Diabetes medications, such as metformin, have glucose-independent effects on the male reproductive system. However, until now, it was unknown if these effects lead to birth defects in offspring. This study concludes that metformin intake in men is associated with major birth defects, particularly genital birth defects in boys.

Parallels and distinct features among paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) are discussed against the background of thrombosis, complement activation via eculizumab, and potential complement diagnostic and therapeutic avenues.

More doctors than ever are building a public presence and sharing their expert perspectives with the American public, almost creating themselves as “celebrities.” Still, their influence cannot be understated. Here are seven of the most influential, according to Healthgrades. Our guess is you’ve probably heard of a few.

Recently, the ALBI (albumin-bilirubin) score has been developed as an HCC-specific refinement of the Child-Pugh (C-P) score. In this commentary, the authors summarize the limitations of the C-P score, which include subjectivity and inconsistency of versions, as well as lack of sensitivity in patients with mild liver dysfunction. In comparison, the ALBI score “is entirely objective, obviating any need for subjective assessment of clinical signs, that it is derived from an entirely HCC population and is a continuous score that readily lends itself for assessment of changes in liver reserve over time.”

Sixty patients with EGFR-amplified gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma(GEA) received EGFRi, including 31 of 60 patients (52%) with concurrent chemotherapy. Across treatment lines, patients achieved a 43% objective response rate with a median PFS of 4.6 months. Typical OS with first-line initiation of non-EGFRi therapy in patients with EGFR-amplified GEA is 11.2 months, as determined by analysis of a deidentified clinicogenomic database. Despite this benefit, analysis of that database for January 2011 through December 2020 suggests that only 5% of patients with EGFR-amplified GEA received EGFRi.

Many patients have devoted time and effort to learning about their diagnosis and have engaged (or want to) in a collaborative relationship that benefits their care. This represents a shift from the more traditional health care paradigm, where the doctor is the primary content expert providing education and recommendations. To engage with expert patients, clinicians must acknowledge their existence as experts on their own diseases and that they can be a valuable resource and want to become more deeply involved.