For SVS members, every month is PAD month. But with September PAD Awareness Month, it's a good time to remind members that SVS offers a digital toolkit to share with colleagues, patients and referring physicians.

If you have ever wished you had a YouTube playlist of video information on PAD that patients can watch, we’ve got it. We also provide links to printable brochures, articles, practice guidelines and more.

Visit the SVS PAD Resources page here.

For SVS members, every month is PAD month. But with September PAD Awareness Month, it's a good time to remind members that SVS offers a digital toolkit to share with colleagues, patients and referring physicians.

If you have ever wished you had a YouTube playlist of video information on PAD that patients can watch, we’ve got it. We also provide links to printable brochures, articles, practice guidelines and more.

Visit the SVS PAD Resources page here.

For SVS members, every month is PAD month. But with September PAD Awareness Month, it's a good time to remind members that SVS offers a digital toolkit to share with colleagues, patients and referring physicians.

If you have ever wished you had a YouTube playlist of video information on PAD that patients can watch, we’ve got it. We also provide links to printable brochures, articles, practice guidelines and more.

Visit the SVS PAD Resources page here.

By helping to formulate the new NHLBI Strategic Vision, the SVS successfully advocated for prioritization of disease processes which challenge vascular surgeons. “With continued advocacy and support, we can better position our members for successful NIH funding in the future,” said the SVS Research Council, in a summer document on the Strategic Vision.

NHLBI recently released "Charting the Future Together: The NHLBI Strategic Vision." More than a year ago, the SVS, spearheaded by the Research Council, participated in the strategic visioning process by contributing compelling questions and critical challenges and providing feedback on the draft report. SVS delivered a key message that “it is essential to prioritize disease processes which challenge vascular surgeons and vascular physicians.” The Society’s involvement was critical because the Strategic Vision defines research areas deemed to be the most important, timely and feasible for NHLBI to address in its targeted/solicited research in the next decade.

The Research Council has prepared a brief summary of the NHLBI Strategic Vision.

By helping to formulate the new NHLBI Strategic Vision, the SVS successfully advocated for prioritization of disease processes which challenge vascular surgeons. “With continued advocacy and support, we can better position our members for successful NIH funding in the future,” said the SVS Research Council, in a summer document on the Strategic Vision.

NHLBI recently released "Charting the Future Together: The NHLBI Strategic Vision." More than a year ago, the SVS, spearheaded by the Research Council, participated in the strategic visioning process by contributing compelling questions and critical challenges and providing feedback on the draft report. SVS delivered a key message that “it is essential to prioritize disease processes which challenge vascular surgeons and vascular physicians.” The Society’s involvement was critical because the Strategic Vision defines research areas deemed to be the most important, timely and feasible for NHLBI to address in its targeted/solicited research in the next decade.

The Research Council has prepared a brief summary of the NHLBI Strategic Vision.

By helping to formulate the new NHLBI Strategic Vision, the SVS successfully advocated for prioritization of disease processes which challenge vascular surgeons. “With continued advocacy and support, we can better position our members for successful NIH funding in the future,” said the SVS Research Council, in a summer document on the Strategic Vision.

NHLBI recently released "Charting the Future Together: The NHLBI Strategic Vision." More than a year ago, the SVS, spearheaded by the Research Council, participated in the strategic visioning process by contributing compelling questions and critical challenges and providing feedback on the draft report. SVS delivered a key message that “it is essential to prioritize disease processes which challenge vascular surgeons and vascular physicians.” The Society’s involvement was critical because the Strategic Vision defines research areas deemed to be the most important, timely and feasible for NHLBI to address in its targeted/solicited research in the next decade.

The Research Council has prepared a brief summary of the NHLBI Strategic Vision.

The 2016 SVS Foundation Annual Appeal is underway, with donations sought to fund the research that leads to breakthroughs that ultimately will improve patient care.

Dr. Bruce Perler, SVS Foundation chair, has written a letter that reminds all members that contributions to the SVS Foundation - which funds basic and clinical research grants - are vital to the continuation of innovation that has always been and remains integral to our specialty.

Donations to the SVS Foundation - which funds basic and clinical research grants - are an opportunity for all members to make a significant difference in not only the future of SVS but also that of vascular disease patients.

The 2016 SVS Foundation Annual Appeal is underway, with donations sought to fund the research that leads to breakthroughs that ultimately will improve patient care.

Dr. Bruce Perler, SVS Foundation chair, has written a letter that reminds all members that contributions to the SVS Foundation - which funds basic and clinical research grants - are vital to the continuation of innovation that has always been and remains integral to our specialty.

Donations to the SVS Foundation - which funds basic and clinical research grants - are an opportunity for all members to make a significant difference in not only the future of SVS but also that of vascular disease patients.

The 2016 SVS Foundation Annual Appeal is underway, with donations sought to fund the research that leads to breakthroughs that ultimately will improve patient care.

Dr. Bruce Perler, SVS Foundation chair, has written a letter that reminds all members that contributions to the SVS Foundation - which funds basic and clinical research grants - are vital to the continuation of innovation that has always been and remains integral to our specialty.

Donations to the SVS Foundation - which funds basic and clinical research grants - are an opportunity for all members to make a significant difference in not only the future of SVS but also that of vascular disease patients.

VIENNA – Daily exposure to high-intensity light early in the morning resulted in significantly improved sexual satisfaction scores and a boost in testosterone levels in men with reduced libido or erection difficulty in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, Andrea Fagiolini, MD., said at the annual meeting of the American Thyroid Association.

“We found a very strong difference in sexual satisfaction and also in blood testosterone levels with intense light therapy. Patients seemed to respond to it really well, and our placebo group didn’t respond at all,” according to Dr. Fagiolini, professor and chairman of the department of psychiatry at the University of Siena (Italy).

“It’s still early to make a general recommendation. This was a small study. We need a larger trial with more patients. But if these results are confirmed, it would be very helpful because as of now we don’t have many tools to treat sexual dysfunction. So if light therapy works, I think it may be a better option than medications like Viagra [sildenafil] or similar drugs, which have side effects,” he said in an interview.

The trial included 38 men seen at the university urology clinic with a diagnosis of primary hypoactive sexual desire or sexual arousal disorder. Half were randomized to daily use of a white fluorescent light box for 30 minutes in the morning, preferably between 7 and 8 a.m. The light box, equipped with a UV filter, was the same as that used in treating seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder is an established therapy in the psychiatric world, one that has proved as effective as antidepressant therapy for that condition. It is “absolutely safe and tolerable,” except in patients with eye conditions or on photosensitizing medications, the psychiatrist noted.

The control group was on the same treatment schedule, but with light boxes that had been modified through the use of a neutral-density gel filter to provide a dose of just 100 lux instead of the 10,000 lux at a distance of 1 m from the light source to the cornea generated by the active therapy light box.

The study endpoints were change from baseline through 2 weeks of therapy on a self-administered rating of sexual satisfaction on a scale of 1-10, as well as testosterone levels.

