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This study investigated the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis from a managed health care systems perspective. An analysis was conducted of randomized clinical trials evaluating biologic and oral systemic medications and phototherapy for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Almost 90% of employers consider employee medication compliance to be a prime health management objective, according to a study by the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC).1 The majority of study respondents reported that they are analyzing or have plans to analyze prescription data to determine medication compliance for select health conditions.

This discussion reviews the currently available antivirals and recommendations for their use in influenza prophylaxis and treatment. Because our understanding of 2009 H1N1 influenza is still evolving, some off-label use of medications is discussed and noted. Information on 2009 H1N1 is updated frequently, andreaders are encouraged to monitor advisories from federal, state, and local health agencies for up-to-date information. (Drug Benefit Trends. 2010;22:10-14)

Nearly $600 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) was awarded to 85 federally qualified community health centers to support major construction and renovation projects and help adopt electronic health record and other health information

The list of covered preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries has expanded to include screening for HIV infection, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This test will now be available to Medicare beneficiaries at increased risk for HIV infection, including women who are pregnant and any Medicare beneficiary of any age who requests testing.1

In a 3-2 decision, the Montana Supreme Court determined that nothing in Montana state law prevents physicians from assisting patients with suicide, making Montana the third state, following Oregon and Washington, to allow this practice.1

In a new law coined the “extra help” program, which is being promoted by Chubby Checker, more than 1 million low-income seniors will be newly eligible for nearly $4000 in prescription drug assistance.

The gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage, or the doughnut hole, may be why many seniors with diabetes are not adhering to medications. Researchers from Kaiser Permanente and the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, focused their study on what happens during the gap, or when patients are paying for their medications out of pocket.1

Health care spending in the United States slowed to a growth rate of 4.4% in 2008-the slowest in 48 years-as national health spending reached $2.3 trillion ($7681 per person). These results were published in an annual report from the National Health Expenditure Accounts Team.1

A recent study has shown that rates of disability may be rising among noninstitutionalized adults 65 years and older in the United States.1 “People are living longer, but many are also living sicker,” said Amani Nuru-Jeter, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of community health and human development at the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, and coauthor of the study.

Although policymakers continue to push for greater adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs), physicians already using these systems report difficulty in exchanging data because of program interoperability, according to a new report.1 “We found that many aspects of the EMRs are helpful for coordination of care delivered within the physician’s office,” said Ann S. O’Malley, MD, MPH, lead study author and senior researcher at the Center for Studying Health System Change, in an interview with Drug Benefit Trends. “But there are areas for both office care processes and EMR design to evolve in order for EMRs to better support coordination tasks.”

Cephalosporins are usually considered relatively safe antibiotics; however, serious neurological adverse effects can occur following administration.1-5 Manifestations of cephalosporin-induced neurotoxicity may include confusion, disorientation, twitching, somnolence, myoclonus, and seizures, particularly in patients with reduced renal function.6,7 Here we discuss the mechanism, risk factors, and management of cephalosporin-induced neurotoxicity.

A 92-year-old woman presented with signs and symptoms of heart failure, including marked bilateral lower extremity edema, jugular vein distention, and difficulty in breathing at rest. Her medical history was significant for hyperthyroidism, chronic asthmatic bronchitis, and senile dementia. Medications included oral methimazole, 10 mg/d, and oral theophylline, 200 mg/d.

Podcasts from NIH • Intensive Glucose Control Halves Complications of Longstanding Type 1 Diabetes/Family Risk for Diabetes, Pre-diabetes • NIDDK Resource to Help Guide Diabetic Women Through a Healthy Pregnancy • Older Treatment Is More Effective than New Treatment in Preserving Sight for Some Patients with Diabetes • The Unique Effects of Diabetes on Women

Mental Health Issues in Persons With Diabetes and Related Disorders • Cultural and Ethnic Issues in Psychopharmacology: Addressing Both Instrumental and Symbolic Effects of Treatment • Diabetes May Compromise a Mother’s Mental Health • Examining the Link Between Obesity and Mental Illness 

Consultations and Commentaries • Should Patients With Asymptomatic Celiac Disease Forgo Gluten? • How to Manage Insulin Resistance in Children • Can High-Sugar Foods Be Eaten in a Manner That Supports Health? • If Diabetes Is Multifactorial, Why the Spotlight on Obesity?