In the News
Combination therapy for COPD associated with better outcomes
A combination of a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy was associated with a lower risk of death or hospitalization among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly those with asthma, compared with LABAs alone, a study found.
GLP-1 agonist plus basal insulin beat other diabetes treatment regimens in meta-analysis
Patients on combination treatment with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonist and basal insulin had better HbA1c values, less weight gain, and similar hypoglycemia rates compared to patients on other type 2 diabetes treatment regimens, a new analysis of previous trials found.
MKSAP Quiz: 1-week history of increasing foot pain
A 59-year-old woman is evaluated for a 1-week history of increasing pain of the right foot. She recalls stepping on a nail about 1 month before her symptoms began. The patient has a 5-year history of heart failure secondary to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. She has an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, and her current medications are carvedilol, lisinopril, furosemide, and spironolactone. Following a physical examination and radiograph of the foot, what is the most appropriate next step to establish the diagnosis?
Recommendations issued on pneumococcal vaccine in elderly patients
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) should be routinely administered in series to all adults who are at least 65 years of age, the CDC announced last week.
USPSTF issues recommendations on preventing STIs
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a new recommendation this week on reducing risky sexual behavior in teens and adults at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as updated screening recommendations for chlamydia and gonorrhea in young, sexually active women.
Ultrasound may be as effective as CT in diagnosing kidney stones
Ultrasound may be an effective way to diagnose kidney stones with less radiation exposure, a study found.
Systematic review compares new and old anticoagulation options for acute VTE
The benefits and risks of 8 different anticoagulation strategies for patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), including heparin and new oral anticoagulants, were compared in a large new analysis.
ACP awarded grant to help patients recognize warning signs, prevent stroke
ACP received a $212,000 grant sponsorship to develop a program to help patients recognize the signs and symptoms of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).
Vote for your favorite entry
ACP InternistWeekly's cartoon caption contest continues. Readers can vote for their favorite caption to determine the winner.