In the News


Underused drugs may help with alcohol use disorders

Either acamprosate or oral naltrexone is effective for decreasing consumption by people with alcohol use disorders (AUDs), as is off-label use of nalmefene or topiramate, according to a meta-analysis.

CDC issues guideline on prescribing HIV prophylaxis medication

A new clinical practice guideline on how to prescribe oral antiretroviral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV infection was issued by the CDC last week.

MKSAP Quiz: 6-month history of nonproductive cough

A 32-year-old woman is evaluated for a 6-month history of nonproductive cough. She has no history of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and has never smoked cigarettes. She has no fever, dyspnea on exertion, hemoptysis, heartburn, or wheezing. Following a history, physical exam and chest radiograph, what is the most appropriate diagnostic test to perform next?

Longer cardiac screening intervals may be effective, cost-effective in childhood cancer survivors

Less frequent echocardiographic screening of childhood cancer survivors may effectively detect asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ALVD) and may be more cost-effective than screening per the Children's Oncology Group (COG) guidelines, according to 2 new studies published in the May 20 Annals of Internal Medicine.

Comorbid conditions associated with increased herpes zoster risk in younger patients

A range of conditions were associated with an increased risk of herpes zoster, especially immunosuppressive conditions, and the increased risk was greater in younger age groups, a study found.

Score may help determine safe anticoagulation with warfarin in patients with liver disease

A 4-point score may help clinicians determine which patients with chronic liver disease can safely receive warfarin, a new study reports.

Starting dose for eszopiclone lowered to 1 mg

Eszopiclone (Lunesta) can cause next-day impairment of driving and other activities and therefore should be started at a dose of 1 mg, the FDA warned last week.

Comparison with warfarin comes out well for dabigatran

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) was associated with a lower risk of clot-related strokes, intracranial hemorrhage, and death than warfarin, according to a recent study conducted by the FDA.

Free CME course helps physicians identify and care for patients with liver disease

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), in collaboration with ACP, Project ECHO, the CDC, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, has developed ACT-First, a free, online CME course that will help clinicians improve their knowledge and clinical skills in hepatology.

New ethics case study released on resident duty hours

“Resident Duty Hours: To Hand Over or Gloss Over?” is a new ACP ethics case study that is available online for CME credit.

Success stories of medicine deserve more attention

Yul Ejnes, MD, MACP, a past chair of ACP's Board of Regents, a practicing internist in Cranston, R.I., and a member of ACP Internist's editorial board, continues his monthly column at KevinMD.com.