According to researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more Americans now die from hepatitis C infection (HCV) than from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the researchers report that since 2007, the rate of HIV deaths has been falling while the mortality rate for hepatitis C has been rising.

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According to a new scientific statement published by the American Heart Association (AHA), women with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are two to three times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack than women without PAD, yet the condition remains often unrecognized and untreated. The AHA is recommending that healthcare providers proactively increase awareness of and test women at risk for PAD. The statement also calls for more women-focused research into the disease.

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A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that among patients with status epilepticus who are treated by paramedics, an autoinjector delivers anticonvulsants more quickly and effectively than drug delivery through an intravenous (IV) line. Prolonged seizures are dangerous and may be life threatening; therefore, treating status epilepticus as rapidly as possible can significantly improve patient outcomes.

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According to a recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the number of opioid prescriptions written for outpatients with chronic abdominal pain doubled between 1997 and 2007. Of note is that the number of outpatient visits consistently decreased over the same time period. Chronic abdominal pain is a common symptom and a frequent reason for healthcare visits; because it is often incurable, clinicians often find it challenging to help their patients manage their abdominal pain over time.

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The Endocrine Society recently released new clinical practice guidelines recommending that all patients have their blood glucose levels tested on admission to the hospital, even if they have not been diagnosed with diabetes. The recommendations are the consensus of several organizations, including The Endocrine Society, the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators, European Society of Endocrinology, and the Society of Hospital Medicine.

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a Proposed Decision Memo containing details of its proposed Medicare coverage for the procedure known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The memo is a response to a formal request for national coverage determination from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). The memo will be open for public comment until March 3, after which a final determination will be made public comment.

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is notifying healthcare professionals and patients that drug interactions between the hepatitis C virus (HCV) drug boceprevir (Victrelis^TM) and three drugs used to treat patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can potentially reduce the effectiveness of both types of medications when used together.

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified the public that the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to decrease stomach acid may be associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD). A diagnosis of CDAD should be considered for patients taking PPIs who develop diarrhea that does not improve. The FDA is working with manufacturers to include information about the increased risk of CDAD with use of PPIs in the drug labels.

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A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that compared with women who undergo annual mammograms, women who undergo mammograms every other year are less likely to be called back for additional testing leading to an unnecessary breast biopsy. However, the researchers did find a small—although insignificant—increase in late-stage cancers among the women screened every other year.

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According to new guidelines published by the American College of Physicians (ACP) in the Annals of Internal Medicine, metformin should be the first drug of choice in oral therapy for people with type 2 diabetes who do not respond to diet and lifestyle changes. A second agent can be added if metformin monotherapy fails to control hyperglycemia, but there is insufficient evidence to recommend one secondary agent over another.

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