From a baseline mean self-rated sexual satisfaction score of about 2, the group exposed to daily bright light for 2 weeks had a more than threefold increase to a score of 6.3, while the controls showed no significant change.

In addition, testosterone levels in the bright light group increased from 2.1 ng/mL to 3.6 ng/mL after 2 weeks, while remaining unchanged in controls.

“Our idea for this study came from the observation that sexual satisfaction is known to increase during the spring and summer, compared to fall and winter. We thought that may have something to do with the natural daylight,” Dr. Fagiolini said.

The most likely mechanism of benefit springs from the established finding that bright light stimulates the pituitary gland to produce leutinizing hormone. This results in increased levels of testosterone and inhibition of melatonin production by the pineal gland. Decreased plasma melatonin is thought to lead to reduced serum prolactin – and high prolactin has been linked to sexual dysfunction, he explained.

The trial was conducted in the fall and winter months to avoid confounding by more natural daylight during the other seasons. But if the study results are confirmed, this therapy might well be used year-round, the psychiatrist said.

He reported having no financial conflicts of interest regarding the study, which was conducted without external funding.

[email protected]

VIENNA – Daily exposure to high-intensity light early in the morning resulted in significantly improved sexual satisfaction scores and a boost in testosterone levels in men with reduced libido or erection difficulty in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, Andrea Fagiolini, MD., said at the annual meeting of the American Thyroid Association.

“We found a very strong difference in sexual satisfaction and also in blood testosterone levels with intense light therapy. Patients seemed to respond to it really well, and our placebo group didn’t respond at all,” according to Dr. Fagiolini, professor and chairman of the department of psychiatry at the University of Siena (Italy).

“It’s still early to make a general recommendation. This was a small study. We need a larger trial with more patients. But if these results are confirmed, it would be very helpful because as of now we don’t have many tools to treat sexual dysfunction. So if light therapy works, I think it may be a better option than medications like Viagra [sildenafil] or similar drugs, which have side effects,” he said in an interview.

The trial included 38 men seen at the university urology clinic with a diagnosis of primary hypoactive sexual desire or sexual arousal disorder. Half were randomized to daily use of a white fluorescent light box for 30 minutes in the morning, preferably between 7 and 8 a.m. The light box, equipped with a UV filter, was the same as that used in treating seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder is an established therapy in the psychiatric world, one that has proved as effective as antidepressant therapy for that condition. It is “absolutely safe and tolerable,” except in patients with eye conditions or on photosensitizing medications, the psychiatrist noted.

The control group was on the same treatment schedule, but with light boxes that had been modified through the use of a neutral-density gel filter to provide a dose of just 100 lux instead of the 10,000 lux at a distance of 1 m from the light source to the cornea generated by the active therapy light box.

The study endpoints were change from baseline through 2 weeks of therapy on a self-administered rating of sexual satisfaction on a scale of 1-10, as well as testosterone levels.

From a baseline mean self-rated sexual satisfaction score of about 2, the group exposed to daily bright light for 2 weeks had a more than threefold increase to a score of 6.3, while the controls showed no significant change.

In addition, testosterone levels in the bright light group increased from 2.1 ng/mL to 3.6 ng/mL after 2 weeks, while remaining unchanged in controls.

“Our idea for this study came from the observation that sexual satisfaction is known to increase during the spring and summer, compared to fall and winter. We thought that may have something to do with the natural daylight,” Dr. Fagiolini said.

The most likely mechanism of benefit springs from the established finding that bright light stimulates the pituitary gland to produce leutinizing hormone. This results in increased levels of testosterone and inhibition of melatonin production by the pineal gland. Decreased plasma melatonin is thought to lead to reduced serum prolactin – and high prolactin has been linked to sexual dysfunction, he explained.

The trial was conducted in the fall and winter months to avoid confounding by more natural daylight during the other seasons. But if the study results are confirmed, this therapy might well be used year-round, the psychiatrist said.

He reported having no financial conflicts of interest regarding the study, which was conducted without external funding.

[email protected]

VIENNA – Daily exposure to high-intensity light early in the morning resulted in significantly improved sexual satisfaction scores and a boost in testosterone levels in men with reduced libido or erection difficulty in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, Andrea Fagiolini, MD., said at the annual meeting of the American Thyroid Association.

“We found a very strong difference in sexual satisfaction and also in blood testosterone levels with intense light therapy. Patients seemed to respond to it really well, and our placebo group didn’t respond at all,” according to Dr. Fagiolini, professor and chairman of the department of psychiatry at the University of Siena (Italy).

“It’s still early to make a general recommendation. This was a small study. We need a larger trial with more patients. But if these results are confirmed, it would be very helpful because as of now we don’t have many tools to treat sexual dysfunction. So if light therapy works, I think it may be a better option than medications like Viagra [sildenafil] or similar drugs, which have side effects,” he said in an interview.

The trial included 38 men seen at the university urology clinic with a diagnosis of primary hypoactive sexual desire or sexual arousal disorder. Half were randomized to daily use of a white fluorescent light box for 30 minutes in the morning, preferably between 7 and 8 a.m. The light box, equipped with a UV filter, was the same as that used in treating seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder is an established therapy in the psychiatric world, one that has proved as effective as antidepressant therapy for that condition. It is “absolutely safe and tolerable,” except in patients with eye conditions or on photosensitizing medications, the psychiatrist noted.

The control group was on the same treatment schedule, but with light boxes that had been modified through the use of a neutral-density gel filter to provide a dose of just 100 lux instead of the 10,000 lux at a distance of 1 m from the light source to the cornea generated by the active therapy light box.

The study endpoints were change from baseline through 2 weeks of therapy on a self-administered rating of sexual satisfaction on a scale of 1-10, as well as testosterone levels.

From a baseline mean self-rated sexual satisfaction score of about 2, the group exposed to daily bright light for 2 weeks had a more than threefold increase to a score of 6.3, while the controls showed no significant change.

In addition, testosterone levels in the bright light group increased from 2.1 ng/mL to 3.6 ng/mL after 2 weeks, while remaining unchanged in controls.

“Our idea for this study came from the observation that sexual satisfaction is known to increase during the spring and summer, compared to fall and winter. We thought that may have something to do with the natural daylight,” Dr. Fagiolini said.

The most likely mechanism of benefit springs from the established finding that bright light stimulates the pituitary gland to produce leutinizing hormone. This results in increased levels of testosterone and inhibition of melatonin production by the pineal gland. Decreased plasma melatonin is thought to lead to reduced serum prolactin – and high prolactin has been linked to sexual dysfunction, he explained.

The trial was conducted in the fall and winter months to avoid confounding by more natural daylight during the other seasons. But if the study results are confirmed, this therapy might well be used year-round, the psychiatrist said.

He reported having no financial conflicts of interest regarding the study, which was conducted without external funding.

