Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Neurology for August 2016. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
First Case of Zika-Associated Sensory Polyneuropathy Reported
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 31, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In a case report published online Aug. 21 in the Journal of Neurological Sciences, researchers confirm the first case of Zika-associated sensory polyneuropathy in an adult male.
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9/11 Responders May Be at Higher Risk for Early Dementia
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 31, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced by many rescuers and other first responders of 9/11 now appears linked to cognitive impairment and dementia, according to a report published online Aug. 18 in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring.
ACA Is Helping More Americans Afford Prescriptions
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 31, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Though a growing number of Americans are able to afford prescription medications, millions still have difficulty, according to a study published online Aug. 23 in the American Journal of Public Health.
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Researchers Investigate Three Drugs That Might Fight Zika
TUESDAY, Aug. 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Three already existing drugs may offer pregnant women and their developing fetuses protection against the damaging effects of Zika virus, according to a new multicenter study published online Aug. 29 in Nature Medicine.
Adults With CVD Have Gaps in Secondhand Smoke Knowledge
MONDAY, Aug. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Low-income adults with cardiovascular disease have considerable gaps in knowledge relating to secondhand smoke (SHS), according to a study published online Aug. 25 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
Nighttime Sleep Disturbance Common in Chronic Pain
MONDAY, Aug. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Individuals suffering from chronic pain frequently have nighttime sleep disturbance, and it might be exacerbated by opioid treatment, according to a study published online Aug. 22 in Anaesthesia.
CDC: Zika Transmitted by Sex Partner With No Symptoms
FRIDAY, Aug. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health officials report that the Zika virus can be spread sexually even when a partner shows no signs of infection. The research was published in the Aug. 26 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Ultrasound Treatment Appears Promising for Essential Tremor
FRIDAY, Aug. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients with essential tremor may benefit from a new noninvasive ultrasound procedure, according to a report published in the Aug. 25 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Up in Late-Onset Asthma Patients
THURSDAY, Aug. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Late-onset asthma may increase risk for incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, according to a study published online Aug. 24 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
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Circulating Biomarkers May Be Indicative of Stroke Risk
THURSDAY, Aug. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In the future, a simple blood test might gauge a patient’s odds of incident ischemic stroke (IIS), according to a study published online Aug. 24 in Neurology.
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Cancer Replaces CVD As Leading Cause of Death in 22 States
THURSDAY, Aug. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The gap between heart disease and the second-leading cause of death, cancer, has been narrowing since 1968, according to an August data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Even Mild TBI in Childhood Can Have Long-Term Adverse Effects
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Children and adolescents who suffer even mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more likely to have serious issues later on, including psychiatric disorders and premature death, according to a study published online Aug. 23 in PLOS Medicine.
Steep Rise in U.S. Drug Prices Tied to Patent Monopolies
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Prescription drug prices are skyrocketing in the United States due in large part to government regulations, according to a study published in the Aug. 23/30 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Imaging Shows Zika-Linked Congenital Brain Abnormalities
TUESDAY, Aug. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Imaging is revealing a wide variety of brain defects, eye defects, hearing issues, and stunted growth in newborns whose mothers were infected with the Zika virus, according to the special report published online Aug. 23 in Radiology.
Stem Cells May Help Reverse Ischemic Stroke Damage
TUESDAY, Aug. 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — An experimental treatment combining transplanted neural stem cells with the protein 3K3A-APC shows it may be possible to reverse brain damage after a stroke, according to a study published online Aug. 22 in Nature Medicine.
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CDC Updates Guidance on Infants With Congenital Zika
MONDAY, Aug. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released updated interim clinical guidance for health care providers caring for infants born to mothers with possible Zika infection during pregnancy.
ACA Has Increased Rx Drug Use, Cut Out-of-Pocket Spending
MONDAY, Aug. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has increased prescription use and reduced out-of-pocket spending, according to a report published online Aug. 17 in Health Affairs.
Five Local Zika Cases Now Confirmed in Miami Beach
FRIDAY, Aug. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Florida Gov. Rick Scott confirmed on Friday that local transmission of the Zika virus has occurred in Miami Beach, with a total of five cases reported so far.
Diet in Pregnancy Could Affect Odds of ADHD in Offspring
FRIDAY, Aug. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — An unhealthy diet during pregnancy could influence a child’s risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a study published online Aug. 18 in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
Research Offers Insight Into Zika Virus Transmission to Placenta
FRIDAY, Aug. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Primary human placental macrophages, known as Hofbauer cells, and placental villous fibroblasts are susceptible to infection by Zika virus, according to research published online Aug. 18 in JCI Insight.
