USPSTF Recommends Osteoporosis Screening for All Women over 65
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has updated its 2002 recommendations for osteoporosis screening. The article appears in the Annals of Internal Medicine .
The major...
Vitamin D in Health and Disease: More Questions Than Answers
Insufficient data (specifically from randomized controlled trials) exist to support dose-response relations between vitamin D levels — and other health outcomes other than bone health.
Are Probiotics a Panacea for Gastrointestinal Complaints?
Add irritable bowel syndrome to the list of diseases ameliorated by probiotics in children.
By Howard Bauchner, MD
January 5, 2011
Covering:
Francavilla R et al., Pediatrics 2010 Dec; 126:e1445
Providing Absolute Fracture Risk Affects Osteoporosis Medication Initiation
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Before reporting of 10-year fracture risk, more women received osteoporosis medications.
Subclinical Thyroid Disease and Risk for Hip Fracture
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Risk was higher with either hyper- or hypothyroidism.
Vitamin of the Year?
Psychiatry Year in Review
Let the sunshine in: Vitamin D deficiency has neuropsychiatric implications.
New Institute of Medicine Recommendations on Vitamin D
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Evidence is lacking for extraskeletal health benefits of vitamin D; most people in the U.S. and Canada have adequate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
December 17, 2010
Covering:
Ross AC et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010 Nov 29
Scalp Nodules as Presenting Sign of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Molecular testing rather than lesional biopsy should be used to evaluate disease in children with scalp nodules and toe malformations.
By Mary Wu Chang, MD
December 17, 2010
Covering:
Piram M et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2011 Jan; 64:97
Vitamin D Deficiency Might Precede Increases in Body-Mass Index
In a prospective longitudinal study, vitamin D deficiency was associated with measures of increased adiposity over time.
Does Androgen-Deprivation Therapy Affect Physical Function?
In men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer, physical function declined within 3 months of ADT initiation.
"Hyper" Infections Can Mean It's More Than AD
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Clinical markers that distinguish atopic dermatitis from hyper-IgE syndrome include severe infections.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
December 3, 2010
Covering:
Schimke LF et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010 Sep; 126:611
Testosterone Replacement for Women with Chronic Heart Failure
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Findings from a small study showed some improvements in functional measures.
Bone Mineral Density in Children with Atopic Dermatitis
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Use of topical corticosteroids in the previous 5 years was not associated with a decrease in BMD.
By Mary Wu Chang, MD
November 5, 2010
Covering:
van Velsen SGA et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2010 Nov; 63:824
Structured Exercise Program Might Help Older Women Avoid Serious Fractures
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Among older women with osteopenia, those who participated in a home-based exercise program had fewer proximal fractures and deaths than those who did not.
Diminished Bone Health Is Associated with Psychoses
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Free
But some factors contributing to skeletal fragility in patients with psychosis may be reversible.
By Joel Yager, MD
October 18, 2010
Covering:
Partti K et al., Psychosom Med 2010 Sep 14
Vertebroplasty — 1 Year Later
Is vertebroplasty still an acceptable option for patients with fractures?
Oral Bisphosphonate Use Is Associated with Esophageal Cancer
General Medicine Summary and Comment
This elevated risk was restricted largely to patients with 10 or more prescriptions.
Vertebroplasty: New Trial, Conflicting Results
General Medicine Summary and Comment
This time, vertebroplasty led to less pain immediately and at 1 year.
Calcium Supplementation Is Associated with Excess Risk for Myocardial Infarction
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Marginal-to-moderate bone benefits must be weighed against cardiovascular risks.
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: New Diagnostic Tool, New Drug, New Therapeutic Strategies
Powerful tools are available to identify patients at high risk for fracture and to lower that risk.
By Nelson B. Watts, MD
August 12, 2010
How to Determine Your Risk for Postmenopausal Fractures — And Where to Go from There
Women's Health Patient Information
General information about postmenopausal osteoporosis, a tool you can use to determine your personal fracture risk, and treatments for women at excess risk for fractures
Is Acid-Reduction Therapy Associated with Risk for Hip Fractures?
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Another study adds to the confusion about this potential link.
Wrist Fractures Initiate Functional Decline
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Older women who sustain wrist fractures are more likely to experience progressive functional decline than are women without wrist fractures.
By Wendy S. Biggs, MD
July 29, 2010
Covering:
Edwards BJ et al., BMJ 2010 Jul 8; 341:c3324
Can Bisphosphonates Prevent Breast Cancer?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Observational studies support the potential for chemoprophylaxis.
By Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
July 15, 2010
Covering:
Rennert G et al., J Clin Oncol 2010 Jun 21
Chlebowski RT et al., J Clin Oncol 2010 Jun 21
Gnant M., J Clin Oncol 2010 Jun 21
Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis
General Medicine Summary and Comment
We might have a new therapeutic target.
By Anthony L. Komaroff, MD
July 6, 2010
Covering:
Saito T et al., Nat Med 2010 Jun; 16:678
Yang S et al., Nat Med 2010 Jun; 16:687
Husa M et al., Nat Med 2010 Jun; 16:641