[email protected]

A tetravalent dengue vaccine reduced symptomatic and asymptomatic dengue infection in Asian and Latin American children aged 2-16 years, according to Gustavo Olivera-Botello, PhD, and his associates at Sanofi Pasteur.

They analyzed data from 3,736 individuals in two phase III clinical trials. Patients received either the dengue vaccine CYD-TDV or placebo at month 0, month 6, and month 12, and had immunologic results from months 13 to 25. The seroconversion rate in individuals with virologically confirmed dengue between 13 and 25 months after vaccination was 88% in the vaccine group, and 98% in the placebo group.

©DesignPics/ Thinkstock.com

In individuals without virologically confirmed dengue, 219 of 2,485 participants in the vaccine group and 157 of 1,184 in the placebo group seroconverted during months 13-25. Total vaccine efficacy against asymptomatic dengue was 33.5%, and was higher in children aged 9-16, with vaccine efficacy at 38.6%.

“Since about 80% of DENV [dengue virus] infections are asymptomatic, it is likely that they contribute significantly to viral transmission to mosquitoes and thus to other human hosts. Consequently, providing simultaneous protection against both asymptomatic and symptomatic infections could contribute to reduced transmission and thus to indirect protection if the vaccine coverage rates are sufficient,” the investigators wrote.

Find the full study in the Journal of Infectious Disease (doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiw297)

[email protected]

A tetravalent dengue vaccine reduced symptomatic and asymptomatic dengue infection in Asian and Latin American children aged 2-16 years, according to Gustavo Olivera-Botello, PhD, and his associates at Sanofi Pasteur.

They analyzed data from 3,736 individuals in two phase III clinical trials. Patients received either the dengue vaccine CYD-TDV or placebo at month 0, month 6, and month 12, and had immunologic results from months 13 to 25. The seroconversion rate in individuals with virologically confirmed dengue between 13 and 25 months after vaccination was 88% in the vaccine group, and 98% in the placebo group.

©DesignPics/ Thinkstock.com

In individuals without virologically confirmed dengue, 219 of 2,485 participants in the vaccine group and 157 of 1,184 in the placebo group seroconverted during months 13-25. Total vaccine efficacy against asymptomatic dengue was 33.5%, and was higher in children aged 9-16, with vaccine efficacy at 38.6%.

“Since about 80% of DENV [dengue virus] infections are asymptomatic, it is likely that they contribute significantly to viral transmission to mosquitoes and thus to other human hosts. Consequently, providing simultaneous protection against both asymptomatic and symptomatic infections could contribute to reduced transmission and thus to indirect protection if the vaccine coverage rates are sufficient,” the investigators wrote.

Find the full study in the Journal of Infectious Disease (doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiw297)

[email protected]

A tetravalent dengue vaccine reduced symptomatic and asymptomatic dengue infection in Asian and Latin American children aged 2-16 years, according to Gustavo Olivera-Botello, PhD, and his associates at Sanofi Pasteur.

They analyzed data from 3,736 individuals in two phase III clinical trials. Patients received either the dengue vaccine CYD-TDV or placebo at month 0, month 6, and month 12, and had immunologic results from months 13 to 25. The seroconversion rate in individuals with virologically confirmed dengue between 13 and 25 months after vaccination was 88% in the vaccine group, and 98% in the placebo group.

©DesignPics/ Thinkstock.com

In individuals without virologically confirmed dengue, 219 of 2,485 participants in the vaccine group and 157 of 1,184 in the placebo group seroconverted during months 13-25. Total vaccine efficacy against asymptomatic dengue was 33.5%, and was higher in children aged 9-16, with vaccine efficacy at 38.6%.

“Since about 80% of DENV [dengue virus] infections are asymptomatic, it is likely that they contribute significantly to viral transmission to mosquitoes and thus to other human hosts. Consequently, providing simultaneous protection against both asymptomatic and symptomatic infections could contribute to reduced transmission and thus to indirect protection if the vaccine coverage rates are sufficient,” the investigators wrote.

Find the full study in the Journal of Infectious Disease (doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiw297)

[email protected]

Eliminating routine glucometer readings makes primary care visits more efficient, according to a 6-month review of activity at a primary care clinic. The results were published online Sept. 26 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

“The routine tasks that are components of rooming the clinic patient are increasing in number,” wrote James L Wofford, MD, of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C., and his colleagues (JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Sep 26. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5769). Routine glucometer readings are costly in terms of time, money, and mental energy of clinicians, and do not add value, they wrote.

©Boarding1Now/Thinkstock

The researchers compared data from a primary care clinic in North Carolina for 3 months before and 3 months after the clinic eliminated routine glucometer readings (Jan. 1, 2015, to March 15, 2015, and March 16, 2015, to June 30, 2015). After a 1-week trial during which no routine clinical glucometry was performed, the option remained available at the request of a nurse or patient.

The number of glucometer readings decreased from approximately 400 per month to 100 per month after the change in policy, yielded a cost savings of at least $2,000 per month, and time saving of 25 hours of nursing time per month.

“Despite the fear of missing an occasional markedly elevated glucose level, clinicians gradually grew comfortable and never reconsidered reinstitution of routine glucometer readings,” Dr. Wofford and his associates wrote. However, some patient education was needed to reassure those who were disappointed by the change.

“As important as the lesson that routine glucometer readings in the clinic is a wasteful practice, the more important lesson is that examining office routines for foolish consistencies should be a regular component of making primary care more efficient,” the researchers added.

They had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Eliminating routine glucometer readings makes primary care visits more efficient, according to a 6-month review of activity at a primary care clinic. The results were published online Sept. 26 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

“The routine tasks that are components of rooming the clinic patient are increasing in number,” wrote James L Wofford, MD, of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C., and his colleagues (JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Sep 26. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5769). Routine glucometer readings are costly in terms of time, money, and mental energy of clinicians, and do not add value, they wrote.

©Boarding1Now/Thinkstock

The researchers compared data from a primary care clinic in North Carolina for 3 months before and 3 months after the clinic eliminated routine glucometer readings (Jan. 1, 2015, to March 15, 2015, and March 16, 2015, to June 30, 2015). After a 1-week trial during which no routine clinical glucometry was performed, the option remained available at the request of a nurse or patient.

The number of glucometer readings decreased from approximately 400 per month to 100 per month after the change in policy, yielded a cost savings of at least $2,000 per month, and time saving of 25 hours of nursing time per month.

“Despite the fear of missing an occasional markedly elevated glucose level, clinicians gradually grew comfortable and never reconsidered reinstitution of routine glucometer readings,” Dr. Wofford and his associates wrote. However, some patient education was needed to reassure those who were disappointed by the change.

“As important as the lesson that routine glucometer readings in the clinic is a wasteful practice, the more important lesson is that examining office routines for foolish consistencies should be a regular component of making primary care more efficient,” the researchers added.

