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Good morning! In yesterday’s newsletter, we shared an incorrect link related to STAT’s investigative piece by Tara Bannow on hospitals hesitating to conduct infection testing. You can find the correct link to the investigation here. Make sure to check it out if you missed it!
Trump’s Autism Event Takes Anti-Vaccine Turn
In a notable series of announcements at a White House event, President Trump proposed significant changes to how federal health agencies address autism. Notably, his administration posits a potential link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and certain autism cases, advocating for cautious use of this common over-the-counter medication during pregnancy. You can read the full details by STAT’s O. Rose Broderick here. The event’s tone shifted markedly when Trump began to discuss childhood vaccination policies based on his personal views, which were met with concern from many observers. For more insights on this development, STAT’s Daniel Payne, Anil Oza, and Chelsea Cirruzzo have covered it extensively.
In related news, the FDA has reapproved GSK’s Wellcovorin, a drug no longer available for over 25 years, as a therapeutic option for autism. This decision positions the drug as the first FDA-recognized treatment pathway for the condition. Detailed analysis from STAT’s Andrew Joseph and Daniel can be found here.
For those interested in understanding the scientific discourse around acetaminophen’s potential link to autism and the efficacy of leucovorin as a treatment, Matt Herper provides a comprehensive overview here. Additionally, check out his previous article debunking the vaccine-autism myth here.
Surge in Emergency Department Deaths Post Private Equity Acquisition, Study Reveals
A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates a concerning trend: emergency room deaths increase by approximately 13% in hospitals acquired by private equity firms. Concurrently, these facilities witness nearly 12% and 17% cuts in full-time staff and salary expenditures, respectively. Although there is no corresponding rise in ICU deaths, affected patients face more frequent transfers and shorter hospital stays. The study analyzed data from 49 private-equity-controlled hospitals compared to 293 matched control hospitals.
These findings align with earlier research revealing a 25% spike in complications within private equity-owned hospitals. The shift towards private equity ownership has also been linked to rising instances of abuse and neglect in facilities designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The authors suggest that the observed decreases in salary expenditures play a critical role in how cost-cutting strategies post-acquisition influence clinical care and patient outcomes. Surprisingly, existing evidence shows that such buyouts often lead to increased healthcare costs here.
Apple Watch’s New Feature: A Potential Game Changer for Hypertension?
Apple has unveiled a new feature on its watch designed to alert users about possible hypertension, a condition affecting nearly half of adult Americans—many of whom are unaware of their status. However, clinical trials involving 2,200 individuals without previous diagnoses revealed that the feature only identified less than 50% of hypertension cases. As STAT’s Mario Aguilar points out, screening algorithms must balance accurately identifying affected individuals while minimizing false positives. For more information on the feature’s functionality and expert opinions, click here.
Crossword Challenge: NIH’s Concern on OTC Vitamins
I must confess, I find the STAT mini crossword puzzle quite challenging! The clue about NIH’s stance on OTC vitamins left me puzzled. Did you manage to figure out the answer? If you’re up for a challenge, here’s this week’s puzzle!
Gene Drive Initiative Halted in Burkina Faso
Aiming to combat malaria, an ambitious gene drive project in Burkina Faso has been halted by governmental intervention. This suspension follows disturbing reports from scientists involved in the initiative describing a “brutal, humiliating” raid by judicial police during which their labs were sealed off. The project, which began in 2012 under the international nonprofit Target Malaria, aimed to create genetically modified mosquitoes to help in the fight against the disease. Despite initially securing government support, increasing local opposition—fueled by misinformation about the project—has led to its shutdown. For a closer look at the story, revisiting Ike Swetlitz’s original piece might provide valuable insight into community relations built by the team.
Cancellation of Federal Food Insecurity Survey Following SNAP Cuts
Following cuts to the SNAP food assistance program, concerns are growing regarding increased hunger across the U.S. Adding to these worries, the Department of Agriculture has announced the cancellation of the annual food insecurity survey, traditionally pivotal in tracking how many Americans face food scarcity. The USDA cites redundancy and cost concerns as reasons for discontinuation. This decision prevents necessary assessments of the policy changes affecting around 2.4 million Americans. Recent data show that food insecurity has risen to impact 13.8% of the U.S. population—up from 12.8% the previous year. This survey has been crucial for understanding the nuances of food deprivation, addressing questions beyond mere hunger to include factors such as meal-skipping due to financial constraints. — Sarah Todd
The Wellness Industry: An Anxiety-Inducing Journey
Ana Ivkovic Smith, a psychiatrist and mother, shares her experiences as a self-described “anxious wellness enthusiast.” In her latest First Opinion essay, she elaborates on how what began as a quest for health through evidence-based functional medicine spiraled into obsession. Installation of multiple water filters and needless avoidance of certain fruits became anxiety triggers, rather than health-enhancing measures. Through her story, Ivkovic Smith delves into how wellness culture can exacerbate anxiety, touching on what’s known as the nocebo effect, which can lead to fear-based health messaging. Read her full piece here.
In the Spotlight: What We’re Reading
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Patients in psychiatric facilities seeking urgent care face denial; ProPublica reports on the implications.
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CDC coordinates efforts with the WHO and White House on the Ebola outbreak in Congo, NOTUS.
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First Opinion: Discussing the dental care needs of refugees, STAT.
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Examining the role of AI in patient diagnostics; what does this mean for doctors? New Yorker.
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The Heritage Foundation calls for the designation of transgender individuals and their allies as terrorists, Advocate.