Monogenic Forms of Diabetes Can Occur in Preterm Infants
THURSDAY, Aug. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Monogenic forms of diabetes can occur in preterm infants, according to a study published online Aug. 18 in Pediatrics.
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Calcium Supplements Tied to Dementia Risk in Older Women
THURSDAY, Aug. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Taking calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis may raise an older woman’s risk of dementia, according to a study published online Aug. 17 in Neurology.
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Anemia Tied to Increased Mortality Risk Following Stroke
THURSDAY, Aug. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Anemia may increase mortality risk for older stroke patients, according to research published online Aug. 17 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Legal Issues Impact Delivery of Telehealth
THURSDAY, Aug. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Telehealth technologies can allow delivery of high-quality care at a lower cost, especially in underserved areas, but there is currently no uniform legal approach to telehealth, hampering its provision, according to a Health Policy Brief published online Aug. 15 in Health Affairs.
Diabetes Linked to Increased CVD, Cancer, Other Mortality
THURSDAY, Aug. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Diabetes is associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and noncardiovascular noncancer causes, according to a study published online Aug. 4 in Diabetes Care.
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Full Med Adherence Reduces Costs for Patients With CVD
THURSDAY, Aug. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Full adherence to guideline-recommended therapies is associated with a reduced rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and cost savings, according to a study published in the Aug. 23 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Residents Often Order Perceived Unnecessary Lab Tests
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Residents frequently order perceived unnecessary inpatient laboratory tests, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
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Physician-Perceived Frailty Tied to Warfarin Discontinuation
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physician-perceived frailty and low life expectancy are the main reasons for warfarin discontinuation in elderly patients, according to a study published online July 29 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
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U.S. Female Doctors Reimbursed Significantly Less Than Males
TUESDAY, Aug. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Female doctors in the United States make much less than their male colleagues, according to a study published online Aug. 15 in the Postgraduate Medical Journal.
Feeding Tube Use Down in Patients With Advanced Dementia
TUESDAY, Aug. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The use of feeding tubes for nursing home patients with advanced dementia is declining, according to a research letter published in the Aug. 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Refugees Have Different Perceptions of Child Development
TUESDAY, Aug. 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Refugees have different perceptions regarding child development, which may influence recognition of developmental concerns, according to a study published online Aug. 15 in Pediatrics.
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Taking Acetaminophen While Pregnant May Raise Risk of ADHD
MONDAY, Aug. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pregnant women who take acetaminophen might raise the risk that their child will develop behavioral problems such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to research published online Aug. 15 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Physical Function Tied to Clinical, Subclinical Neurological Disease
MONDAY, Aug. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physical function is associated with clinical and subclinical brain disease, according to a study published online Aug. 8 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
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Unstable Vital Signs for About One in Five Hospital Discharges
MONDAY, Aug. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Among adults with a hospitalization, vital sign instability on discharge is associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality and readmission, according to a study published online Aug. 8 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
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Virtual Reality Component Reduces Risk of Falls in Elderly
FRIDAY, Aug. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For older adults at risk of falls, the addition of non-immersive virtual reality (VR) to treadmill training reduces the incidence of falls, according to a study published online Aug. 11 in The Lancet.
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M. pneumoniae Infection Linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome
FRIDAY, Aug. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), according to a study published online Aug. 4 in the Annals of Neurology.
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Zika Virus Proteins NS4A, NS4B Associated With Microcephaly
FRIDAY, Aug. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Zika virus contains 10 proteins, but only two — NS4A and NS4B — are linked to microcephaly, according to a study published online Aug. 11 in Cell Stem Cell.
Long-Term Benefit Seen for Early Treatment of MS Symptoms
FRIDAY, Aug. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients who receive early treatment for symptoms consistent with the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) are about one-third less likely to eventually be diagnosed with MS than participants whose treatment is delayed, according to a study published online Aug. 10 in Neurology.
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One-Third of Patients Don’t Retain Important Warfarin Info
FRIDAY, Aug. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Just over two-thirds of patients retain an “acceptable” amount of key information following warfarin counseling, according to a small study published online Aug. 6 in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research.
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Thymectomy Improves Outcomes in Myasthenia Gravis
THURSDAY, Aug. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Thymectomy improves clinical outcomes over a three-year period in patients with nonthymomatous myasthenia gravis, according to research published in the Aug. 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Brain-Machine Interface May Help Restore Mobility in Paraplegics
THURSDAY, Aug. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A regimen of brain training has restored partial sensation and muscle control in the legs of eight patients paralyzed by spinal cord injuries, according to the first clinical report from Duke’s Walk Again Project, published online Aug. 11 in Scientific Reports.
