Internal Medicine News RSS feed: Current Issue. To order this journal, and for more information, go to http://www.imng.com/ Internal Medicine News , an independent bimonthly newspaper for specialists in internal medicine, informs its readers on the clinical developments that will impact the care of patients. Early alerts on the latest studies in cardiology, infectious disease, and other key areas are delivered by skilled reporters who attend hundreds of medical meetings each year, monitor the deliberations of the Food and Drug Administration advisory committees, and talk with the thought-leaders in patient care. In news reports and in its Policy & Practice column, the health policy staff of Internal Medicine News tells internists what they need to know about regulatory, legislative and economic developments that will change the practice of medicine. For thousands of specialists, Internal Medicine News is a must-read. http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Internal Medicine News1097-86904341 March 2010 © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010701906/abstract?rss=yesSNOWMASS, COLO. — Serious questions exist about the safety and efficacy of the popular practice of high-dose vitamin D supplementation across a broad swath of the population. One of these concerns is that not all of the extra calcium absorption promoted by boosting vitamin D is going into bone to prevent fractures. Some of it may actually be taken up by atherosclerotic plaque, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events, Dr. Lenore M. Buckley cautioned at a symposium sponsored by the American College of Rheumatology.Doubts Emerge About Widespread Use of Vitamin D SupplementationBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70190-6Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4News12http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010701918/abstract?rss=yesThe Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated much of Haiti created a medical emergency on a massive scale, and physicians and other medical personnel from many nations soon rushed to the island nation to help care for the thousands of injured Haitians.Medical Volunteers Save Lives in HaitiHeidi Splete10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70191-8Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4World Wide Med: Global Perspectives on Medical Practice11http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS109786901070192X/abstract?rss=yesVital Signs: U.S. Health Care Spending Growth Continues to Decelerate10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70192-XInternal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4News22http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010701931/abstract?rss=yesA few pharmacogenomic tests have been shown to help improve patient outcomes, but most clinical studies of genetic and protein-based tests have not supplied sufficient data on outcomes to guide medical care, members of a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services advisory panel concluded.Panel Endorses Some Pharmacogenomic TestsSUE DARCEY10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70193-1Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4News44http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010701943/abstract?rss=yesMuch of the American public has unofficially declared the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic of 2009-2010 over, even though health officials continue to urge Americans to get vaccinated.It's Unofficial: For Public, Flu Pandemic Is OverMITCHEL L. ZOLER10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70194-3Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4News55http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010701955/abstract?rss=yesBetween 39 million and 80 million people in the United States contracted influenza A(H1N1) between April 2009 and Dec. 12, 2009, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Less Than a Quarter of U.S. Population Got H1N1 VaccineROBERT FINN10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70195-5Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4News55http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010701967/abstract?rss=yesA biologic drug that breaks down collagen and is injected directly into the cords involved in Dupuytren's contracture of the hand has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, providing the first nonsurgical treatment for this condition, the agency announced.News From the FDAFrom staff reports10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70196-7Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4News66http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010701979/abstract?rss=yesThe American Society for Radiation Oncology has released a six-point plan to improve patient safety and reduce the potential for medical errors during cancer radiotherapy. The plan comes on the heels of two stories in the New York Times that detailed cases of excess radiation used in the treatment of specific patients, and raised alarms about errors in radiotherapy. Its announcement follows initiation of a systemic review of the society's patient safety and quality assurance projects at the ASTRO board of directors winter meeting in late January.Plan Aims to Make Cancer Radiotherapy SaferKERRI WACHTER10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70197-9Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4News77http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010701980/abstract?rss=yes DR. GOLDSTEIN is professor of medicine at Wayne State University and division head emeritus of cardiovascular medicine at Henry Ford Hospital, both in Detroit. There was a time in the distant past—well, slightly less than a half a century ago—when academic physicians and medical schools took responsibility for the postgraduate education of their alumni and their community doctors. Faculty members were actually sent out to give talks and clinics. Amazingly enough, they did not get paid for it.Getting CME Back on TrackSIDNEY GOLDSTEIN10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70198-0Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Editorial88http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010701992/abstract?rss=yesI have a comment regarding the article “Bisphosphonates May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk” (January 2010, p. 24). It is well known that women with naturally low estrogen levels have an increased incidence of osteoporosis but a decreased incidence of breast cancer. Because of their increased risk of osteoporosis, these women are prescribed bisphosphonates more frequently than other women. Therefore, the decreased risk of breast cancer seen in women taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis might be a statistic related to a common causal factor for both conditions (low estrogen levels). How were estrogen levels controlled for in the two studies that were discussed?LettersDavid L. Keller, Roger Hill10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70199-2Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Opinion88http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702006/abstract?rss=yesMIAMI BEACH — Early and aggressive treatment of dementia in people with Parkinson's disease could optimize outcomes and quality of life for patients and their caregivers, growing evidence suggests.Early Tx of Dementia Helpful in Parkinson'sDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70200-6Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Neurology1313http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702018/abstract?rss=yesMIAMI BEACH — A patient with REM sleep behavior disorder has about a 50/50 chance for developing Parkinson's disease within 12 years, according to a recently published report.REM Sleep Disorder Might Predict Parkinson's DiseaseDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70201-8Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Neurology1313http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS109786901070202X/abstract?rss=yesMIAMI BEACH — Green tea polyphenols taken daily provide minor symptomatic improvement for people with Parkinson's disease, particularly those with more severe disease at baseline, according to findings in a 12-month study. However, the green tea did not provide any disease-modifying effect, Dr. Piu Chan said.Green Tea Polyphenols Do Not Modify Course of Parkinson'sDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70202-XInternal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Neurology1313http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702031/abstract?rss=yesBANGKOK, THAILAND — Many cases of encephalitis lack pathologic evidence for a specific etiology even though methods for detecting infectious agents have improved, suggesting that new infectious agents could be the source of some cases, according to the results of two studies.Etiology of Many Encephalitis Cases UnknownMICHELE G. SULLIVAN10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70203-1Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Neurology1415http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702043/abstract?rss=yesSAN DIEGO — The more advanced the stage of chronic kidney disease, the greater the risk of developing heart failure and the higher the subsequent risk of death, results from a large analysis of Medicare patients showed.Stage of Kidney Disease Affects Heart Failure RiskDOUG BRUNK10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70204-3Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Nephrology1616http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702055/abstract?rss=yesSAN DIEGO — A low percentage of total body fat is associated with higher 5-year mortality in hemodialysis patients, even after adjustment for demographics, comorbid conditions, and other surrogates of nutritional status, results from a large study showed.Low Body Fat Tied to High Mortality in DialysisDOUG BRUNK10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70205-5Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Nephrology1717http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702067/abstract?rss=yesThe fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders could significantly change the way in which physicians diagnose psychiatric illness by placing a greater emphasis on the severity of patients' symptoms as well as those symptoms that crosscut different disorders.DSM-5 Draft Criteria Shift Diagnostic Emphasis: The fifth edition of the diagnostic manual is likely to include many changes for specific disorders.MARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70206-7Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Psychiatry1818http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702079/abstract?rss=yesMONTREAL — Primary care physicians are not confident when it comes to diagnosing and managing patients with bipolar depression, according to a cross-sectional survey of providers participating in a national electronic health record database.Physicians Are Reticent About Taking On Bipolar DepressionKATE JOHNSON10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70207-9Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Psychiatry1818http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702080/abstract?rss=yesBETHESDA, MD. — Chemical dependence as a result of drug abuse occurs at the cellular level because of neurochemical dysregulation, and an evidence-based understanding of these chemical dynamics and of the circumstances that drive a person to abuse drugs could yield a more comprehensive and effective approach to treatment.Target ‘Cellular-Level’ Activity in DependenceRENÉE MATTHEWS10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70208-0Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Psychiatry2021http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702092/abstract?rss=yesThree free booklets on medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction are available from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The booklets—two for patients and one for families and friends—provide information on medication options, proper use of medications, common side effects, and the recovery process. “The Facts About Naltrexone for Treatment of Opioid Addiction,” “The Facts About Buprenorphine for Treatment of Opioid Addiction,” and “Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction: Facts for Families and Friends,” can be ordered at http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov.Opioid Addiction Treatment