Internal Medicine

Study finds a lower rate of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias among patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation as a first-line treatment rather than taking antiarrhythmic drugs.

Researchers associated with US Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers have examined the impact of group medical clinics on lipid control among patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

In a meta-analysis of 6 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, researchers concluded that acupuncture is effective in controlling the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

New study results suggest low levels of vitamin during the first trimester are a modest yet consistent and independent risk factor for developing gestational diabetes and are associated with insulin resistance at the second trimester.

Study results show that epsilon toxin, produced by a common foodborne bacterium, attacks the brain's myelin-producing cells and targets other cells associated with inflammation in MS.

In a recent clinical trial, Celexa (citalopram) reduced agitation in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared to placebo, but the drug also produced severe cognitive and cardiac adverse events that prescribers must consider.

Scientists have mapped the structure of a hepatitis C virus surface protein that is responsible for binding to host liver cells, leading to virus entry.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 84% of wrong-site orthopedic surgery claims result in indemnity payments over a 10-year period, representing financially burdensome settlements.

Though most studies on the preoperative use of intra-aortic balloon pumps in coronary artery bypass grafting patients have reported early results, they have not been able to determine long-term outcomes.

For patients who emerge from epilepsy surgery seizure-free, the complex relationship between depression, anxiety, and seizure control does not guarantee better quality of life.

Young women who receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have a substantially lower risk of developing precancerous cervical lesions.

Researchers have identified a component of particular nociceptors associated with neuropathic pain that may act to naturally limit the severity of pain.

Study of exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) in ultramarathon runners finds no relationship between the presence of cystic fibrosis gene and the development of EAH.

Recent research suggests low skeletal muscle mass is associated with increased endogenous insulin secretion, especially in patients aged older than 65 years.

A new study suggests antibiotic-glucocorticoid ear drops are superior to oral medications in children who suffer from acute otorrhea following the insertion of tympanostomy tubes for recurrent ear infections.

Combination therapy using daclatasvir and sofosbuvir has attained a sustained viral response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12) in more than 90% of patients with hepatitis C, regardless of prior treatment.

The Food and Drug Administration has updated a drug warning label and medication guide for Victrelis (boceprevir) after receiving reports of abnormally low levels of red and white blood cells in patients who received it as part of combination treatment for hepatitis C.

A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel has not found enough clinical evidence to conclude that naproxen presents a lower risk of cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events than other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Study results show that a three-month course of colchicine can significantly reduce the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation.

Patients who are free of dementia but have 2 parents with late-onset Alzheimer's disease may show signs of the disease in brain scans several years, if not decades, before they display clinical symptoms.

A recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association includes a picture series that is a must-see for physicians who treat patients with diabetes.

Adding uric acid to standard thrombolytic therapy may reduce the risk of disability among stroke patients.

Results from a small study show that adding donepezil may provide additional analgesic relief for neuropathic pain patients who do not receive sufficient pain relief from gabapentin.

A proverb assessment modeling study compares the theoretical influence of a statin a day versus an apple a day on the primary prevention of vascular disease.

Researchers report that sleep apnea may be quite prevalent but under-recognized in patients with multiple sclerosis, and may significantly contribute to fatigue in these patients.

Meta-analysis of clinical trial data on the use of antidepressants and anticonvulsants for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy indicates gabapentin is the most efficacious agent for this condition, while the side effects associated with amitriptyline make it the least tolerable treatment option evaluated in the study.

While tamoxifen and raloxifene reduce the incidence of invasive breast cancer and fractures, they also increase the risk of deep venous thrombosis, cataracts, and uterine cancer.

Researchers wanting to untangle the genetic aspect of the hepatitis C virus that allows it to resist treatment discovered that one particular DNA variant acts like a powerful weapon that helps some people to better fight the disease.

Study suggests coagulation factor products should be billed through the pharmacy benefit and provided by specialty pharmacies.

Study results show FEIBA (anti-inhibitor coagulant complex) produced a 72 percent reduction in median annual bleed rate compared to treatment with an on-demand regimen.