Care of HF patients hospitalized for other causes less likely to meet guidelines

Compared to patients with a principal diagnosis of heart failure, heart failure patients hospitalized with a diagnosis other than heart failure had lower rates of guideline-concordant care including assessment of left ventricular function or prescription for an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker at time of discharge, according to a study published in the October 9 Journal of the American College of Cardiology. » Full article

Antidepressants: Risk factor for type 2 diabetes

Evidence exists that antidepressants may be an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes, however causality has not been established, according to a recent study in Diabetes Care.
» Full article

Use of EGFR inhibitors for mCRC patients

Data from a phase 3 trial comparing panitumumab (Vectibix) to cetuximab (Erbitux) for the treatment of wild-type KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in patients who have not responded to chemotherapy, provide the oncology community with important information on the use of EGFR inhibitors for patients with mCRC. » Full article

Experience with shingles drives decision to get vaccinated

Personal knowledge of or experience with shingles may be a major driver in a consumer's decision about whether to receive the shingles vaccine, according to a Harris Interactive consumer awareness survey sponsored by Merck. » Full article

VIDEO: Kaiser Permanente's large-scale hypertension program nearly doubles BP control rates

Kaiser Permanente (KP) Northern California nearly doubled the rate of blood pressure control among adult members with diagnosed hypertension between 2001 and 2009 through a large-scale community-based program, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported recently. » Full article

• One quarter of heart disease deaths preventable

• Antipsychotics increase type 2 diabetes risk for children and youth

• Guideline adds aromatase inhibitor for breast cancer prevention

• Children who miss vaccinations at increased risk for whooping cough

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Osteoporosis Care: Part 2 available now

Drug Topics offers the second part of a two-part CPE series, "MTM considerations in osteoporosis care." Earn up to 2 credits by completing this activity. To read and print the October article with TEST QUESTIONS, click here. To proceed to the online exams and earn up to 2 CPE credits, click here to log in.

Announcement: Welcome to the new user registration process. This new process requires all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to provide or update their NABP e-Profile ID in order to electronically keep track of CPE credits from ACPE-accredited providers. If you have not done so, you can obtain your NABP e-Profile ID now at www.MyCPEmonitor.net. This profile will enable you to have one login for all the NABP programs and services you will need throughout your career.