December 2018 Briefing – Geriatrics

Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Geriatrics for December 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.

Catheter Ablation Tops Drug Therapy for A-Fib in Heart Failure

MONDAY, Dec. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Catheter ablation is better than drug therapy for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure, according to a review published online Dec. 25 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Effect Sizes Uncertain for Meds Versus Placebo in Knee OA

FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with knee osteoarthritis and at least 12 months of follow-up, there is uncertainty around estimates of effect size for the change in pain in association with medications versus placebo, according to a meta-analysis published in the Dec. 25 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Toll on Health From Depression, Anxiety Akin to Smoking, Obesity

FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Anxiety and depression predict poor future physical health as strongly as obesity and smoking in older adults, according to a study published online Dec. 17 in Health Psychology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

30-Day Postdischarge Mortality Up With HRRP Implementation

THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Announcement and implementation of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) were associated with increased 30-day postdischarge mortality following hospitalization for heart failure and pneumonia, but not acute myocardial infarction (AMI), according to a study published in the Dec. 25 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Low-Priced Generic Drugs Most Likely to Have Shortages

THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The lowest-priced generic drugs are more likely to experience shortages, according to a study published in the November issue of Value in Health.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Dancing Tied to Lower Odds of Disability in Activities of Daily Living

THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For older women, participation in dancing is associated with a reduced likelihood of incident disability in activities of daily living (ADL), according to a study published online Dec. 18 in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

ASH Develops Practice Guidelines for Venous Thromboembolism