Medscape Today Headlines

New Director for National Human Genome Research Institute

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:58:30 EST

Eric D. Green, MD, PhD, has been named to the NHGRI director post by predecessor and current NIH director Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD.

High Salt Intake Boosts Stroke, CVD Risk

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:26:45 EST

These findings from a new meta-analysis support efforts toward a substantial populationwide reduction in salt intake, authors say.

Gingko Biloba May Not Reduce Cardiovascular Mortality or Events

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

In this randomized controlled trial, however, there were fewer peripheral vascular disease events with gingko vs placebo.

Chronic Pain Linked to Risk for Falls in Older Adults

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

A study shows that chronic pain in 1 or more locations that is severe or that interferes with daily activities is associated with a greater risk for falls in older adults.

New Algorithm Predicts Osteoporotic Fractures

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:01:42 EST

A new risk prediction algorithm for hip and other fractures from osteoporosis is relatively easy to use and can help primary care clinicians identify patients at high risk.

Did US Make Mistake in Leaving Adjuvants out of H1N1 Vaccines?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:05:38 EST

As US health officials struggle to vaccinate tens of millions of Americans against the pandemic of swine flu, some are looking regretfully at one easy way to instantly double or triple the number of doses available: using an adjuvant.

FDA Reports Apparent Excess of CV Events With Sibutramine in SCOUT

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:54:11 EST

An early analysis for the randomized placebo-controlled trial's primary end point, a composite of cardiovascular events, found a "higher than expected" rate of increase among those getting the appetite suppressant. The trial enrolled a population with a high CV risk, many of whom would not generally be recommended for the drug according to its current labeling.

Medication Treatment for Depressed Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:39:07 EST

In this video blog, Dr. Findling comments on a new study testing the efficacy of quetiapine and placebo for the treatment of depressive episodes in adolescents with bipolar disorder.

Sorting Through the Diagnosis of Physician Dyscompetence

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:26:13 EST

The potential role of a comprehensive clinical competence assessment program in the differential diagnosis of dyscompetence.

Examining the Fingernails When Evaluating Presenting Symptoms in Elderly Patients

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:22:53 EST

Determine your patient's condition by looking at the fingernails -- another important review in this series on geriatric assessment.

FDA Expert Panel Declines to Endorse New Influenza Vaccine

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:46:09 EST

An advisory committee said more efficacy and safety data are needed before it can back FluBlock, which is made using a new technology.

H1N1 Flu Wave Peaking in US?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:54 EST

New cases of the H1N1 flu have declined, but deaths and hospitalizations are still rising.

Children's Hearing Loss From Cisplatin Chemotherapy Associated With Gene Variants

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:30:38 EST

Recognizing genetic markers for cisplatin ototoxicity will improve children's treatment outcomes.

ACOG Issues Revised Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:08:08 EST

Revised American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines now recommend first cervical cancer screening at age 21 years and less frequent rescreening.

Alcohol Cuts Risk for Heart Disease by One Third

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:58:48 EST

In the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study, Spanish participants who regularly drank alcohol had a reduced risk for serious heart disease.

Sen Grassley Questions Top Medical Schools About Ghostwriting

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:48:39 EST

As part of his mission to see more financial transparency in medicine, Sen Grassley has asked eight top US medical schools about their policies on ghostwriting.

Physician Impairment due to Substance Use Disorders

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:59:13 EST

A family physician starts self-prescribing narcotics abuse after a bike accident.

House Passes Medicare SGR Fix

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:11:22 EST

The House passed a bill that would rewrite the controversial sustainable growth rate formula and eliminate a 21.2% Medicare pay cut for physicians scheduled for 2010.

First Orthopaedic Surgeon in Space to Use His Medical Skills on Mission

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:10:31 EST

Five million miles from home, Dr. Robert Satcher completed his first space walk and "tweets" while in orbit.

H1N1 Vaccine as Safe as Seasonal Vaccine, WHO Says

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:52:39 EST

The WHO emphasizes that the pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine appears to be as safe as the seasonal influenza vaccine, with few reports of adverse events.