Your dose of health news

MorningMed is the best way to keep up with the world of health and medicine through curated round-ups, useful insights and other practical resources.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced that it will cover the cost of Alzheimer's drugs that have received full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however prescribing physicians must collect data surrounding the drugs performance with their patients. Medicare's coverage will provide access to these treatments for eligible patients with Alzheimer's disease, potentially offering more options for managing the condition without financial constraint.

Teen birthrates in the United States have reached another record low as the rate of decline continues to slow and plateau, which is seen as progress in reducing teen pregnancies. Experts attribute this slowdown to various factors, including decreased access to contraception and comprehensive sex education. Efforts to further reduce teen birthrates will require continued investment in education and access to reproductive healthcare services.

The health risks associated with babies born to older fathers are explored in light of Al Pacino's expectation of another child at 83 years old. Advanced paternal age has been linked to an increased risk of certain health conditions in offspring, such as autism, schizophrenia, and birth defects. While the absolute risks are generally low, the potential impact on individual families and the importance of considering these risks in family planning decisions are highlighted. The article emphasizes the need for open discussions between couples and their healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding pregnancy and parental age.

Research suggests that laws criminalizing drug use during pregnancy need to be reconsidered and reformed. Such laws, intended to protect the health of unborn children, often result in negative consequences for both pregnant individuals and their babies. The research shows that these punitive approaches deter pregnant individuals from seeking prenatal care and addiction treatment, leading to poorer health outcomes. Experts argue for a shift towards evidence-based, compassionate approaches that prioritize harm reduction, support, and access to healthcare for pregnant individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Fertility rates remain lower even after a rebound from the pandemic, according to recent data. Despite an initial increase in births following the easing of pandemic restrictions, fertility rates have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. This ongoing decline in fertility rates raises concerns about population growth, aging demographics, and potential long-term societal implications. Factors such as economic uncertainty, delayed family planning, and changing societal attitudes towards parenthood are believed to contribute to this trend. Policymakers and healthcare providers may need to address these factors to support individuals and couples in their family planning decisions.

A shortage of cancer drugs is sweeping across the United States

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that there are currently 14 cancer drugs in short supply, raising concerns about the impact on cancer patients' access to essential treatments. The shortages include medications used in the treatment of various cancers, including breast, lung, and leukemia. The FDA is working closely with drug manufacturers to address the supply issues and is exploring strategies to mitigate the impact on patients, such as identifying alternative treatments or increasing production.

• The shortage is forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about how to treat their patients, including rationing doses and turning to other treatment options with potentially more side effects.
  
  
• According to a May survey conducted by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, doctors in at least 40 states have at least one chemotherapy drug in shortage. Even more concerning, these shortages are catching providers off guard, as suppliers do not warn of drug shortages, they simply don’t fill their incoming orders.

Dr. Julie Gralow, the chief medical officer and executive vice president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, states: “I don’t know of a time that’s worse than this… What’s different about this shortage is, I think, it’s just the broad applicability of these drugs, how important they are, you know, globally, in the U.S., in the treatment of many diseases.”

Unveiling the Future of Clinical Trials: Embracing Innovation and Streamlining Processes

Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing medical research and bringing innovative treatments to patients. As the field evolves, driven by technological advancements and a patient-centric approach, the future of clinical trials holds great promise. In this blog post, we will explore key trends shaping the future of clinical trials, drawing insights from various articles and experts. We will discuss the potential impact of virtual trials, pragmatic trial designs, data-driven approaches, and advancements in treating conditions like Long COVID and Parkinson’s disease psychosis.

You can find more stories like these on MorningMed - a newsletter curated for HCPs to keep up with the world of healthcare and medicine through roundups, practical insights, and other useful resources.

Analyzing abortion access across America

This week MorningMed will observe abortion access across the country from several angles and feature several pieces to offer fresh perspectives on the challenges related to this issue from all sides. These stories include doctors, patients, and parents spread from as North as Indiana, to North Carolina, South to Georgia, and as far West as Nevada.

Key takeaways

• An Indiana doctor is facing a disciplinary hearing after allegedly performing an abortion on a 10-year-old girl without obtaining the required consent from the girl's parents or going through the proper legal process. The case has raised significant ethical and legal concerns regarding the doctor's actions and the protection of minors in medical procedures. The disciplinary hearing aims to investigate the incident thoroughly and determine appropriate consequences if the allegations are substantiated. Ensuring the safety, well-being, and legal rights of minors in medical care remains a critical priority, and this case highlights the importance of adherence to established protocols and regulations in such sensitive situations.
  