They had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Eliminating routine glucometer readings makes primary care visits more efficient, according to a 6-month review of activity at a primary care clinic. The results were published online Sept. 26 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

“The routine tasks that are components of rooming the clinic patient are increasing in number,” wrote James L Wofford, MD, of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C., and his colleagues (JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Sep 26. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5769). Routine glucometer readings are costly in terms of time, money, and mental energy of clinicians, and do not add value, they wrote.

©Boarding1Now/Thinkstock

The researchers compared data from a primary care clinic in North Carolina for 3 months before and 3 months after the clinic eliminated routine glucometer readings (Jan. 1, 2015, to March 15, 2015, and March 16, 2015, to June 30, 2015). After a 1-week trial during which no routine clinical glucometry was performed, the option remained available at the request of a nurse or patient.

The number of glucometer readings decreased from approximately 400 per month to 100 per month after the change in policy, yielded a cost savings of at least $2,000 per month, and time saving of 25 hours of nursing time per month.

“Despite the fear of missing an occasional markedly elevated glucose level, clinicians gradually grew comfortable and never reconsidered reinstitution of routine glucometer readings,” Dr. Wofford and his associates wrote. However, some patient education was needed to reassure those who were disappointed by the change.

“As important as the lesson that routine glucometer readings in the clinic is a wasteful practice, the more important lesson is that examining office routines for foolish consistencies should be a regular component of making primary care more efficient,” the researchers added.

They had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy were associated with a substantially reduced risk of pregnancy loss in a prospective preconception cohort of almost 800 pregnant women.

Although there has long been the suggestion that nausea is a sign of a healthy pregnancy, the evidence supporting this idea has been limited.

“Much of the published literature reports on studies that enrolled women after a clinically recognized pregnancy, thereby failing to include women with early pregnancy losses or relying on participant recall of nausea and/or loss,” wrote Stefanie N. Hinkle, PhD, of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Md., and her colleagues.

©monkeybusinessimages/thinkstockphotos.com

In this study, the researchers examined data from 797 women with one or two prior pregnancy losses and a current pregnancy confirmed by an HCG pregnancy test. They all were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial on the effects of aspirin on gestation and reproduction (JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Sep 26. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5641).

Participants kept a daily record of nausea and vomiting symptoms for gestational weeks 2-8 and then monthly after that. At week 12, 86% of the women reported nausea and 35% reported nausea with vomiting at least once a week in the previous 4 weeks.

Overall, women with nausea and vomiting in any given week had a 75% lower risk of pregnancy loss during that week (hazard ratio, 0.25), while those with only nausea had a 50% reduction in pregnancy loss (HR, 0.50), compared with women with neither symptom.

For women who had a peri-implantation pregnancy loss, the researchers found a similar association but it did not reach statistical significance. The hazard ratio was 0.59 for women who had nausea only and 0.51 for women who experienced nausea with vomiting.

Among women who did not experience a peri-implantation pregnancy loss, nausea only and nausea with vomiting were associated with a 66% (HR, 0.44) and 80% (HR, 0.20) reduction in risk for pregnancy loss, respectively, compared with women with neither symptom. These reductions in risk were similar when the analysis was limited to first-trimester pregnancy loss and persisted even after accounting for lifestyle and fetal factors, such as number of prior pregnancy losses, body-mass index, fetal karyotype, and multiple fetal gestations.

“These findings overcome prior analytic and design limitations and represent the most definitive data available, to our knowledge, indicating the protective association of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy on the risk for pregnancy loss and thus may provide reassurance to women experiencing these difficult symptoms in pregnancy,” researchers wrote.

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health. The researchers reported having no financial disclosures.

Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy were associated with a substantially reduced risk of pregnancy loss in a prospective preconception cohort of almost 800 pregnant women.

Although there has long been the suggestion that nausea is a sign of a healthy pregnancy, the evidence supporting this idea has been limited.

“Much of the published literature reports on studies that enrolled women after a clinically recognized pregnancy, thereby failing to include women with early pregnancy losses or relying on participant recall of nausea and/or loss,” wrote Stefanie N. Hinkle, PhD, of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Md., and her colleagues.

©monkeybusinessimages/thinkstockphotos.com

In this study, the researchers examined data from 797 women with one or two prior pregnancy losses and a current pregnancy confirmed by an HCG pregnancy test. They all were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial on the effects of aspirin on gestation and reproduction (JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Sep 26. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5641).

Participants kept a daily record of nausea and vomiting symptoms for gestational weeks 2-8 and then monthly after that. At week 12, 86% of the women reported nausea and 35% reported nausea with vomiting at least once a week in the previous 4 weeks.

Overall, women with nausea and vomiting in any given week had a 75% lower risk of pregnancy loss during that week (hazard ratio, 0.25), while those with only nausea had a 50% reduction in pregnancy loss (HR, 0.50), compared with women with neither symptom.

For women who had a peri-implantation pregnancy loss, the researchers found a similar association but it did not reach statistical significance. The hazard ratio was 0.59 for women who had nausea only and 0.51 for women who experienced nausea with vomiting.

Among women who did not experience a peri-implantation pregnancy loss, nausea only and nausea with vomiting were associated with a 66% (HR, 0.44) and 80% (HR, 0.20) reduction in risk for pregnancy loss, respectively, compared with women with neither symptom. These reductions in risk were similar when the analysis was limited to first-trimester pregnancy loss and persisted even after accounting for lifestyle and fetal factors, such as number of prior pregnancy losses, body-mass index, fetal karyotype, and multiple fetal gestations.

“These findings overcome prior analytic and design limitations and represent the most definitive data available, to our knowledge, indicating the protective association of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy on the risk for pregnancy loss and thus may provide reassurance to women experiencing these difficult symptoms in pregnancy,” researchers wrote.

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health. The researchers reported having no financial disclosures.

Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy were associated with a substantially reduced risk of pregnancy loss in a prospective preconception cohort of almost 800 pregnant women.

Although there has long been the suggestion that nausea is a sign of a healthy pregnancy, the evidence supporting this idea has been limited.

“Much of the published literature reports on studies that enrolled women after a clinically recognized pregnancy, thereby failing to include women with early pregnancy losses or relying on participant recall of nausea and/or loss,” wrote Stefanie N. Hinkle, PhD, of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Md., and her colleagues.

©monkeybusinessimages/thinkstockphotos.com

In this study, the researchers examined data from 797 women with one or two prior pregnancy losses and a current pregnancy confirmed by an HCG pregnancy test. They all were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial on the effects of aspirin on gestation and reproduction (JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Sep 26. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5641).

Participants kept a daily record of nausea and vomiting symptoms for gestational weeks 2-8 and then monthly after that. At week 12, 86% of the women reported nausea and 35% reported nausea with vomiting at least once a week in the previous 4 weeks.

Overall, women with nausea and vomiting in any given week had a 75% lower risk of pregnancy loss during that week (hazard ratio, 0.25), while those with only nausea had a 50% reduction in pregnancy loss (HR, 0.50), compared with women with neither symptom.

For women who had a peri-implantation pregnancy loss, the researchers found a similar association but it did not reach statistical significance. The hazard ratio was 0.59 for women who had nausea only and 0.51 for women who experienced nausea with vomiting.

