In the News


New cardio guidelines change statin use, CVD risk assessment

The American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) issued 4 new cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines last week on cholesterol treatment, cardiovascular risk assessment, lifestyle management and management of overweight and obesity.

Available evidence does not support adverse effects of statins on cognition

The available published evidence does not seem to support a link between statins and cognitive impairment, despite an FDA warning to that effect, according to a new systematic review.

MKSAP Quiz: 5-week history of spots in the mouth and throat

A 33-year-old woman is evaluated for a 5-week history of whitish spots in the mouth and the back of the throat and discomfort with swallowing solid foods. This is her first episode of these symptoms. She has had no mouth pain, trouble ingesting liquids or pills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, sweats, or skin problems. She has a 3-year history of HIV infection and also has moderately severe asthma, which is now well controlled with inhaled medications that were recently prescribed. Whitish plaques are seen on the palate and posterior pharynx. What is the most appropriate management of this patient?

Geriatrics society updates guideline for older diabetes patients

Several changes to recommended care for diabetes patients over age 65, including less use of aspirin therapy, were made in a guideline update from the American Geriatrics Society (AGS).

Tamsulosin for BPH associated with hospitalizations for hypotension

Tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may be associated with about twice the rate of severe hypotension requiring hospitalization during the first 8 weeks of treatment and the first 8 weeks after restarting treatment, researchers found.

Simple screening tool assesses frailty in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome

The highest category of scores for the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome was associated with increased comorbidity, longer lengths of stay, and fewer procedures and was independently associated with mortality, a study found.

Updated guidelines released for management of HIV in primary care

The HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) released updated guidelines last week on management of HIV in primary care.

Deadline for eRx incentive approaching

Physicians and other eligible professionals have until Dec. 31 to report at least 25 successful electronic prescribing (eRx) transactions to earn a 0.5% bonus on total allowed charges for professional services covered by the Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule during 2013.

Register now for ACP's national poster competition

ACP Resident/Fellow Members and Medical Student Members are encouraged to enter ACP's national poster competition.

Practicing high-value care and overcoming patients' concerns

Yul Ejnes, MD, MACP, continues his monthly column at KevinMD.com about obstacles to practicing high-value care and the strategies to help patients understand when a particular test or treatment is not likely to improve health.

Governor-elect election results announced

The Governors' Subcommittee on Nominations is pleased to announce the Governor-elect Designees.

The latest issue is online

The November issue of ACP Hospitalist is online.

Vote for your favorite entry

ACP InternistWeekly's cartoon caption contest continues. Readers can vote for their favorite caption to determine the winner.