Jeannette Y. Wick, RPh, MBA, FASCP

Although the US Food and Drug Administration revised its approval processes for antihyperglycemic agents to include cardiovascular safety components, researchers still cannot discern whether those drugs affect cardiovascular outcomes.

Obesity rates – and associated patient suffering and societal costs – are climbing, despite the fact that biomedical and public health experts better understand the causes and have more tools to combat it.

Although the first clinical case associating acromegaly with schizophrenia was reported more than 60 years ago, researchers continue to ponder the association between the 2 disorders.

Up to 50% of patients who undergo bypass and heart valve surgeries develop postoperative atrial fibrillation, the result of which involves more postoperative complications, including stroke, longer hospital stays, and an increase in treatment costs.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has increased steadily since the mid-1970s. However, the number of male reproductive evaluative procedures has fallen, which suggests that many couples bypass the exam and go directly to ART.

New research shows an oat-enriched diet plays a positive role in decreasing the inflammatory status involved in cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

For women with diabetes, family planning is both a personal decision and a medical necessity, as unintended pregnancy can threaten a diabetic woman's health.

Approximately 50% of the population has at least one thyroid nodule by age 60, although only 5% of those nodules are malignant.

As more patients work in sedentary occupations, the health of the general population has declined. Some studies have revealed that sedentary workers rarely compensate for their inactivity by increasing their exercise levels and/or reducing their sedentary behavior during leisure time.

Although wound dehiscence is believed to occur in only 0.2-6% of abdominal laparotomies, its associated mortality rate is high.

Weight gain in pregnancy is a frequent concern for expectant mothers. Though the exact amount they should gain depends on their pre-pregnancy weight, most American women gain more weight than the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends.

Postoperative surgical site infection is exceedingly rare after hemorrhoidectomy, and routine antibiotic prophylaxis seems to be unnecessary.

As they age, children who are diagnosed with diabetes shift from care supervised by parents or caregivers to self-care. Ultimately, they must leave their pediatric care providers and find internists and other caregivers whose practices target adults.

A majority of anesthesiologists report using intraoperative neuroprotection for carotid endarterectomy, compared to a previous study that reported 22% of anesthesiologists used neuroprotection in 1995.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common problem among women of reproductive age.

Laparoscopically skilled surgeons with low case volumes have operative times, complication rates, and 30-day hospital readmission rates similar to high-volume surgeons.

This closed-loop insulin delivery system monitors blood glucose continuously and utilizes an algorithm that senses glucose levels and autonomously delivers the required insulin dose. In contrast, conventional insulin pumps contain computer chips that allow patients to program insulin doses for scheduled delivery throughout the day.

Patients with diabetes often develop thiamine deficiency secondary to elevated blood sugar. This deficiency is so common that some experts have referred to it as an epidemic.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become a popular and generally successful surgery with increasing importance as Baby Boomers enter their golden years expecting to remain active and pain-free. However, straightening the knee from a fully bent position creates a clunk or crackle for up to 18% of TKA patients.

Morbidly or severely obese individuals develop migraine disorders significantly more often than patients who carry less weight.

Patients with unreasonable or uninformed expectations are often unprepared for the postoperative period and dissatisfied with their outcomes. As a result, healthcare professionals are dedicating more time to studying and managing patient expectations, including making sure all involved have a clear understanding of what to expect in terms of risks and benefits.

Uterine fibroids often cause symptoms such as heavy vaginal bleeding, anemia, constipation, bloating, and hydronephrosis that lower quality of life and lead to missed workdays for women.

A survey of US neurologists found that a significant minority is unaware of FDA drug safety updates and many who are aware of the updates fail to act on them.

Many adhesions are asymptomatic, but in some patients, they can cause pain, small bowel obstruction and other postoperative issues, as well as increase cost and complicate surgical suite workload.

Although molecularly targeted cancer therapies are generally safe and more effective than previous treatment options, some serious adverse events can occur.

Although less than 2.4% of end-stage renal disease patients are expected to experience renal recovery, a research team found sustained recovery occurs more often than previously believed.

Despite ridicule and derision from their peers, many legitimate biomedical scientists have pursued drugs, treatments, and interventions to restore youth, extend life, or both.

Although overall mortality related to breast cancer in women is declining, patients with locally advanced breast cancer still pose a challenge to oncologists.

Medical researchers have suggested that dairy products protect against metabolic syndrome (MetS), decreasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, altered glucose homeostasis, and dyslipidemia.

Examining evidence from epidemiologic, clinical, and animal studies, a team of researchers discussed the connection between neural dysfunction and metabolic disorders related to type 2 diabetes in the February 2014 issue of Current Diabetes Reports.