Among women who did not experience a peri-implantation pregnancy loss, nausea only and nausea with vomiting were associated with a 66% (HR, 0.44) and 80% (HR, 0.20) reduction in risk for pregnancy loss, respectively, compared with women with neither symptom. These reductions in risk were similar when the analysis was limited to first-trimester pregnancy loss and persisted even after accounting for lifestyle and fetal factors, such as number of prior pregnancy losses, body-mass index, fetal karyotype, and multiple fetal gestations.

“These findings overcome prior analytic and design limitations and represent the most definitive data available, to our knowledge, indicating the protective association of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy on the risk for pregnancy loss and thus may provide reassurance to women experiencing these difficult symptoms in pregnancy,” researchers wrote.

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health. The researchers reported having no financial disclosures.

DENVER – An alarming percentage of infants born in Utah from 2006 to 2015 with primary congenital hypothyroidism were either lost to follow-up or inadequately treated.

If such a thing can happen in Utah with its highly functioning public health system, it probably can happen in the rest of the United States as well, Joel Ehrenkranz, MD, said at the American Thyroid Association annual meeting. “We just have not looked for it yet.”

Screening for and treating congenital hypothyroidism in infants is one of the great public health successes of the 20th century in the United States. It deserves to have the same level of importance as eradication of polio and smallpox in this country, noted Dr. Ehrenkranz, an endocrinologist in private practice in Glenwood Springs, Colo. At the time of this research, Dr. Ehrenkranz was with Intermountain Healthcare in Murray, Utah.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism by the 14th day of life and that the baby be biochemically euthyroid by week 6 (Pediatrics. 2006 June. doi: 10.1542/peds.2006-0915), he said.

The cohort included 4,394 children from birth to 24 months of age. The screening test was done by a third-generation bioluminescence serum TSH assay, not dried blood blot. Of these infants, 2% (82 babies) had a TSH level greater than or equal to 20 mIU/L at their initial test. That TSH was still high by day 14 in 42 infants (23 girls). But of all the babies with primary congenital hypothyroidism, 50% had a delayed diagnosis, he reported.

Twelve children (15%) were never retested; 34% reached AAP goals of having a TSH level less than 5 mIU/L within 28 days after starting treatment; half of the children with primary congenital hypothyropidism did not meet the treatment goal: “They were inadequately treated,” he said.

Of particular interest were 16 infants who had a TSH level of less than 20 mIU/L but on retesting had one of 20 or higher. Three of these infants had multiple TSH levels greater than 20, perhaps representing a subset with a late onset form of the disorder.

“We are not doing as well as we could do,” he said; 50% of affected babies have a delayed diagnosis with consequences of a delayed maturation of the pituitary thyroid axis. Logistics are a challenge. And 50% of babies did not meet treatment guidelines.

In comparison to the state of screening and management in Utah, moderator Alex S. Stagnaro-Green, MD, noted that many pediatricians and endocrinologists operate under the presumption that screening for primary congenital hypothyroidism is “a well-oiled machine and that these babies are being taken care of.”

Utah has a very functional public health infrastructure. Of note, Utah’s birth rate is the highest in the country. The birth rates in several of its counties rival the highest rates found in the world, according to Dr. Ehrenkranz.

“So I think we have a very significant problem nationwide that just hasn’t been looked at,” he noted in response to the question. He undertook looking at newborn TSH levels in the first place as part of a project with the Food and Drug Administration. It was only then that he and his associates were struck by how many babies had low serum TSH levels, he said.

He had no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

[email protected]

DENVER – An alarming percentage of infants born in Utah from 2006 to 2015 with primary congenital hypothyroidism were either lost to follow-up or inadequately treated.

If such a thing can happen in Utah with its highly functioning public health system, it probably can happen in the rest of the United States as well, Joel Ehrenkranz, MD, said at the American Thyroid Association annual meeting. “We just have not looked for it yet.”

Screening for and treating congenital hypothyroidism in infants is one of the great public health successes of the 20th century in the United States. It deserves to have the same level of importance as eradication of polio and smallpox in this country, noted Dr. Ehrenkranz, an endocrinologist in private practice in Glenwood Springs, Colo. At the time of this research, Dr. Ehrenkranz was with Intermountain Healthcare in Murray, Utah.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism by the 14th day of life and that the baby be biochemically euthyroid by week 6 (Pediatrics. 2006 June. doi: 10.1542/peds.2006-0915), he said.

The cohort included 4,394 children from birth to 24 months of age. The screening test was done by a third-generation bioluminescence serum TSH assay, not dried blood blot. Of these infants, 2% (82 babies) had a TSH level greater than or equal to 20 mIU/L at their initial test. That TSH was still high by day 14 in 42 infants (23 girls). But of all the babies with primary congenital hypothyroidism, 50% had a delayed diagnosis, he reported.

Twelve children (15%) were never retested; 34% reached AAP goals of having a TSH level less than 5 mIU/L within 28 days after starting treatment; half of the children with primary congenital hypothyropidism did not meet the treatment goal: “They were inadequately treated,” he said.

Of particular interest were 16 infants who had a TSH level of less than 20 mIU/L but on retesting had one of 20 or higher. Three of these infants had multiple TSH levels greater than 20, perhaps representing a subset with a late onset form of the disorder.

“We are not doing as well as we could do,” he said; 50% of affected babies have a delayed diagnosis with consequences of a delayed maturation of the pituitary thyroid axis. Logistics are a challenge. And 50% of babies did not meet treatment guidelines.

In comparison to the state of screening and management in Utah, moderator Alex S. Stagnaro-Green, MD, noted that many pediatricians and endocrinologists operate under the presumption that screening for primary congenital hypothyroidism is “a well-oiled machine and that these babies are being taken care of.”

Utah has a very functional public health infrastructure. Of note, Utah’s birth rate is the highest in the country. The birth rates in several of its counties rival the highest rates found in the world, according to Dr. Ehrenkranz.

“So I think we have a very significant problem nationwide that just hasn’t been looked at,” he noted in response to the question. He undertook looking at newborn TSH levels in the first place as part of a project with the Food and Drug Administration. It was only then that he and his associates were struck by how many babies had low serum TSH levels, he said.

He had no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

[email protected]

DENVER – An alarming percentage of infants born in Utah from 2006 to 2015 with primary congenital hypothyroidism were either lost to follow-up or inadequately treated.

If such a thing can happen in Utah with its highly functioning public health system, it probably can happen in the rest of the United States as well, Joel Ehrenkranz, MD, said at the American Thyroid Association annual meeting. “We just have not looked for it yet.”

Screening for and treating congenital hypothyroidism in infants is one of the great public health successes of the 20th century in the United States. It deserves to have the same level of importance as eradication of polio and smallpox in this country, noted Dr. Ehrenkranz, an endocrinologist in private practice in Glenwood Springs, Colo. At the time of this research, Dr. Ehrenkranz was with Intermountain Healthcare in Murray, Utah.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism by the 14th day of life and that the baby be biochemically euthyroid by week 6 (Pediatrics. 2006 June. doi: 10.1542/peds.2006-0915), he said.

