Tom Collins is a freelance writer in South Florida who has written about medical topics from nasty infections to ethical dilemmas, runaway tumors to tornado-chasing doctors. He travels the globe gathering conference health news and lives in West Palm Beach.
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Studies provide compelling momentum for mucosal origins hypothesis of rheumatoid arthritis
Two studies provide new evidence and new angles for research into determining the origins of rheumatoid arthritis and potential ways to prevent or...
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Asthma ED visits predict failed housing inspections
Asthma ED visits increased more than 1 year before a failed HUD inspection but were not elevated at housing units that passed inspection.
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Pulse oximetry unreliable for carbon monoxide diagnoses
“This method is not accurate enough and should not be used in clinical practice.”
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Long-acting naltrexone effective in alcohol use disorder
“ED patients are at higher risk of complications for AUD simply because they are in the ED in the first place – initiating AUD treatment in this...
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Possible sex differences found in response to first treatments for early RA
In a relatively rare, but rigorous, look at sex differences in response to RA treatments, researchers found that men had higher rates of remission...
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ILD on the rise: Doctors offer tips for diagnosing deadly disease
The COVID-19 pandemic has added a new challenge to making the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease, Dr. Kulkarni said. COVID can lead to...
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Olokizumab proves noninferior to adalimumab for RA in phase 3 trial
The manufacturer of olokizumab is expected to file for approval in the United States early next year, and the drug could add a new option for...
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Treat-to-target strategy with tapering proves effective in PsA and axSpA
A trial showed for the first time that disease activity–guided treat-to-target tapering strategies in both psoriatic arthritis and axial...
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Gaps in ulcerative colitis care expectations, perceptions
The results point to the ongoing need to foster a good relationship between physicians and patients, even as treatment methods become more...
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Ultra-processed: Doctors debate whether putting this label on foods is useful
Some experts say increased awareness and labeling of ultra-processed foods can only be a good thing. Others say that the classification system...
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New eosinophilic esophagitis severity score may guide treatment
The index, called I-SEE, includes symptoms, endoscopic findings, and histology and is meant to help steer clinicians to the best treatment...
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Medical ‘myths’ persist despite evidence, says professor of medicine
Dogma about shellfish allergies and contrast agents, “sinus headaches,” and other beliefs continue to affect patient care, even though the...
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Telehealth continues to loom large, say experts
Nine out of ten patients would recommend telemedicine to friends and family, and most physicians say they’re willing to devote significant time to...
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Surgery handoffs still a risky juncture in care – but increasing communication can help
Experts say understanding the full clinical picture of a surgery patient and ongoing communication between hospitalists and the surgery department...
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New research holds promise for fighting obesity, says expert
A growing understanding of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ responsible for weight control opens avenues for treatment, she says.