Tx Response No Different for Migalastat, Placebo in Fabry’s
THURSDAY, Aug. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with Fabry’s disease, the percentage of patients with response at six months does not differ for those treated with the oral pharmacologic chaperone migalastat or with placebo, according to a study published in the Aug. 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Florida Reports Four More Cases of Local Zika Infection in Miami
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Four more cases of Zika infection that were likely spread through mosquito bites have been reported in the Miami area, bringing the total count of cases to 21, Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Tuesday.
Zika May Be Responsible for Arthrogryposis in Newborns
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Zika virus may be the cause of joint deformities in the arms and legs of newborns (arthrogryposis), according to a report published online Aug. 9 in The BMJ.
Many U.S. Hospitals Offer Language Services
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Overall, 68.8 percent of hospitals offer language services, with the proportion increasing with level of need, according to research published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
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Cerebral Protection Device Aids Patients Undergoing TAVI
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), use of a cerebral protection device is associated with a reduction in the frequency of ischemic cerebral lesions, according to a study published in the Aug. 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Water-Based Ai Chi Program Beneficial in Fibromyalgia
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A water-based Ai Chi program is associated with improvements in quality of life for women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), according to a study published online July 26 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
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MRI, Clinical Assessments Not Prognostic in Multiple Sclerosis
MONDAY, Aug. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical assessments do not appear to offer long-term prognostic value, according to a study published online July 27 in the Annals of Neurology.
Communication Challenges ID’d in Neonatal Encephalopathy
MONDAY, Aug. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Three themes have been identified as communication challenges in neonatal encephalopathy and therapeutic hypothermia, according to a study published online Aug. 3 in Pediatrics.
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Better Visuo-Motor Skills for Children Playing Video Games
FRIDAY, Aug. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Children who play video games have significantly better visuo-motor skills, while frequent weekly use is associated with conduct problems, according to a study published online July 27 in the Annals of Neurology.
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Acupuncture May Be Useful in Treatment of Amnestic MCI
FRIDAY, Aug. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Acupuncture seems to be effective for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (AMCI), according to a meta-analysis published online Aug. 4 in Acupuncture in Medicine.
Pioglitazone Cuts Diabetes Risk After Ischemic Stroke, TIA
FRIDAY, Aug. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For insulin-resistant patients with recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, pioglitazone is associated with reduced risk of diabetes, according to a study published online July 27 in Diabetes Care.
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About One-Third Have Symptom Spikes After Peds Concussion
FRIDAY, Aug. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — About one-third of pediatric patients with concussion experience symptom spikes over the consecutive days, according to a study published online Aug. 1 in JAMA Pediatrics.
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Statin Use Tied to Reduced Risk of Parkinson’s in Diabetes
THURSDAY, Aug. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with diabetes, statin use is associated with reduced incidence of Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to a study published online July 29 in the Annals of Neurology.
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Increase in Evidence-Based Practice for Children With ADHD
THURSDAY, Aug. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More Medicaid-covered children are receiving treatments that conform to practice standards for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including the use of combined medication and psychotherapy, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
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Opioid-Related Insurance Claims Rise 3,000 Percent
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The number of private health insurance claims for Americans addicted to opioids and heroin rose 3,203 percent from 2007 to 2014, according to a Fair Health report.
Hearing Impairment May Be an Early Indicator of Autism
TUESDAY, Aug. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A simple hearing test may help identify young children at risk for autism before they’re old enough to speak, according to a study published online July 12 in Autism Research.
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Active Music Therapy Beneficial in Parkinson’s Disease
TUESDAY, Aug. 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Active music therapy has beneficial effects in Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to a study published online July 26 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Injuries Up As Trampoline Parks Become More Popular
MONDAY, Aug. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — As trampoline parks spring up across the United States, injuries to children have also increased, according to research published online Aug. 1 in Pediatrics.
Locally-Transmitted Zika Infection Count in Miami Up to 14
MONDAY, Aug. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The number of local transmissions of the Zika virus in South Florida has apparently increased to 14, Gov. Rick Scott said Monday.
Most Children With Epilepsy Have Other Health Issues
MONDAY, Aug. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Nearly 80 percent of children with epilepsy also have other health conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, according to a study published online Aug. 1 in Pediatrics.
European Countries Implementing Cost-Sharing
MONDAY, Aug. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — European health systems are requiring an increase in cost-sharing measures for patients 50 years of age and older, according to research published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
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[18F]-AV-1451 Shows Staging Potential in Alzheimer’s
MONDAY, Aug. 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of [18F]-AV-1451 positron emission tomography (PET) can potentially stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to a study published online July 25 in JAMA Neurology.
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