  
• The recently enacted abortion ban in North Carolina is creating significant barriers for women seeking reproductive healthcare. The law, which prohibits abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, leaves women with a narrow window of time to access abortion services. This poses challenges for women who may struggle to make travel arrangements to states where abortion is still legal. The law has ignited debates and legal challenges, with critics arguing that it disproportionately affects marginalized communities and infringes upon women's reproductive rights. The article highlights the real-life consequences of restrictive abortion laws and sheds light on the difficulties faced by women in North Carolina seeking timely and accessible reproductive healthcare.
  
  
• A new law in Georgia restricts the use of medication abortion by requiring healthcare providers to administer the medication in-person rather than allowing patients to take it at home. The law also imposes strict reporting requirements on healthcare providers who prescribe the medication. Critics argue that these restrictions create unnecessary barriers for women seeking medication abortion, particularly for those living in rural areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. The law has sparked concerns about the impact on reproductive healthcare access and the potential for negative consequences, such as increased travel and costs for patients. The article highlights the ongoing debate surrounding abortion rights and the impact of legislative actions on women's reproductive healthcare choices.
  
  
• Small rural communities across the United States are becoming battlegrounds for abortion access as a wave of restrictive laws and clinic closures disproportionately affect these areas. The article highlights the challenges faced by women in these communities, where limited healthcare options and long distances to the nearest abortion clinic make accessing abortion services difficult. Anti-abortion activists are targeting these communities by pushing for stricter regulations and local ordinances that further restrict access. Women's rights advocates argue that these efforts disproportionately harm low-income women, women of color, and those living in rural areas who already face significant barriers to healthcare. The article sheds light on the ongoing fight for reproductive rights in these small rural communities and the impact of limited access to abortion services on women's health and autonomy.
  

Is There a Doctor in the House?

A 47-year-old man is admitted to the intensive care unit because of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. He has a history of alcohol-induced cirrhosis. Physical examination shows marked ascites and splenomegaly; the spleen tip is palpated 4 cm below the left costal margin. Results of laboratory studies are shown:

Serum- Creatinine 1.5 mg/dL
Blood - Hematocrit 29%
Hemoglobin 9.7 g/dL
Platelet count 105,000/mm3
PT 25 seconds
INR 2.5

Which of the following mechanisms most increases this patient’s risk for bleeding?

New research suggests that the shape of the brain may have an influence on thoughts and behavior, and that variations in brain shape were associated with differences in cognitive abilities and personality traits. Specifically, certain brain shape characteristics were linked to increased or decreased likelihood of developing certain conditions or traits, such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. This research adds to our understanding of the complex relationship between brain structure and function, highlighting the potential role of brain shape in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Life expectancy in the United States is lagging behind other wealthy nations, according to a new report. The study reveals that despite recent advancements in medical technology and healthcare, the average life expectancy in the US has been consistently lower than that of other high-income countries. Factors such as higher rates of obesity, drug overdose deaths, and lack of access to affordable healthcare contribute to this disparity. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive public health interventions and policies to address these underlying issues and improve life expectancy rates in the United States.

A new study shows that the drug Kisqali, developed by Novartis, significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence in certain patients. The clinical trial found that Kisqali, when combined with hormone therapy, reduced the risk of recurrence by 32% in premenopausal women with a specific type of breast cancer. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients and highlights the potential of targeted therapies in improving outcomes for breast cancer survivors.

Interesting research findings suggest that a simple hysterectomy, which removes the uterus but not the cervix, may be a safe and effective treatment option for certain women with early-stage cervical cancer. The research found that for women with small tumors that have not spread, a simple hysterectomy resulted in similar survival rates as more extensive surgeries. This study could potentially offer a less invasive treatment option for eligible patients, preserving fertility and improving quality of life.

Thank you for reading! More next week,

My best wishes for a productive and idea-filled week ahead. Thanks for your ongoing efforts to improve the lives of the patients we all serve. Please send any news, comments, suggestions and ideas to hello@morningmed.email.

Quiz answer: The correct answer is A) "Decreased production of factor VII"

New Jersey, 66023, US