Articles related to Hospitalist

Monkeypox is again spreading around the world, from Europe to North America. This is the first outbreak in US the since 2003 and the disease is now spreading fairly rapidly on a daily basis. Transmission between people mostly occurs through large respiratory droplets, normally meaning prolonged contact face to face. But the virus can also spread through bodily fluids. The latest cases have mainly been among men who have sex with men. Currently, the UK has the largest number of diagnosed cases, followed by Portugal, Canada, and Spain. Latest case counts by country can be seen here.

Although vaccinations to the arm can still prevent serious illness, their ability to ward off infection completely has been diminished. And part of the reason may be the location of the vaccines, which some scientists now want to change by delivering inoculations to the site where the virus first makes contact: the nose. Three separate nasal sprays, now in advanced trials, could trigger stronger immune responses in people who have COVID-19.

Cannabis use increases the likelihood that patients will develop several negative health conditions, such as insomnia, anxiety, psychosis, and depression. As such, cannabis use should be prescribed carefully by physicians.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is associated with increased risk for fractures, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and cancer, along with increased mortality. In mild PHPT with modest hypercalcemia and without known morbidities, parathyroidectomy is debated because no long-term randomized trials have been performed related to it.

According to Dr. Keshav Khanijow, a hospitalist and an instructor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore: “Research has shown that using appropriate pronouns and terminology with transgender youth can be lifesaving. And I would posit that using appropriate pronouns and terminology for all LGBTQ people helps to build and foster trust with a medical provider, and that ultimately saves lives. It’s not the patient’s job to teach us while they’re battling illness. Rather, the onus is on us to learn it.”

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is taking issue with the US Senate’s recently passed legislation that will make daylight saving time (DST) permanent starting in 2023. AASM cautions that this permanent change would lead to health risks that include adverse cardiovascular events, mood disorders, and motor vehicle crashes. The group advocates for establishing permanent standard time instead.