The cohort included 4,394 children from birth to 24 months of age. The screening test was done by a third-generation bioluminescence serum TSH assay, not dried blood blot. Of these infants, 2% (82 babies) had a TSH level greater than or equal to 20 mIU/L at their initial test. That TSH was still high by day 14 in 42 infants (23 girls). But of all the babies with primary congenital hypothyroidism, 50% had a delayed diagnosis, he reported.

Twelve children (15%) were never retested; 34% reached AAP goals of having a TSH level less than 5 mIU/L within 28 days after starting treatment; half of the children with primary congenital hypothyropidism did not meet the treatment goal: “They were inadequately treated,” he said.

Of particular interest were 16 infants who had a TSH level of less than 20 mIU/L but on retesting had one of 20 or higher. Three of these infants had multiple TSH levels greater than 20, perhaps representing a subset with a late onset form of the disorder.

“We are not doing as well as we could do,” he said; 50% of affected babies have a delayed diagnosis with consequences of a delayed maturation of the pituitary thyroid axis. Logistics are a challenge. And 50% of babies did not meet treatment guidelines.

In comparison to the state of screening and management in Utah, moderator Alex S. Stagnaro-Green, MD, noted that many pediatricians and endocrinologists operate under the presumption that screening for primary congenital hypothyroidism is “a well-oiled machine and that these babies are being taken care of.”

Utah has a very functional public health infrastructure. Of note, Utah’s birth rate is the highest in the country. The birth rates in several of its counties rival the highest rates found in the world, according to Dr. Ehrenkranz.

“So I think we have a very significant problem nationwide that just hasn’t been looked at,” he noted in response to the question. He undertook looking at newborn TSH levels in the first place as part of a project with the Food and Drug Administration. It was only then that he and his associates were struck by how many babies had low serum TSH levels, he said.

He had no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

[email protected]

The Diagnosis: Erythema Ab Igne

Given the patient's reticulated hyperpigmented lesions in the setting of recent space heater use with heater closer to the more affected leg, erythema ab igne was diagnosed. Patient education was provided and moving the heater away from the lower extremities was advised.

Erythema ab igne first was described by German dermatologist Abraham Buschke as hitze melanose, meaning melanosis induced by heat. The classic skin findings were first observed on the lower legs of patients who worked in front of open fires or coal stoves.¹ Over the years, new causes of erythema ab igne secondary to prolonged thermal radiation exposure have been reported.¹ In the elderly, hospitalized, and chronic pain patients, erythema ab igne has been observed in areas treated with heating pads and blankets.² Other triggers such as frequent hot bathing, furniture, steam radiators, space heaters, and laptops also have been reported.^3-6 Laptop-induced erythema ab igne is a diagnosis that has been reported in the last decade and its incidence likely will increase in the future.⁶

The clinical manifestations of erythema ab igne correlate with the frequency and duration of heat exposure. Acutely, a mild and transient erythema develops in the affected area. With chronic heat exposure, these areas subsequently develop a permanent reticulated hyperpigmented pattern and may eventually become atrophic.^2,6 All body surfaces are at risk, but erythema ab igne classically involves the legs, lower back, and/or abdomen. Lesions typically are asymptomatic; however, burning and pruritus can be present.^2,6 Bullous erythema ab igne, though rare, has been reported,⁷ suggesting a potential transition from erythema ab igne to burns.⁶

Biopsy is not recommended for diagnosis; however, the histopathologic changes of erythema ab igne include hyperkeratosis, interface dermatitis, epidermal atrophy with apoptotic keratinocytes, and melanin incontinence. Although this condition typically is benign, histologic findings could resemble actinic keratosis, suggesting that chronic changes induced by infrared thermal radiation may lead to squamous cell carcinoma or rarely Merkel cell carcinoma. The latency for developing carcinoma appears to extend 30 years, with a 30% tendency for recurrence or metastasis. Given the possibility of an increase in erythema ab igne in the pediatric population in the upcoming years, as displayed by our patient, and increasing laptop and electronic use in children and adolescents, it is important to be aware of this skin condition and the potential complications of it going undiagnosed.^2,6

No specific therapy for erythema ab igne exists. Treatment is centered on eliminating exposure to the heat source. With appropriate removal, the reticulated hyperpigmented lesions will resolve, sometimes taking several months.

Differential diagnosis includes livedo reticularis, livedoid vasculopathy, and cutis marmorata. The reticulated purpuric lesions of livedo reticularis involving the extremities often mimic erythema ab igne's cutaneous morphology; however, livedo reticularis frequently is associated with conditions such as drug reactions, infections, thrombosis, and vasculitides,² as opposed to erythema ab igne, which frequently is associated with conditions causing pain or decreased body temperature, thus necessitating use of heating devices, as seen in our patient. Livedoid vasculopathy is characterized by purpuric macules involving the lower legs and feet that progress to recurrent leg ulcers. Our patient's asymptomatic lesions and absence of ulcers excluded this diagnosis.⁸ Lastly, cutis marmorata, a congenital condition, is characterized by blue-violet vascular networks that often display ulceration and atrophy of the involved skin as well as hypertrophy or atrophy of the involved limb⁹; these clinical findings were not present in our patient and this diagnosis would not explain the relationship between the cutaneous lesions and heat exposure. 

The Diagnosis: Erythema Ab Igne

Given the patient's reticulated hyperpigmented lesions in the setting of recent space heater use with heater closer to the more affected leg, erythema ab igne was diagnosed. Patient education was provided and moving the heater away from the lower extremities was advised.

Erythema ab igne first was described by German dermatologist Abraham Buschke as hitze melanose, meaning melanosis induced by heat. The classic skin findings were first observed on the lower legs of patients who worked in front of open fires or coal stoves.¹ Over the years, new causes of erythema ab igne secondary to prolonged thermal radiation exposure have been reported.¹ In the elderly, hospitalized, and chronic pain patients, erythema ab igne has been observed in areas treated with heating pads and blankets.² Other triggers such as frequent hot bathing, furniture, steam radiators, space heaters, and laptops also have been reported.^3-6 Laptop-induced erythema ab igne is a diagnosis that has been reported in the last decade and its incidence likely will increase in the future.⁶

The clinical manifestations of erythema ab igne correlate with the frequency and duration of heat exposure. Acutely, a mild and transient erythema develops in the affected area. With chronic heat exposure, these areas subsequently develop a permanent reticulated hyperpigmented pattern and may eventually become atrophic.^2,6 All body surfaces are at risk, but erythema ab igne classically involves the legs, lower back, and/or abdomen. Lesions typically are asymptomatic; however, burning and pruritus can be present.^2,6 Bullous erythema ab igne, though rare, has been reported,⁷ suggesting a potential transition from erythema ab igne to burns.⁶

Biopsy is not recommended for diagnosis; however, the histopathologic changes of erythema ab igne include hyperkeratosis, interface dermatitis, epidermal atrophy with apoptotic keratinocytes, and melanin incontinence. Although this condition typically is benign, histologic findings could resemble actinic keratosis, suggesting that chronic changes induced by infrared thermal radiation may lead to squamous cell carcinoma or rarely Merkel cell carcinoma. The latency for developing carcinoma appears to extend 30 years, with a 30% tendency for recurrence or metastasis. Given the possibility of an increase in erythema ab igne in the pediatric population in the upcoming years, as displayed by our patient, and increasing laptop and electronic use in children and adolescents, it is important to be aware of this skin condition and the potential complications of it going undiagnosed.^2,6

No specific therapy for erythema ab igne exists. Treatment is centered on eliminating exposure to the heat source. With appropriate removal, the reticulated hyperpigmented lesions will resolve, sometimes taking several months.

