Family Medicine
Cohort Study | Depression and poor mental health linked to premature CVD and suboptimal CVH in young adults
10 Mar, 2023 | 14:14h | UTC
Commentary on Twitter
A new analysis of #BRFSS data from >600K young adults finds double the odds of #CVD in people with depression. #AHAJournals @GarimaVSharmaMD https://t.co/ZFzTTnUs95 pic.twitter.com/gvIAqbg47H
— JAHA (@JAHA_AHA) January 31, 2023
WHO Meta-Analysis | Saturated fat and trans-fat intakes and their replacement with other macronutrients
9 Mar, 2023 | 14:24h | UTC
Commentary on Twitter
Saturated fat and trans-fat intakes
and their replacement with other
macronutrients
published on behalf @WHO https://t.co/fNXmKwWOMQ pic.twitter.com/0Qi8PNqyqq— Lukas Schwingshackl (@LSchwingshackl) March 6, 2023
Pregnancy complications linked to long-term mortality in a racially diverse cohort
10 Mar, 2023 | 14:01h | UTCPregnancy Complications and Long-Term Mortality in a Diverse Cohort – Circulation
Related:
Severity of obstructive coronary artery stenosis after pre-eclampsia – Heart
Consensus bundle on cardiac conditions in obstetric care
9 Mar, 2023 | 14:14h | UTC
SR | Spinal cord stimulation for low back pain provides no sustained clinical benefits compared to placebo
9 Mar, 2023 | 14:12h | UTCSummary: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a surgical procedure used to treat persistent low back pain by sending electrical signals via implanted electrodes into the spinal cord. The review included 13 studies (randomized controlled trials and cross‐over trials) with 699 participants.
Most of the studies were focused on short-term effects (less than one month), but the review found it is uncertain whether spinal cord stimulation can improve outcomes in the immediate term compared with placebo. At six months, SCS probably does not improve back or leg pain, function, or quality of life compared with placebo, with moderate certainty of evidence. Adverse events were also reported, including infections, neurological damage, and lead migration requiring repeated surgery.
The review concluded that the data does not support the use of SCS to manage low back pain outside a clinical trial. Current evidence suggests SCS probably does not have sustained clinical benefits that would outweigh the costs and risks of this surgical intervention.
Article: Spinal cord stimulation for low back pain – Cochrane Library
Summary: Spinal cord stimulation for low back pain – Cochrane Library
Commentary from the author on Twitter
Our Cochrane review on spinal cord stimulators for #backpain out today.
Bottom line:
-Mod certainty evidence of no benefit vs placebo in medium term
-Uncertain if benefit on pain in immediate term
-Adverse events (infection, re-operation) commonhttps://t.co/lNJQeN96Zs— Adrian Traeger (@adrian_traeger) March 7, 2023
RCT | Bempedoic acid shows modest reduction in cardiovascular events for statin-intolerant patients
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:39h | UTCSummary:
Bempedoic acid is an ATP citrate lyase inhibitor that reduces LDL cholesterol levels and is associated with a low incidence of muscle-related adverse events. The study enrolled 13,970 patients at increased cardiovascular risk, with 6,992 randomized to bempedoic acid and 6,978 randomized to placebo, with a median duration of follow-up of 40.6 months.
The study found that bempedoic acid was associated with a statistically significant 13% reduction in the primary endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events, which included death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or coronary revascularization. However, the absolute risk reduction of events was modest, at 1.6% over nearly four years.
The study also reported higher incidences of gout and cholelithiasis with bempedoic acid compared to placebo, as well as small increases in serum creatinine, uric acid, and hepatic-enzyme levels.
