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...
Establish inoculation program ahead of coronavirus vaccine release, legal experts advise
By
Danielle Brown
Nov 11, 2020
Having a vaccination policy in place for employees could be a useful tool for nursing home and other long-term care operators ahead of the release of a potential coronavirus vaccine, legal experts said...
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...
AMDA to feds: Delay antibody treatment in nursing homes, engage LTC medical directors
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 09, 2020
“This is the right therapy, but it needs more study … and it needs engaged medical director oversight and supervision,” says AMDA’s Executive Director Chris Laxton. Emergency approval of COVID...
FDA advisers vote ‘no’ on drug that may slow Alzheimer’s progression
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 09, 2020
If approved by the FDA, aducanumab would be the first-ever drug marketed to slow progression of the brain-wasting disease, according to its developer. But an advisory committee was unconvinced of the drug’s...
Osteoporosis undertreated in older men with fracture, experts say
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 09, 2020
In the two years before their fracture, fewer than 6% of almost 9,900 men studied had been screened for bone mineral density. Yet two thirds of these men had musculoskeletal pain, according to new findings.
Clinical briefs for Monday, Nov. 9
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 09, 2020
Warfarin increases knee and hip replacement risk in osteoarthritis … CMS on holidays: No get-togethers, full guidance may be forthcoming … Black patients with rheumatoid arthritis more likely to be...