Booklets10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70209-2Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Psychiatry2020http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702109/abstract?rss=yesSAN FRANCISCO — Substance abuse is such a common cause of anxiety or depression in HIV-infected patients that Dr. Robert B. Daroff Jr. advises getting a toxicology screen in every patient with HIV and a mood disorder.Mood Disorders in HIV May Be Drug RelatedSHERRY BOSCHERT10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70210-9Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Infectious Diseases2223http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702110/abstract?rss=yesThe American Medical Association has begun offering a Web-based flu-assessment program. In addition to helping patients determine the severity of their symptoms based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the program provides tools that physicians can use to monitor those symptoms.Online Program for Flu Assessment10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70211-0Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Infectious Diseases2323http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702122/abstract?rss=yesImmunization rates among U.S. adults remain low, resulting in 40,000-50,000 deaths annually due to diseases that could be prevented by vaccines, according to a report released at a telebriefing.Report Finds Low Vaccination Rates in U.S. AdultsELIZABETH MECHCATIE10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70212-2Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Infectious Diseases2425http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702134/abstract?rss=yesSAN DIEGO — Microvesicular steatosis may be more common in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease than previously thought and is associated with markers of severe disease, a study of 1,022 biopsies suggests.Microvesicular Steatosis in NAFLD Not RareSHERRY BOSCHERT10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70213-4Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Gastroenterology2626http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702146/abstract?rss=yes DR. GOLDEN (left) is professor of medicine and public health and DR. HOPKINS is program director for the internal medicine/pediatrics combined residency program at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. Write to Dr. Golden and Dr. Hopkins at our editorial offices or imnews@elsevier.com.Alcoholic Liver DiseaseWILLIAM E. GOLDEN, ROBERT H. HOPKINS10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70214-6Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4The Effective Physician2727http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702158/abstract?rss=yesSAN FRANCISCO — Because new medications for hepatitis C are expected to be approved within 2 years, some experts are waiting to treat selected patients. “Over the last year, I've moved increasingly toward deferred treatment, which is a change for me,” Dr. Norah A. Terrault said. “We clearly will have drugs that are going to work better” when used with the current standard regimen of pegylated interferon (peg-IFN) and ribavirin, she said at a meeting on HIV management sponsored by the University of California, San Francisco.New HCV Drugs May Be Worth the WaitSHERRY BOSCHERT10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70215-8Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Gastroenterology2727http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS109786901070216X/abstract?rss=yesPatients whose previous negative colonoscopies were performed by gastroenterologists are less likely to have subsequent colorectal cancer than are patients whose screens were done by other specialists, including general surgeons, Dr. Linda Rabeneck and her colleagues reported.Colon Ca Rates Lower After Specialist ScreeningDENISE NAPOLI10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70216-XInternal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Gastroenterology2828http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702171/abstract?rss=yesEven in patients whose last negative colonoscopy was more than 10 years before, advanced adenomas were rare, Dr. Hermann Brenner and his colleagues reported. The finding suggests that “extension of screening intervals, which could strongly enhance acceptance and cost-effectiveness of endoscopy-based screening and reduce its discomfort, might be achieved while maintaining high levels of safety,” they wrote (Gastroenterology 2010 March [doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2009.10.054]).Advanced Neoplasms Rare After Prior Negative ColonoscopyDENISE NAPOLI10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70217-1Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Gastroenterology2828http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702183/abstract?rss=yesSAN DIEGO — Poor bowel preparation before colonoscopy influenced physicians to recommend follow-up colonoscopies 17 months sooner than they suggested for patients with adequate bowel preparation in a retrospective cohort study of 788 patients.Bowel Prep Affects Interval To Next ColonoscopySHERRY BOSCHERT10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70218-3Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Gastroenterology2828http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702195/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Fewer falls occurred after expedited cataract surgery (76 out of 274 patients), compared with standard surgery (87 out of 271 patients), but the difference was not significant.Expedited Cataract Surgery Doesn't Reduce FallsDENISE NAPOLI10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70219-5Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Geriatrics3030http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702201/abstract?rss=yesMIAMI BEACH — Levodopa produces greater symptomatic relief for Parkinson's disease patients, compared with a dopamine agonist, consistent results of long-term studies indicate, but more dyskinesia and motor fluctuations are the trade-offs.Dopamine Agonists Vie With l-Dopa for Parkinson'sDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70220-1Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Geriatrics3030http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702213/abstract?rss=yesSAN