Articles Tagged With:
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TSPO PET Imaging for Monitoring Natalizumab-Associated Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Authors of a recent study evaluated inflammatory activity in multiple sclerosis patients who developed natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) using translocator protein positron emission tomography (TSPO PET) for imaging of microglia. They demonstrated that TSPO PET can monitor PML longitudinally.
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COVID-19 Vaccination, Pregnancy, Lactation, and Fertility
Vaccination rates are notably low among pregnant women. Clinicians should underscore the safety of vaccination and the risks of natural infection, particularly in pregnancy and in patients with underlying comorbidities.
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Meat Consumption Associated with Less Anxiety and Depression
A meta-analysis of 20 studies showed meat consumption resulted in better mental health, with less anxiety and depression vs. meat abstinence.
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Incidence, Prevalence, and Long-Term Consequences of Small Fiber Neuropathy
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN), a subtype of peripheral neuropathy characterized by painful distal neuropathic pain and autonomic symptoms, is increasing in incidence. SFN associated with diabetes and other causes is more likely to progress to large-fiber polyneuropathy and have faster deterioration and higher disability compared to slow progression with idiopathic SFN. Glucose impairment, obesity, and elevated triglycerides are modifiable risk factors of idiopathic SFN. Although major disability and neurologic impairment are uncommon in this slowly progressive condition, higher mortality and cardiovascular events are noted in patients with SFN.
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Recognizing Stroke Mimics: A Guide for Primary Care
Acute ischemic stroke is a common and significant cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States, ranking fifth among all causes of death. However, timely recognition and treatment is complicated by the fact that there are multiple conditions that mimic acute ischemic stroke. A comprehensive review suggested that approximately 74% of patients presenting with apparent acute stroke symptoms ultimately were diagnosed with stroke, thus indicating that 26% of patients had their symptoms produced by “stroke mimics.” Therefore, prompt diagnosis is complicated by a multitude of stroke mimic etiologies, including structural intracranial abnormalities, infection, syncope, vertigo, seizure, and migraine patterns, as well as underlying psychiatric causes and demyelinating diseases.
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FDA: Eye Injuries Increasing Because of Alcohol Hand Rubs
Although a key infection control intervention, the ubiquitous presence of alcohol-based hand hygiene dispensers has led to an increase in people reporting severe eye irritations and injuries.
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CDC Urges Pregnant Women to Get Vaccinated
Despite the risk of severe disease and death, about two-thirds of pregnant women are not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Temperature and Symptom Check Rarely Prevents Presenteeism
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a common ritual at hospital entry for healthcare workers is undergoing a temperature and/or symptoms check upon arriving for their shift. The problem is it rarely works.
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Genetic Research Suggests a ‘Superspreader’ in Provincetown
Was the large COVID-19 outbreak in Provincetown, MA, in July 2021 a superspreader event? The question remains inconclusive, but genetic evidence in new preprint research strongly signals a superspreader type event.
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CMS Warned of Mandate’s Threat to Long-Term Care, Rural Sites
Even healthcare workers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 voluntarily warn of the unintended consequences of a federal vaccine mandate, particularly to long-term care and rural facilities already hit hard by the pandemic.