Updated C. Diff Guidelines Reflect New Treatment Options and Recommendations
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have updated guidelines for diagnosis and management of Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
Frequency-Escalated Prophylaxis for Severe Hemophilia A Reduces Clotting Factor Usage with Minimal Long-Term Arthropathy
A longitudinal study of Canadian boys with severe hemophilia showed that tailored frequency-escalated prophylaxis results in minimal long-term arthropathy and very good health outcomes, while reducing the quantity of costly clotting factor as compared with standard prophylaxis protocols.
Chronic Human Albumin Therapy Prolongs Survival in Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis
Results from a clinical trial have led investigators to conclude adding longterm administration of human albumin to conventional treatment inpatients with decompensated cirrhosis appears to prolong survival.
Redfield Named Head of CDC
HIV/AIDS researcher Robert Redfield, MD, has been named the next head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CMS Issues Final 2019 Payment Notice Rule
The Health and Human Services Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2019 aims to increase state flexibility, improve affordability, strengthen program integrity, empower consumers, promote stability and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens imposed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
CMS Finalizes Medicare Advantage Rates for 2019
The finalized 2019 Medicare Advantage plan rates will rise an average of 3.4 percent, with other changes being implemented as well.
Cognitive, Behavioral and Neuroinflammatory Parameters Improve in Autistic Children Treated with Intravenous Immune Globulin
A pilot study conducted by U.S. investigators observed improvements in cognitive and behavioral function in 14 children with autism spectrum disorder and evidence of immune dysfunction who were administered high-dose intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) treatment over a period of 30 weeks.
Work Requirements Can Be Used as a Basis for Medicaid Eligibility
New guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services allows work requirements to be used as a basis for eligibility for certain Medicaid beneficiaries.
Grifols’ Higher-Potency Rabies Immune Globulin Is Now Available
Grifols’ higher-potency rabies immune globulin (RIG), HyperRAB S/D, was made available to healthcare providers
Updated C. Diff Guidelines Reflect New Treatment Options and Recommendations
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have updated guidelines for diagnosis and management of Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
