HCPLive | CME

Does Urine Drug Testing Reduce Illicit Drug Use among Chronic Pain Patients?

Physicians need a reliable tool that allows them to monitor treatment compliance and determine if patients are diverting meds or using illicit drugs.

Narrowing of Arteries in the Eyes Linked to Early Markers for Cardiovascular Disease

Six-year-olds exposed to the most 'screen time' had narrower arteries in the back of their eyes, a marker of future cardiovascular risk.

Overcoming Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cardiac Care

Quality improvement program guidelines for cardiovascular disease have resulted in equitable care over time in participating hospitals.

Improving Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients through Education Programs

Intensive programs that teach diabetics to better manage their disease resulted in significantly improved long-term blood sugar control.

The Neurophysiological Impact of Psychotherapy on Tourette Syndrome

Cognitive behavioral therapy may improve both motor performance and brain activity in patients with Tourette syndrome.

Signs of Parkinson's Disease in REM Sleep

Research indicates that REM sleep behavior disorder may be an early indicator of Parkinson's disease.

Do All Student Athletes Need Heart Screenings?

Recent research has concluded that screening of athletes prior to sports participation did not reduce the number of deaths from sudden cardiac arrests.

CDC Updates Tdap Recommendations

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has updated guidelines for adolescent and adult pertussis vaccinations.

Where Is the Evidence for Breakthrough Pain in Chronic Non-cancer Pain?

Despite unclear and scant support in the literature, the use of opioids for the treatment of breakthrough pain in chronic non-cancer pain is increasing.

I Really Have to Go: Urgency as a Primary Endpoint in IBS Trials

The FDA contends that it is not clear how IBS patients define the term urgency. Researchers say that this is putting patients in harm’s way.

Post-stroke Depression and Physical Functioning

The successful identification and treatment of PSD is critical due to its high symptom burden and association with other negative health and social outcomes.

Risk Factors for Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke

Arteriopathy and other risk factors for childhood arterial ischemic stroke could inform investigative priorities and targeted preventative strategies.

Screening Newborns for Hypoglycemia

A report from the AAP recommends against routine screening for hyoglycemia in newborns, except those who are high risk.

Gender May Not Explain Women's Higher Risk of Death from Heart Attack

New study of patients with STEMI who undergo PCI shows that comorbidities and older age at presentation account for higher mortality risk among women.

Troubled Young Hearts: CVD Risk in Children with Diabetes

Endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation may be present in preadolescent children with type 1 diabetes, increasing their risk for CVD.

CDC Issues Best Practices for Diagnosis and Testing of Pertussis

In light of the increasing number of pertussis outbreaks, the CDC has developed recommendations to help physicians more effectively diagnose the disease.

Warfarin Alternative Dabigatran Added to Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines

Dabigatran is useful as an alternative to warfarin to prevent stroke and blood clots in patients with either paroxysmal or permanent atrial fibrillation.

Infection Control Checklists Can Reduce Mortality

A statewide quality improvement initiative designed to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections was found to reduce mortality.

Effect of Psychotherapy on the Brain of Patients with Social Anxiety

Researchers have determined the effects of psychotherapy on the brain in patients with social anxiety disorder.

Atopic Dermatitis Is a Strong Precursor to Food Allergies

New guidelines from the NIAID identify which children should be considered for food allergies and emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis.

Can Psychosocial Factors Help Predict Low Back Pain Prognosis?

Are there specific psychological, social, and behavioral factors that influence treatment outcomes in patients with low back pain?

New Meaning behind

Moderate physical exercise can increase the size of the brain structure involved in memory formation.

The Impact of Excessive Internet Use on Adolescent Behavior

Study explores the link between heavy Internet use and poor mental health in adolescents, and provides advice for broaching the topic with patients.

EHRs Have Little Effect on the Quality of Outpatient Care

Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey show no association between quality of care and use of EHRs, with or without clinical decision support.

The Benefits of Stress Management in Heart Disease Patients

A cognitive behavioral therapy program focusing on stress management can cut the risk of recurrent heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.

Task Force Recommends Routine Osteoporosis Screening for Women Age 65

USPSTF revised recommendations for managing osteoporosis call for screening women age 65 and older and younger women at increased risk for fractures.

Benefits of Mental Health Screening for Soldiers Prior to Deployment

Screening soldiers for mental health conditions prior to combat deployment reduces the incidence of psychiatric problems and combat stress.

Better Living with Technology: Enhanced Communication and Diabetes Care

Although communication technologies are widely used in diabetes care, can anyone say which are most effective, and why?

Updated Guidelines for Treating Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis

The American College of Rheumatology has updated its recommendations for the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

The Effect of Language Barriers on Glycemic Control in Latino Diabetics

Limited English proficiency and other language barriers contribute to poor glycemic control and other health disparities among Latinos with diabetes.

Pinpointing the Right Formula for Transitioning Infants to Solid Foods

A study by researchers at the University of Glasgow suggests that baby-led weaning is feasible, but can lead to nutritional problems for some infants.

Risk of Alcoholism Linked to Obesity Risk

Study results show that although there is cross-heritability between alcoholism and obesity risk, environmental factors also play large role.

Relationship of Cystatin C and Hypertension in Type 1 Diabetes

Researchers have found a link between serum cystatin C and the incidence of hypertension in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Reducing Panic and Anxiety through Breathing Therapy

Technique that helps patients control their breathing may be more effective than traditional cognitive therapy at reducing hyperventilation and other symptoms.

AAOS Guidelines: Managing Rotator Cuff Problems

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recently released updated guidelines on the treatment of rotator cuff injuries.

EMRs in the Exam Room and the Effect on Physician-Patient Communication

Primary care physicians who use an EMR during the office visit spend more than 90% of the time interacting with patients.

Sun Up or Sun Down? Determining Optimal Time for Levothyroxine Intake

Levothyroxine intake at bedtime may improve thyroid hormone levels more effectively than in the morning.

Children Living in Apartments at Higher Risk from Secondhand Smoke

A new study indicates that children in multi-unit housing are at a greater risk of tobacco smoke exposure -- even if no one in their apartment smoked.

Maybe You're Not at High Risk for Coronary Artery Disease, After All

Massive international study finds no association between coronary artery disease and genetic marker previously thought to confer higher risk.

AEDs Linked to Lower Survival Rates in Hospitals

Although use of automated external defibrillators is common in the hospital setting, a new study shows that it might not help survival rates in patients.

Over-bundling Infants and the Danger of SIDS

Avoiding the use of extra blankets and warm clothes can help reduce the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) during the colder months.

AMA Releases Social Media Policy for Physicians

A new AMA policy addresses physicians' use of social media tools and the challenges they can create in the patient-physician relationship.

Stroke and MI Risk Reduction in Aggressive vs. Standard Statin Therapy

Intensive cholesterol-lowering statin treatment produces a 15% further reduction in heart attack and stroke risk compared to standard dosing.

fMRI May Help Decrease the Use of Psychiatric Medications in Pediatric Anxiety Disorders

Earn CME credit while learning how fMRI use can help in pediatric anxiety disorer.

Low Back Pain Spinal Injection Helps Reduce Medication Usage and Improve Mobility

Low back injections for back pain have been found to help relieve pain and aid patients in returning to performing daily activities

Does Isotretinoin Treatment for Severe Acne Raise the Risk of Suicide?

A reported increase in suicide attempts among patients with severe acne treated with isotretinoin may have more to do with the illness than the drug.