Polypill Treatment for Cardiovascular Disease Shows Affordability for Majority Black Populations

Polypill treatment for cardiovascular disease could improve affordability for low-income, majority Black populations who have limited access to health care, according to results of a study published in JAMA Cardiology. The study authors report that this could potentially reduce health disparities.1 Cardiovascular Disease, Polypill, Affordability, Adherence | Image Credit: santoelia | stock.adobe.com In a study … Read more

Study Shows Potential Population-Level Benefits of Intensive BP Targets in Adults With CKD

Image credit: kanruthai | stock.adobe.com Currently, it is unclear if the effects of intensive vs blood pressure (BP) targets shown in clinical trials are generalizable to patients who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) in everyday practice. There may be differences in distribution of cardiovascular risk factors or co-existing conditions. The authors of a study published … Read more

Higher BMI Associated With Risk of Discontinuation for Non–TNF-Targeted Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and higher body mass index (BMI) showed poorer clinical response and higher discontinuation rates for non-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-targeted treatments, according to the authors of a study published in Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease.1 Rheumatoid Arthritis, Obesity, BMI, Therapy | Image Credit: © yodiyim | stock.adobe.com In an article in … Read more

Extended Course of Paxlovid May Help Some Patients With Long COVID

Extended courses of oral nirmatrelvir and ritonavir combination therapy (Paxlovid; Pfizer) may have meaningful clinical benefits for some patients with post-COVID syndrome, also known as long COVID; however, not everyone with the condition benefits from extended therapy.1,2 Paxlovid may provide benefits to some patients with long COVID. | Image Credit: © J.A. | stock.adobe.com Patients … Read more

Pharmacists Can Help Patients Navigate Current Treatment Landscape of Alzheimer Disease

Image credit: Yuri Arcurs/peopleimages.com | stock.adobe.com Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and eventually, functional impairment. The progression of the disease is viewed as a continuum and characterized as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), as well as mild, moderate, and severe dementia stages. Additionally, the pathological … Read more

Study Finds Discrepancies in Relationship Between CKD and Smoking

According to results from a recent study published in Health Data Science, there is a positive correlation between smoking and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The authors noted that although the relationship is not considered a casual effect, covariates in which smoking is a risk factor (eg, hypertension, diabetes) can be factors leading to the onset … Read more

Bolus Dose of Antibiotics May Improve Septic Shock Treatment

Archyde faster Sepsis Treatment: The Potential of IV Push Antibiotics Sepsis is a life-threatening condition requiring swift medical intervention. intravenous (IV) antibiotics are crucial in fighting the infection, and researchers are exploring ways to deliver them even faster. One promising avenue is the use of IV push antibiotics. Logistical Advantages of IV Push IV push … Read more

Shingles Could Significantly Increase Risk of Dementia and Parkinson Disease

Clinical studies have examined the relationship between herpes zoster (HZ) and dementia or Parkinson disease (PD), although the results have been inconsistent. Some findings demonstrated an increased risk of PD in patient with herpes zoster, whereas others found opposite results.1 Image credit: ipopba | stock.adobe.com Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that impacts cognition and … Read more

Dupilumab Lowers Incidence of Psychiatric and Sleep Disorders in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis

In patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) who were prescribed dupilumab (Dupixent; Regeneron, Sanofi), investigators observed a lower risk of psychiatric and sleep disorders, with effects more prominent within a subgroup of Black or African American patients, according to retrospective cohort study results published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.1 Through causing excessive itching and … Read more

Fatal Disseminated Herpes Zoster in Immunocompetent Individuals

New study findings assessed the clinical presentation, risk factors, and importance of early recognition and treatment of disseminated herpes zoster (DHZ) in immunocompetent patients, as well as highlight the effectiveness of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccination in reducing the risk of this severe complication.1 Image credit: Cristina | stock.adobe.com DHZ is a serious complication of VZV … Read more