NEJM Journal Watch

NEJM Journal Watch General Medicine Year in Review 2024 In 15 new essays on the most important medical topics of the year, the editors provide insights into landmark studies and key guidelines relevant to general medical practice. jwat.ch/3BRyelj #MedTwitter

Does Opioid-Induced Dysphagia Respond to Stopping Opioid Use? In an observational study, symptoms improved or resolved in most patients who were able to discontinue opioid use. jwat.ch/4lLNe5W

Rheumatoid arthritis is a known risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome, but could carpal tunnel be an early manifestation of RA? jwat.ch/4lNb6pW

Two research groups used population genetic data to identify connections between endogenous herpesvirus 6 and health risks, finding that it might predispose people to angina and autoimmune diseases. jwat.ch/415vw50

Does long-term oxygen therapy lower healthcare use for patients with chronic lung diseases? jwat.ch/4fcjbC8

What determines long-term shedding of non-typhoidal Salmonella? A Norwegian study identified several risk factors. jwat.ch/4m8k1lk

Some patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome continue to progress after treatment and are unable to walk 6 months after onset. Does a second course of intravenous immunoglobulin help? jwat.ch/3IFwqim

A recent study identified the ideal definition of progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) in relapsing multiple sclerosis, balancing sensitivity and specificity. jwat.ch/4mb6aeh

Dr. Robert Naismith comments on a study of stem cell transplantation vs. alemtuzumab and ocrelizumab for relapsing multiple sclerosis: jwat.ch/4maXuEJ

.@PaulSaxMD muses on 20 things he's found interesting lately, from ID topics to language quirks and tennis, in HIV and ID Observations. jwat.ch/46dJWn6 #IDTwitter

Despite its reputation, haloperidol administration does not confer risk for arrhythmias or death, a new meta-analysis shows. jwat.ch/44RJVmB #MedTwitter

Shingles Vaccination Probably Protects Against Heart Disease In a large observational study, risk for cardiovascular disease was 25% lower among vaccinated people. jwat.ch/4kOiqAn #shingles #vaccine

Should hospitalized patients receive normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution? jwat.ch/3GTizV3 @NEJM @DresslerDD #HospitalMedicine

In patients with advanced anal cancer, superior progression-free survival and responses were achieved with the anti-PD-1 agent retifanlimab. jwat.ch/4nJhMXk #OncoTwitter @ILSONDavid

Reducing Pyrrhic Victories in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Posttransplantation cyclophosphamide significantly reduced graft-versus-host disease and improved survival in patients undergoing transplantation from a matched related donor. jwat.ch/3GIpaSk @NEJM

A Different Angle on Malaria Control: Blocking Transmission from People to Mosquitoes A vaccine that targets transmission of Plasmodium falciparum from humans to mosquitoes shows promise in early testing. jwat.ch/3Iv7LwZ @NEJMEvidence #IDTwitter

Is arterial blood gas necessary to diagnose hypercarbic respiratory failure? Check out the latest Clinical Spotlight: jwat.ch/4lRwhXk

A New Standard Treatment for Older Individuals with Hodgkin Lymphoma For patients aged ≥60 with advanced-stage disease, front-line nivolumab plus AVD chemotherapy yielded better outcomes than brentuximab vedotin plus AVD. jwat.ch/4nRYtv5 #lymphoma

West Nile Virus Infection: Get Ready for an Uptick in Cases Two recent reviews and the CDC website provide useful information for clinicians. jwat.ch/454vs7Y #WestNile #IDTwitter

Can dissemination in space alone diagnose multiple sclerosis? jwat.ch/4eU2wTC #NeuroTwitter

Metabolic dysfunction–associated liver disease (MASLD) and MASLD-associated advanced liver fibrosis likely are underdiagnosed. An American Diabetes Association consensus report aims to clarify recommendations for #MASLD screening and risk stratification. jwat.ch/3GtPBuW