Aislinn Antrim, Assistant Editor

If IVIG is commenced within 2 weeks from the onset of Guillain-Barre syndrome it can hasten recovery as much as plasma exchange, study indicates.

Researchers find no clear therapeutic benefit of intravenous immunoglobulin for the prevention of postnatal relapses of multiple sclerosis.

The first vaccine dose alone offered strong protection against COVID-19, with efficacy that did not decline over the 3 months between doses.

President Joseph Biden announced a partnership between Merck and Johnson & Johnson, in which 2 of Merck’s facilities will begin producing the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

The availability of both intravenous and subcutaneous routes of immunoglobulin has made personalization of treatment more important than ever.

Investigators recommended avoiding risk factors such as smoking and switching to a transdermal administration route for testosterone.

The flexibility could allow for easier storage and increased accessibility of the vaccine.

Study findings illustrate the need for better communication between health care providers and patients experiencing concerns during the pandemic.

The investigators said testosterone therapy may have some benefits for older men, but they did not find any benefits in artery function, which is a determinant of future cardiovascular risk.

The current surge peaked on January 11, 2021, but took just 5 days to decrease by 10%, compared to 22 days following the first peak in April 2020.

Addressing genomic differences and socioeconomic disparities is essential in order to address the higher incidences and mortality rates for prostate cancer among African American men.

Study findings suggest that enhanced cleaning and disinfecting policies are effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Investigators found an average difference of 12% in the range of fracture-associated drug prescribing when comparing hospital referral regions.

Geographic shifts in the HIV epidemic, racial disparities, and the complexities of the medical system all present obstacles to prevention and treatment services.

The FDA could issue an emergency use authorization as soon as this weekend for the single-shot COVID-19 vaccine.

Investigators found significant decreases in heart rate among patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome who received ivabradine for 1 month.

Recreational substance use was associated with 1.5 to 3 times higher odds of heart disease, with stronger associations among young women.

This is the third approval for Libtayo, following approvals as the first immunotherapy for patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma and as the first systemic treatment for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

High levels of humidity promote mucocilliary clearance, which is a defense mechanism that removes mucus and potentially harmful particles from the lungs.

If approved as part of a proposed update to the Emergency Use Authorization, the findings could make Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine more widely available.

The investigators said rebuilding public health and other social structures will not only assist disadvantaged groups in times of need, but will also help society at large.

While other factors are causing hospitalizations to fall in the top 10 states, vaccinations could be a significant contributing factor.

Study suggests the major risks to pregnancy are from maternal respiratory illness due to COVID-19 and urged prevention measures as a key to ensure safety.

Health care providers should monitor blood pressure starting in early adolescence, especially for individuals at high cardiovascular risk, such as Black populations.

Study suggests that when individuals are expected to wear a mask, people perceive a lower risk with leaving home and visiting public locations.

One-third of study participants treated with semaglutide lost at least 20% (46 pounds) of their baseline weight, which is a common reduction for many patients who have had bariatric surgery in the 1 to 3 years following their procedure.

Fractional CO2 laser therapy may offer a nonhormonal treatment to improve sexual function in survivors of breast cancer with genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

The investigators also found significant racial disparities, with Black patients with dementia more likely to be infected with COVID-19 than white patients with dementia.

Positive COVID-19 cases in the United States totaled 731,000 this week, a sharp decline from the average of 1.3 million over the last 12 weeks.

Many patients have turned to pharmacies for immunizations and testing during the pandemic, creating great opportunities for pharmacies to grow their patient population.