In the News


Guidance on using rapid tests, managing COPD, and screening for cardiac problems in COVID-19

The FDA warned about false positives with rapid tests, guidance addressed care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during the pandemic, and experts advised on ethics of emergency use authorizations, among other recent COVID-19 news.

High-dose opioid use dropping in the VA, but opioids frequently discontinued involuntarily, studies find

Recent studies from the Veterans Health Administration looked at voluntary and involuntary opioid reduction; high-dose, long-term opioid therapy; and quality improvement efforts for opioid use disorder treatment.

MKSAP Quiz: 2-month history of nonproductive cough

A 62-year-old man is evaluated for a 2-month history of nonproductive cough, progressive dyspnea, and fatigue. He reports a 6.8-kg (15-lb) weight loss during this time. He has a 30-pack-year history of smoking. He worked in a navy ship yard 32 years ago. Following a physical exam, chest radiograph, and thoracentesis, what is the most appropriate next step?

Multicomponent fall prevention programs no more effective than mailed information alone

Researchers in England compared fracture rates over 18 months among elderly participants who received advice about fall reduction by mail alone and those who received advice by mail plus an exercise-based or multifactorial intervention.

Group-based lifestyle intervention reduced risk of type 2 diabetes

Participants in the Norfolk Diabetes Prevention Study who underwent multiple educational group sessions that included 50-minute sessions of supervised physical activity had significantly lower odds of type 2 diabetes during a mean follow-up of two years compared to those who received usual care.

And the winner is …

ACP Internist Weekly has tallied the voting from its latest cartoon contest, where readers are invited to match wits against their peers to provide the most original and amusing caption.