AGA Backs Fecal Microbiota-Based Therapies for Recurrent C. Diff
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) endorsed the use of fecal microbiota-based therapies for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) in new guideline recommendations, but advised against such therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The guideline panel first noted that immunocompetent adults with recurrent CDIs should receive fecal microbiota-based therapies upon completion […]
Opinion | Primordial Prevention Can Protect Black Women’s Cardiovascular Health
Osude is a cardiology fellow. The U.S. kicked off its 60th annual American Heart Month with the sobering news that Black women who have high blood pressure by age 35 face up to triple the risk of a stroke by the time they reach middle age compared with their peers without hypertension. What’s more, Black […]
‘Humbling, Exhausting, Exhilarating’: The Life of AMA President Jesse Ehrenfeld
WASHINGTON — “Humbling, exhausting, and exhilarating.” That’s how Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, president of the American Medical Association (AMA), described his experience so far, 8 months into his 1-year tenure. Although it has been interesting to be on “some pretty big stages,” some of the more meaningful experiences have come in the lesser-known destinations, Ehrenfeld […]
Lower Blenrep Dose More Feasible With Revlimid in Myeloma, Early Trial Suggests
A dose-finding study presented at the recent American Society of Hematology annual meeting showed deep and durable responses with belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep) plus lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, with lower dosing of the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) proving more tolerable and feasible. In this MedPage Today video, Rakesh Popat, BSc, […]
AMA Delegates Take Action on Cannabis, Medical Aid-in-Dying Resolutions
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The American Medical Association (AMA) should work to educate physicians and the public on the health risks of cannabis to children as well as potential risks to people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, members of the AMA House of Delegates voted Monday. “My patients are often surprised to hear me say […]
Kidney Week Roundup: Cell Therapy Cuts Immunosuppressive Drug Use Post-Transplant
PHILADELPHIA — Some of the latest research in the field of nephrology presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Week included sparsentan in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, combination treatment with an SGLT2 inhibitor and an endothelin A receptor antagonist, and a novel aldosterone synthase inhibitor in chronic kidney disease. Below are a few more highlights. […]
ACS: Millions More Should Get Lung Cancer Screening
The American Cancer Society (ACS) widened the pool of past and current smokers eligible for lung cancer screening in its new guideline recommendations, potentially opening the door to 5 million more U.S. adults. Annual lung cancer screening with low‐dose CT is strongly recommended for asymptomatic patients ages 50 to 80 years who either currently smoke, […]
Emergency Physicians Group Votes to Bar Use of the Term ‘Excited Delirium’
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) voted to stop using the term “excited delirium” when referring to patients with hyperactive delirium, joining a host of other medical societies that have already done so. The decision reverses the conclusions reached in a 2009 ACEP white paper on the topic, ACEP said in an article posted […]
ACP Sticks With Age 50 for Colorectal Cancer Screening
The American College of Physicians (ACP) updated guidance reaffirming its stance that colorectal cancer screening should wait until age 50 for average-risk, asymptomatic adults. The ACP recommends that clinicians “should discuss the uncertainty around benefits and harms of screening” with individuals ages 45 to 49, and that screening be dropped in asymptomatic average-risk adults older […]
ACLU Sues DC For Police Response To Mental Health Crises
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on Thursday on behalf of a Washington, D.C., nonprofit alleging that the city’s reliance on police response in mental health emergencies is a violation of federal disability law. According to the lawsuit, the Washington police department routinely dispatches armed officers to respond to 911 calls involving mental […]