Patient Information

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is fertile soil for medical and psychiatric comorbid conditions, with sleep disorders leading the way, according to Maurice M. Ohayon, MD, who presented the findings of a longitudinal, population-based study on GERD and its "fellow travelers" at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies. Insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome were among the most prevalent comorbidities of GERD. However, one sleep disorder symptom was reported to be a problem in up to 46% of those with the digestive disease. To learn more, see Family Practice News at: http://www.familypracticenews.com/specialty-focus/pulmonary-sleep-medicine/single-article-page/gerd-and-sleep-disorders-often-go-hand-in-glove/1dc81a99b64d296e03b86aa28893fbc7.html.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is fertile soil for medical and psychiatric comorbid conditions, with sleep disorders leading the way, according to Maurice M. Ohayon, MD, who presented the findings of a longitudinal, population-based study on GERD and its "fellow travelers" at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies. Insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome were among the most prevalent comorbidities of GERD. However, one sleep disorder symptom was reported to be a problem in up to 46% of those with the digestive disease. To learn more, see Family Practice News at: http://www.familypracticenews.com/specialty-focus/pulmonary-sleep-medicine/single-article-page/gerd-and-sleep-disorders-often-go-hand-in-glove/1dc81a99b64d296e03b86aa28893fbc7.html.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is fertile soil for medical and psychiatric comorbid conditions, with sleep disorders leading the way, according to Maurice M. Ohayon, MD, who presented the findings of a longitudinal, population-based study on GERD and its "fellow travelers" at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies. Insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome were among the most prevalent comorbidities of GERD. However, one sleep disorder symptom was reported to be a problem in up to 46% of those with the digestive disease. To learn more, see Family Practice News at: http://www.familypracticenews.com/specialty-focus/pulmonary-sleep-medicine/single-article-page/gerd-and-sleep-disorders-often-go-hand-in-glove/1dc81a99b64d296e03b86aa28893fbc7.html.

Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections may have the best long-term outcomes if they achieve sustained viral response (SVR) before they develop clinically significant portal hypertension, according to a study reported on in the July issue of Gastroenterology. On the other hand, patients in stage 2 cirrhosis were more likely than stage 1 patients to develop liver decompensation and to die of hepatocellular carcinoma, regardless of SVR. “The available evidence, including our own, suggests that it is opportune to treat HCV as early as possible, in order to reduce progression to stages of cirrhosis in which a viral cure may be less likely lead to ultimate achievement of a major benefit,” said Dr. Vito Di Marco and his associates from the University of Palermo, Italy. More on the study, and its limitations, is available at Family Practice News: http://www.familypracticenews.com/specialty-focus/infectious-diseases/single-article-page/early-sustained-viral-response-linked-to-better-outcomes-among-hcv-patients/5089546903e73ad3c6947ff3bd3f8dbc.html.

Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections may have the best long-term outcomes if they achieve sustained viral response (SVR) before they develop clinically significant portal hypertension, according to a study reported on in the July issue of Gastroenterology. On the other hand, patients in stage 2 cirrhosis were more likely than stage 1 patients to develop liver decompensation and to die of hepatocellular carcinoma, regardless of SVR. “The available evidence, including our own, suggests that it is opportune to treat HCV as early as possible, in order to reduce progression to stages of cirrhosis in which a viral cure may be less likely lead to ultimate achievement of a major benefit,” said Dr. Vito Di Marco and his associates from the University of Palermo, Italy. More on the study, and its limitations, is available at Family Practice News: http://www.familypracticenews.com/specialty-focus/infectious-diseases/single-article-page/early-sustained-viral-response-linked-to-better-outcomes-among-hcv-patients/5089546903e73ad3c6947ff3bd3f8dbc.html.

Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections may have the best long-term outcomes if they achieve sustained viral response (SVR) before they develop clinically significant portal hypertension, according to a study reported on in the July issue of Gastroenterology. On the other hand, patients in stage 2 cirrhosis were more likely than stage 1 patients to develop liver decompensation and to die of hepatocellular carcinoma, regardless of SVR. “The available evidence, including our own, suggests that it is opportune to treat HCV as early as possible, in order to reduce progression to stages of cirrhosis in which a viral cure may be less likely lead to ultimate achievement of a major benefit,” said Dr. Vito Di Marco and his associates from the University of Palermo, Italy. More on the study, and its limitations, is available at Family Practice News: http://www.familypracticenews.com/specialty-focus/infectious-diseases/single-article-page/early-sustained-viral-response-linked-to-better-outcomes-among-hcv-patients/5089546903e73ad3c6947ff3bd3f8dbc.html.