Article: Bempedoic Acid and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Statin-Intolerant Patients – New England Journal of Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentaries:
CLEAR Positives and Cautions With Bempedoic Acid for Statin Intolerance – Medscape (recommended reading – free registration required)
Cardiovascular Outcomes After “Statin-Intolerant” Patients Take Bempedoic Acid – NEJM Journal Watch (free for a limited period)
Commentary on Twitter
Bempedoic acid showed a modest absolute reduction in CV outcomes, relative to placebo, in patients “unable or unwilling” to take a statin. https://t.co/hQUfvFwz68 #ACC23 @hmkyale @NEJM #CardioTwitter pic.twitter.com/YMoNsce8MI
— NEJM Journal Watch (@JWatch) March 7, 2023
M-A | Non-occupational physical activity and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality outcomes
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:33h | UTCSummary:
The study aimed to determine the association between non-occupational physical activity and chronic disease and mortality outcomes in the general adult population. The systematic review and meta-analysis included 196 articles covering 94 cohorts and over 30 million participants.
The results showed that higher activity levels were associated with a lower risk of all outcomes. The strongest associations were observed for all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, with weaker associations for cancer incidence.
The study also found that appreciable population health benefits could be gained from increasing physical activity levels of people who are inactive to just half the current health recommendations; doing that could prevent one in 10 premature deaths.
The findings support the current physical activity recommendations and suggest that even small increases in non-occupational physical activity in inactive adults can provide substantial protection against chronic disease outcomes.
It’s worth noting, however, that this study has the usual limitations of observational studies since all the included studies are cohort studies. Therefore, the results are subject to residual confounding, meaning that other factors not measured or accounted for in the studies could influence the observed associations.
News Releases:
1 in 10 early deaths averted if everyone met physical activity targets – BMJ Newsroom
Perspective | Antipsychotics are increasingly being prescribed to children – here’s why we should be concerned
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:29h | UTCOriginal study: Cohort Study | Trends in antipsychotic prescribing to children and adolescents in England
FDA panel endorses 2 RSV vaccines for older adults, but flag at potential increased risk of Guillain-Barre
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:27h | UTCPfizer vaccine:
In close vote, FDA advisers recommend Pfizer RSV vaccine for those 60 and older – CIDRAP
GSK’s vaccine:
FDA panel recommends GSK’s RSV vaccine for ages 60 and up – CIDRAP
FDA advisors recommend GSK’s RSV vaccine for older adults, but flag potential safety risks – CNBC
See also: Rare neurological condition is ‘important potential risk’ of Pfizer’s RSV vaccine, FDA says – CNN
Position Statement | Telemedicine in obstetrics — quality and safety considerations
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:23h | UTC
Commentary on Twitter
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Telemedicine in obstetrics—quality and safety considerations https://t.co/15knjAg4tc @MySMFM @acog #telemedicine pic.twitter.com/jUL7inHuu4
— AJOG (@AJOG_thegray) March 7, 2023
E-Scooter users more likely to suffer serious trauma compared to bicycle users: a nationwide study in England and Wales
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:13h | UTCSummary:
The study aimed to determine the incidence, demographics, and injury patterns involved in E-Scooter-related hospital admissions due to significant trauma compared with bicycle-related trauma within England and Wales. The retrospective cohort study was based on data submitted to the UK Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) registry between 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021.
The study found that E-Scooter users were more likely to be admitted to a major trauma center or a critical care unit than bicycle users. Serious head and limb trauma occurred more frequently among E-Scooter users, while serious chest and pelvic trauma were greater among bicycle users. Over one-third of E-Scooter injuries were incurred outside the current legislation by patients who were intoxicated by alcohol and drugs or under the age of 17.
The study suggests a greater relative incidence of serious trauma and an alternative pattern of injury among E-Scooter users compared with bicycle users. The study concludes that further legislation and tighter regulation of E-Scooter rental are required to reduce the already significant burden of injury associated with this mode of transport.
