-
In this retrospective analysis of COVID-19 patients hospitalized with cytokine storm, the use of corticosteroids combined with tocilizumab was associated with superior survival when compared to no immunomodulatory treatment; a combination of corticosteroids and anakinra; or corticosteroids, tocilizumab, or anakinra alone. Patients who received corticosteroids, either alone or in combination with anakinra, also experienced lower hospital mortality compared to no treatment.
-
In a randomized trial of patients with atrial fibrillation, left atrial appendage occlusion during elective cardiac surgery was associated with lower rates of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism after 30 days.
-
Giving intravenous ferric carboxymaltose to stabilized post-acute heart failure patients with iron deficiency improved quality of life vs. placebo-treated patients within four weeks, which persisted during subsequent therapy for up to 24 weeks.
-
An analysis of the COMPASS trial for the secondary endpoint of mortality showed the combination of low-dose rivaroxaban and aspirin significantly lowered the all-cause mortality rate vs. low-dose aspirin alone.
-
This analysis of mitral surgery after failed transcatheter edge-to-edge repair demonstrates high rates of valve replacement as opposed to repair. Surgical mortality was higher than predicted but was significantly lower in high-volume centers.
-
An analysis of the ASPREE database showed that with almost five years of follow-up, statins are not associated with cognitive decline or dementia in a large group of elderly subjects in whom multiple tests of cognition were performed serially.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.