Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pulmonology for May 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Physician’s Briefing Weekly Coronavirus Roundup
Here is what the editors at Physician’s Briefing chose as the most important COVID-19 developments for you and your practice for the week of May 25 to 29, 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal studies and other trusted sources that is most likely to affect clinical practice.
VA Slashes Use of Hydroxychloroquine to Treat COVID-19 Patients
FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The VA health system has stopped nearly all use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients, Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie said at a House hearing on Thursday.
Remdesivir Use Growing Globally in COVID-19 Patients
FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Worldwide more physicians are using remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients, according to a survey released May 21 by Sermo, a global health care polling company and social platform for physicians.
Positive RT-PCR Findings Seen After COVID-19 Discharge
FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Some patients with COVID-19 have positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results after discharge, according to a research letter published online May 28 in JAMA Network Open.
Five-Day Course of Remdesivir Beneficial in Severe COVID-19
FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There seems to be no significant difference between a five- and 10-day course of remdesivir for patients with severe COVID-19 not requiring mechanical ventilation, according to a study published online May 27 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Burden of Severe COVID-19 High in California, Washington State
FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For residents of California and Washington with COVID-19, the length of hospital stay and intensive care unit (ICU) admission are high, according to a study published online May 22 in The BMJ.
Tooth Loss More Prevalent in Adults With Chronic Disease
THURSDAY, May 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Adults with severe chronic disease or with fair or poor general health have a higher prevalence of edentulism and severe tooth loss, according to research published in the May 29 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
CDC: Coronavirus Antibody Tests Still Not Accurate Enough
THURSDAY, May 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Coronavirus antibody test results may not be accurate enough to help guide decisions about whether to allow large groups of people to gather at work, schools, dormitories, correctional facilities, and other locations, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.
CV Toxicity Tied to Azithromycin and/or Hydroxychloroquine
THURSDAY, May 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin may have a serious adverse impact on the cardiovascular system, according to a research letter published online May 22 in Circulation.
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Links Found Between Leaders of Medical Associations, Industry
THURSDAY, May 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There are extensive financial relationships between leaders of U.S. professional medical associations and industry, according to a study published online May 27 in The BMJ.
9.5 Percent Uninsured in U.S. From January Through June 2019
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A total of 9.5 percent of persons were uninsured from January through June 2019, according to a report published online May 28 by the National Center for Health Statistics.
Improving Glycemic Control May Also Aid COVID-19 Outcomes
THURSDAY, May 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Insulin infusion helps achieve glycemic targets and may reduce the risk for poor outcomes in patients with hyperglycemia and COVID-19, according to a study published online May 19 in Diabetes Care.
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U.K. Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 Are More Often Male
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are more often male and frequently have comorbidities, according to a study published online May 22 in the The BMJ.
African-Americans More Likely to Be Hospitalized With COVID-19
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — African-American patients have an increased likelihood of hospitalization for COVID-19, according to a report published online May 21 in Health Affairs.
Only One in Four U.S. Hospitals With ICUs Have Tele-ICU Services
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In 2018, half of U.S. hospitals had the capacity to conduct telehealth-based outpatient visits, while only one in four had tele-intensive care unit (tele-ICU) capabilities, according to a research letter published online April 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Early Informed Lung Cancer Patients Have Greater Survival Rates
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Lung cancer patients who are given the opportunity to be informed of their diagnosis have a longer median survival time, according to a study published in the May issue of Psycho-Oncology.
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WHO Suspends Testing of Hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 Patients
TUESDAY, May 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The World Health Organization has suspended use of the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine in a clinical trial of treatments of COVID-19 after a study revealed that patients taking the drug are at increased risk for death and serious heart problems.
Remdesivir Beats Placebo for Time to COVID-19 Recovery
TUESDAY, May 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For adults hospitalized with COVID-19 with lower respiratory tract infection, time to recovery is shorter with remdesivir than placebo, according to a study published online May 22 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Adenovirus Type-5 Vectored COVID-19 Vaccine Shows Promise
TUESDAY, May 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A recombinant adenovirus type-5 (Ad5) vectored COVID-19 vaccine is safe, tolerable, and immunogenic, according to a study published online May 22 in The Lancet.
Hydroxychloroquine Plus Macrolides No Benefit in COVID-19
TUESDAY, May 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization, there is no evidence of benefit for use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine with or without a macrolide, according to a study published online May 22 in The Lancet.
