Older veterans diagnosed with frailty are at much greater risk of developing long COVID after acute infection with SARS-CoV-2, according to a new study. Making that especially significant is that so many older VHA patients, including those living in the community, meet the criteria for frailty.
Healthy Older Veterans Not Getting CRC Screening That Could Benefit Them
Even though clinical guidelines recommend that clinicians selectively offer colorectal cancer (CRC) screening to older adults aged 76 to 85 years, taking into account their life expectancy, values, and preferences.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Raises the Risk of Aortic Stenosis Development
For rheumatoid arthritis patients, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most frequent cause of death and leads to much of the excess mortality associated with the condition.
Surgery for Cervical Disc Disease Can Be Safely Performed in Overseas MTFs
Surgical procedures for cervical degenerative disc disease, including anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA), are safe and effective therapies for active duty servicemembers in overseas military medical facilities, according to a recent study.
COVID Mortality Rates Higher for Older Veterans Hospitalized in the Community
Veterans 65 and older with COVID-19 had lower survival rates when cared for in community hospitals than in VHA facilities. Contributing to the higher mortality rates, according to a recent study, is that so many older, rural veterans were treated by necessity in nearby hospitals.
Frailty in Older Veterans Associated With Greater Suicide Attempt Risk
Veterans who are 65 and older and have symptoms of frailty are at increased risk of attempting suicide, and those with lower levels of frailty were found to have greater risk of suicide death, according to a new study.
Diabetes Drug Metformin Shows Promise for Reducing Incident Osteoarthritis
Metformin is recommended as first-line therapy for Type 2 diabetes at the VA and elsewhere. Among the benefits, according to the VA PBM, is that the drug, which has been in use for decades, is low-cost and safe to initiate in most patients, even those with moderate renal dysfunction.
Choosing the Appropriate Treatment for Fragile Patients with RCC
Targeted therapies have vastly improved survival in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), despite not offering a cure for many patients. More problematically, patients often develop resistance to the drugs.
Treatment Quandary Continues for Non-metastatic Castration-resistant PCa
While most men with non-metastatic prostate cancer respond to androgen-deprivation therapy initially, many later experience rising prostate-specific antigen levels that indicate they have developed castration resistance.
What Matters in Survival, Treatment of Lymphoid Cancers?
Oncologists balance the most effective treatment against the likelihood of adverse effects for every patient with cancer. Generally, the assumption is that older patients and those with more comorbidities and poorer performance status will experience more negative effects, including potentially fatal toxicity, from aggressive treatment. A study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in June calls into question this assumption for at least some patients and specific malignancies.
Choosing the Right Regimen for Elderly Patients with Advanced RCC
Most clinical trials provide limited guidance on the appropriate treatment of patients seen in clinical practice. Particularly in oncology, participants in trials tend to be significantly younger and in substantially better health than the average patient. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) provides a clear example of the challenge.