PNEUMONIA RISK SOARS IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS, ESPECIALLY HFPEF
A retrospective analysis of 13,000 patients from two landmark randomized HF trials. Patients with heart failure get pneumonia at a rate almost three times greater than expected increase risk to death to fourfold. The investigators also found that HF patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are at the highest risk of developing pneumonia. Study emphasizes the importance of pneumonia vaccination for patients with HF.
Full Access: MDEDGE
PPIS ASSOCIATED WITH GASTRIC CANCER REGARDLESS OF H. PYLORI ERADICATION STATUS
A Korean study suggest that taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is associated with increased risk of developing gastric cancer regardless of Helicobacter pylori eradication status. In addition, researchers found the subset of patients with eradicated chronic H. pylori infection were significantly more likely to develop gastric cancer if they used PPIs for 180 days or more than if they didn’t use the medications. Full Access: Medscape
MANAGEMENT OF POST-COVID CONDITIONS
Guidance For Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Post-Covid Conditions was published by CDC on June 12th. The goal of medical management of post-COVID conditions is to optimize function and quality of life. Healthcare providers should develop a comprehensive management plan based on their patients’ presenting symptoms, underlying medical and psychiatric conditions, personal and social situations, and their treatment goals. Evidence indicates that holistic support for the patient throughout their illness course can be beneficial.
Full Access: CDC
FDA TO ADD MYOCARDITIS WARNING TO MRNA COVID-19 VACCINES
The Food and Drug Administration is adding a warning to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines’ fact sheets as medical experts continue to investigate cases of heart inflammation, which are rare but are more likely to occur in young men and teen boys. The incidents are more likely to follow the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, with chest pain and other symptoms occurring within several days to a week. The ACIP members delivered a strong endorsement for continuing to vaccinate 12- to 29-year-olds with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines despite the warning. Myocarditis and pericarditis are much more common with COVID-19, and the risks to the heart from COVID-19 infection can be more severe.
Full Access: MDedge
ISRAEL REINSTATES INDOOR FACE MASK RULE AMID DELTA VARIANT
After coronavirus infections quadrupled this week, The Israeli Health Ministry stated that people should wear masks in all indoor settings except at home. Masks should also be worn in large outdoor gatherings as well. Israel is a highly vaccinated nation, with about 55% of the population having received both doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
Full Access: MEDSCAPE