Right Ventricular Dilation Linked to Mortality in COVID-19
TUESDAY, May 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Right ventricular dilation is associated with in-hospital mortality among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, according to a study published online May 15 in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging.
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Air Filters Shown to Improve Breathing in Children With Asthma
TUESDAY, May 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Daily use of a fine particulate matter air filtration device can significantly improve airway mechanics and reduce airway resistance in children with asthma, according to a study recently published in JAMA Pediatrics.
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Physician’s Briefing Weekly Coronavirus Roundup
Here is what the editors at Physician’s Briefing chose as the most important COVID-19 developments for you and your practice for the week of May 18 to 22, 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal studies and other trusted sources that is most likely to affect clinical practice.
U.S. Offers $1.2 Billion to Drug Company for COVID-19 Vaccine Research
FRIDAY, May 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday it would provide up to $1.2 billion to AstraZeneca to develop a potential COVID-19 vaccine from a lab in Oxford, England.
U.S. Government Seeks Deal With Private Industry to Boost Supply of Medical Equipment
FRIDAY, May 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In an effort to prevent the United States from again struggling to have enough medical supplies in a pandemic, the federal government is seeking to make a five-year deal with U.S. manufacturers.
CDC: COVID-19 Not Spread Easily From Contaminated Surfaces
FRIDAY, May 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — COVID-19 spreads swiftly between people but is not easily caught from contaminated surfaces, according to updated information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Age, Sex, History of Diabetes Predict Intubation in COVID-19
FRIDAY, May 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Older age, male sex, and history of diabetes are factors predictive of intubation among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, while age and body mass index are associated with time to extubation, according to a study published online May 19 in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
ED Chest X-Ray Score Predicts COVID-19 Outcomes in Adults <50
FRIDAY, May 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A chest X-ray (CXR) severity score can predict outcomes among young and middle-aged adults with COVID-19 on presentation to the emergency department, according to a study published online May 14 in Radiology.
CDC Says Test All Newborns of Mothers With Confirmed, Suspected COVID-19
THURSDAY, May 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — All babies born to women with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should be tested, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines issued Wednesday.
Rate of Stroke Low in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19
THURSDAY, May 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The rate of imaging-confirmed stroke is low in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, but mortality is higher than in contemporary controls without COVID-19 and historical controls, according to a study published online May 20 in Stroke.
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Factors Linked to COVID-19 In-Hospital Mortality ID’d in NYC
THURSDAY, May 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Factors associated with in-hospital mortality include older age, chronic cardiac disease, and chronic pulmonary disease in a cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in New York City, according to a study published online May 19 in The Lancet.
Asthma Tied to Longer COVID-19 Intubation Time
THURSDAY, May 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Among COVID-19 patients who develop severe respiratory symptoms requiring intubation, asthma is associated with a significantly longer intubation time, according to a study published online May 14 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
Some Children With COVID-19 Require Admission, PICU Care
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Some children with COVID-19 require admission and intensive care, according to a study published online May 11 in The Journal of Pediatrics.
Sales of Johnson’s Baby Powder Halted in U.S., Canada
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Lawsuits claiming that talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder has caused cancer have led to a plunge in sales in the United States and Canada, so Johnson & Johnson said Tuesday it is ending sales of the product in those two countries.
Review Highlights Neuropsychiatric Presentations of COVID-19
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — COVID-19 may cause delirium in some patients, according to a review published online May 18 in The Lancet Psychiatry.
Odds of Pulmonary Embolism Up for Obese COVID-19 Patients
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with COVID-19 with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m² have increased odds of developing pulmonary embolism (PE), according to a research letter published online May 14 in Radiology.
Excessive Drinking Seen in Some Patients With Chronic Conditions
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Among those reporting alcohol use, patients with certain common medical conditions are more likely to report excessive drinking, according to a study published online May 13 in JAMA Network Open.
Age, CRP Up Risk for Mortality in Diabetes With COVID-19
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with diabetes and COVID-19, risk factors for mortality include older age and elevated C-reactive protein, and insulin usage is associated with poor prognosis, according to a study published online May 14 in Diabetes Care.
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Obesity Tied to Increased Risk for Progression to Severe COVID-19
TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Obesity is associated with a significantly increased risk for progression to severe COVID-19, according to a study published online May 14 in Diabetes Care.
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Mental Health Symptoms Up for Medics Dealing With COVID-19
TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The scores for mental health symptoms in medical personnel responding to COVID-19 pneumonia are generally higher than the norm in China, according to a study published online May 19 in PLOS ONE.
