
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Results raise questions about aspirin use for primary prevention of adverse cardiovascular events in low-risk patients.
By Thomas L. Schwenk, MD
June 19, 2012
Covering:
De Berardis G et al., JAMA 2012 Jun 6; 307:2286
Siller-Matula JM., JAMA 2012 Jun 6; 307:2318
ASCO 2012 Report: Genitourinary Cancer
Key trials focused on new therapies for renal and prostate cancers.
Hospitalization and Delirium in Patients with AD
Neurology Summary and Comment
Free
Hospitalization and delirium were associated with increased risks for death, institutionalization, and cognitive decline among patients with Alzheimer disease in an observational study.
By Jaime Toro, MD
June 19, 2012
Covering:
Fong TG et al., Ann Intern Med 2012 Jun 19; 156:848
Methylphenidate for Parkinson Disease Gait Disorders
Neurology Summary and Comment
Should we use stimulant drugs to address emergent gait issues following DBS surgery?
Acute Heart Failure: Hospitalize or Discharge?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A new tool for estimating prognosis could facilitate rapid risk assessment.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
June 13, 2012
Covering:
Lee DS et al., Ann Intern Med 2012 Jun 5; 156:767
Should Mitral Regurgitation Be Repaired During CABG?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
An observational analysis of STICH trial data suggests improved survival in patients with substantial MR who undergo concomitant valve repair.
Executive Function Predicts Poststroke Mortality
General Medicine Summary and Comment
An easily administered drawing test predicted risk for death after stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Adult Stem Cell Therapy Treats Osteoarthritis in Mice
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Kartogenin promotes formation of new cartilage.
USPSTF Finalizes Its Recommendation Against PSA Screening
Despite criticism, the "D" recommendation stands.
A Molecule Protects and Restores Bone Density in Mice
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Could this discovery lead to better osteoporosis therapy in humans?
By Anthony L. Komaroff, MD
June 7, 2012
Covering:
Hayashi M et al., Nature 2012 May 3; 485:69
Zaidi M and Iqbal J., Nature 2012 May 3; 485:47
Dietary Fats Are Associated with Cognition
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In healthy older women, low saturated fat intake and high monounsaturated fat intake were beneficial.