Differential diagnosis includes livedo reticularis, livedoid vasculopathy, and cutis marmorata. The reticulated purpuric lesions of livedo reticularis involving the extremities often mimic erythema ab igne's cutaneous morphology; however, livedo reticularis frequently is associated with conditions such as drug reactions, infections, thrombosis, and vasculitides,² as opposed to erythema ab igne, which frequently is associated with conditions causing pain or decreased body temperature, thus necessitating use of heating devices, as seen in our patient. Livedoid vasculopathy is characterized by purpuric macules involving the lower legs and feet that progress to recurrent leg ulcers. Our patient's asymptomatic lesions and absence of ulcers excluded this diagnosis.⁸ Lastly, cutis marmorata, a congenital condition, is characterized by blue-violet vascular networks that often display ulceration and atrophy of the involved skin as well as hypertrophy or atrophy of the involved limb⁹; these clinical findings were not present in our patient and this diagnosis would not explain the relationship between the cutaneous lesions and heat exposure. 

The Diagnosis: Erythema Ab Igne

Given the patient's reticulated hyperpigmented lesions in the setting of recent space heater use with heater closer to the more affected leg, erythema ab igne was diagnosed. Patient education was provided and moving the heater away from the lower extremities was advised.

Erythema ab igne first was described by German dermatologist Abraham Buschke as hitze melanose, meaning melanosis induced by heat. The classic skin findings were first observed on the lower legs of patients who worked in front of open fires or coal stoves.¹ Over the years, new causes of erythema ab igne secondary to prolonged thermal radiation exposure have been reported.¹ In the elderly, hospitalized, and chronic pain patients, erythema ab igne has been observed in areas treated with heating pads and blankets.² Other triggers such as frequent hot bathing, furniture, steam radiators, space heaters, and laptops also have been reported.^3-6 Laptop-induced erythema ab igne is a diagnosis that has been reported in the last decade and its incidence likely will increase in the future.⁶

The clinical manifestations of erythema ab igne correlate with the frequency and duration of heat exposure. Acutely, a mild and transient erythema develops in the affected area. With chronic heat exposure, these areas subsequently develop a permanent reticulated hyperpigmented pattern and may eventually become atrophic.^2,6 All body surfaces are at risk, but erythema ab igne classically involves the legs, lower back, and/or abdomen. Lesions typically are asymptomatic; however, burning and pruritus can be present.^2,6 Bullous erythema ab igne, though rare, has been reported,⁷ suggesting a potential transition from erythema ab igne to burns.⁶

Biopsy is not recommended for diagnosis; however, the histopathologic changes of erythema ab igne include hyperkeratosis, interface dermatitis, epidermal atrophy with apoptotic keratinocytes, and melanin incontinence. Although this condition typically is benign, histologic findings could resemble actinic keratosis, suggesting that chronic changes induced by infrared thermal radiation may lead to squamous cell carcinoma or rarely Merkel cell carcinoma. The latency for developing carcinoma appears to extend 30 years, with a 30% tendency for recurrence or metastasis. Given the possibility of an increase in erythema ab igne in the pediatric population in the upcoming years, as displayed by our patient, and increasing laptop and electronic use in children and adolescents, it is important to be aware of this skin condition and the potential complications of it going undiagnosed.^2,6

No specific therapy for erythema ab igne exists. Treatment is centered on eliminating exposure to the heat source. With appropriate removal, the reticulated hyperpigmented lesions will resolve, sometimes taking several months.

Differential diagnosis includes livedo reticularis, livedoid vasculopathy, and cutis marmorata. The reticulated purpuric lesions of livedo reticularis involving the extremities often mimic erythema ab igne's cutaneous morphology; however, livedo reticularis frequently is associated with conditions such as drug reactions, infections, thrombosis, and vasculitides,² as opposed to erythema ab igne, which frequently is associated with conditions causing pain or decreased body temperature, thus necessitating use of heating devices, as seen in our patient. Livedoid vasculopathy is characterized by purpuric macules involving the lower legs and feet that progress to recurrent leg ulcers. Our patient's asymptomatic lesions and absence of ulcers excluded this diagnosis.⁸ Lastly, cutis marmorata, a congenital condition, is characterized by blue-violet vascular networks that often display ulceration and atrophy of the involved skin as well as hypertrophy or atrophy of the involved limb⁹; these clinical findings were not present in our patient and this diagnosis would not explain the relationship between the cutaneous lesions and heat exposure. 

SAN FRANCISCO – An absence of guidelines on cannabis in older adults makes it difficult for clinicians to advise seniors, particularly those who use it for medical reasons, Adrienne Withall, PhD, said at the 2016 congress of the International Psychogeriatric Association.

“We don’t really know the impacts of cannabis use on older people. They may be positive or negative, depending on what it’s being used for,” said Dr. Withall of the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

Questions about how cannabis affects older people are growing as the boomer generation ages and cannabis becomes easier to legally obtain.

“Our picture of the cannabis user as a young adult or teen is inaccurate,” Dr. Withall said. “Many reports show that adults aged 50 and up are using cannabis for pain management or other therapeutic reasons, although we suspect they are also using it for recreation.” In the United States, regular use of cannabis rose by 455% among 55- to 64-year-olds between 2002 and 2014, according to data from the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health. In Australia, studies of middle-aged and older chronic pain patients, including those without cancer, suggest that about 15% have used cannabis for pain, Dr. Withall said.

Older patients may ask if cannabis causes cognitive deficits. “Anecdotally, the answer is yes. There is certainly evidence in younger cohorts that cannabis affects cognition, although this remains fiercely debated,” Dr. Withall said. She cited a 25-year longitudinal cohort study of persistent cannabis users in which habitual cannabis use during adolescence led to significant cognitive impairment in executive function, information processing speed, and other cognitive domains in adulthood. Importantly, those deficits did not fully reverse after users stopped. In contrast, users who started as adults developed milder cognitive deficits and greater restoration of cognitive function after cessation. In another study that is currently under review, 42% of cannabis-using older adults had significant cognitive impairment (scores of less than 88 on the ACE-R [Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised]), Dr. Withall said.

