October 20, 2020 Issue of JAMA

October 20, 2020, Vol 324, No. 15, Pages 1483-1580 | COVID-19 Deaths in the US

This Week in JAMA

Audio Highlights

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):e200041. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.0041

Podcast: Vericiguat and Praliciguat for HFpEF, Excess COVID-19 Mortality, Guideline for Care of Adults With Down Syndrome, and more

Original Investigation

Effect of Vericiguat vs Placebo on Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction: The VITALITY-HFpEF Randomized Clinical Trial

Paul W. Armstrong, MD; Carolyn S. P. Lam, MBBS, PhD; Kevin J. Anstrom, PhD; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1512-1521. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.15922

This randomized trial compares the effect of the oral soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator vericiguat (15 vs 10 mg/d) vs placebo on change in disease-specific physical function at 24 weeks among patients with HFpEF.

Editorial
Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Time for a Reset
Katherine A. A. Clark, MD, MBA; Eric J. Velazquez, MD

JAMA

Effect of Praliciguat on Peak Rate of Oxygen Consumption in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: The CAPACITY HFpEF Randomized Clinical Trial

James E. Udelson, MD; Gregory D. Lewis, MD; Sanjiv J. Shah, MD; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1522-1531. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.16641

This randomized trial compares the safety and effect of the oral soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator praliciguat on functional capacity (peak V虈o₂) at 8 weeks among patients with HFpEF.

Editorial
Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Time for a Reset
Katherine A. A. Clark, MD, MBA; Eric J. Velazquez, MD

JAMA

Lifetime Prevalence of Cervical Cancer Screening in 55 Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Julia M. Lemp, MSc; Jan-Walter De Neve, ScD; Hermann Bussmann, MD; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1532-1542. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.16244

This cancer epidemiology study characterizes lifetime cervical cancer screening prevalence in low- and middle-income countries overall and by region; per capita gross domestic product; and patient rurality, education, and household wealth.

Research Letter

Excess Deaths From COVID-19 and Other Causes, March-July 2020

Steven H. Woolf, MD, MPH; Derek A. Chapman, PhD; Roy T. Sabo, PhD; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1562-1564. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.19545

This study updates a previous report of the estimated number of excess deaths in the US during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic through August 1, 2020, and describes causes of those deaths and temporal relationships with state lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

Video: Excess Death Rate During the COVID-19 Pandemic By US State, March-July 2020
Video: Excess Deaths During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Editorial
Excess Deaths and the Great Pandemic of 2020
Howard Bauchner, MD; Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD, MBA

JAMA
- Video: Excess Deaths During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The Toll of COVID-19
Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD

JAMA

Cytokine Levels in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19 and Other Conditions

Matthijs Kox, PhD; Nicole J. B. Waalders, BSc; Emma J. Kooistra, BSc; et al.

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1565-1567. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.17052

This study compares levels of tumor necrosis factor 伪, IL-6, and IL-8 in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vs those with other critical illness to better characterize the contribution of cytokine storm to COVID-19 pathophysiology.

Editorial
Is a 鈥淐ytokine Storm鈥� Relevant to COVID-19?
Pratik Sinha, MB, ChB, PhD; Michael A. Matthay, MD; Carolyn S. Calfee, MD, MAS

JAMA Intern Med

Racial/Ethnic Variation in Nasal Gene Expression of Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2)

Supinda Bunyavanich, MD, MPH, MPhil; Chantal Grant, MD; Alfin Vicencio, MD

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1567-1568. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.17386

This cross-sectional study used nasal epithelium collected in 2015-2018 to compare expression of TMPRSS2, a facilitator of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and spread, among Asian, Black, Latino, and White patients as well as patients of mixed race/ethnicity within a New York City health system.

Editor's Note
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Inhibitors and Susceptibility to and Severity of COVID-19
Gregory Curfman, MD

JAMA

Special Communication

Medical Care of Adults With Down Syndrome: A Clinical Guideline

Amy Y. Tsou, MD, MSc; Peter Bulova, MD; George Capone, MD; et al.

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1543-1556. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.17024

This combination evidence-based and consensus clinical guideline presents recommendations and statements of good practice for the medical care of adults with Down syndrome, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment of behavioral health conditions, dementia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, osteoporosis, atlantoaxial instability, hypothyroidism, and celiac disease.

Editorial
Guidelines for Care of Adults With Down Syndrome
Jason F. Woodward, MD, MS; Sophia Jan, MD, MSHP; Mary R. Ciccarelli, MD

JAMA

Viewpoint

Excess Deaths From COVID-19, Community Bereavement, and Restorative Justice for Communities of Color

Lisa A. Cooper, MD, MPH; David R. Williams, PhD, MPH

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1491-1492. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.19567

This Viewpoint discusses ways the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded existing health, human rights, and economic disparities in communities of color and proposes a program of restorative justice in response, comprising investments in education and housing, reforms in lending practices and criminal justice, and more.

Editorial
Excess Deaths and the Great Pandemic of 2020
Howard Bauchner, MD; Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD, MBA

JAMA
- Video: Excess Deaths During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The Toll of COVID-19
Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD

JAMA

Mental Health Disorders Related to COVID-19鈥揜elated Deaths

Naomi M. Simon, MD, MSc; Glenn N. Saxe, MD; Charles R. Marmar, MD

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1493-1494. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.19632

This Viewpoint discusses the mental health consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and emphasizes the importance of developing a public health strategy to manage the waves of grief, posttraumatic stress disorder, opioid use, and other mental health consequences of coronavirus-related death and disruption.

