Author: Craig Boerner
All-in-one pill helps reduce blood pressure, cholesterol
Sep. 19, 2019—A single pill containing low doses of three medications to treat high blood pressure and one to lower cholesterol reduced the estimated risk of cardiovascular disease by 25%, according to a VUMC study.
Bladder pain syndrome no laughing matter for comedian
May. 17, 2018—Local comedian Ashley Corby, 35, overshares with her audience as part of her standup routine, including a 5-minute bit about “shady” rest areas she has visited due to interstitial cystitis (IC), a bladder pain syndrome affecting 3 million to 8 million people in the United States.
Study finds generic options offer limited savings for expensive drugs
May. 9, 2018—Generic drug options did not reduce prices paid for the cancer therapy imatinib (Gleevec), according to a Health Affairs study released this week.
Study spots undiagnosed genetic diseases in EHR
Mar. 15, 2018—Patients diagnosed with heart failure, stroke, infertility and kidney failure could actually be suffering from rare and undiagnosed genetic diseases.
Urological association taps Chang to help guide international strategy
Mar. 8, 2018—The American Urological Association has announced three new assistant secretary positions, including Vanderbilt’s Sam Chang, MD, to better align its international growth.
Saline use on decline at Vanderbilt following landmark studies
Feb. 27, 2018—Vanderbilt University Medical Center is encouraging its medical providers to stop using saline as intravenous fluid therapy for most patients, a change provoked by two companion landmark studies released Feb. 27 that are anticipated to improve survival and decrease kidney complications.
Opioid use increases risk of serious infections
Feb. 12, 2018—Opioid users have a significantly increased risk of infections severe enough to require treatment at the hospital, such as pneumonia and meningitis, as compared to people who don’t use opioids.
Tennessee Poison Center celebrates 30th anniversary
Feb. 12, 2018—The Tennessee Poison Center (TPC) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, following a year in which it received more than 50,000 emergency calls from residents, healthcare professionals, emergency departments and intensive care units.
Post-flu risks a growing concern for the elderly
Nov. 21, 2017—Infectious disease experts are warning that flu can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and disability in elderly patients for months after they have recovered from their illness.
Smoking study personalizes treatment
Nov. 16, 2017—A simple blood test is allowing Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) researchers to determine which patients should be prescribed varenicline (Chantix) to stop smoking and which patients could do just as well, and avoid side effects, by using a nicotine patch.
Amoxicillin alone better choice for pediatric pneumonia: study
Nov. 9, 2017—A combination of two antibiotics is often prescribed to treat community-acquired pneumonia in children, but a JAMA Pediatrics study is now showing that using just one of the two has the same benefit to patients in most cases.
Edwards, Schaffner honored by major infectious diseases organizations
Oct. 26, 2017—Two highly regarded Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) infectious disease clinicians were recognized with service awards from prominent organizations during IDWeek in San Diego, California, Oct. 4-8.