December 25, 2018 Issue of JAMA

December 25, 2018, Vol 320, No. 24, Pages 2499-2608

This Week in JAMA

Highlights

Abstract Full Text

free access has audio

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2499-2501. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.12691

Podcast: Medicare's HRRP and Mortality, Knee Arthritis Pain Control, Management of In-Flight Medical Emergencies, Best of Graphic Medicine 2018, and more

Original Investigation

Association of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program With Mortality Among Medicare Beneficiaries Hospitalized for Heart Failure, Acute Myocardial Infarction, and Pneumonia

Rishi K. Wadhera, MD, MPP, MPhil; Karen E. Joynt Maddox, MD, MPH; Jason H. Wasfy, MD, MPhil; et al.

Abstract Full Text

free access

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2542-2552. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19232

This cohort study examined the effects of the CMS鈥檚 Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, which imposed financial penalties on hospitals with higher-than-expected readmission rates, on mortality among Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with heart failure, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or pneumonia.

Editorial
Unintended Harm Associated With the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program
Gregg C. Fonarow, MD

JAMA

Association of Genetic Variants Related to Gluteofemoral vs Abdominal Fat Distribution With Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Disease, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Luca A. Lotta, MD, PhD; Laura B. L. Wittemans, MSc; Verena Zuber, PhD; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(24):2553-2563. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19329

This cohort study uses GWAS data to identify genetic variants associated with higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) via gluteofemoral vs abdominal fat distribution and to estimate the association between a polygenic score for higher WHR and blood pressure, lipids and glucose levels, and type 2 diabetes and CVD risk.

Association of Pharmacological Treatments With Long-term Pain Control in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Dario Gregori, PhD; Giampaolo Giacovelli, PhD; Clara Minto, MA; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(24):2564-2579. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19319

This network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials estimates the effects of analgesics, vitamin E, bone-acting agents like bisphosphonates and calcitonin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids, chondroitin sulfate and glucosamines, and disease-modifying agents on pain, physical function, and joint structure in patients with osteoarthritis.

Research Letter

Adoption of Medicare鈥檚 Transitional Care Management and Chronic Care Management Codes in Primary Care

Sumit D. Agarwal, MD; Michael L. Barnett, MD, MS; Jeffrey Souza, MS; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(24):2596-2597. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.16116

This study analyzes Medicare claims data to assess the use of transitional care management and chronic care management services delivered by primary care physicians to fee-for-service beneficiaries.

Viewpoint

Potential Risks and Benefits of Mental Health Screening of Physicians

Matthew L. Goldman, MD, MS; Carol A. Bernstein, MD; Richard F. Summers, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2527-2528. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.18403

This Viewpoint discusses the barriers to physicians鈥� seeking treatment for depression, burnout, and suicide ideation; reviews the pros and cons of establishing a mental health screening protocol for physicans; and calls for research on the effect screening has on mental health outcomes.

The Challenges of Improving Treatments for Depression

Pim Cuijpers, PhD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2529-2530. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.17824

In this Viewpoint, the author discusses the need for studying treatments that help patients with persistent depression.

The Ethics of Heritable Genome Editing: New Considerations in a Controversial Area

Eli Y. Adashi, MD, MS; I. Glenn Cohen, JD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2531-2532. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.18270

This Viewpoint about heritable genome editing鈥搕he modification of DNA of an embryo, sperm, or egg to alter its characteristics for future generations鈥搒ummarizes the 2018 Nuffield Council on Bioethics report on social and ethical issues raised by the technique, and questions its rejection of a distinction between gene editing for therapeutic vs feature enhancement purposes.

Improving Electronic Health Record Usability and Safety Requires Transparency

Raj M. Ratwani, PhD; Michael Hodgkins, MD; David W. Bates, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2533-2534. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.14079

This Viewpoint discusses ways in which vendors of electronic health record (EHR) systems can block the conduct and dissemination of EHR usability and safety research and calls for policies that promote the identification and communication of usability and safety issues.

Using Standardized 鈥淐ancer Clocks鈥�

Wen-Chung Lee, MD, PhD; Chun-Ju Chiang, PhD; Ya-Wen Yang, MS

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2535-2536. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.18756

This Viewpoint discusses the practice of using a clock timer analogy to describe population risks of cancer and suggests standardizing the measures of incidence rates used in the clocks to population size to facilitate more accurate comparisons between populations.

