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What your patients are reading: Week of August 19, 2024

August 23, 2024

Gabapentin becomes go-to drug for seniors’ diverse ailments

Gabapentin, one of the most prevalent medications used nationally, is seeing a significant rise in off-label prescriptions among older adults for conditions like pruritus, alcohol withdrawal, and sciatica. Despite holding FDA approval only for epileptic seizures and postherpetic neuralgia, the drug is widely used for diabetic neuropathy, chronic sciatica, postoperative pain, dementia-related agitation, insomnia, and many other conditions. However, evidence of its effectiveness varies, with some support for diabetic neuropathy and pruritus from kidney failure, but limited data for low back pain and psychiatric disorders. The broad application of gabapentin raises concerns due to its side effects, such as somnolence, dizziness, and cognitive impairment, and potential interactions with other medications. Geriatricians and researchers advocate for careful evaluation of gabapentin’s role in polypharmacy regimens, emphasizing the need for rigorous scrutiny in its use among vulnerable populations. (Span, 2024)

Say goodbye to the speculum: Introducing a new way to screen for cervical cancer

Beginning this fall, women will have the option of using a simple swab to self-screen for cervical cancer in their doctor’s office. This new method provides an alternative to the often-dreaded traditional procedure and aims to reduce disparities in cervical cancer incidence. Self-collection for cervical cancer screening, approved by FDA for use within healthcare settings, involves using a narrow swab to collect a vaginal sample for HPV testing. FDA is also reviewing options for at-home screening, which could be approved by early next year. This innovation aims to increase screening rates among women who avoid traditional Pap smears due to discomfort, potentially reducing preventable deaths from cervical cancer and even eradicating the disease altogether. (Friedman, 2024)

Misplaced skull piece results in litigation against major Atlanta hospital

A couple is suing Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta for losing a portion of the husband’s skull, leading to additional surgeries, significant medical expenses, and permanent injuries. In September 2022, doctors removed a part of Fernando Cluster’s skull to relieve brain pressure. When it was time to reimplant the bone flap in November, hospital staff couldn’t identify the skull piece due to incomplete or missing patient identification. This led to the cancellation of the surgery and the need for a synthetic implant, which later caused an infection requiring further surgery. According to the complaint filed with the DeKalb County State Court, the hospital’s negligence resulted in over $146,800 in medical expenses and permanent injuries, preventing the husband from working. Emory Healthcare declined to comment to CNN, citing the pending litigation. (Williams, 2024)

Sources:

Span, P. (2024, August 17). The New York Times. The painkiller used for just about anything. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/17/health/gabapentin-seniors-pain.html

Friedman, D. (2024, August 15). The New York Times. An alternative to the pap smear is here, no speculum required. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/15/well/pap-smear-cervical-cancer-test-alternative.html

Williams, A. (2024, August 17). CNN. After a brain bleed, a Georgia hospital temporarily removed part of a man’s skull. Employees lost the bone, lawsuit says. https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/17/health/atlanta-ga-emory-hospital-skull-lawsuit/index.html