Internal Medicine Alert – May 30, 2023

Does Alcohol Provide Any Health Benefit?

The authors of a large systematic review and meta-analysis concluded there is no health benefit from moderate alcohol intake.

Do Race and Ethnicity Affect the Likelihood of ICU Admission?

Patients who identify with racial or ethnic minority groups and present with sepsis or acute respiratory failure are more likely to be admitted to the ICU when compared to white patients.

The Effect of Peripheral Neuropathy in Parkinson’s Disease on Gait and Balance

In this cohort study of 99 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), 40% were found to have peripheral neuropathy, with most meeting criteria for small fiber neuropathy. Gait and balance were worse in PD patients with neuropathy compared to those without.

Improving Statin Tolerance in Elderly Patients

In a post-hoc analysis of the RACING trial, researchers found the combination of moderate-intensity statin and ezetimibe therapy vs. high-intensity statin therapy alone in older subjects resulted in similar reductions in cardiovascular events over three years, but fewer adverse effects with the combination therapy.

Does Topiramate Decrease the Efficacy of Oral Contraceptives?

Women taking low-dose topiramate (< 200 mg per day) and oral contraception did not experience more contraceptive failures compared to women taking other headache remedies (propranolol, metoprolol, amitriptyline, venlafaxine, or verapamil).

Insulin Pump (Medtronic MiniMed 780G System)

The FDA has approved the first insulin pump with meal detection technology.