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SAN FRANCISCO -- The rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in U.S. hospital patients is now nearly 5% -- dramatically higher than previously thought, according to a nationwide survey of healthcare facilities.

CHICAGO -- The American Medical Association wants third-party payers to put the brakes on pay-for-performance initiatives until there is evidence that such plans benefit patients.

CHICAGO -- The American Medical Association has decided not to soften its 1995 position that it is unethical to patent surgical procedures.

TORONTO -- Two well-accepted adjuvant therapies for early breast cancer proved cost-effective for improving survival, according to a pair of studies.

PHILADELPHIA -- Children with complex chronic conditions are more likely to die at home today than they were two decades ago, researchers here said.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Polypharmacy represents a potential problem for patients of any age, but it can be managed safely through diligence on the part of caregivers and patients.

AMSTERDAM -- Children who survive childhood cancer -- especially those who had radiation therapy -- grow up to an increased risk of later adverse effects, researchers here said.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Pregabalin (Lyrica) just became the first medication approved by the FDA for fibromyalgia-related pain, but it may not work for everyone, so older treatments may still be useful.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Childhood obesity can be overcome by an intensive family-based program that includes supervised exercise and nutrition education, found researchers here. But dieting wasn't the answer.

SEATTLE -- Severe diastolic dysfunction tops all other echocardiograhic measures as a post-MI prognostic marker, investigators reported here.

TORONTO -- A year after recovering from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), most people were physically well but still suffering psychological distress, researchers here said.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Emerging evidence suggests that cephalosporins without a beta-lactam side chain may be safely used in patients with known allergies to penicillin.

CHICAGO -- After a brief upward spike, the AMA's membership is shrinking again.

CHICAGO -- Type 2 diabetes patients with chronic kidney disease may get at least some moderate cardiovascular risk reduction from pioglitazone (Actos), researchers found.

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The FDA has approved pregabalin (Lyrica) for the treatment of fibromyalgia, making it the first drug to earn this indication.

DURHAM, N.C. -- Six out of 10 of those who have surplus embryos stored after in-vitro fertilization would be willing to donate them for stem cell research, a new survey showed.

SEATTLE -- A five-minute echocardiography exam as part of a pre-competition physical might spot athletes with a potentially life-threatening heart abnormality, investigators reported here.

NEW YORK -- Credit for a 19% drop in smoking here goes to a multi-pronged campaign highlighted by TV ads starring patients with tobacco-related diseases, says the city health department.