Annals of Internal Medicine

NEW: Updated #COVID19 vaccine practice points from @acpimphysicians.bsky.social recommend adults over age 65 and those aged 18-64 at increased risk for COVID-19 should receive the updated 2025-2026 mRNA-based COVID-19 #vaccine. Read the guidelines for free: https://bit.ly/47azxYS

NEW: Between 2021–2023, 1 in 6 older adults used telehealth, and nearly half of all mental health visits occurred virtually. Researchers warn that rolling back #Medicare telehealth flexibilities could disrupt care for medically vulnerable adults. https://bit.ly/4aq5vRH

A new ethics policy paper from the @acpimphysicians.bsky.social argues that referring to physicians as “providers” undermines the ethical foundation of the patient‑physician relationship and fails to reflect physicians’ training, responsibilities, and professional role. https://bit.ly/4cmbj1f

A new modeling study suggests women vaccinated against HPV could undergo cervical cancer screening far less often. The findings indicate that women vaccinated between ages 12 and 24 could be screened just two or three times in their lifetime. Read the study here: https://bit.ly/4auvNn6

In an editorial, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH, CEO of @idsainfo.bsky.social, explains the critical role of CDC data surveillance in light of a recent audit that found almost half of CDC public databases halted updates in 2025. https://bit.ly/4tniUTB

NEW: An audit of routinely updated CDC public databases found that 46% of these databases stopped publishing updates in 2025. The authors warn that these health data gaps could impact public health guidance and trust. Read now: https://bit.ly/4qN25j4

A cohort study found that 58% of people infected with #Mpox during the 2022 outbreak still had lingering symptoms 11–18 months later. Most were appearance‑related, but some experienced ongoing effects on physical function or daily life. Read the full study for free: https://bit.ly/3LJa2qf

NEW: A novel tool predicts long-term risk of dying from prostate cancer, helping doctors interpret PSA results more accurately. Tested on over 200K men, it could help doctors tailor screening and treatment to individual risk and life expectancy. Read now: https://bit.ly/4sEYG7k

NEW: A study of more than 84,000 adults with type 2 #diabetes found that those starting treatment with sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have a slightly lower risk of developing diabetic foot disease compared to those taking glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. https://bit.ly/4sr1pBd

As the new year begins, Annals remains committed to publishing evidence-based research that clinicians and patients can trust. Follow along on social media in the coming weeks as we shine a spotlight on some of the most impactful articles published in the past year. https://bit.ly/4qolRki

A large cohort study found that statins lower mortality and major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes, even for those with low predicted heart disease risk. The findings suggest that statins may have broader protective value than previously assumed. Read here: https://bit.ly/4j9jfo9

Happy holidays from everyone at Annals of Internal Medicine!

The strength of Annals of Internal Medicine depends largely on the ability and effort of many hundreds of reviewers. We offer our gratitude and thanks to all reviewers! Find a full list here: https://bit.ly/4b98UGu

A new review found that high-THC products may offer modest short-term relief for #ChronicPain, while CBD-only products show no clear benefit. However, side effects like dizziness and nausea were common. Read the review here: https://bit.ly/4p8ndyz  #THC #CBD #Cannabis

A review found that cutting #SaturatedFat can lower mortality and heart disease risk for people at high #cardiovascular risk. The greatest benefit occurred when saturated fats were replaced with polyunsaturated fats, which reduced nonfatal heart attacks. Read more: https://bit.ly/4aCvRlx

NEW: A systematic review found that #GLP1 receptor agonists have little or no effect on the risk for obesity-related cancers. The findings offer insights into the safety of GLP-1RAs and suggest no clear signal of increased #cancer risk. https://bit.ly/4oITSuw

A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials shows #corticosteroids probably reduce short-term mortality in severe non-COVID-19 pneumonia & ARDS without raising infection risk. Read more at Annals.org: https://f.mtr.cool/wbqdfbszmg

NEW: Neighborhoods near #cannabis stores saw a 12% increase in cannabis-related ER visits compared to those farther away. The findings suggest that restrictions on the overall number of cannabis retail stores and store concentrations could offer #PublicHealth benefits. https://f.mtr.cool/droonbhkju

