Internal Medicine Alert – July 30, 2021
July 30, 2021
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Is a History of Palpitations Useful for Detecting Atrial Fibrillation?
An analysis of the utility of implanted loop recorders to detect subclinical atrial fibrillation in high-risk individuals showed that among common arrhythmia-compatible symptoms, only palpitation was predictive of discovering episodes of atrial fibrillation. -
Extensive Loss of Health at Six Months in Survivors of COVID-19
Researchers found many survivors of COVID-19 exhibited significant loss of health six months after their acute illness, with greater risk associated with severity of the acute infection. -
Party Affiliation and Social Distancing
Disparate public health messaging from political officials, news media, and online outlets has occurred throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Some have wanted to ascribe lower rates of compliance with public health guidance to political affiliation. -
Long-Term Effects of Cholinesterase Inhibitors on Cognitive Decline, Mortality
Cholinesterase inhibitors are one of the few drug classes approved by the FDA to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This study shows a long-term benefit in slowing the decline of cognition, but it is unclear if there is any benefit in quality of life. -
Blood Culture Contamination: Risks and Adverse Effects
In addition to identifying several patient risk factors for contamination of blood culture specimens, the authors also highlighted various adverse clinical and financial adverse effects. -
Semaglutide Injection (Wegovy)
Semaglutide can be prescribed as an adjunct to a low calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in overweight and obese adults.