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When assessing risk for coronary artery disease, excess stomach fat represents the greatest indicator, not overall body mass index, according to a new study.

Coverage of our peer-reviewed research and news reporting in the healthcare and mainstream press.

Health officials in New York are investigating vitamin E's connection to a string of vaping illnesses in the state; civil rights groups are suing the Trump administration over its decision to deport immigrants with life-threatening illnesses; an oncologist from MD Anderson Cancer Center met with President Trump about a potential nomination for FDA commissioner.

This week, the top managed care news included a diabetes drug showing positive results in treating heart failure; new lipid guidelines promoting the use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors; and a study finding doctors are more likely to prescribe opioids if they are in a hurry.

An Expanded Treatment Protocol study that provided expanded access of the FDA-approved ruxolitinib, which treats polycythemia vera (PV) in patients who are intolerant or resistant to hydoxyurea, affirmed the safety and efficacy findings of the trials used for approval.

E-cigarette vapor exposure, independent nicotine, was shown to alter lipid homeostasis and immunity impairment in mice, warranting further investigation into these vaping solvents.

A ratio of sinus scores calculated based on computed tomography (CT) imaging can accurately predict the recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps, according to new findings.

The nation’s community health centers, which serve patients who are largely low income and medically underserved, are facing a repeat of their 2017 funding crisis and are making contingency plans to lay off staff and reduce services, in case Congress does not pass a funding bill by September 30.

The recommendation is similar to the task force’s 2013 recommendation, except for the addition of aromatase inhibitors to its recommended medications.

Less than 6 hours of sleep, as well as durations of longer than 9 hours, are associated with a greater risk of heart attack, according to a new study.

A federal judge has ruled that CVS' purchase of Aetna was legal under antitrust law; the Trump administration announced $1.8 billion in grants to help states and communities combat the opioid epidemic; Johns Hopkins Medicine has launched the first psychedelic research center in the United States.

Some patients may use alcohol to cope with the psychological and social aspect of psoriatic disease, but using alcohol may be associated with worse adherence to treatment.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the report found that children’s mental health issues worsened the longer they were in US custody.

A guideline update issued by the American Academy of Neurology states that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) should receive all recommended vaccinations unless contraindicated.

Young men with a lower level of cardiovascular fitness had a higher risk of developing migraines, according to a recent national, population-based cohort study from Sweden.

New subgroup analyses from the phase 3 EMERALD trial are supporting the safety and efficacy of switching treatment-experienced, virally suppressed patients to the therapy.

Studies on PCSK9 inhibitors, evolocumab and alirocumab, promote new guidelines for dyslipidemia management through lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk.

New York City health officials have declared an end to the city’s biggest measles outbreak in nearly 3 decades; Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, has proposed canceling $81 billion in existing medical debt; Vertex Pharmaceuticals is taking a chance on a start-up’s early-stage science that could potentially one day emerge as a functional cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D).

According to study findings, primary care providers were more likely to prescribe opioids later in the day or if they were behind schedule.

Patients with psoriasis should be opportunistically screened for obstructive sleep apnea, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, said the authors of a recent study.

Out-of-network billing continues to become more common for patients with private insurance even when seeking treatment at in-network hospitals, which creates a financial strain for many patients, according to study results published by JAMA Internal Medicine.

A population-based study examining soda consumption in 10 European countries found that soft drinks were linked to a greater risk of death, as well as the chance of dying from Parkinson disease, although that connection needs additional research.

The Trump administration reconsiders eliminating the deferred deportation of immigrants receiving life-saving treatment; CDC and FDA urge vapers to stop usage amid correlating lung illnesses; Sanders hints at proposal to eliminate medical debt.

There are 4 primary areas in which today’s new breed of patient engagement technologies help health systems enhance their reporting and glean more insight from their electronic health records to modernize patient access, automate patient-provider communications, and grow their business in the process.

Patients with complex needs may need more complex solutions to manage their health issues. Innovations in technology and integration of data have made it possible to improve patient interactions with the pharmacy to better manage their diseases. The American Journal of Managed Care® recently spoke with Christine Sawicki, senior director, specialty product development and innovation, CVS Health, about the impact new technology can have on patient experience, health outcomes, and drug spending.

Research on competing PCSK9 inhibitors was shared at the European Society of Cardiology 2019 Congress in Paris, France.

In individuals undergoing hip arthroscopy in the Military Health System, a diagnosis of sleep apnea or insomnia after the surgery was associated with chronic opioid use, more healthcare visits, and higher medical costs.

Dapagliflozin, sold by AstraZeneca as Farxiga, cut the risk of cardiovascular (CV) death and worsening of heart failure (HF) by 26% among patients with reduced ejection fraction alongside standard of care, according to results of a landmark phase 3 study presented Sunday at the European Society of Cardiology 2019 Congress. Results confirmed that the sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, already approved to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D), is just as effective in preventing CV death and HF events in patients who do not have T2D.

Data in the real-world study included a large share of patients over the age of 80, who are representative of those doctors see in clinical practice.

Coverage from the European Society of Cardiology 2019 Congress in Paris, France.