Medical Bulletin 17/October/2023

Here are the top medical news of the day:

How strong is the link between Depression and Death risk? Insights from CDC research.

A new study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and published in JAMA reveals a strong association between depression and increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in a diverse, nationally representative sample of US adults. Lifestyle factors were shown to play a role.. Depression is a common mental health disorder globally. Depressive symptoms have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality, but studies have largely focused on narrow population subgroups.

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 to 2018, linked with the National Death Index through 2019, researchers analyzed information from adults aged 20 years and older. The study included a total of 23,694 participants, with a balanced gender distribution.The study categorized depressive symptoms into three groups: none or minimal, mild, and moderate to severe. The findings revealed a significant positive association between depressive symptoms and mortality.

Reference: Zhang Z, Jackson SL, Gillespie C, Merritt R, Yang Q. Depressive Symptoms and Mortality Among US Adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(10):e2337011. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.37011

Is your bag of Potato Chips as addictive as Alcohol?

A recent analysis of two systematic reviews, encompassing 281 studies across 36 different countries, has raised concerns about the prevalence of food addiction. The study, which utilized the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) as a measurement, revealed that foods rich in refined carbohydrates and added fats, such as sweets and salty snacks, may share behavioral and biological similarities with addictive substances like alcohol and tobacco.

The research proposes that ultra-processed foods (UPFs), characterized by industrial production and high levels of refined carbohydrates and fats, may be a primary source of addictive eating patterns. UPFs tend to provide a supra-additive effect on brain reward systems when carbohydrates and fats are present in nearly equal proportions, potentially increasing their addictive potential

Reference: Gearhardt A N, Bueno N B, DiFeliceantonio A G, Roberto C A, Jiménez-Murcia S, Fernandez-Aranda F et al. Social, clinical, and policy implications of ultra-processed food addiction BMJ 2023; 383 :e075354 doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-075354

Can screen time addiction lead to borderline personality disorder?

A recent study delving into the digital habits of adults has shown that excessive screen time addiction is significantly correlated with higher rates of borderline personality disorder and psychological distress among adults, particularly affecting men. The study, involving 150 participants aged 19 and above, aimed to explore the intricate relationship between these variables.

Using a cross-sectional survey research design and a purposive sampling technique, researchers employed several psychological assessments. The data was subsequently analyzed using statistical methods such as Pearson correlation, independent sample t-tests, and linear regression.

Reference: Ahmed, A. (2022). Screen Time Addiction and its Relationship with Borderline Personality Disorder and Psychological Distress. Annals of Human and Social Sciences, 3(2), 785–795. https://doi.org/10.35484/ahss.2022(3-II)74

What is the connection between Cefepime treatment for infection and neurological dysfunction? JAMA Study sheds light.

In a recent clinical trial published in JAMA, researchers have shed light on the comparative safety of two commonly prescribed antibiotics for hospitalized adults. The trial, known as the Antibiotic Choice on Renal Outcomes (ACORN), found that piperacillin-tazobactam did not increase the risk of acute kidney injury or death, while cefepime was associated with more neurological dysfunction.

Cefepime and piperacillin-tazobactam are frequently administered to hospitalized adults for the empirical treatment of infections. However, concerns have lingered regarding the potential side effects of these antibiotics, with piperacillin-tazobactam linked to acute kidney injury and cefepime associated with neurological dysfunction.

Reference: Qian ET, Casey JD, Wright A, et al. Cefepime vs Piperacillin-Tazobactam in Adults Hospitalized With Acute Infection: The ACORN Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. Published online October 14, 2023. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.20583