Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news
Effect of Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Vitamin D Supplementation on Incident Atrial Fibrillation
Supplementation with marine omega-3 fatty acids and/or vitamin D3 does not affect the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF). This randomised controlled trial involving over 25,000 participants aged 50 years and older compared EPA-DHA (460 mg/d of EPA and 380 mg/d of DHA) and vitamin D3 (2000 IU/d) to placebo. In fact the editorial suggests a dose-related risk of AF with omega-3 fatty acid intake (4G/day).
JAMA. 2021;325(11):1061-1073.
Assessment of the Frequency of Dual Allergy to Penicillins and Cefazolin
A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that most patients should receive cefazolin regardless of penicillin allergy history. the frequency of dual allergy to penicillin and cefazolin was 0.7%. Cefazolin is considered the preoperative antibiotic of choice and surgical patients with documented penicillin allergy are more likely to receive clindamycin or vancomycin, which results in higher rates of surgical site infections.
JAMA Surg. Published online March 17, 2021.
Hormone therapy as a possible solution for postmenopausal women with nocturia
This prospective study of 245 postmenopausal women has shown that estrogen plus progesterone therapy and tissue-selective estrogen complex significantly reduces nocturia prevalence and bothersomeness in women with 2 or more nocturnal voids. This effect mainly improves sleep disorders.
Menopause, first published 15 March 2021.
Tourette syndrome, characterised by motor and vocal tics, has a prevalence of approximately 1% in school-aged children. Management includes education and explanation, behavioural treatments and (sometimes) medication. Centrally acting α-adrenergic agents such as clonidine or guanfacine are usually the first line of treatment, especially if tics and hyperactivity are both present. Small doses of antipsychotics, such as risperidone, aripiprazole, amisulpride or haloperidol, can help control the tics.
Australian Journal of General Practice 2021;50(3).
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