Dosing discrepancy for Eli Lilly’s new COVID therapy begets clinician confusion
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 12, 2020
Some clinicians are questioning the decision to authorize 700 mg doses of the intravenous drug rather than a higher dose that was effective in clinical trials. But Eli Lilly and federal health officials...
Clinical briefs for Thursday, Nov. 12
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 12, 2020
NIH and Fauci: Treatments for early COVID infection ‘critical’ to getting pandemic under control … Moderna could begin analyzing COVID vaccine data within days … Low fitness linked to higher depression...
Rollout of COVID antibody therapy requires clinician feedback, U.S. officials say
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 11, 2020
Federal agencies say they will depend on clinician input during distribution of Eli Lilly’s new intravenous antibody therapy for high-risk COVID-19 patients.
Shared nursing home bathrooms, bedrooms tied to larger COVID outbreaks
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 11, 2020
Crowded facilities are more likely to experience larger and deadlier COVID-19 outbreaks, finds a study of 600 nursing homes in Ontario. There, 60% of residents live in shared rooms.
Biologics linked to lower dementia rate in rheumatoid arthritis: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 11, 2020
Investigators found a 17% lower incidence of dementia in patients who take biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs when compared with patients who take conventional, synthetic...
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, Nov. 11
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 11, 2020
LeadingAge survey finds 37% of members with rapid COVID tests from feds are not using them … New sporicidal cleaner for C. diff employs electrostatic spray for healthcare settings … LTC task force...
Nursing home COVID cases rise four-fold in surge states, resident deaths double, data shows
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 10, 2020
The rising weekly case count includes residents and staff in 20 states. Meanwhile, about one in six nursing homes did not report testing staff members in the prior week.
Pfizer’s COVID vaccine more than 90% effective; key questions remain
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 10, 2020
Trial participants received two injections about three weeks apart. There were 90% fewer COVID cases in those who received the vaccine when compared to those who received a placebo.
New rheumatoid arthritis guidelines: Minimize steroids, add biologics, synthetics
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 10, 2020
Forthcoming guidance from the American College of Rheumatology emphasizes starting RA patients on methotrexate and maximizing its use, instead of switching to other anti-rheumatics.
Clinical briefs for Tuesday, Nov. 10
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 10, 2020
Patient groups ask U.S. Supreme Court to uphold ACA ahead of Tuesday hearing … Biden announces COVID advisory board … Patients’ response to Parkinson’s drugs linked to presence of tremor … Aspirin...