15 Percent of Pregnant Women With COVID-19 Experience Severe Disease
TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Fifteen percent of pregnant women with COVID-19 have severe disease, according to a case series published online May 18 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Factors ID’d for Positive SARS-CoV-2 Test Result in Primary Care
TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Sociodemographic factors associated with the risk for a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test result include deprivation, population density, and ethnicity, according to a study published online May 15 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
28 Million-Plus Surgeries Could Be Canceled Due to COVID-19
TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Worldwide, more than 28 million elective surgeries could be canceled or postponed during the 12 weeks of peak disruption due to COVID-19, according to a study published online May 12 in the British Journal of Surgery.
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Hydroxychloroquine Does Not Improve COVID-19 Pneumonia Outcomes
TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Hydroxychloroquine does not improve outcomes in COVID-19, according to two studies published online May 14 in The BMJ.
CMS: Use ‘Extreme Caution’ in Reopening Nursing Homes
TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — State governors should use “extreme caution” in deciding when to allow visits to nursing homes to resume, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said Monday.
Spending on Primary Care Continues to Lag in the U.S.
TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Spending on inpatient services, specialty care, and prescriptions together accounted for about two-thirds of the increase in total U.S. health care spending from 2002 to 2016, according to a research letter published online May 18 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Burnout Comparable Between Millennial, Gen X Residents, Fellows
TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Millennial and Generation X medical residents and fellows experience similar rates of burnout and have similar levels of empathy, according to a study published online May 5 in Academic Psychiatry.
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Social Distancing Policies Reduced COVID-19 Growth Rate
MONDAY, May 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The impact of four widely adopted social distancing policies reduced the daily growth rate of COVID-19 across U.S. counties, according to a report published online May 14 in Health Affairs.
Experimental COVID-19 Vaccine Appears Safe, Triggers Immune Response
MONDAY, May 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — An experimental vaccine against COVID-19 appears to be safe and to trigger an immune response, according to results of the first human clinical trial of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Use of Imaging to Assess Stroke Down in Early COVID-19 Epoch
MONDAY, May 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — From a prepandemic to early-pandemic epoch, there was a decrease in the use of imaging for the evaluation of stroke, according to a research letter published online May 8 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Hydroxychloroquine No Aid for COVID-19-Related Mortality
MONDAY, May 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, or both is not associated with improvements in in-hospital mortality, according to a study published online May 11 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Most Physicians Have Seen False-Negative COVID-19 Test Results
MONDAY, May 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most physicians believe they have seen false-negative results for a COVID-19 diagnostic test, according to the results of a recent survey.
Convalescent Plasma Appears Promising for Severe COVID-19
MONDAY, May 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Administration of convalescent plasma seems safe and results in improvement in clinical status for patients with severe or life-threatening COVID-19, according to a study not yet peer reviewed and posted on medRxiv.org.
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Physician’s Briefing Weekly Coronavirus Roundup
Here is what the editors at Physician’s Briefing chose as the most important COVID-19 developments for you and your practice for the week of May 11 to 15, 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal studies and other trusted sources that is most likely to affect clinical practice.
NIH Launches Trial of Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin for COVID-19
FRIDAY, May 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) announced it is sponsoring a phase 2b clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin in preventing hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
NIH: Large-Scale Testing of Some COVID-19 Vaccines Could Start in July
FRIDAY, May 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A number of COVID-19 vaccines under development “look pretty promising” and one or two could be ready for large-scale testing by July, the director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health says.
COVID-19 Cases Increased More Rapidly With No Stay-at-Home Order in Iowa
FRIDAY, May 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — COVID-19 cases increased more quickly in border counties in Iowa and more slowly in border counties in Illinois following enactment of a stay-at-home order in Illinois, according to a study published online May 15 in JAMA Network Open.
ACP Advises Against Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19
FRIDAY, May 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a special article from the American College of Physicians (ACP), published online May 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, practice points are presented to guide the use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine in the setting of COVID-19.
Interferon-α2b May Shorten Viral Shedding Duration in COVID-19
FRIDAY, May 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Interferon (IFN)-α2b therapy seems to shorten the duration of viral shedding in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, according to a study published online May 15 in Frontiers in Immunology.
Kawasaki-Like Disease Incidence Up After Start of SARS-CoV-2
THURSDAY, May 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of Kawasaki-like disease increased after the start of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in the Bergamo province of Italy, according to a study published online May 13 in The Lancet.
