JAMA Clinical Reviews

Ayalew Tefferi, a renowned Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, shares insights on essential thrombocythemia (ET), a disorder marked by excessive platelet production. He discusses the challenges in diagnosing ET amidst potential secondary causes and highlights the importance of mutation screening. The conversation covers personalized treatment options, especially for older patients and those with extreme thrombocytosis. Additionally, Tefferi emphasizes the implications of ET on pregnancy and the potential benefits of monitoring and management to mitigate risks.

Esa M. Davis, a leading expert in family and community medicine and a member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, joins the discussion to highlight the critical need for osteoporosis screening. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early detection in women aged 65 and older, and the necessity for improved screening practices for younger at-risk women and men. Davis also addresses gaps in current research and treatment protocols, advocating for enhanced methods to prevent fractures and better serve diverse populations.

Janine Austin Clayton, MD, is the Associate Director for Research on Women's Health at the NIH, dedicated to bridging knowledge gaps in women's health. She highlights the evolution of NIH policies since 1986, advocating for inclusive research that considers sex differences. Recent findings from studies like GTEC and MOTORPAC reveal crucial variations in health outcomes between genders. Clayton discusses new initiatives and funding opportunities aimed at fostering comprehensive women's health research, paving the way for personalized healthcare strategies.

Robert Kushner, a renowned author and professor at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, dives into the latest advancements in obesity treatment. He discusses new FDA-approved medications, such as semaglutide and terzepatide, highlighting their effectiveness and side effects. Kushner emphasizes the importance of treating obesity as a chronic disease, the potential implications of stopping medication, and the need for gradual dose adjustments. This insightful conversation sheds light on the evolving landscape of obesity management.

Ian H. de Boer, a nephrology expert from the University of Washington, discusses the critical link between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes. He reveals that 30-40% of diabetic patients develop CKD and emphasizes innovative prevention strategies, including lifestyle changes and screening tests like eGFR. The conversation also covers groundbreaking treatments such as SGLT2 inhibitors and finerenone, showcasing their potential to significantly reduce CKD progression and enhance patient outcomes. Don't miss these vital insights!

Emelia J. Benjamin is a renowned Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Boston University and a cardiologist at Boston Medical Center. She discusses the rising prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and its link to serious health risks. The conversation highlights how smartwatches can detect AF, though traditional monitoring remains essential. Emelia emphasizes the importance of managing lifestyle factors like alcohol and obesity in treating AF, along with the need for comprehensive healthcare access to improve outcomes for patients.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a potentially life-saving therapy for some patients with hematologic and bone marrow cancers and certain nonmalignant conditions such as sickle cell disease. Hermioni L. Amonoo, MD, MPP, MPH, of Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, joins JAMA Deputy Editor Kristin Walter, MD, MS, to discuss the process of allogeneic stem cell donation. Related Content: Allogeneic Stem Cell Donation

Derek Angus, Chair of Critical Care Medicine at UPMC, joins the discussion alongside JAMA Editor in Chief Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo. They delve into four pivotal critical care trials recently presented in Melbourne. Topics include the effectiveness of sepsis alert systems that significantly lower hospital mortality, evolving oxygen strategies, and the comparison of high-flow nasal oxygen against non-invasive ventilation. They also explore the impact of biomarker-guided protocols in reducing unnecessary antibiotic use among sepsis patients, emphasizing personalized patient care.

Katy Kozhimannil, a researcher specializing in rural maternity care, joins Linda Brubaker to discuss the troubling decline of obstetric services in U.S. hospitals. They reveal alarming statistics on the drop in maternity care between 2010-2022, particularly in rural areas, leading to increased maternal mortality. The conversation highlights the lack of transparency in service availability and the urgent need for policy reforms to improve access. Kozhimannil sheds light on how hospital mergers complicate data tracking, exacerbating these challenges for patients.

In this insightful discussion, OBGYN and fertility specialist Albert L. Hsu, an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati, addresses the critical issue of ovarian aging and its impact on fertility. He explores the decline in fertility rates among women over 35 and the biological factors at play, including mitochondrial defects. Hsu emphasizes the importance of educating women about their reproductive health and discusses proactive strategies like egg freezing to enhance future pregnancy chances.