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Overtreating Hypothyroid Could Raises Risk of Atrial Fibrillation

A new study found that elevated free thyroxine within the upper range of normal may increase risk of AF; is may be time to redefine what is "safe" when treating hypothyroidism.

ADHD Continues to Rise in Children

From 2010 to 2017, there was an increase of over 30% in the number of commercially insured children being diagnosed with ADHD.

Flu Vaccine Stored for Pandemic Risk Found Safe, Immunogenic

The National Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Stockpile has been storing vaccines for particular pandemic-potential viruses since 2005.

Fat IPO from Atkins?

Serdaxin Active Ingredient Found to Enhance Neurotransmitter Release

The mechanism of action of clavulanic acid, the active ingredient in Rexahn Pharmaceuticals' Serdaxin, was investigated in a recent study.

Nonischemic cardiomyopathy and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

We assessed whether duration of nonischemic cardiomyopathy was related to the degree of benefit from implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) insertion. Subjects who had a recent diagnosis of nonischemic cardiomyopathy had at least a similar benefit from ICD insertion as did those with a remote diagnosis. These results indicate that ICD therapy should be considered in such patients as soon as they are diagnosed and once reversible causes of left ventricular dysfunction have been excluded.

Incidence of death and MI associated with stopping clopidogrel after ACS

Rates of death and myocardial infarction were assessed for a national sample of acute coronary syndrome patients after stopping clopidogrel. In the first 90 days after stopping treatment, patients experienced a nearly twofold increased risk of adverse events compared with subsequent follow-up intervals for patients treated medically without stents and for patients treated with coronary stents. This suggests a possible clopidogrel rebound effect, but additional studies are needed to support this hypothesis and to identify strategies to reduce early events after clopidogrel cessation.

Anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation-trends in the United States

The use of anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation has slowly increased in the last decade, yet many patients at relatively high risk for thromboembolic events are still not receiving anticoagulants. Patients receiving therapy that is intended to maintain sinus rhythm may be at higher risk for underuse of anticoagulation therapy than those receiving rate control therapies. In addition, the increase in the use of anticoagulation therapy appears to have been particularly notable among patients for whom it may not be indicated and in whom safer, less expensive antithrombotic therapies would suffice.

Direct-to-Consumer Advertising: PhRMA Takes the Initiative in Self-Regulation