Internal Medicine Alert – January 15, 2023

Body Weight Decline in Cognitively Intact Older Adults May Predict Future Cognitive Impairment

Among cognitively intact individuals, those who developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) recorded faster body mass index (BMI) decline and significantly lower BMI seven years before MCI diagnosis.

Is Red Meat Really Unhealthy?

A thorough review of the evidence raises questions about the health risks of eating unprocessed red meat.

Triglyceride-Lowering Therapy and Cardiovascular Events

Researchers studied pemafibrate vs. placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes, mild-to-moderate triglyceride elevations, and low levels of HDL and well-controlled LDL cholesterol. Despite a 31% reduction in triglyceride levels, there was no improvement in the risk of cardiovascular outcomes over a median follow-up of 3.4 years.

COVID-19: Beware Remdesivir Resistance

Researchers reported two immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients with persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in association with the new emergence of mutations in RNA-dependent RNA polymerase after remdesivir treatment.

Is Screening for Atrial Fibrillation Cost Effective?

Self-screening for atrial fibrillation in elderly individuals could lead to lower stroke rates, prevent bleeding-related hospitalizations, and save money.

Fecal Microbiota, live-jslm (Rebyota)

Rebyota can be prescribed to prevent recurring Clostridioides difficile infection for patients age 18 years and older who are following antibiotic treatment for recurring episodes.

Is AV Block Complete?

Does the ECG in the figure represent complete AV block? If not, why not?