Annals of Internal Medicine Health Headlines

Peer Education lowers blood pressure

Blood pressure can be difficult to control because it requires a treatment plan with dietary restrictions, medications and regular doctor visits.

For African American patients who may face socio-economic or cultural differences, that could mean more complications. 

So how can doctors communicate evidence-based disease management choices in a culturally appropriate context?

The key may be peer education.

A recent study of 299 African American patients helped scientists discover people who heard stories shared by other patients had better blood pressure control.

Heart patients fair better in big hospitals

One in ten patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) dies within 30 days after they hospitalized.  Of survivors, one in four returns to hospital.

Now Scientists say patients who are admitted to the high-volume hospital may get better results.

Researchers collected data from 4,095 U.S. hospitals between 2006 and 2007 to compare CHF patient volume with CHF processes, outcomes (mortality and readmission), and costs of care.

The results showed patients at high-volume hospital (high volume = 200 - 400 CHF cases) had 18 percent less chance of dying, compared to those discharged from lower-volume hospitals.

The cost of high-volume hospitals was $400 less.

Osteoporosis screening reminder for women 

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is reminding women over 65 to have routine osteoporosis screenings.

Risk factors include smoking, drinking, low body mass and parental history of fracture.

Younger women with these increased risk factors should start screenings as well.

Neurothrombectomy devices may work for acute ischemic stroke

The Food and Drug Administration has approved two neurothrombectomy devices to treat ischemic stroke.

These devices allow for a more rapid achievement of recanalization, enhanced efficacy in treating large-vessel occlusions, and a potentially lower risk of hemorrhaging.

Researchers reviewed evidence in 87 published studies before making their recommendation.

Stephen Lau and editing by Aimee Keenan-Greene