Abnormalities Detected on Brain MRI of COVID-19 Patients in ICU
THURSDAY, May 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Among patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in the intensive care unit (ICU) with neurological symptoms, 44 percent of those undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have acute findings, according to a study published online May 8 in Radiology.
Meta-Analysis Links Smoking to COVID-19 Disease Progression
THURSDAY, May 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Smokers have an increased likelihood of COVID-19 disease progression, according to research published online May 13 in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
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COVID-19 Fatality Rate High for Heart Transplant Recipients
THURSDAY, May 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Heart transplant (HT) recipients with COVID-19 infection have a case fatality rate of 25 percent, according to a study published online May 13 in JAMA Cardiology.
Cannabis Smoking May Increase Risk for Fungal Infection
THURSDAY, May 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The likelihood of having a fungal infection was increased in association with cannabis use in 2016, according to a study published online May 13 in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a publication of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
High Career Satisfaction Reported by Many Thoracic Surgeons
THURSDAY, May 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Thoracic surgeons have high career satisfaction, but more than half report symptoms of burnout and depression, according to a study published online May 14 in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
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Guidance Issued for Acute Large Vessel CVA During COVID-19 Pandemic
THURSDAY, May 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a guidance statement from the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, published online April 29 in Stroke, recommendations are presented for the management of acute ischemic large vessel occlusion stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Bowel Abnormalities Described in Inpatients With COVID-19
THURSDAY, May 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Bowel abnormalities have been identified on abdominal imaging of some inpatients with COVID-19, according to a study published online May 11 in Radiology.
Sickness Presenteeism Common With Influenza-Like Illness
WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most health care workers (HCWs) and non-HCWs continue to work when sick with influenza-like illness (ILI), according to a study published online May 13 in PLOS ONE.
Plan in Place to Up Production of Prefilled Syringes for Future COVID-19 Vaccine
WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A deal for hundreds of millions of syringes that could be used to quickly administer a possible vaccine against COVID-19 has been reached between the U.S. government and a private company.
PM2.5 Linked to Later Mortality in Certain Pediatric, AYA Cancers
WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For pediatric and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with specific cancers, continued exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with later mortality, according to a study published online May 13 in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
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Addition of Zinc May Benefit Some Being Treated for COVID-19
WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the addition of zinc sulfate to hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin may improve some outcomes, according to a study not yet peer reviewed and posted on medRxiv.org.
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Pulmonary Rehab Associated With Lower COPD Mortality
WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Initiation of pulmonary rehabilitation within three months of hospital discharge for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is significantly associated with a lower risk for mortality at one year for Medicare beneficiaries, according to a study published in the May 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Deceased Donor Transplantation Has Dropped Since COVID-19
WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Since the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a reduction in deceased donor transplantations in France and the United States, according to a research letter published online May 11 in The Lancet.
Risk Score May Predict Critical Illness at COVID-19 Admission
TUESDAY, May 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A risk score based on 10 factors can predict the risk for developing critical illness at COVID-19 admission, according to a study published online May 12 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Doctors Without Borders Team Sent to Navajo Nation to Fight COVID-19
TUESDAY, May 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Doctors Without Borders has sent a nine-person team to the Navajo Nation in the Southwestern United States as it struggles with a COVID-19 crisis.
Severe Illness Reported in Some Children With COVID-19
TUESDAY, May 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Severe illness from COVID-19 infection occurs in some children, most of whom have significant preexisting comorbidities, according to a study published online May 11 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Crude Link ID’d for Vitamin D Levels, COVID-19 Cases, Death
TUESDAY, May 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is a crude correlation between vitamin D levels and the number of COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 mortality, according to a study published online May 6 in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research.
Established ARDS Therapy Aids Many Critically Ill With COVID-19
TUESDAY, May 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Many critically ill patients with COVID-19 respiratory failure managed with mechanical ventilation and established acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) protocols survive, according to a letter to the editor published online April 29 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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For Those With Heart Failure, ACE2 Concentrations Up in Men
TUESDAY, May 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Among patients with heart failure, men have higher plasma concentrations of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), while neither use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors nor angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are associated with increased plasma ACE2 concentrations, according to a study published online May 10 in the European Heart Journal.