Editorial
Excess Deaths and the Great Pandemic of 2020
Howard Bauchner, MD; Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD, MBA

JAMA
- Video: Excess Deaths During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The Toll of COVID-19
Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD

JAMA
Invited Commentary
Mental Health Inequities in the Context of COVID-19
Ruth S. Shim, MD, MPH

JAMA Netw Open

The COVID-19 Pandemic and the $16 Trillion Virus

David M. Cutler, PhD; Lawrence H. Summers, PhD

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1495-1496. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.19759

In this Viewpoint, 2 Harvard economists estimate the cumulative financial costs of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US to date from lost domestic output and health reduction at more than $16 trillion, as a way to put the lesser costs of public health measures, such as population testing, contact tracing, and isolation, in perspective.

Video: The Costs of Coronavirus

Conversations with Dr Bauchner: The Costs of Coronavirus

Editorial
Excess Deaths and the Great Pandemic of 2020
Howard Bauchner, MD; Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD, MBA

JAMA
- Video: Excess Deaths During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The Toll of COVID-19
Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD

JAMA

The 2020 Lasker Awards and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Joseph L. Goldstein, MD

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1497-1498. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.17056

In this Viewpoint, the chair of the 2020 Lasker Medical Research Awards reflects on the history of the award program and its recipients as a stand-in for the 2020 awards, which are not being given because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and anticipates the most important research leading to COVID-19 treatment and control will be candidates for future recognition.

COVID-19 and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Priya Mehta Freaney, MD; Sanjiv J. Shah, MD; Sadiya S. Khan, MD, MSc

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1499-1500. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.17445

This Viewpoint discusses the emerging apparent association between COVID-19 and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and speculates on the pathophysiology and shared risk factors that may underlie the association and the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 infection may unmask or exacerbate existing HFpEF.

Editorial
Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Time for a Reset
Katherine A. A. Clark, MD, MBA; Eric J. Velazquez, MD

JAMA
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the Heart鈥擨s Heart Failure the Next Chapter?
Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MSc; Gregg C. Fonarow, MD

JAMA Cardiol

A Piece of My Mind

A Fine Line

Eric L. Wald, MD, MSCI

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1501. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.19331

In this narrative medicine essay, a critical care pediatrician tells the story of knitting needle puncture in a 3-year-old boy鈥檚 chest that barely missed his main pulmonary artery, and wonders at the seemingly random difference between his operable injury and the alternative, seemingly equally probable fatal outcome.

Editorial

The Toll of COVID-19

Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1502-1503. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.20019

Editorial
Excess Deaths and the Great Pandemic of 2020
Howard Bauchner, MD; Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD, MBA

JAMA
- Video: Excess Deaths During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Excess Deaths and the Great Pandemic of 2020

Howard Bauchner, MD; Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD, MBA

Abstract Full Text

free access has multimedia

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1504-1505. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.20016

Video: Excess Deaths During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Editorial
The Toll of COVID-19
Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD

JAMA

Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Time for a Reset

Katherine A. A. Clark, MD, MBA; Eric J. Velazquez, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1506-1508. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.15566

Guidelines for Care of Adults With Down Syndrome

Jason F. Woodward, MD, MS; Sophia Jan, MD, MSHP; Mary R. Ciccarelli, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1509-1511. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.19150

JAMA Insights

Women's Health

Managing Minimally Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Test Results

George F. Sawaya, MD; Robyn Lamar, MD, MPH; Rebecca B. Perkins, MD, MSc

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1557-1558. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.12488

This JAMA Insights review summarizes 2020 consensus guidelines on management of minimally abnormal cervical cancer screening results, including no abnormal pathology, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) with and without positive high-risk HPV testing.

From The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics

Melatonin for Insomnia in Children

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1559-1560. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.12193

This Medical Letter review summarizes evidence about the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter melatonin-containing products as sleep aids for insomnia in children, and their role relative to standard nonpharmacological treatments.

Medical News & Perspectives

Helping People With Dementia Exercise Their Right to Vote

Rita Rubin, MA

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1485-1486. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.18964

This Medical News article discusses the right of people with dementia to vote.

News From the Food and Drug Administration

Youth e-Cigarette Use Drops, More Warnings Issued

Mary Chris Jaklevic, MSJ

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1490. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.20154

Illegal Online Opioids Are Targeted

Mary Chris Jaklevic, MSJ

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1490. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.19798

Manufacturers Get Advice on Preventing Nitrosamine Impurities

Mary Chris Jaklevic, MSJ

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1490. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.20155

The JAMA Forum

Medicaid鈥檚 Public Health Plan Options

Andrew Bindman, MD

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1487-1488. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.19475

Global Health

COVID-19 Halts Reproductive Care for Millions of Women

Bridget M. Kuehn, MSJ

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1489. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.19025

New Insights on COVID-19鈥檚 Hyperinflammation in Children

Bridget M. Kuehn, MSJ

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1489. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.20151

Pandemic Accelerates the Threat of Global Hunger

Bridget M. Kuehn, MSJ

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1489. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.20152

Poetry and Medicine

To a Young Man Accustomed to Terror (II)

Glenn Colquhoun

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1574. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.7855

JAMA Revisited

Tuberculosis

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2020;324(15):1575. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.13664

JAMA Patient Page

Palliative Care for Persons Living With Parkinson Disease

Leonard L. Sokol, MD; Benzi M. Kluger, MD, MS

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1579. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.18333

This JAMA Patient Page explains palliative care and its role in the care of people living with Parkinson disease.

Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Ioana Baiu, MD, MPH; Leah Backhus, MD, MPH

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2020;324(15):1580. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.2101

This JAMA Patient Page explains the role of esophageal surgery in the management of esophageal cancer and the differences between minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) vs open approaches.

Comment & Response