EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 5 P.M., EST, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1997
November 1, 1997, Tip Sheet
Annals of Internal Medicine is published by the American College of Physicians (ACP), more than 100,000 physicians trained in internal medicine. The following highlights are not intended to substitute for articles as sources of information. For a copy of an article, call 1-800-523-1546, ext. 2656 or 215-351-2656. The full text of selected articles can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.acponline.org/journals/annals/annaltoc.htm
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Management of Type 2 Diabetes Affects Risk for Blindness and Kidney Failure
A decision model study using data from diabetic patients at a health maintenance organization suggests that patients who develop type 2 diabetes at a young age may benefit more than some other groups from aggressive measures to keep their blood glucose levels near normal. (Article, p. 788.) In those with later onset of the disease, moderate rather than very intensive glycemic control may prevent most end-stage complications such as blindness and renal disease. Authors say this information may help patients and physicians make informed decisions about treatment intensity and help prioritize costly clinical interventions. An accompanying editorial cautions that the study model is a projection, not a controlled clinical trial. (Editorial, p. 837.) However, the editorial infers that elderly patients with type 2 diabetes need not be as aggressively treated as younger patients. * * *
Minority Cancer Patients Receive Inadequate Pain Control
A study of 281 ethnic minority outpatients with cancer reported that 65 percent did not receive recommended painkiller prescriptions compared with 50 percent of nonminority patients as reported in a previous study. (Brief Communication, p. 813.) Seventy-seven percent reported disease-related pain or took painkillers and, of these, 41 percent reported severe pain. Hispanic patients reported less pain relief and had less adequate pain treatment than African-American patients. * * *
Five Recommendations for Monitoring and Regulating Clinical Software Systems
A consortium of health-information-related organizations urges clinical software users, vendors and regulatory agencies, including the FDA, to adopt five recommendations on developing and implementing processes for responsibly monitoring and regulating clinical software systems. (Position Paper, p. 842.) * * *
Let's Call Internal Medicine 'Adult Medicine,' Says Editorial Writer (Editorial, p. 835.)
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