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Migraine Prophylaxis in Children

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of migraine prophylaxis in children ages 8-17 years, treatment with neither amitriptyline nor topiramate showed significant differences in headache frequency or headache-related disability compared to placebo.

570 Clinics Found Marketing Unproven Stem Cell Treatments

Stem cell interventions are offered at 570 clinics, with generally unproven treatments being marketed to consumers, found a recent study.

Cost Savings for Palliative Care in ACOs ‘Astounding,’ Say Researchers

Home-based palliative care within an accountable care organization was associated with significant cost savings, fewer hospitalizations, and increased hospice use in the final months of life, found a recent study.

Ethical Responses if Patient is Offended by a Healthcare Provider’s Tattoos

If a healthcare provider’s visible tattoos offend a patient or family member, does this supersede the clinician’s rights to self-expression?

Ethical Concerns if Cancer Drugs, and Science in General, are Overhyped

Half of the cancer drugs described with superlatives such as “breakthrough,” “groundbreaking” and “game-changer” were not yet approved as safe and effective, found a recent study.

Surprising Conflicts of Advisory Committee Speakers

Much attention has been paid to clinicians with financial ties to industry and resulting conflicts of interest, but patients who speak at public meetings also have financial ties, found a recent analysis.

Some Older, Chronically Ill Patients Don’t Realize They Have a Choice in Deciding Surgery

Patients and family members were surprised that postoperative recovery was so difficult, and lacked knowledge on advance directives and the fact that they could decline major surgery.

Warning: Reactivation of Hepatitis B Virus Coinfection During Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

SYNOPSIS: Prior to initiation of hepatitis C virus treatment with direct-acting antivirals, patients should be screened for hepatitis B virus coinfection. Those who are hepatitis B virus-infected should receive ongoing monitoring for flares and reactivation of hepatitis B.

Vasopressin as a Single Vasopressor Agent in Patients with Septic Shock

SYNOPSIS: The use of vasopressin as a vasopressor for septic shock produced similar outcomes as the use of norepinephrine.

What Influences ICU Admission?

SYNOPSIS: There is widespread variability between hospitals in rates of ICU admission. High ICU utilization hospitals were more likely to use invasive procedures and incurred higher costs than low ICU utilization hospitals with no difference in mortality.