Business of Medicine Clinical Briefs

• New Guidelines on H1N1 Influenza Urge Quicker Use of Antivirals CME/CE Updated WHO treatment guidelines for H1N1 influenza urge clinicians to administer antiviral medications as soon as possible for patients in at-risk groups with flu-like symptoms.
  Medscape Medical News CME, November 2009
• Long-Term Statin Use May Be Linked to Decreased Risk for Gallstone Disease and Cholecystectomy CME In men and women who had gallstone disease, long-term use of statins decreased their need for cholecystectomy, according to the results of an observational study.
  Medscape Medical News CME, November 2009
• On-Demand Preferred to Daily Chest Radiographs for Mechanically Ventilated Patients CME A randomized study suggests that on-demand vs daily chest radiographs could reduce costs and radiation exposure without compromising safety in mechanically ventilated patients.
  Medscape Medical News CME, November 2009
• Vaginal Hysterectomy Preferred for Benign Conditions CME The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advocates vaginal hysterectomy as the safest, most cost-effective method to remove the uterus for noncancerous reasons.
  Medscape Medical News CME, November 2009
• Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Should Participate in Exercise Programs CME A Cochrane review suggests that aerobic capacity training with muscle strength training is safe and effective and should be recommended as routine practice in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
  Medscape Medical News CME, October 2009
• Surgical Mask May Be Comparable to N95 Respirator in Halting Flu Transmission CME/CE In a randomized controlled trial, use of a surgical mask compared with an N95 respirator was associated with noninferior rates of laboratory-confirmed influenza in healthcare workers.
  Medscape Medical News CME, October 2009
• Mindful Communication Education May Help Prevent Burnout in Primary Care Physicians CME In a before-and-after study, this intervention was associated with improvement in personal well-being, emotional exhaustion, empathy, and attitudes associated with patient-centered care.
  Medscape Medical News CME, September 2009
• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation May Improve Outcomes in Severe Acute Respiratory Failure CME Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation vs conventional ventilator management may improve chances of survival without disability in patients with acute respiratory failure.
  Medscape Medical News CME, September 2009
• American Academy of Pediatrics Updates Flu Recommendations CME/CE The AAP has updated current recommendations for routine use of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine and antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children.
  Medscape Medical News CME, September 2009
• ACIP Issues Guidelines for Use of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine CME/CE he Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has provided recommendations regarding the use of vaccine against infection with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus.
  Medscape Medical News CME, August 2009
• WHO Issues Guidelines for Antiviral Treatment of H1N1 and Other Influenza CME/CE New guidelines provide a basis for advice to clinicians on use of currently available antivirals for patients with illness caused by influenza virus infection, potential use for chemoprophylaxis.
  Medscape Medical News CME, August 2009
• Denosumab May Improve BMD in Men Receiving Androgen-Deprivation Therapy CME In a randomized controlled trial, denosumab was better than placebo at reducing new vertebral fracture and was not associated with a higher rate of adverse events.
  Medscape Medical News CME, August 2009
• Poor Strength, Function, and Low Muscle Density Linked to Hospitalization in Elderly CME A study suggests that interventions to reduce the disease burden associated with sarcopenia should target increased muscle strength and physical function vs just increased lean mass in older adults.
  Medscape Medical News CME, August 2009
• Urine Test May Help Diagnose Chlamydia in Men CME In a prospective cohort study, a simple urine test helped diagnose chlamydia in men, suggesting that it could help reduce the risks for persistent infection and transmission to sexual partners.
  Medscape Medical News CME, August 2009
• Lidocaine Reduces Pain and Anxiety From Peripheral IV Cannula Insertion CME According to a randomized, crossover study, Injected buffered lidocaine or lidocaine cream can reduce the pain and anxiety associated with intravenous cannula insertion.
  Reuters Health Information CME, July 2009
• New CDC Recommendation: All Children Should Receive Annual Seasonal Flu Vaccines CME/CE The CDC upgrades its recommendation from advisement to full recommendation for annual seasonal flu vaccine for all children aged 6 months to 18 years.
  Medscape Medical News CME, July 2009
• FDA Approvals: Effient and Onsolis CME/CE The FDA has approved prasugrel (Effient) for use during percutaneous coronary intervention and fentanyl buccal for breakthrough pain in patients with cancer.
  Medscape Medical News, July 2009
• Ferumoxytol Approved to Treat Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease CME/CE Ferumoxytol injection may be more effective than oral iron for anemic patients in all stages of chronic kidney disease.
  Medscape Medical News CME, July 2009
• Diclofenac Liquid-Filled Capsules Approved for Pain Relief CME/CE The FDA has approved diclofenac potassium liquid-filled soft gelatin capsules for the relief of mild to moderate acute pain in patients aged 18 years and older.
  Medscape Medical News CME, July 2009
• Neonatal Outcomes May Be Better With Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery CME Neonates born after cesarean delivery vs vaginal birth after cesarean delivery have higher rates of respiratory morbidity and neonatal intensive care unit admission and longer hospitalization.
  Medscape Medical News, June 2009