Article: Major trauma among E-Scooter and bicycle users: a nationwide cohort study – Injury Prevention
News Release: Crashing an e-scooter likely to lead to more serious injuries than crashing a bike – British Medical Journal
Commentary: E-scooter riders more likely than cyclists to sustain serious injuries – BBC
Cohort Study | Endoscopic biopsy with normal mucosa associated with elevated risk of inflammatory bowel disease for at least 30 years
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:10h | UTCSummary:
This study explored the long-term risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) after an endoscopic biopsy with normal mucosa. The researchers identified individuals in Sweden with a lower or upper gastrointestinal (GI) biopsy of normal mucosa, their matched population references, and unexposed full siblings.
They found that individuals with a previous lower or upper GI biopsy showing normal mucosa were at persistently higher risk of overall IBD, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease compared to their matched population references and unexposed full siblings, and the increased risk persisted at least 30 years after the biopsy with normal findings.
The findings suggest a substantial symptomatic period before IBD diagnosis, and clinicians should be aware of the long-term increased risk of IBD in those with symptoms requiring GI investigation but with a finding of histologically normal mucosa.
Commentary: Risk for IBD Remains High After Endoscopic Biopsy With Normal Mucosa – HealthDay
Review | Approach to disorders of gut-brain interaction
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:06h | UTCApproach to Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction – Mayo Clinic Proceedings
RCT | Study finds both one-food and six-food elimination diets are effective initial options for eosinophilic esophagitis
7 Mar, 2023 | 13:17h | UTCSummary:
The article describes a multicenter randomized trial that compared the effectiveness of a one-food elimination diet (1FED – eliminating animal milk) versus a six-food elimination diet (6FED – eliminating animal milk, wheat, egg, soy, fish and shellfish, and peanut and tree nuts) for treating eosinophilic esophagitis in adults.
The study found that both diets were equally effective at achieving histological remission, although the 6FED resulted in a higher proportion of patients achieving complete remission. Patients who did not achieve histological remission with the 1FED could proceed to the 6FED, and 43% had histological remission. For those without response to the 6FED, topical fluticasone propionate induced remission in 82%.
Overall, the study suggests that eliminating animal milk alone is an acceptable initial dietary therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis.
Article: One-food versus six-food elimination diet therapy for the treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis: a multicentre, randomised, open-label trial – The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
News Release: Forgoing one food treats eosinophilic esophagitis as well as excluding six – National Institutes of Health
Related: M-A | Efficacy of elimination diets in eosinophilic esophagitis
Commentary on Twitter
New research – Kliewer et al – One-food versus six-food elimination diet therapy for the treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis: a multicentre, randomised, open-label trial https://t.co/Tpm0EPPfx0#EoE #GItwitter #RareDiseaseDay #CEGIR pic.twitter.com/iUcqIt9Pg5
— The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology (@LancetGastroHep) February 28, 2023
Myocarditis or pericarditis events after BNT162b2 vaccination in individuals aged 12 to 17 years in Ontario, Canada
7 Mar, 2023 | 13:13h | UTCSummary:
A population-based cohort study was conducted to estimate the incidence of reported myocarditis or pericarditis after BNT162b2 vaccination in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in Ontario, Canada, and to describe the clinical information associated with these events. The study analyzed data from 1.65 million doses of BNT162b2 vaccinations administered between December 14, 2020, and November 21, 2021.
According to the study, 77 adolescents were reported to have developed myocarditis or pericarditis after receiving the vaccine, and there was a greater occurrence of these events among those aged 16 to 17 years compared to those aged 12 to 15 years. Additionally, adolescents with shorter intervals between vaccine doses had a higher incidence of myocarditis or pericarditis.
Most cases of myocarditis and pericarditis were mild, and the adolescents required either no treatment or were treated conservatively with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Update on current contraceptive options | A case-based discussion of efficacy, eligibility, and use
7 Mar, 2023 | 13:06h | UTC
Position Statement | Chronic suppurative lung disease and bronchiectasis in children, adolescents and adults
7 Mar, 2023 | 13:04h | UTC
M-A | Long-term consumption of 10 food groups and cardiovascular mortality
7 Mar, 2023 | 12:58h | UTCSummary:
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 prospective cohort studies evaluated the association between the consumption of 10 food groups and cardiovascular mortality.
