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Texas Abortion Ban Correlates With Rising Infant Mortality Rates
Medicare now covers only half of FDA-approved drugs, and DOJ cracks down on $2.7B of health care fraud
The Sign Out
July 01, 2024
Health News
Texas Abortion Ban Correlates With Rising Infant Mortality Rates
In 2022, the year after Texas implemented its six-week abortion ban, the state's infant mortality rate surged by 13%, according to a study in JAMA Pediatrics. This increase was predominantly due to congenital defects, with such infant deaths rising by 23% in Texas compared to a 3% decline nationally.
The study suggests that the ban led to more births of infants with severe health issues, which are often only detected at around 20 weeks of pregnancy, beyond the state's legal abortion limit.
While the full effects of abortion bans will become clearer over time, early data suggests a troubling trend. Health experts and researchers are increasingly concerned about the adverse outcomes of these policies on both infant mortality and maternal health. The evidence points to a growing public health issue that requires serious attention and further investigation.
Health News
Medicare Now Covering Only Half of FDA-Approved Drugs
Prescription drug coverage by health insurers has declined significantly. According to a GoodRx report, Medicare formularies now cover only about half of FDA-approved drugs, down from three-quarters in 2010. Commercial plans likely cover even fewer due to fewer federal mandates.
Patients face more hurdles to access the covered drugs, with half requiring prior authorization, causing delays and deterring prescriptions. These limitations allow insurers to negotiate lower drug prices, but the savings often don't lower consumer costs directly. Shopping for plans with better coverage may help, but it often involves higher premiums.
Health News
DOJ Charges Nearly 200 People in $2.7 Billion Health Care Fraud Crackdown
The Justice Department announced charges against nearly 200 individuals in a nationwide crackdown on health care fraud, with false claims exceeding $2.7 billion. Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted schemes involving doctors, nurse practitioners, and others. A significant case in Arizona involved $900 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for unnecessary wound grafts on hospice patients, some of whom died shortly after the procedures.
In total, 193 people, including 76 medical professionals, were charged. Authorities seized over $230 million in assets. Other schemes included fake sober living homes targeting Native Americans and the distribution of misbranded HIV drugs in Florida. These periodic sweeps aim to deter further health care fraud.
Journal Gists
Keto Diet’s Microbial Secret
Clinical Question: How do taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) contribute to weight loss in ketogenic diet (KD) consumers?
Bottom Line: KD consumption enhances TDCA and TUDCA levels by reducing Lactobacillus murinus ASF361 and bile salt hydrolase activity, inhibiting intestinal carbonic anhydrase 1 expression, and thereby reducing energy absorption, leading to weight loss and improved glucose metabolism. These bile acids show promise as potential therapies for obesity and its complications. Read more at Nature.
To Continuously Infuse Or Not To Continuously Infuse?
Clinical Question: Is there a difference in mortality between continuous and intermittent infusions of β-lactam antibiotics in critically ill patients with sepsis?
Bottom Line: In this randomized clinical trial of 7031 adult patients with sepsis, there was no statistically significant difference in 90-day mortality between continuous (24.9%) and intermittent (26.8%) β-lactam antibiotic infusions (odds ratio, 0.91). Continuous infusion of β-lactam antibiotics did not significantly reduce 90-day mortality compared to intermittent infusion in critically ill patients with sepsis, based on the primary analysis of this study. Read more at JAMA.
More In Health News
What in the world is going on?
👨⚖️ Supreme court overturns Chevron Doctrine, limiting federal regulatory power. The Supreme Court overturned the 1984 Chevron decision, reducing federal regulatory authority and granting courts more power to interpret laws. This conservative majority ruling affects regulations on the environment, public health, and workplace safety, potentially influencing billions of dollars in regulatory challenges. The liberal justices dissented, warning of negative impacts on regulatory protections. AP News has more.
🇺🇦 Zelensky says he is preparing plan to end war with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his administration is preparing a plan to end the ongoing war with Russia. This plan is being formulated in consultation with Ukraine's international partners. Zelensky emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to secure peace and address the conflict's root causes. Barron’s has more.
🇫🇷 Right-wing gains momentum in French elections, Challenging Macron. France's far-right party is gaining traction in the latest elections, posing a significant challenge to President Emmanuel Macron's government. The rise of far-right sentiment highlights growing discontent with Macron's policies and a shift in the political landscape. The election results could impact France's future direction on immigration, security, and EU relations. Read more at AP News.
🌀 Tropical Storm Beryl Expected to Strengthen into Major Hurricane Near Caribbean. Tropical Storm Beryl is forecasted to intensify into a major hurricane as it approaches the Caribbean. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the storm's path and potential impacts on the region. Residents in the Caribbean are advised to stay alert and prepare for severe weather conditions. The storm's development underscores the ongoing hurricane season's threats to coastal areas. Read more at NBC News.
In Case You Missed It…
What’s The Diagnosis?
A 45-year-old man presents to the emergency department with a sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. He describes the headache as "the worst headache of my life." His medical history is significant for hypertension and smoking. On physical examination, he appears distressed and has a stiff neck. A non-contrast CT scan of the head is performed and shows blood in the subarachnoid space.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Tension headache
B. Migraine headache
C. Intracerebral hemorrhage
D. Subarachnoid hemorrhage
E. Temporal arteritis
Answer: D) Subarachnoid hemorrhage
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