These users did have comorbid substance abuse, depression, and other potential confounders, but nonetheless, more frequent cannabis use approached statistical significance as a negative predictor of ACE-R scores, she added.

The effects of various cannabis products depend on their ratio of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Dr. Withall emphasized. “There is increasing preclinical evidence that the endocannabinoid system regulates neurodegenerative processes common to various dementias, including excess glutamate, glial activation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation,” she said. Some studies suggest a neuroprotective role for CBD, while in safety studies, THC was well tolerated in patients with dementia but did not improve cognition. In another 4-week, uncontrolled, open-label trial of 10 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, adding medical cannabis oil to regular care was associated with significant decreases in delusions, agitation or aggression, irritability, apathy, sleep, and caregiver distress, Dr. Withall said (J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;51[1]15-9).

So what to tell patients who ask about cannabis or are habitual users?

“At the moment, we are trying to encourage people to minimize use of cannabis, but we don’t have enough information,” she concluded. “Even though we suspect it is having a detrimental effect on patients, it may be that certain groups are showing benefits. There is just not enough to hang a hat on yet.”

Dr. Withall disclosed no funding sources or conflicts of interest.

SAN FRANCISCO – An absence of guidelines on cannabis in older adults makes it difficult for clinicians to advise seniors, particularly those who use it for medical reasons, Adrienne Withall, PhD, said at the 2016 congress of the International Psychogeriatric Association.

“We don’t really know the impacts of cannabis use on older people. They may be positive or negative, depending on what it’s being used for,” said Dr. Withall of the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

Questions about how cannabis affects older people are growing as the boomer generation ages and cannabis becomes easier to legally obtain.

“Our picture of the cannabis user as a young adult or teen is inaccurate,” Dr. Withall said. “Many reports show that adults aged 50 and up are using cannabis for pain management or other therapeutic reasons, although we suspect they are also using it for recreation.” In the United States, regular use of cannabis rose by 455% among 55- to 64-year-olds between 2002 and 2014, according to data from the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health. In Australia, studies of middle-aged and older chronic pain patients, including those without cancer, suggest that about 15% have used cannabis for pain, Dr. Withall said.

Older patients may ask if cannabis causes cognitive deficits. “Anecdotally, the answer is yes. There is certainly evidence in younger cohorts that cannabis affects cognition, although this remains fiercely debated,” Dr. Withall said. She cited a 25-year longitudinal cohort study of persistent cannabis users in which habitual cannabis use during adolescence led to significant cognitive impairment in executive function, information processing speed, and other cognitive domains in adulthood. Importantly, those deficits did not fully reverse after users stopped. In contrast, users who started as adults developed milder cognitive deficits and greater restoration of cognitive function after cessation. In another study that is currently under review, 42% of cannabis-using older adults had significant cognitive impairment (scores of less than 88 on the ACE-R [Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised]), Dr. Withall said.

These users did have comorbid substance abuse, depression, and other potential confounders, but nonetheless, more frequent cannabis use approached statistical significance as a negative predictor of ACE-R scores, she added.

The effects of various cannabis products depend on their ratio of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Dr. Withall emphasized. “There is increasing preclinical evidence that the endocannabinoid system regulates neurodegenerative processes common to various dementias, including excess glutamate, glial activation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation,” she said. Some studies suggest a neuroprotective role for CBD, while in safety studies, THC was well tolerated in patients with dementia but did not improve cognition. In another 4-week, uncontrolled, open-label trial of 10 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, adding medical cannabis oil to regular care was associated with significant decreases in delusions, agitation or aggression, irritability, apathy, sleep, and caregiver distress, Dr. Withall said (J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;51[1]15-9).

So what to tell patients who ask about cannabis or are habitual users?

“At the moment, we are trying to encourage people to minimize use of cannabis, but we don’t have enough information,” she concluded. “Even though we suspect it is having a detrimental effect on patients, it may be that certain groups are showing benefits. There is just not enough to hang a hat on yet.”

Dr. Withall disclosed no funding sources or conflicts of interest.

SAN FRANCISCO – An absence of guidelines on cannabis in older adults makes it difficult for clinicians to advise seniors, particularly those who use it for medical reasons, Adrienne Withall, PhD, said at the 2016 congress of the International Psychogeriatric Association.

“We don’t really know the impacts of cannabis use on older people. They may be positive or negative, depending on what it’s being used for,” said Dr. Withall of the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

Questions about how cannabis affects older people are growing as the boomer generation ages and cannabis becomes easier to legally obtain.

“Our picture of the cannabis user as a young adult or teen is inaccurate,” Dr. Withall said. “Many reports show that adults aged 50 and up are using cannabis for pain management or other therapeutic reasons, although we suspect they are also using it for recreation.” In the United States, regular use of cannabis rose by 455% among 55- to 64-year-olds between 2002 and 2014, according to data from the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health. In Australia, studies of middle-aged and older chronic pain patients, including those without cancer, suggest that about 15% have used cannabis for pain, Dr. Withall said.

Older patients may ask if cannabis causes cognitive deficits. “Anecdotally, the answer is yes. There is certainly evidence in younger cohorts that cannabis affects cognition, although this remains fiercely debated,” Dr. Withall said. She cited a 25-year longitudinal cohort study of persistent cannabis users in which habitual cannabis use during adolescence led to significant cognitive impairment in executive function, information processing speed, and other cognitive domains in adulthood. Importantly, those deficits did not fully reverse after users stopped. In contrast, users who started as adults developed milder cognitive deficits and greater restoration of cognitive function after cessation. In another study that is currently under review, 42% of cannabis-using older adults had significant cognitive impairment (scores of less than 88 on the ACE-R [Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised]), Dr. Withall said.

These users did have comorbid substance abuse, depression, and other potential confounders, but nonetheless, more frequent cannabis use approached statistical significance as a negative predictor of ACE-R scores, she added.

The effects of various cannabis products depend on their ratio of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Dr. Withall emphasized. “There is increasing preclinical evidence that the endocannabinoid system regulates neurodegenerative processes common to various dementias, including excess glutamate, glial activation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation,” she said. Some studies suggest a neuroprotective role for CBD, while in safety studies, THC was well tolerated in patients with dementia but did not improve cognition. In another 4-week, uncontrolled, open-label trial of 10 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, adding medical cannabis oil to regular care was associated with significant decreases in delusions, agitation or aggression, irritability, apathy, sleep, and caregiver distress, Dr. Withall said (J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;51[1]15-9).

So what to tell patients who ask about cannabis or are habitual users?

“At the moment, we are trying to encourage people to minimize use of cannabis, but we don’t have enough information,” she concluded. “Even though we suspect it is having a detrimental effect on patients, it may be that certain groups are showing benefits. There is just not enough to hang a hat on yet.”

Dr. Withall disclosed no funding sources or conflicts of interest.