Hydroxychloroquine Has No Impact on Outcomes in COVID-19
MONDAY, May 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Hydroxychloroquine is not associated with an increased or decreased risk for intubation or death among patients with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital, according to a study published online May 7 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Anakinra May Reduce Systemic Inflammation in COVID-19
MONDAY, May 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — High-dose anakinra, a recombinant interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist, is associated with improved clinical outcomes for patients with COVID-19, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and hyperinflammation, according to a study published online May 7 in The Lancet Rheumatology.
Epidemic Growth of COVID-19 Not Linked to Latitude, Temperature
MONDAY, May 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For COVID-19, epidemic growth is not associated with latitude and temperature or with absolute humidity, according to a study published online May 8 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
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SARS-CoV-2 Spreads Rapidly Through Skilled Nursing Facilities
MONDAY, May 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Rapid and widespread transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can occur in skilled nursing facilities, according to a study published online April 24 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Aids Mortality Prediction
MONDAY, May 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) improves mortality risk prediction beyond conventional risk factors, according to a study published in the May issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Triple Antiviral Therapy Promising for Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19
MONDAY, May 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with COVID-19, early triple antiviral therapy (lopinavir-ritonavir, ribavirin, and interferon beta-1b) is better than lopinavir-ritonavir for reducing the time to providing a nasopharyngeal swab negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, according to a study published online May 8 in The Lancet.
Physician’s Briefing Weekly Coronavirus Roundup
Here is what the editors at Physician’s Briefing chose as the most important COVID-19 developments for you and your practice for the week of May 4 to 8, 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal studies and other trusted sources that is most likely to affect clinical practice.
FDA Slashes Number of Approved Chinese Makers of N95 Masks
FRIDAY, May 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The number of mask makers in China approved to make N95-type masks for U.S. health care workers was slashed from 80 to 14 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday.
Symptomatic COVID-19 Infection Fatality Rate 1.3 Percent in U.S.
FRIDAY, May 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The overall infection fatality rate (IFR) among symptomatic COVID-19 cases (IFR-S) in the United States is estimated at 1.3 percent, according to a report published online May 7 in Health Affairs.
Most Jurisdictions Report COVID-19 in Correctional Facilities
FRIDAY, May 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — At least one laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case has been reported in correctional and detention facilities in 86 percent of 54 state and territorial health department jurisdictions, according to research published in the May 6 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Asthma, COPD Medication Adherence Up During Pandemic
FRIDAY, May 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Medication adherence for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published online May 3 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
ACE Inhibitor/ARB Use Not Tied to COVID-19 Test Positivity
FRIDAY, May 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and/or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) use is not associated with COVID-19 test positivity, according to a study published online May 5 in JAMA Cardiology.
Risk for SARS-CoV-2 Lower for Prostate Cancer Patients on ADT
FRIDAY, May 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Among prostate cancer patients, those receiving androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) versus other treatments have a lower risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, according to a study published online May 6 in the Annals of Oncology.
Doubt Cast on Notion That New Strain of COVID-19 Is More Infectious
THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A new study suggesting that COVID-19 has mutated to become even more infectious should be viewed with skepticism, former U.S. Food and Drug Administration head Scott Gottlieb, M.D., said Wednesday.
Anticoagulation May Improve Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients
THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients hospitalized with COVID-19, systematic anticoagulation (AC) may be associated with improved outcomes, according to a research letter published online May 6 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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New York State Reports Cases of Pediatric Inflammatory Syndrome Tied to COVID-19
THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The New York State Department of Health issued an advisory on May 6 regarding cases of pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19.
GI Symptoms Seen in Less Than 10 Percent of COVID-19 Patients
THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are seen in less than 10 percent of patients with COVID-19, according to a meta-analysis published online May 4 in Gastroenterology.
New Coronavirus Strain More Contagious, Scientists Say
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A new, mutated strain of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has become dominant and appears to be more contagious than the strain that spread during the early stages of the pandemic, scientists report.
Human Trials of Experimental COVID-19 Vaccine Begin in U.S.
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Human trials on an experimental COVID-19 vaccine began in the United States on Monday, Pfizer and the German pharmaceutical company BioNTech said.
Health Care Workers at Risk From Mental Burden of COVID-19
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Health care workers and younger people have an increased risk for a psychological impact from COVID-19, according to a study published online April 14 in Psychology, Health & Medicine.
Low-Cost, Noninvasive Ventilator Feasible for Breathing Support
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A prototype for a low-cost, noninvasive ventilator, built using off-the-shelf materials available via e-commerce, performs similarly to a high-quality commercial device, according to a report published online April 20 in the European Respiratory Journal.
