JAMA Clinical Reviews

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Rita Kalyani, a Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University and an expert on type 2 diabetes, dives into crucial topics around diagnosis and treatment. She explains essential tests like hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose, highlighting the challenges in distinguishing type 2 diabetes from other types. The conversation also covers managing diabetes through lifestyle changes and advancements in medications. Plus, the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring are discussed, showcasing its importance in effective diabetes management.

Anand Vaidya, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Director of the Center for Adrenal Disorders, dives deep into adrenal insufficiency. He discusses the crucial role of cortisol in metabolic function and stress management. Vaidya outlines the symptoms and mechanisms of this condition, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis through hormone testing. The treatment strategies, especially glucocorticoid therapy, are explored, including how to manage crisis situations effectively with immediate interventions.

Anne P. Cameron and Glenn T. Werneburg, esteemed urologists from the University of Michigan, delve into Foley catheter management. They share insights on evidence-based guidelines for catheter selection and infection prevention. The discussion highlights critical errors that can lead to urethral trauma and emphasizes diagnosing catheter-associated UTIs effectively. They also tackle urinary retention in surgical settings and critique outdated practices like intermittent clamping. Lastly, they address the complications of long-term catheterization and the importance of patient-centered decision-making.

Professor Johannes A. C. Laferton, a leader in mental health and behavioral medicine, joins to discuss the significant impact of patients' treatment expectations on their health outcomes. He shares evidence-based strategies to enhance patient experiences, emphasizing effective communication and building trust. The discussion includes the influence of provider credibility and the importance of setting realistic expectations, particularly in complex treatment scenarios like cardiac surgery. His insights offer valuable tools for clinicians to foster better patient engagement and outcomes.

Join Dr. Samia Mora, a Harvard cardiologist and expert on lipoprotein(a), as she dives into its pivotal role in cardiovascular health. She outlines the genetic factors affecting lipoprotein(a) levels and discusses its risks compared to LDL cholesterol. The conversation emphasizes the need for precise measurement, the implications of high levels, and recent advances in treatment options, including promising new therapies. Dr. Mora also stresses the importance of population testing for better heart disease prevention.

Ryan Metcalf, section chief of transfusion medicine at University of Utah Health and lead author on platelet transfusion guidelines, joins Gregory Curfman to discuss essential transfusion strategies. They explore the debate between restrictive and liberal approaches, examining clinical outcomes like mortality and bleeding risks. Metcalf highlights how personalized care can impact decisions, advocating for a more therapeutic use of platelets rather than prophylactic. The conversation underscores the importance of evidence-based guidelines in enhancing patient safety and resource use.

Join Allyson M. Pishko, an Assistant Professor of Medicine in Hematology Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, as she dives into the complexities of immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP). She explains the critical nature of early diagnosis and treatment options like plasma exchange. The conversation highlights the innovative role of caplicizumab in enhancing patient care, the importance of monitoring treatment responses, and the risks associated with catheter placement, shedding light on this rare but life-threatening disorder.

In this engaging discussion, Jennifer Wargo, Arlie Clark Professor of Surgical Oncology and Genomic Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center, explores how the human microbiome can influence cancer risk and treatment outcomes. She emphasizes the importance of a diverse microbiome in immune function and discusses strategies like dietary changes and fecal transplants to enhance treatment efficacy. Wargo also highlights how lifestyle factors, including exercise and nutrition, can play a pivotal role in improving cancer prognosis, urging a reevaluation of antibiotic use for patients.

In this engaging discussion, Sawsan As-Sanie, a Professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan and endometriosis expert, addresses the complex world of this painful condition affecting many women. She explains how endometriosis is often misdiagnosed and emphasizes the significance of timely, symptom-based diagnosis. The podcast dives into the latest imaging techniques, treatment options, and the condition's systemic implications, highlighting the importance of tailored management for improved outcomes.

What is the single most important thing to recognize when communicating with families about vaccines? Author Sean T. O’Leary, MD, MPH, of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Children’s Hospital Colorado joins JAMA Senior Editor Anne Cappola, MD, ScM, to discuss evidence-based approaches for discussions with parents about vaccines. Related Content: Strategies for Communicating With Parents About Vaccines