High-Potency Statins Increase Acute Kidney Injury Risks

Authors of a new study suggest that low-potency statins should be prescribed instead of high-potency options when at all possible. Find out why they recommend that course of treatment and why they recommend more studies on links between statins and kidney damage.

Estrogen Effective in Relieving Postmenopausal
Joint Pain

Joint pain and inflammation are common complaints for postmenopausal women. A new analysis of the Women’s Health Initiative provides a possible remedy: estrogen. Those benefits should be measured against the risks, however, according to the study’s recommendations.

Pediatric Group Recommends More E–Prescribing to Lower Error Rates

High prescribing error rates for children are a strong argument for increasing electronic prescribing, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. One positive result would be “improved communication with dispensing pharmacists.” What else do the policy statement and an accompanying technical report say about the advantages of pediatric e-prescribing?

Despite Preliminary Promise, Eritoran Doesn’t Reduce Sepsis Mortality Rate

While earlier studies showed a slightly lower mortality rate with the use of the drug eritoran in severe sepsis and septic shock, a large phase 3 clinical trial didn’t support those results. In fact, administration of the synthetic analog of lipid A appeared to have no significant effect on reducing 28-day or 1-year mortality in those patients.