The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s mission is to protect and promote the public health, both in the U.S. and globally, by ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the products we regulate. Nowhere is this public health mission more evident than in the FDA’s role in the scientific and regulatory oversight of vaccines. One of the agency’s highest priorities is ensuring the quality, safety and effectiveness of vaccines. This deep and abiding commitment is something that we consider essential to engendering the public’s trust in vaccines.
News and Updates for Healthcare Professionals
The FDA’s Scientific and Regulatory Oversight of Vaccines is Vital to Public Health
AHRQ Evidence-Based Practice Update
Strategies for Patient, Family, and Caregiver Engagement
NIH establishes Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, today announced that it has awarded 11 grants with a total first-year value of approximately $17 million to establish the Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases (CREID).
Consensus Statement Outlines Recommendations for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support
A consensus statement published in Diabetes Care outlines the benefits and barriers associated with diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Are You Aware: Quick Facts About Kidney Disease
In the United States, it is estimated that about 37 million adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD).1 Generally, sleep problems have been associated with higher mortality risk, chronic diseases such as heart disease, and progression of CKD.2-4 As a considerable proportion of the US population has reported sleep problems, prevalence is generally higher in adults with CKD than adults without CKD.3
In the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, two in five (41.0%) adults with CKD stages 3 and 4 reported trouble sleeping compared with 29.2% in adults with CKD stages 1 and 2* and 27.1% in adults with no CKD. The percentage reporting sleep disorders was also higher in adults with CKD stages 3 and 4 (17.7%) and CKD stages 1 and 2 (13.6%) than in adults without CKD (9.6%). Nocturia (waking up during the night to urinate) was also more prevalent in adults with CKD—39.4% in CKD stages 3 and 4 and 38.7% in CKD stages 1 and 2—compared with 24.3% in adults with no CKD. On the other hand, inadequate sleep was similar among adults with and without CKD.
The higher burden of sleep problems among adults with CKD, especially with stages 3 and 4, highlights the importance for early detection and management of these symptoms in the primary and specialty care settings.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Kidney Disease Basics website. https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/basics.html.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sleep and Sleep Disorders website. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/index.html.
3. Shieu M, Morgenstern H, Bragg-Gresham J, et al. US trends in prevalence of sleep problems and associations with chronic kidney disease and mortality. Kidney360. 2020;1(6):458–468. DOI: https://doi.org/10.34067/KID.0000862019.
4. Molnar MZ, Mucsi I, Novak M, et al. Association of incident obstructive sleep apnea with outcomes in a large cohort of US veterans. Thorax. 2015;70(9):888–895. DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-206970.
First-ever research network tackles diabetic foot complications
Foot ulcers are the leading cause of lower limb amputations in the United States.
EGT posts 600th Guideline Brief and Scorecard!
EGT has reached yet another milestone and has published its 600th Guideline Brief and Scorecard. This represents guidelines from 77 developer organizations and covers more than 52 clinical topics.
Even a Few Days of Steroids May Be Risky
Individually tailored falls prevention plan found no better than usual care for reducing serious injury
Large PCORI-, NIH-funded trial examined multipronged intervention in real-world settings.
Cardiovascular Health and Prevention Remain Priorities During a Pandemic
Improving cardiovascular health remains a priority even during a pandemic.
Million Hearts® understands that hospitals and health systems are challenged, working hard, and adjusting to meet the needs of their patients, employees, and communities during the pandemic. Focusing on cardiovascular health has never been more important. The Million Hearts® Hospitals & Health Systems Recognition Program recognizes institutions working systematically to improve the cardiovascular health of their communities through focus on Million Hearts® priority areas:
- Keeping People Healthy
- Optimizing Care
- Improving Outcomes for Priority Populations
- Innovating for Health
The application for recognition remains open to multihospital health systems, hospitals with and without ambulatory care, medical practices unaffiliated with hospitals, community health centers, and any clinical entity whose leaders consider it eligible. Even if an institution chooses not to apply, the application form itself offers a plethora of proven strategies for improving the cardiovascular health of patients and communities.
Apply now; our next review deadline in July 30, 2020. Achieve a Million Hearts® Hospitals & Health Systems designation to showcase your institution's commitment to both clinical quality and overall cardiovascular health.
My heart is with you in support.
Laurence Sperling, MD, FACC, FACP, FAHA, FASPC
Executive Director, Million Hearts®