The HCPLive conference coverage page features articles, videos, and expert-led live coverage from major medical meetings throughout the year.
Aspirin at Bedtime vs. Aspirin in the Morning: Which Produces Greater Cardiovascular Benefits?
November 22nd 2013Although there appears to be no difference in blood pressure reduction in patients who take aspirin at bedtime compared to those who take it when they awake in the morning, bedtime aspirin may be associated with reduced morning platelet reactivity.
Bioengineered Blood Vessel Offers Potential Improvements for Dialysis Patients
November 21st 2013Initial results from human clinical trials involving the use of bioengineered blood vessels could point the way to cost-effective alternative therapies for hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease.
Assessing the Efficacy of Algisyl-LVR in the Treatment of Advanced Heart Failure
November 21st 2013Patients with heart failure who received left ventricle augmentation with Algisyl-LVR hydrogel implant experienced improved quality of life and functional capacity compared to similar patients treated with optimal medical therapy.
Researchers Find Inadequate Levels of Thromboprophylaxis among Atrial Fibrillation Patients
November 20th 2013Analysis of health claims data indicates that physicians are underprescribing anticoagulant treatment in large numbers of patients with atrial fibrillation who are at high risk of stroke and low risk of bleeding.
Study Finds Substantial Variation in Antiplatelet Use Based on Patient Characteristics
November 19th 2013Although oral antiplatelet therapy is broadly supported as preventive therapy for patients with established atherosclerotic vascular disease, researchers say emerging evidence for specific agents shows heterogeneous outcomes by symptomatic vascular bed, and patterns of use may vary by symptomatic territory.
Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Are at High Risk of Medication Noncompliance
November 18th 2013Study results presented at AHA 2013 show that nearly half of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are at high risk of discontinuing their medications. However, patients taking novel anticoagulants such as dabigatran or rivaroxaban were less likely to stop their medications.
Executive Function Disorder and ADHD
November 17th 2013Executive function disorder and ADHD share several overlapping symptoms, and the presence of executive function impairment is often associated with a diagnosis of ADHD. Clinicians should be aware of the testing modalities that can help accurately identify executive function disorder, and also be aware of the limitations of current medications when it comes to mitigating symptoms.
Schizophrenia: Crafting a New Approach to Treatment Tolerability
November 16th 2013Genotyping and access to more genetic information about patients may allow clinicians to minimize side effects associated with treatment for schizophrenia by choosing antipsychotic agents based on their unique molecular binding profiles and using the lowest effective doses.
Integrating Non-pharmacologic Modalities into Major Depressive Disorder Treatment
November 16th 2013Evidence shows that interventional approaches such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, deep brain stimulation, and bright light therapy, coupled with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, can be an effective part of treatment for major depressive disorder.
The Changing Face of Bipolar Care: Initial Results of the MedRisk Study
November 16th 2013Study looks at an integrated care model for treating bipolar depression that incorporates a multidisciplinary care team, individualized lifestyle interventions, focused patient education, weight loss and nutrition counseling, and efforts to promote treatment adherence.
Expert Tips for Assessing, Diagnosing, and Managing Bipolar Depression
November 15th 2013Presentation at the 2013 NEI Psychopharmacology Congress noted potential "red flag" symptoms and events that indicate increased risk of bipolar depression, and discussed several medication options for effectively managing this mental health disorder.
Major Disasters and the Mental Health Community
November 15th 2013Planning and preparation prior to a disaster, developing networks of contacts with other medical personnel and facilities, avoiding overburdening medical staff and personnel in the aftermath of a disaster, and effectively treating PTSD and other mental health disorders are the keys to disaster preparedness.
Why Nephrologists Exclude Patients from Referral for Kidney Transplant: A Survey
November 10th 2013A recent anonymous survey among nephrologists suggests that patients' social support, ability to understand the transplant process, and age are the most important factors influencing nephrologists' decisions to exclude them from kidney transplant referral.