MDNN: AI Health Coaches, Opioid Replacements, HCV, and Peer Insights

Hi, I’m Jenna Payesko, and this is MD Magazine News Network - it’s clinical news for connected physicians.

A new conversational artificial intelligence program is helping diabetic patients maintain a healthy weight. In a new study, 239 overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes reported an average 2.38% weight loss from baseline after using the Lark Health Coach, an automated text-based AI service. The program, which mimics empathic health counseling and monitors patient diet, sleep, and activity, could be amongst the first line of AI services designated to aid the 100 million Americans with prediabetes or diabetes.

A new study suggests that popular OTC medications Tylenol and Motrin could replace opioids in some emergency settings. A randomized study conducted in emergency departments in the Bronx found that an ibuprofen and acetaminophen combination doses are as efficacious for acute extremity pain relief as opioid combination therapies over a 2-hour span. The researchers are now pursuing grants to fund further research to investigate whether the common pain relief treatments are a suitable alternative to opioids in outpatient settings.

Sustained virologic response from Hepatitis C treatment does not depend on a specialist doctor, according to a phase 4 study of chronic HCV patients. In the study, patients who were given direct-acting antiviral Harvoni experienced consistent SVR rates when treated by primary care physicians, hepatology specialist physicians, or nurse practitioners.

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And now, please enjoy expert insights into emerging therapies in spondyloarthritis from Allan Gibofsky, MD.

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I’m Jenna Payesko for MDNN, thank you for watching.