HOUSTON—The Michael E. DeBakey VAMC in Houston and the Bruce W. Carter VAMC in Miami are among nearly 70 locations across the world participating in a randomized double-blind clinical trial of an immunomodulator, tocilizumab, for patients with severe pneumonia...
VA Analysis Finds Significant Benefit for Statins in Veterans 75 and Older
Cholesterol Drug Use Linked to 25% Reduced Risk of All-Cause Death BOSTON – In recent years, increased focus has been on deprescribing preventive medication for older patients. The concern has been polypharmacy and related risks from taking too many drugs. But what if...
Erectile Dysfunction Medications Appear to Lower Some Colorectal Cancer Risks
COLUMBIA, SC—PDE-5 inhibitors are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat erectile dysfunction, but a new study suggested that the drugs also might be a viable chemopreventive agent for some types of cancer. The article in Clinical and Translational...
Biomarkers Identify Better Physical Resilience in Some Patients
DURHAM, NC—Physical resilience can make a different to how patients respond to health stressors, even if they appear to be clinically similar. A study in the Journals of Gerontology Series A pointed out that molecular mechanisms underlying physical resilience often...
TKA Outcomes Linked to Inappropriate Medications Among Veterans
ATLANTA—The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria is a list of potentially inappropriate medications that are typically best avoided by older adults in most circumstances or under specific situations, such as in certain diseases or conditions. A study in...
Helicopter Pilots Face Greater Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
HONOLULU—Helicopter pilots are burdened with an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, according to a new study. The report in Military Medicine pointed out that the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome is increased in occupations exposed to repetitive motion, poor...
Data Predicts Life Expectancy of Older Veterans With Diabetes
BOSTON—Can the five- and 10-year life expectancy of older diabetes patients be predicted by history of co-morbid health conditions and medication? A new study suggested it can. The VA Boston Healthcare System-led study suggested that the ability to make such...
AI/AN Patients Faced Diabetes Care Disparities Within MHS
BETHESDA, MD—Readmissions following hospitalization for diabetes often occur and are more common in minority patients, who experience greater rates of complications and lower quality healthcare compared to white patients. A study in Military Medicine examined...
Diabetes Drug Metformin Improves PTSD Symptoms in Veterans
NEW ORLEANS—U.S. veterans have a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, but the search for effective medications continues. A presentation at the American Diabetes Association’s 80th Scientific Sessions raised the possibility that a common diabetes drug...
VA Surgical Quality Meets or Exceeds Nearby Community Hospitals
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT—Under the MISSION Act, veterans who meet certain criteria can opt to receive medical care—including surgery—from community providers instead of the VA. Based on the results of a new study, they might not want to, however. A new study...
Biomarker Helps Identify Multiple Sclerosis Much Earlier in the Disease Process
Military Personnel Study Could Improve MS Treatment BOSTON—Early identification of multiple sclerosis could enable interventions to prevent demyelinating events and the progression of neurodegeneration, as well as help pinpoint causal factors of the disease. A study...
Rural Areas Present Challenges for Gathering Medication History
BIRMINGHAM, AL—Even more than other veterans, those in rural areas often see providers and obtain medications outside the VA system, in many cases because the closest VA facility might be distant from their home or they have a primary care provider in their community....
Weight Gain May Endanger Some Benefits of Hepatitis C Cure
NEW HAVEN, CT—A year ago the VA announced it had eliminated chronic infections with hepatitis C virus in all veterans willing and able to be treated. More than 100,000 veterans achieved sustained virological response or a cure with the help of direct-acting antivirals...
DoD Targets 8,000 Units of Convalescent Plasma in Battle Against COVID-19
FALLS CHURCH, VA—The DoD has committed to collecting more than 8,000 units of plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 by September 30, 2020. The collection will enable researchers to better understand trends in antibody production in individuals who have...
Sleep Apnea Increases Need for Opioids in Veterans
WEST HAVEN, CT — Does sleep disruption caused by obstructive sleep apnea lead to hyperalgesia and contribute to poor pain control and use of prescription opioids?
Auricular Acupuncture Effective for Short-Term Pain
FARGO, ND — Battlefield Acupuncture is a unique auricular procedure use by many VHA facilities, according to a new study which suggested that, based on past research, it can reduce pain for up to two weeks.
PTSD Raises Risk for Cancer Pain in VHA Patients
BOSTON — While research has shown a link between chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder, not much is known about the longitudinal course of pain and PTSD during cancer treatment, according to a new study.
VA Neurologists Find That Stroke Looks Different During Coronavirus Pandemic
SAN FRANCISCO—Since the novel coronavirus pandemic hit Europe in early March and washed across the United States later that month, emergency department staff and neurologists have asked, “Where are the stroke patients?” By April, they were asking another question of...