The Med & Mic™ 02.15.22
Medical and Health News of the Day
From Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
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Alcoholic Hepatitis Admissions Up in Early Pandemic
Researchers compared alcoholic hepatitis admissions to the Henry Ford Health System between May and September of 2020 with the same time frame 2016-2019. Admissions for this condition were up by 50% in 2020 compared to earlier years. The average age of admission was 47 during the pandemic, vs. 41 before. Women accounted for 45% of the admissions, compared to 41% prior to the pandemic. The average 28-day death rate from alcoholic hepatitis is 26%. U.S. alcohol sales increased 54% in the first week of the pandemic. More in HealthDay.
Spinal Anesthesia Equal to General Anesthesia for Hip Fracture Surgery
In a study of 1,600 patients over 50, half received spinal anesthesia (shots around the spine to numb parts of the body) and half had general anesthesia (medications to put you to sleep). There was no difference between the two groups in ability to walk independently at two months or in-hospital death. The patients in the spinal anesthesia group had a slightly smaller risk of death during hospitalization, ICU admission, or pneumonia. Hip fracture patients may have trouble laying on their side for the spinal anesthesia procedure. The information could help caregivers make more informed presurgical decisions. More in McKnights Long-Term Care News.
Better Than Opioids
Two studies show non-opioid pain relievers provide equal or better pain relief than opioid medication after knee and shoulder surgery. The non-opioid medicines included acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and medications that target nerve pain. In the shoulder surgery study, the non-opioid group had fewer side effects. “There may be less adverse reactions such as constipation, nausea, and over-sedation,” says Dr. Faye Rim in an article in the Shelbyville News, “and there is less concern for dependence and withdrawal symptoms.”
Contemplation corner:
Loss of Smell, Long COVID, and Hamsters. More in Scientific American.
How the Next Pandemic Starts. More in The Atlantic.
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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis, or the advice of your own physician. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.