The researchers found that a long-term high intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and nuts was associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality, while a high intake of red/processed meat was associated with increased risk. On the other hand, the consumption of dairy products and legumes did not show a significant association with cardiovascular risk.
The researchers acknowledge the limitations of observational studies and the need for further research on the long-term effects of specific food groups on cardiovascular mortality.
Podcast | Updates in chronic kidney disease
7 Mar, 2023 | 12:51h | UTC#384 Updates in Chronic Kidney Disease with Dr. Joel Topf – The Curbsiders
Cohort Study | Early pregnancy exposure to NSAIDs is associated with slightly higher risks of neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes
7 Mar, 2023 | 12:56h | UTCSummary:
A nationwide cohort study in South Korea, including 1.8 million pregnancies, investigated the association between the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during early pregnancy and neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes.
The study revealed that pregnant women exposed to NSAIDs during early pregnancy were at increased risk of oligohydramnios and had a slightly higher likelihood of having an infant with major congenital malformations and low birth weight. These risks remained elevated when comparing NSAIDs against acetaminophen or past users.
The study suggests that clinicians should weigh the need to prescribe NSAIDs in early pregnancy against the modest but possible risk of neonatal and maternal outcomes and consider prescribing nonselective NSAIDs for <10 days, with continued careful monitoring for any safety signals.
M-A | Oral iron supplementation and anemia in children according to schedule, duration, dose and cosupplementation
7 Mar, 2023 | 12:53h | UTCSummary:
The article is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 129 randomized trials on iron supplementation and anemia in children. The study aimed to identify the optimal schedule, duration, dose, and cosupplementation regimen for iron supplementation in children and adolescents aged under 20 years.
The results showed that frequent (3-7 times/week) and intermittent (1-2 times/week) iron supplementation could be equally effective at increasing hemoglobin and decreasing anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia.
The study supports WHO recommendations regarding the frequency, duration, and dose of iron supplementation, including 3 months annually of daily oral iron supplementation for children aged 6 months to 12 years living in regions with a high burden of anemia. However, it also suggests that weekly iron supplementation might be considered an alternative to the recommended daily regimen in some contexts, given evidence of similar efficacy.
Review | Analysis of deprescription strategies of proton pump inhibitors in primary care
7 Mar, 2023 | 12:42h | UTCRelated:
Deprescribing proton pump inhibitors – Australian Journal of General Practice
Report | Economic impact of overweight and obesity to surpass $4 trillion by 2035
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:32h | UTCSummary:
A recent report from the World Obesity Federation has issued a warning that the number of people worldwide suffering from overweight or obesity could increase significantly by 2035, surpassing the 50% mark. The report, called the World Obesity Atlas 2023, also highlights the significant economic impact of this trend, estimating that the cost of overweight and obesity could reach $4.32tn annually by 2035, equivalent to almost 3% of the global GDP.
The report also identifies two groups that are particularly at risk: children and individuals from lower-income countries. Childhood obesity is a growing concern, as the report predicts it could double by 2035. Additionally, lower-income countries face a rapid increase in obesity prevalence, with nine out of 10 countries with the greatest expected increases in obesity coming from low or lower-middle income countries.
Report: World Obesity Atlas 2023
News release: Economic impact of overweight and obesity to surpass $4 trillion by 2035
Commentary: Report: Obesity could cost the world over $4 trillion a year by 2035 – STAT
Related:
Report: Tenfold increase in childhood and adolescent obesity in four decades
Global cost of obesity-related illness to hit $1.2tn a year from 2025
The Lancet Series: The Double Burden of Malnutrition
BTS Clinical Guidance | Aspiration pneumonia
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:36h | UTCBTS clinical statement on aspiration pneumonia – Thorax
BTS Clinical Guidance | Prevention and management of community-acquired pneumonia in people with learning disability
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:34h | UTC