DIEGO — An estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 30 mL/min is associated with malnutrition in all ages, while an estimated GFR between 30 and 59 mL/min is associated with malnutrition only in people older than age 60 years.GFR May Predict Malnutrition in the ElderlyDOUG BRUNK10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70221-3Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Geriatrics3131http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702225/abstract?rss=yesHOT SPRINGS, VA. — Delaying gallbladder surgery in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis might save money in the short run, but it racks up a bigger bill later in health outcomes and cash outlay, judging by a Medicare claims database study.Early Surgery Lowers Cholecystectomy CostsMICHELE G. SULLIVAN10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70222-5Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Geriatrics3232http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702237/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Older women received a growing proportion of inpatient surgeries for stress urinary incontinence between 1993 and 2006.SUI Surgery Becoming More Common in ElderlyDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70223-7Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Geriatrics3333http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702249/abstract?rss=yesThe approval of the HeartMate II, the continuous-flow left ventricular assist device, has been expanded to include its use as destination therapy for people with severe heart failure who are not acceptable candidates for heart transplantation.HeartMate II Approved As Destination TherapyELIZABETH MECHCATIE10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70224-9Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Cardiovascular Medicine3434http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702250/abstract?rss=yesSNOWMASS, COLO. — The Food and Drug Administration's recent approval of Thoratec Corp.'s HeartMate II left ventricular assist device as destination therapy—that is, as an alternative to heart transplantation—is a landmark development heralding a long-awaited era of lifetime mechanical circulatory support in patients with terminal heart failure, experts said at a conference sponsored by the American College of Cardiology.Newly Approved LVAD Alternative to Heart TransplantationBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70225-0Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Cardiovascular Medicine3434http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702262/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: At 24 weeks, Patient Global Assessment scores improved in 50% of the 304 heart failure patients receiving intravenous iron and in 28% of the 155 patients on placebo, a statistically significant difference.Heart Failure Improved With Iron RepletionMITCHEL L. ZOLER10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70226-2Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Cardiovascular Medicine3535http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702274/abstract?rss=yes Major Findings: Survival to adulthood has significantly improved for persons born with congenital heart disease, from 82% in those born in the 1970s to 89% in those born in the 1990s.Congenital Heart Disease Survival to Adulthood Hits 89%MITCHEL L. ZOLER10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70227-4Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Cardiovascular Medicine3535http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702286/abstract?rss=yesORLANDO — Bariatric surgery produces rapid, dramatic improvements in obese adolescents, but after the first 6 months post surgery these patients appear to hit a wall and further gains in their clinical status usually do not occur, according to a follow-up study of 44 patients.Roux-en-Y Benefits in Teens Plateau at 6 MonthsMITCHEL L. ZOLER10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70228-6Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Adolescent Health3636http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702298/abstract?rss=yesATLANTA — A single traumatic injury is associated with more psychiatric diagnoses and more psychotropic medication prescriptions among adolescents than among those uninjured, according to a large, prospective, cohort study.Single Traumatic Injury Tied to Psychopathology in TeensDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70229-8Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Adolescent Health3636http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702304/abstract?rss=yesSAN FRANCISCO — Sleep apnea can cause metabolic dysfunction, some of which can be reversed by treating the disorder with continuous positive airway pressure, a small 8-week study of 29 patients suggests.Apnea Therapy Improves Metabolic MeasuresSHERRY BOSCHERT10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70230-4Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Pulmonary Medicine4242http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702316/abstract?rss=yesSAN DIEGO — Golfers with obstructive sleep apnea can anticipate knocking strokes off their game by adhering to treatment with continuous positive airway pressure. What's more, the better the player at baseline, the bigger the improvement in golf handicap resulting from CPAP, as demonstrated in a small prospective controlled study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians.Achieving Better Golf Scores Through CPAP?BRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70231-6Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Pulmonary Medicine4343http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702328/abstract?rss=yesCORONADO, CALIF. — A variety of lung cancer–associated biomarkers are being tested in assays that may improve diagnosis and treatment of this disease, according to three studies reported at a joint conference of the American Association for Cancer Research and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer.Biomarker Assays for Lung Ca Making ProgressSUSAN LONDON10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70232-8Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Pulmonary