A Piece of My Mind

The Language of Suicide

Phoebe Danziger, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2537-2538. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19199

In this narrative medicine essay, a neonatologist-in-training finds that small, ordinary treasures鈥攖he first blooms of forsythia, the brilliant flash of an ignited Amaretti wrapper, incandescent cracks of lightning on a muggy summer night鈥攎itigate some of the pain of her memories of having watched her father鈥檚 struggle with alcoholism, his failed marriage, and his suicide.

Editorial

Unintended Harm Associated With the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program

Gregg C. Fonarow, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2539-2541. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19325

Review

In-Flight Medical Emergencies: A Review

Christian Martin-Gill, MD, MPH; Thomas J. Doyle, MD, MPH; Donald M. Yealy, MD

Abstract Full Text

free access has audio

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2580-2590. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19842

This narrative review summarizes evidence about the prevalence and management of in-flight medical emergencies and provides guidance for health care professionals who may be called on to help during these events.

Podcast: Medical Emergencies While Flying

JAMA Clinical Challenge

Fever, Rash, and Abnormal Liver Function Test Results

Mitsuru Mukaigawara, MD; Shuichi Sugita, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2591-2592. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.16143

A man in his 30s had a 5-day history of fever, rhinorrhea, nonproductive cough, fever, and a maculopapular rash on his neck and trunk that spread to the extremities. He had leukopenia, and liver enzyme levels were elevated. What would you do next?

JAMA Diagnostic Test Interpretation

The Direct Antiglobulin Test for Evaluating Anemia

Corbin Eule, MD; Arjun Gupta, MD; Srikanth Nagalla, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2593-2594. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.14317

A 68-year-old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) presents with dyspnea on exertion, conjunctival pallor and scleral icterus, and moderate anemia with elevated reticulocytes and LDH and a 3+ anti-IgG direct antiglobulin test (DAT). How do you interpret the results?

Medical News & Perspectives

Whole-Fat or Nonfat Dairy? The Debate Continues

Rita Rubin, MA

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(24):2514-2516. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.17692

This Medical News & Perspectives story examines the debate over whether opting for whole-fat dairy or nonfat dairy or avoiding dairy altogether is optimal for health.

Podcast: JAMA Medical News Summary (December 2018): 糖心vlog Articles of the Year, Seasonal Flu Vaccine Timing, Dietary Dairy Fats and Health, Human Placenta Project, and more

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Human Placenta

Rita Rubin, MA

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(24):2516-2518. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.18200

This Medical News article is an interview with the director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development about its Human Placenta Project.

Podcast: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Human Placenta

The JAMA Forum

Common Ground on Health

Joshua M. Sharfstein, MD

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2018;320(24):2518-2519. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19581

News From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Increase in Firearm Homicides

Bridget Kuehn, MSJ

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2522. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19331

Shifting Hepatitis A Epidemiology

Bridget Kuehn, MSJ

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2522. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19604

Clinical Trials Update

Balance Exercises Prevented Falls

Anita Slomski, MA

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2521. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19334

Less Sitting Improved Work and Mood

Anita Slomski, MA

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2521. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.20157

Hand Sanitizer Combated Sickness in Day Care Centers

Anita Slomski, MA

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2521. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.20158

Chemoimmunotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Anita Slomski, MA

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2521. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.20159

Dual Receptor Agonist for Type 2 Diabetes

Anita Slomski, MA

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2521. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.20160

Health Agencies Update

Final Rules for Religious or Moral Objections to Contraceptive Coverage

Rita Rubin, MA

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2520. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.19473

GAO Assessment of the Opioid Public Health Emergency

Rita Rubin, MA

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2520. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.20155

Studying the Impact of Disabilities on Pregnancy

Rita Rubin, MA

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2520. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.20156

The Arts and Medicine

Graphic Medicine: The Best of 2018

Michael J. Green, MD, MS; Mita Mahato, MA, PhD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2018;320(24):2510-2511. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.18009

This Arts and Medicine essay reviews the 2 best graphic medicine publications of 2018: Ellen Forney鈥檚 Rock Steady, about her approach to self-managing her bipolar disorder, and Marnie Galloway鈥檚 Slightly Plural, about overcoming cultural myths of pregnancy and motherhood to develop one鈥檚 own story of parenting.

Poetry and Medicine