HCN Essentials: Pfizer Vax Whistleblower | Convalescent Plasma | Quiz: Nonproductive Cough | Asthma Management | COVID-Associated MyocarditisNovember 09, 2021 | Trending in Healthcare Uncategorized Researcher Blows the Whistle on Data Integrity Issues in Pfizer’s Vaccine Trial BMJ’s investigation findings raise questions about data integrity and regulatory oversight concerning Pfizer’s vaccine trial. A regional director told the BMJ that Pfizer falsified data, unblinded patients, employed inadequately trained vaccinators, and was slow to follow up on adverse events reported in the pivotal phase III trial. Read full article Emergency Medicine Effect of Convalescent Plasma on Organ Support–Free Days in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 Among critically ill adults with COVID-19, treatment with convalescent plasma had a low likelihood of providing improvement in organ support–free days, defined as days alive and free of intensive care unit–based organ support. Read full article Family Medicine/General Practice ACP Internist Quiz: Nonproductive Cough A 59-year-old man is hospitalized with a five-day history of nonproductive cough and fever. The patient reports that he recreationally breeds carrier pigeons and reports no travel outside of the United States. After a physical exam and chest radiograph, what is the most likely cause of this patient’s symptoms? Read full article Allergy & Immunology Outpatient Management of Asthma in Adults The Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention (GINA) has published its annual report on asthma management and prevention. Key recommendations include that adults with asthma should receive combination therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist on an as-needed basis. The recommended option is low-dose budesonide-formoterol, or beclomethasone-formoterol as an alternative treatment. Short-acting inhaled beta agonists as rescue medication is discouraged. Read full article Cardiology COVID-19 Vaccination–Associated Myocarditis in Adolescents A new study published in Pediatrics concludes that there is a quick clinical recovery and excellent short-term outcomes for adolescents who develop COVID-19-related vaccination-associated myocarditis (C-VAM). The average age in the study was 15, and close follow-up and further studies are needed to understand the long-term implications and mechanism of these myocardial tissue changes. Read full article
DIET & NUTRITION 
PATIENT EDUCATION 
OBESITY/WEIGHT MANAGEMENT 
EXERCISE/TRAINING 
LEGAL MATTERS 
GUIDELINES/RECOMMENDATIONS