Many commonly used prescription drugs, over-the-counter agents, and several complimentary or alternative medications can either trigger heart failure or exacerbate the disease in patients with existing heart failure, according to a scientific statement written by a committee of the American Heart Association that was released on July 11. The comprehensive statement lists 88 distinct prescription drugs or drug classes. Read more about the statement at Cardiology News, available here: http://www.ecardiologynews.com/specialty-focus/heart-failure/single-article-page/statement-warns-of-drugs-causing-or-exacerbating-heart-failure/e62f58d7bf5e124f84a09242a258bfb5.html.

Many commonly used prescription drugs, over-the-counter agents, and several complimentary or alternative medications can either trigger heart failure or exacerbate the disease in patients with existing heart failure, according to a scientific statement written by a committee of the American Heart Association that was released on July 11. The comprehensive statement lists 88 distinct prescription drugs or drug classes. Read more about the statement at Cardiology News, available here: http://www.ecardiologynews.com/specialty-focus/heart-failure/single-article-page/statement-warns-of-drugs-causing-or-exacerbating-heart-failure/e62f58d7bf5e124f84a09242a258bfb5.html.

Many commonly used prescription drugs, over-the-counter agents, and several complimentary or alternative medications can either trigger heart failure or exacerbate the disease in patients with existing heart failure, according to a scientific statement written by a committee of the American Heart Association that was released on July 11. The comprehensive statement lists 88 distinct prescription drugs or drug classes. Read more about the statement at Cardiology News, available here: http://www.ecardiologynews.com/specialty-focus/heart-failure/single-article-page/statement-warns-of-drugs-causing-or-exacerbating-heart-failure/e62f58d7bf5e124f84a09242a258bfb5.html.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a common but underrecognized genetic condition that increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and liver disease. Because delayed diagnosis is thought to be associated with adverse outcomes, physicians are encouraged to follow available guidelines and test for the disease in all symptomatic adults with fixed airflow obstruction. This article from the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine describes how to detect this genetic condition and the promising new therapies that are being investigated to treat it. The article is available at: http://www.ccjm.org/current-issue/issue-single-view/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency-an-underrecognized-treatable-cause-of-copd/405de7ef6d4fcd6663e0af929c45b845.html.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a common but underrecognized genetic condition that increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and liver disease. Because delayed diagnosis is thought to be associated with adverse outcomes, physicians are encouraged to follow available guidelines and test for the disease in all symptomatic adults with fixed airflow obstruction. This article from the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine describes how to detect this genetic condition and the promising new therapies that are being investigated to treat it. The article is available at: http://www.ccjm.org/current-issue/issue-single-view/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency-an-underrecognized-treatable-cause-of-copd/405de7ef6d4fcd6663e0af929c45b845.html.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a common but underrecognized genetic condition that increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and liver disease. Because delayed diagnosis is thought to be associated with adverse outcomes, physicians are encouraged to follow available guidelines and test for the disease in all symptomatic adults with fixed airflow obstruction. This article from the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine describes how to detect this genetic condition and the promising new therapies that are being investigated to treat it. The article is available at: http://www.ccjm.org/current-issue/issue-single-view/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency-an-underrecognized-treatable-cause-of-copd/405de7ef6d4fcd6663e0af929c45b845.html.

Historically, the standard of care was for primary care providers to monitor warfarin therapy, but recently, there has been a shift to monitoring patients in anticoagulation clinics. This article from Federal Practitioner provides an overview of the studies done to evaluate the safety and efficacy of face-to-face vs telephone anticoagulation clinics. Find out which method was more effective—if any—at: http://www.fedprac.com/the-publication/issue-single-view/efficacy-and-safety-outcomes-for-patients-taking-warfarin-who-were-switched-from-face-to-face-to-telephone-anticoagulation-clinic/b1833e94751e2fa5c22da1ae82d20f47/ocregister.html.

Historically, the standard of care was for primary care providers to monitor warfarin therapy, but recently, there has been a shift to monitoring patients in anticoagulation clinics. This article from Federal Practitioner provides an overview of the studies done to evaluate the safety and efficacy of face-to-face vs telephone anticoagulation clinics. Find out which method was more effective—if any—at: http://www.fedprac.com/the-publication/issue-single-view/efficacy-and-safety-outcomes-for-patients-taking-warfarin-who-were-switched-from-face-to-face-to-telephone-anticoagulation-clinic/b1833e94751e2fa5c22da1ae82d20f47/ocregister.html.

