December 21, 2021 Issue of JAMA

December 21, 2021, Vol 326, No. 23, Pages 2347-2444

This Week in JAMA

Audio Highlights

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2021;326(23):e2018277. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.18277

Podcast: Maintenance Infliximab for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Depression, DOACs and Atrial Fibrillation, and more

Original Investigation

Effect of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring vs Standard Therapy During Maintenance Infliximab Therapy on Disease Control in Patients With Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Silje Watterdal Syversen, MD, PhD; Kristin Kaasen Jørgensen, MD, PhD; Guro Løvik Goll, MD, PhD; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2021;326(23):2375-2384. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.21316

This randomized clinical trial assesses the effect of therapeutic drug monitoring vs standard therapy on sustained disease control without disease worsening among patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, or psoriasis) undergoing maintenance therapy with infliximab.

Editorial
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases
Zachary S. Wallace, MD, MSc; Jeffrey A. Sparks, MD, MMSc

JAMA

Effect of Long-term Supplementation With Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids vs Placebo on Risk of Depression or Clinically Relevant Depressive Symptoms and on Change in Mood Scores: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Olivia I. Okereke, MD, SM; Chirag M. Vyas, MBBS, MPH; David Mischoulon, MD, PhD; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2021;326(23):2385-2394. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.21187

This randomized clinical trial tested the effects of daily omega-3 supplementation vs placebo on depression prevention in older adults without depression.

Association of Rivaroxaban vs Apixaban With Major Ischemic or Hemorrhagic Events in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Wayne A. Ray, PhD; Cecilia P. Chung, MD, MPH; C. Michael Stein, MB, ChB; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2021;326(23):2395-2404. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.21222

This cohort study assesses major ischemic and hemorrhagic outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries with atrial fibrillation who were treated with rivaroxaban compared with apixaban.

Editorial
Informing the Choice of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Enrico G. Ferro, MD; Dhruv S. Kazi, MD, MSc, MS; Peter J. Zimetbaum, MD

JAMA

Research Letter

NIH Diversity Supplement Awards by Year and Administering Institute

Katherine A. Hill, BA, BS; Mayur M. Desai, PhD, MPH; Sarwat I. Chaudhry, MD; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2021;326(23):2427-2429. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.19360

This study charts the use of the National Institutes of Health鈥檚 diversity supplements, grant enhancement awards designed to provide research opportunities to individuals from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, since the program鈥檚 inception in 1989.

Cigar Sales in Convenience Stores in the US, 2009-2020

Cristine D. Delnevo, PhD, MPH; Erin Miller Lo, MPH; Daniel P. Giovenco, PhD, MPH; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2021;326(23):2429-2432. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.19692

This study uses Nielsen Company data for cigar sales to describe trends and patterns in sales of flavored cigars and cigars sold in small pack sizes in US convenience stores from 2009 to 2020.

US Preventive Services Task Force

Actions to Transform US Preventive Services Task Force Methods to Mitigate Systemic Racism in Clinical Preventive Services

US Preventive Services Task Force

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2021;326(23):2405-2411. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17594

This US Preventive Services (USPSTF) Policy Report describes strategies developed by the USPSTF to mitigate the influence of systemic racism in its recommendations and to promote health equity in preventive services.

Editorial
JAMA and the US Preventive Services Task Force
Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD, MBA; Robert M. Golub, MD

JAMA

Addressing Racism in Preventive Services: Methods Report to Support the US Preventive Services Task Force

Jennifer S. Lin, MD; Lynn Hoffman, MPH; Sarah I. Bean, MPH; et al.

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2021;326(23):2412-2420. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17579

This Methods Report from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) summarizes definitional and conceptual issues around racism and health inequity and describes how racism and health inequities are currently addressed in preventive health.

Editorial
JAMA and the US Preventive Services Task Force
Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD, MBA; Robert M. Golub, MD

JAMA

Viewpoint

Heterogeneous State Cannabis Policies: Potential Implications for Patients and Health Care Professionals

Michael A. Incze, MD, MSEd; A. Taylor Kelley, MD, MPH, MSc; Phillip M. Singer, PhD, MHSA

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2021;326(23):2363-2364. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.21182

This Viewpoint discusses how the varied and fragmented policies and sources of information about cannabis use in the US can lead to confusion among patients and clinicians.

The Growing Phenomenon of 鈥淰irtual-First鈥� Primary Care

David C. Whitehead, MD; Ateev Mehrotra, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2021;326(23):2365-2366. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.21169

This Viewpoint discusses the potential benefits and risks of emerging health plan models in which patients receive most of their primary care needs via telehealth services instead of in-person physician visits.

The 2021 Medicare Advantage Hospice Carve-In

Claire K. Ankuda, MD, MPH; R. Sean Morrison, MD; Melissa D. Aldridge, PhD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2021;326(23):2367-2368. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.21161

This Viewpoint summarizes some of the concerns and outlines the possible implications of the Medicare Advantage hospice carve-in for end-of-life care if existing trends continue.

A Piece of My Mind

Practicing With Memories

Robert E. Johnstone, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2021;326(23):2369. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.22113

In this narrative medicine essay, an anesthesiologist shares stories, memories conjured when passing sites in the hospital鈥攖he room where his first wife died or the room where his grandson was born鈥攔eliving moments of sorrow, moments of joy, moments of learning.

Editorial

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases

Zachary S. Wallace, MD, MSc; Jeffrey A. Sparks, MD, MMSc

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2021;326(23):2370-2372. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.21315

Informing the Choice of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Enrico G. Ferro, MD; Dhruv S. Kazi, MD, MSc, MS; Peter J. Zimetbaum, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2021;326(23):2372-2374. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.21305

JAMA Insights

Women's Health

Assessment of the Safety of Common Medications Used During Pregnancy

Carolynn Dude, MD, PhD; Denise J. Jamieson, MD, MPH

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2021;326(23):2421-2422. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.20191

This JAMA Insights in the Women鈥檚 Health series reviews commonly used prescription and over-the-counter products during pregnancy, including safety data, available resources for guidance, and the need for clinicians to counsel patients before pregnancy, when possible, about medication use.

Podcast: Medication Safety During Pregnancy

JAMA Diagnostic Test Interpretation

Serologic Testing for Hepatitis B

Maroun M. Sfeir, MD, MPH, MS; Mary Snayd, MD

Abstract Full Text

JAMA. 2021;326(23):2423-2424. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.19803

A 27-year-old woman presented with elevated transaminase levels and a positive hepatitis B surface antigen test result. How do you interpret these test results?

Medical News & Perspectives

After 12 Years, NIH Director Francis S. Collins Seeks His Next Chapter

Jennifer Abbasi

Abstract Full Text

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JAMA. 2021;326(23):2349-2352. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.20987

This Medical News article is an interview with physician-geneticist Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, as he ends his historic tenure as director of the National Institutes of Health.

Podcast: After 12 Years, NIH Director Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, Seeks His Next Chapter
Podcast: Eliminating Hepatitis C in the United States