Medicine4445http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS109786901070233X/abstract?rss=yes DR. SCHETTLER is science director of the Science and Environmental Health Network and science adviser to Health Care Without Harm. He has no conflicts of interest. Physicians in private practice have a potentially large role to play in reducing medicine's impact on the environment. The opportunities to reduce your footprint are similar whether you're running a large hospital or a small- to moderate-sized private practice.Greening Your PracticeTED SCHETTLER10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70233-XInternal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4The Office4647http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702341/abstract?rss=yesThe senior-friendly Web site provided by the National Institutes of Health, NIHSeniorHealth, now offers links to seven short videos that explain to older patients and their caregivers the basics of Medicare coverage—including eligibility, enrollment, costs, and different types of coverage.Helping With Medicare Basics10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70234-1Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Practice Trends4747http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702353/abstract?rss=yesPhysicians in Montana may legally assist terminally ill patients in hastening death, according to a ruling by the Montana Supreme Court. The decision in the case of Baxter v. State of Montana concerned Robert Baxter, a retired truck driver from Billings, Mont., who was terminally ill with lymphocytic leukemia with diffuse lymphadenopathy. As a result of the disease and its treatment, Mr. Baxter suffered from symptoms including “infections, chronic fatigue and weakness, anemia, night sweats, nausea, massively swollen glands, significant ongoing digestive problems, and generalized pain and discomfort,” according to the decision.Montana Court Rules in Favor of Aid in DyingJOYCE FRIEDEN10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70235-3Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Practice Trends4848http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702365/abstract?rss=yesThe Food and Drug Administration has launched an initiative to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure from three types of medical imaging procedures: CT, nuclear medicine studies, and fluoroscopy. The FDA said it will issue targeted requirements for device manufacturers to develop safer technologies and to provide training to support safe use. In addition, the agency said it will help develop a patient medical imaging history card for patients to track their own medical imaging history and share it with their physicians. The FDA also recommended that professional societies continue to develop diagnostic radiation reference levels for medical imaging procedures and increase their efforts to develop one or more national registries for radiation doses. “The goal of FDA's initiative is to support the benefits associated with medical imaging while minimizing the risks,” Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a statement.Policy & Practice: Want more health reform news? Subscribe to our podcast – search ‘Policy & Practice’ in the iTunes storeJane Anderson10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70236-5Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Practice Trends4848http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702377/abstract?rss=yesThe federal government has released its plan to deal with the health consequences associated with major national emergencies such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks.Government Unveils Health Plan for DisastersMARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70237-7Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Practice Trends5353http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702389/abstract?rss=yesMONTREAL — Locally designed and delivered lifestyle interventions can result in clinically meaningful improvements in patient health, according to preliminary findings from a statewide initiative aimed at decreasing health disparities.Target Interventions to Specific CommunitiesKATE JOHNSON10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70238-9Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Practice Trends5656http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702390/abstract?rss=yesDENVER — Physicians may not be enamored of Medicare, but they like it better than private insurance plans, according to a survey by the Medical Group Management Association. In MGMA's Payer Performance Study—covering more than 1,700 group practices—physician groups ranked Medicare Part B well ahead of six large private insurers in terms of overall satisfaction. The survey asked members of MGMA to rank seven of the largest payers (Medicare Part B, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Coventry, and Anthem) on payer communications, provider credentialing, contract negotiation, payment processing, systems transparency, and overall satisfaction.Survey: Physicians Prefer Medicare to Private PlansERIK GOLDMAN10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70239-0Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Practice Trends5656http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702407/abstract?rss=yes DR. TAYLOR is associate professor and director of adult clinical genetics at the Health Sciences Center of the University of Colorado, Aurora. To provide feedback or suggest future topics of interest, write to Dr. Taylor at our editorial offices or imnews@elsevier.com.Personalized Genome Around the Corner?MATTHEW R.G. TAYLOR10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70240-7Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Genetics in Your Practice5859http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/article/PIIS1097869010702419/abstract?rss=yesThe American Medical Association has launched its online ePrescribing Learning Center to provide physicians with the tools they need to make informed decisions about electronic prescribing.AMA Offers New Online Tool for ePrescribing10.1016/S1097-8690(10)70241-9Internal Medicine News 43, 4 (2010)2010-03-01Internal Medicine News2010-03-01434S1097-8690(10)X7004-4Practice Trends5959