Historically, the standard of care was for primary care providers to monitor warfarin therapy, but recently, there has been a shift to monitoring patients in anticoagulation clinics. This article from Federal Practitioner provides an overview of the studies done to evaluate the safety and efficacy of face-to-face vs telephone anticoagulation clinics. Find out which method was more effective—if any—at: http://www.fedprac.com/the-publication/issue-single-view/efficacy-and-safety-outcomes-for-patients-taking-warfarin-who-were-switched-from-face-to-face-to-telephone-anticoagulation-clinic/b1833e94751e2fa5c22da1ae82d20f47/ocregister.html.

Yes. Physicians taking care of patients who have hypertension and resistant hypertension should be aware of the possible diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and offer in-laboratory polysomnography or home sleep testing if appropriate. Large, long-term observational studies have shown higher incidence rates of hypertension in people with untreated OSA than in those who underwent treatment for it with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Read more on how OSA and hypertension are linked in this article from Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, available at: http://www.ccjm.org/current-issue/issue-single-view/should-i-suspect-obstructive-sleep-apnea-if-a-patient-has-hard-to-control-hypertension/b8ddb92518fe3517d3e073b1eacb89c2.html.

Yes. Physicians taking care of patients who have hypertension and resistant hypertension should be aware of the possible diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and offer in-laboratory polysomnography or home sleep testing if appropriate. Large, long-term observational studies have shown higher incidence rates of hypertension in people with untreated OSA than in those who underwent treatment for it with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Read more on how OSA and hypertension are linked in this article from Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, available at: http://www.ccjm.org/current-issue/issue-single-view/should-i-suspect-obstructive-sleep-apnea-if-a-patient-has-hard-to-control-hypertension/b8ddb92518fe3517d3e073b1eacb89c2.html.

Yes. Physicians taking care of patients who have hypertension and resistant hypertension should be aware of the possible diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and offer in-laboratory polysomnography or home sleep testing if appropriate. Large, long-term observational studies have shown higher incidence rates of hypertension in people with untreated OSA than in those who underwent treatment for it with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Read more on how OSA and hypertension are linked in this article from Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, available at: http://www.ccjm.org/current-issue/issue-single-view/should-i-suspect-obstructive-sleep-apnea-if-a-patient-has-hard-to-control-hypertension/b8ddb92518fe3517d3e073b1eacb89c2.html.

Substituting a less-expensive hepatitis C core antigen test into the standard 2-step process for diagnosing active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection could streamline and cut the cost of HCV detection, according to the results of a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Dr. J. Morgan Freiman, of the Boston Medical Center, and her colleagues, performed a meta-analysis to determine the sensitivity and specificity associated with each of the 5 HCV core antigen tests. To find out which tests performed best, go to Family Practice News: http://www.familypracticenews.com/specialty-focus/infectious-diseases/single-article-page/new-hcv-test-approach-could-cut-costs-streamline-diagnosis/8d117e35547c3068dfb553f396ff7ed7.html.

Substituting a less-expensive hepatitis C core antigen test into the standard 2-step process for diagnosing active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection could streamline and cut the cost of HCV detection, according to the results of a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Dr. J. Morgan Freiman, of the Boston Medical Center, and her colleagues, performed a meta-analysis to determine the sensitivity and specificity associated with each of the 5 HCV core antigen tests. To find out which tests performed best, go to Family Practice News: http://www.familypracticenews.com/specialty-focus/infectious-diseases/single-article-page/new-hcv-test-approach-could-cut-costs-streamline-diagnosis/8d117e35547c3068dfb553f396ff7ed7.html.

Substituting a less-expensive hepatitis C core antigen test into the standard 2-step process for diagnosing active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection could streamline and cut the cost of HCV detection, according to the results of a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Dr. J. Morgan Freiman, of the Boston Medical Center, and her colleagues, performed a meta-analysis to determine the sensitivity and specificity associated with each of the 5 HCV core antigen tests. To find out which tests performed best, go to Family Practice News: http://www.familypracticenews.com/specialty-focus/infectious-diseases/single-article-page/new-hcv-test-approach-could-cut-costs-streamline-diagnosis/8d117e35547c3068dfb553f396ff7ed7.html.