Mixed Bag

Missed Opportunities to Diagnose COPD Earlier Detailed
An examination of the clinical records of some 40,000 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease shows plenty of missed opportunities to make the diagnosis (and intervene) earlier.

Data on the patients came from U.K. national databases for the period 1990 through 2009. Some 85% of patients diagnosed with COPD had a visit related to lower-respiratory symptoms in the 5 years before the diagnosis was made, according to research in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine. Most of those consultations resulted in a prescription, most often for antibiotics or steroids. Journal Watch

Pregabalin effectively treats restless leg syndrome with less risk of worsening symptoms
A report in the Feb. 13 New England Journal of Medicine confirms previous studies suggesting that long-term treatment with the type of drugs commonly prescribed to treat restless leg syndrome (RLS) can cause a serious worsening of the condition in some patients. The year-long study from a multi-institutional research team found that pregabalin – which is FDA-approved to treat nerve pain, seizures, and other conditions – was effective in reducing RLS symptoms and was much less likely to cause symptom worsening than pramipexole, one of several drugs that activate the dopamine neurotransmission system and are FDA approved for treatment of RLS. Eurekalert!

Can-do plan gets women trimmer, healthier, and cuts hot flashes
A woman can beat middle-aged spread, her disease risks, and her hot flashes with the help of her healthcare provider. And even a short term program can spell success for women and fit into a busy provider's practice, shows a demonstration obesity-fighting and health risk reduction program detailed in an article just published online in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS). Eurekalert!