Primary Care Physicians Underutilize Nonantibiotic Prophylaxis for Recurrent UTIs
Researchers surveyed 40 primary care physicians at one academic medical center and found that 96% of primary care physicians prescribe vaginal estrogen therapy for recurrent UTI prevention. Estrogen deficiency and urinary retention are strong contributors to infection. However, 78% of physicians surveyed said they had never prescribed methenamine hippurate, and 85% said they had never prescribed D-mannose. Full Access: Medscape
Any Combination of Hypertension Drugs Can Work in Underserved Groups
In TOPSPIN, almost 2,000 adults were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. All three combinations had a good safety profile; less than 3% of study participants ended treatment because of adverse effects related to the medications. The message from this trial is that physicians can use any combination of these medications to treat hypertension in patients and can choose whichever is most appropriate based on availability and cost. Full Access: Medscape
COVID-19 Deaths Drop, but Mortality Data Shows Room for Prevention
While SARS-CoV-2 infections continue to influence trends in U.S. death rates, COVID-19 is no longer among the nation’s top three killers. The tragic trio are heart disease, cancer and unintentional injury, showing substantial room for America’s physicians to play a role in preventing disease and saving lives. Full Access: AMA
Severe and Fatal Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever After Exposure in Tecate, Mexico — California, July 2023–January 2024
During July 2023–January 2024, six cases of RMSF in persons with exposure were reported to the California Department of Public Health; three patients died. This outbreak highlights a newly recognized location in Baja California with high RMSF risk. Increased awareness of RMSF among healthcare clinicians on both sides of the border between the U.S. and Mexico would facilitate prompt treatment and help prevent fatalities. Full Access: CDC
