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Top 5 Most-Read News Articles of 2024
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- High baseline white blood cell counts correlate with increased long-term acute COPD exacerbations, influenced by platelet count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and eosinophil count.
- FDA approved the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor for non-insulin-dependent individuals, available as a wearable sensor connecting to a smartphone app.
In 2024, the most-read news articles published on the website of The American Journal of Managed Care® included FDA approvals, colonoscopy guidelines, and a list of drugs facing shortages.
The top 5 most-read news articles published on the website of The American Journal of Managed Care® featured FDA approvals, study results, and a list of drugs facing shortages.
These are the 5 most-read news articles of 2024.
5. High White Blood Cell Counts Are Associated With Long-Term Acute COPD Exacerbations, Study Says
A higher incidence of long-term acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was found in patients who had a high baseline white blood cell count, according to a study published in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Acute exacerbations of COPD were significantly associated with platelet count (OR, 0.502; 95% CI, 0.280-0.902), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (OR, 0.535; 95% CI, 0.294-0.974), and an increase in eosinophil count (OR, 2.130; 95% CI, 1.027-4.416).
4. FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitor
The first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor was approved by the FDA in March 2024, aimed at individuals 18 years and older who do not require insulin therapy. This could include both patients with and without diabetes who wish to learn their blood sugar levels. The Stelo Glucose Biosensor System works as a wearable sensor that connects to an app on the patient’s smartphone. The glucose monitor became available in the summer of 2024.
The top 5 news articles of 2024 featured updates on drug shortages, colonoscopy guidelines, and FDA approvals | Image credit: BillionPhotos.com - stock.adobe.com
3. FDA Approves New Abuse-Deterrent Alternative for Severe Pain Management
Oxycodone hydrochloride (RoxyBond) was approved by the FDA as an alternative treatment for managing severe pain in October 2024. The medication can only be offered to patients who need an opioid analgesic when other treatments have been unsuccessful in treating pain. The treatment is abuse-deterrent through different chemical and physical methods that make it harder to abuse, misuse, or manipulate the tablet. However, opioid addiction and severe adverse effects are still possible when using the medication; abuse through the oral, intravenous, or intranasal route is also possible.
2. Updated Colonoscopy Guidelines Have Implications on Doctors, Patients Alike
Updated guidelines regarding the quality indicators for colonoscopy were released in August 2024 by the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. The major updates included adding new quality indicators for measuring the quality of a colonoscopy, including bowel preparation adequacy rate and sessile serrated lesion detection rate. This article featured interviews with doctors who had varying opinions on how effective these indicators are in assessing quality and regarding the guidelines overall.
1. 5 Essential Drugs Currently Facing Shortages
The number of active US drug shortages sat at 277 as of September 2024, but 50% of these drugs have had shortages for 2 or more years. Drug shortages are often due to product-specific issues, reimbursement and market access limitations, and marketwide supply constraints. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications, such as amphetamine aspartate monohydrate and amphetamine sulfate; pain treatments, such as injectable opioids; chemotherapy drugs, such as methotrexate sodium injection; insulin; and diabetes and weight loss medications, such as semaglutide, are all listed as drugs facing shortages.
