Internal Medicine

Researchers in the United Kingdom have shown a reduction in the rate of brain atrophy progression with use of 80-mg simvastatin daily in patients with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis over a 2-year period.

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

The reduction of the production of insulin has been attributed to kisspeptin 1, which has been noted as a key in the development of diabetes.

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.

Trial results showed the anti-gout medication colchicine reduced the rate of pericarditis recurrence and hospitalization compared to placebo.

Results from the CHOICE trial presented at ACC.14 showed the Sapien balloon-expandable valve performed slightly better than the CoreValve self-expanding device according to a composite measure of "device success."

The AleCardio trial was halted early due to safety concerns and lack of efficacy. Investigators reported patients with diabetes and acute coronary syndrome experienced elevated risk of heart failure, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and renal dysfunction with no mitigating cardiovascular benefit.

Clinical trial data show Topamax (topiramate) safely and effectively reduces the frequency of migraine in adolescents compared to placebo.

Study results presented at ACC.14 show treatment with PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab significantly reduces LDL-cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Sleep deprivation and sleep disturbances are tied to an early onset of Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in the February issue of the Neurobiology of Aging.

Collaboration between American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, and the Society of Thoracic Surgery includes guidance on the use of new oral anticoagulants.

Study data announced at ACC.14 demonstrate renal denervation does not significantly reduce blood pressure in resistant hypertension, contradicting previous studies showing the benefits of the procedure.

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.

After FDA reviewers advocated for not accepting the acute heart failure drug, an advisory panel voted unanimously to reject serelaxin.

Integrated clinical and specialty pharmacy practice model includes an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and pharmacists.

Critics allege several major errors in the results of a study that found testosterone therapy is associated with an increased risk for myocardial infarction and stroke.

Of the 3 to 4 million Americans with chronic HCV infection, only 13% to 18% have received treatment. Understanding the current guidelines in HCV treatment and understanding the current role of direct-acting antiviral agents is an important priority for clinicians.

Men with HIV have more noncalcified plaque in their arteries than their uninfected counterparts, according to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Hyponatremia is associated with poorer overall survival, time to treatment failure, and disease control in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer, according to a study published in European Urology.

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.

Metronidazole 1.3% has been approved by the FDA for treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

As bioimpedance spectroscopy effectively estimates body fluid status, it could replace physical examinations for hyponatremia patients.

The latest US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report estimated one in 68 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder - an increase of 23% from the 2008 study.

The FDA's Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee convenes today to discuss serelaxin after reviewers recommended against the approval of the heart failure drug.

Some experts are concerned that efforts to legalize medical marijuana may lead to an increase in the incidence of low testosterone and related conditions such as gynecomastia.

Subanalysis of a study comparing warfarin and apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation found that uncontrolled hypertension increased the risk of stroke or systemic embolism in these patients.

A developmental drug lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.

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

Smoking tobacco doubles a patient's risk of developing recurrent tuberculosis (TB), according to a study published in the April issue of the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.