NEW: 1 in 8 men undergo scrotal surgery 20 years after kidney donation, underscoring the need for increased patient education about the risks and symptoms to monitor after donation. https://f.mtr.cool/xpxelntcyw

New from @acpimphysicians.bsky.social: Ethical organ transplantation must prioritize the donor patient’s best interests, and the process should be trustworthy and transparent. Read the position paper for free: bit.ly/4oyXoYs

Effectiveness of Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccine in the U.S. Medicare Population, 2018 to 2019, by Immunocompetence and Prior Receipt of Live Zoster Vaccine | Annals of Internal Medicine Background: Recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) was preferentially recommended over live zoster vaccine (ZVL) starting in 2018. Objective: To assess RZV effectiveness using target trial emulation, accoun...

Researchers from UNC Chapel Hill found that the two-dose recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) offered over 65% vaccine effectiveness against shingles, suggesting that those who previously received live zoster vaccine (ZVL) be revaccinated with RZV. bit.ly/46Rq5Kr

New study in @annalsofim.bsky.social shows rising rates of doctors leaving clinical practice across all specialties and regions.

🔗https://docit.ucsf.edu/news/new-research-reveals-rising-physician-attrition-puts-healthcare-workforce-risk

Although counties at the epicenter of the West Texas measles outbreak had high MMR vaccination rates, schools within those counties had lower rates, according to a new report. The findings underscore the importance of collecting granular vaccination data to mitigate disease outbreaks. bit.ly/48QpTfB

Online now: Leaders from @acpimphysicians.bsky.social warn of the effects of the politicalization of science and patient mistrust of the health care system. They caution that the health care system is vulnerable to future pandemics if these issues are not addressed. bit.ly/46FVeiA

Interview with Christine Laine The EIC of "Annals of Internal Medicine" discusses current events and more

Our interview with Christine Laine, Editor-in-Chief of @annalsofim.bsky.social where we namecheck @drandrealove.bsky.social discussing new insights about "the Tylenol paper," the importance of careful science claims, RFK Jr., AI in clinical medicine, and more.
www.the-geyser.com/interview-wi...

Hospital Staffing and Patient Outcomes After Private Equity Acquisition | Annals of Internal Medicine Background: After private equity acquisition, hospitals may experience changes in staffing with implications for patients. Objective: To examine hospital staffing and patient outcomes in emergency dep...

NEW: After #PrivateEquity acquisition, hospitals saw an increase in emergency department mortality and patient transfers to other hospitals. The researchers say this was likely caused by reduced staffing and salary expenditures. bit.ly/3VwkT8o

Blood-based multicancer detection (MCD) tests have emerged as a potentially transformative approach for cancer screening. The findings of a new systematic review assessing benefits, accuracy, and harms of MCD tests can inform focus areas for additional research. Read here: bit.ly/4n2Sz9x

Exposure to Computed Tomography Before Pregnancy and Risk for Pregnancy Loss and Congenital Anomalies: A Population-Based Cohort Study: Annals of Internal Medicine: Vol 0, No 0 Background: Animal studies show ovarian follicle damage and mutagenesis after ionizing radiation exposure. Computed tomography (CT) imaging is commonly done outside pregnancy, but risks to future preg...

An observational study of 5.1 million pregnancies and 3.4 million live births in Ontario, CA between 1992 and 2023 found that exposure to CT radiation before #pregnancy may be associated with higher risks for miscarriage and birth defects. bit.ly/3JNIKxL

NEW: A randomized controlled trial found that personalized risk messages to both patients and providers did not cause an uptake in screening for #colorectalcancer in patients with average risk. bit.ly/41DhXdn

Comparison of an Energy-Reduced Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity Versus an Ad Libitum Mediterranean Diet in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled T... Background: Limited research has been done to evaluate the combined effect of energy reduction, Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), and physical activity on type 2 diabetes incidence. Objective: To evaluate...

Findings from a large, randomized trial suggest that adults who follow a #MediterraneanDiet, reduce their caloric intake, and regularly exercise can reduce their diabetes risk by 31%, compared to those who only follow a standard Mediterranean diet. bit.ly/47P7TBP