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Guidance Developed for Lung Cancer Screening During COVID-19
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a CHEST expert panel report, published online April 23 in Radiology: Imaging Cancer, recommendations are presented for the management of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guideline Issued for Nonsevere, Severe COVID-19 Therapy
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In an evidence-based guideline developed by an international team of physicians, pharmacists, researchers, and patients, published online April 29 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association, recommendations are presented for the treatment of COVID-19.
ACE Inhibitors, ARBs Not Linked to In-Hospital COVID-19 Death
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Age and underlying cardiovascular disease are associated with in-hospital mortality in COVID-19, according to a study published online May 1 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Well-Controlled Blood Glucose May Improve COVID-19 Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes (T2D), well-controlled blood glucose (BG) is associated with lower mortality during hospitalization, according to a study published online May 1 in Cell Metabolism.
ACE Inhibitors, ARBs Not Linked to Risk for COVID-19
TUESDAY, May 5, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) and other classes of antihypertensive medications seem not to be associated with COVID-19, according to two studies published online May 1 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Variation Seen in COVID-19 Tests, Hospitalization, Deaths Across NYC
TUESDAY, May 5, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variation in the rates of COVID-19 testing, hospitalization, and deaths across New York City boroughs, according to a research letter published online April 29 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Race and Income Influence Risk for Severe COVID-19
TUESDAY, May 5, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Race and income influence the risk for severe illness from COVID-19, according to a study published online April 28 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
PPE With More Coverage Ups Protection, but Harder to Don, Doff
TUESDAY, May 5, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Covering more of the body leads to better protection for health care workers against contamination, but greater coverage is usually associated with increased difficulty in putting on and removing personal protective equipment (PPE), according to a review published online April 15 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
FDA Goes After Unproven COVID-19 Antibody Tests
MONDAY, May 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Monday it will crack down on the fraudulent COVID-19 antibody tests that have flooded the market.
With Many States Reopening, COVID-19 Testing Levels Still Too Low
MONDAY, May 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A new analysis shows inadequate levels of testing for COVID-19 in 60 percent of states, many of which are actively reopening after weeks of lockdown.
ATS Issues Guideline on the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis
MONDAY, May 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In an official American Thoracic Society clinical practice guideline, published online April 15 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, recommendations are presented for the detection and diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
Recommendations Made for PPE Use by HCPs in COVID-19 Care
MONDAY, May 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America, recommendations are presented for personal protective equipment (PPE) use by health care providers (HCP) in caring for suspected or known COVID-19 patients.
Hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 Ups Risk for QTc Prolongation
MONDAY, May 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with COVID-19 who receive hydroxychloroquine have a high risk for corrected QT (QTc) prolongation, according to a study published online May 1 in JAMA Cardiology.
Early Awake Proning for COVID-19 Improves Oxygen Saturation
MONDAY, May 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In COVID-19 patients, awake early self-proning in the emergency department yields improved oxygen saturation, according to a study published online April 22 in Academic Emergency Medicine.
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Patients With Cancer Seem More Vulnerable to COVID-19
MONDAY, May 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with cancer seem to be more vulnerable to COVID-19 and have higher risks for severe outcomes, according to a study published online April 28 in Cancer Discovery.
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Physician’s Briefing Weekly Coronavirus Roundup
Here is what the editors at Physician’s Briefing chose as the most important COVID-19 developments for you and your practice for the week of April 27 to May 1, 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal studies and other trusted sources that is most likely to affect clinical practice.
FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Remdesivir
FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted an emergency use authorization for remdesivir to treat hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, the agency announced Friday.
COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate Increased for Cancer Patients
FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Cancer patients have an increased case fatality rate from COVID-19, according to a study from a New York hospital system published online May 1 in Cancer Discovery.
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Anosmia in COVID-19 Linked to Lower Risk for Admission
FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with COVID-19, anosmia is strongly associated with a reduced likelihood of being admitted to the hospital, according to a study published online April 24 in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology.
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Black Patients Overrepresented in Hospitalized COVID-19 Cohort
FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a cohort of hospitalized adults with COVID-19, black patients have a similar probability of receiving invasive mechanical ventilation or dying compared with nonblack patients, but they are disproportionately represented among hospitalized patients, according to a study published online April 29 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Contact Tracing Can Cut Time to Case Isolation in SARS-CoV-2
FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Contact tracing can reduce the time to case isolation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), according to a study published online April 27 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
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