Drexel University College of Medicine

MONDAY, Sept. 16, 2024 -- A self-reported history of gestational hypertension is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the Menopause Society, held from Sept. 10 to 14 in Chicago. Marie Tan, from the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, and colleagues surveyed 383 women presenting for mammogram screening to assess associations between a self-reported history of preeclampsia or eclampsia, gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes with CVD outcomes in postmenopausal women. The researchers found that 10.3 percent of women reported a history of CVD, while 2.8 percent reported a history of preeclampsia or eclampsia, 2.1 percent had a history of gestational hypertension, and 3.6 percent had a history of gestational diabetes. There was an association between self-reported history of gestational hypertension and CVD. While a numerically higher prevalence of CVD was seen in women with preeclampsia or eclampsia or all three adverse pregnancy outcomes, these associations were not statistically significant. No association was seen between gestational diabetes and CVD. “Future research based on a larger sample size is needed to better understand the role adverse pregnancy outcomes may have in cardiovascular disease development and risk stratification," Tan said in a statement. Press Release More Information Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

THURSDAY, July 25, 2024 -- Temperature extremes are associated with higher rates of missed primary care appointments, according to a study published online June 20 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine . Janet H. Fitzpatrick, M.D., from the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, and colleagues examined the associations between extreme temperature conditions and primary care utilization. Analysis included 1.05 million appointments among 91,580 adult patients seen at 13 outpatient clinics (2009 through 2019). The researchers found that rates of missed appointments increased by 0.72 percent for every 1 degree decrease in daily maximum temperatures below 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and increased by 0.64 percent for every 1 degree increase above 89 degrees Fahrenheit. Associations with an increased rate of missed appointments were stronger for Individuals ≥65 years and those with chronic conditions. "Primary care physicians should identify vulnerable patients and implement alternative methods of providing care during temperature extremes to decrease the negative impact and reduce the risk of missed appointments," the authors write. "Efforts should be made to support and promote telemedicine as a permanent option to supplement in-person visits. Finally, the knowledge generated can be integrated into medical education so that future physicians are given skills to provide the climate change-related health care needs for their communities." Abstract/Full Text Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

MONDAY, July 22, 2024 -- More folks, especially seniors, are missing doctors’ appointments due to extreme weather, a new study shows. The rate of missed primary care appointments increases 0.64% for every 1-degree increase in temperatures 90 degrees or hotter, researchers reported recently in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine . The same goes for cold days, with the rate of missed appointments increasing by 0.72% for every 1-degree decrease in temperatures below 39 degrees. Patients aged 65 and older and those with chronic diseases were most likely to miss appointments as temperatures grew more extreme, researchers found. “When patients don’t show up at appointments, they damage their own health and also cause downstream consequences for others,” said lead researcher Dr. Janet Fitzpatrick , a clinical associate professor with the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. “No-shows waste valuable appointment slots that could be used for others anxiously awaiting appointments and can lead to decreased patient satisfaction due to longer wait times,” Fitzpatrick added in a university news release. “It also makes our nation’s healthcare system more expensive, due to increased use of urgent care and emergency room visits, and poorer management of chronic illness leading to more medical care needed in the future.” For the study, researchers tracked more than 1 million appointments for 91,580 adult patients at 13 university outpatient clinics in Philadelphia between 2009 and 2019. They linked those appointments to temperature tracking from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to see whether climate change might be affecting people’s ability to see their doctor. “Extreme temperatures from climate change threaten the health and well-being of all patients with chronic health conditions,” said senior researcher Dr. Nathalie May , a professor with the Drexel College of Medicine. “We must be especially vigilant for our most vulnerable patients who may not have the resources to combat extreme heat or extreme cold stretches,” May added. “In studying the impact of climate change in primary care utilization, we hope to promote policies that support health and equity in light of the negative effects of climate change, especially in cities.” Health systems can counter this trend by leaning on telemedicine, Fitzpatrick said. “During the COVID pandemic, telemedicine became an integral part of healthcare delivery,” Fitzpatrick said. “With worsening climate change, this study supports advocating for permanent telemedicine coverage as an option to ensure patients can get the care they need.” Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.