Video

BALTIMORE – Experts from Colorado and Washington – two states which have legalized recreational use of the drug – came together at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies to discuss the challenges of treating and preventing short-term and long-term illness brought on by marijuana use.

“In Colorado, a lot of [mothers] use [marijuana] for depression, anxiety, as well as for nausea, and they’re not disclosing that” to their primary care doctors, explained Dr. Maya Bunik of the University of Colorado in Aurora. “Then they’re sort of surprised at birth when we tell them that we don’t know what [marijuana] does in terms of affecting [their] baby.”

In a series of interviews, presenters at the roundtable discussed the importance of talking to parents – particularly pregnant mothers – about the dangers of marijuana use around kids, keeping marijuana and related products away from children, what’s being done on the legislative side to keep marijuana away from children and adolescents, and the long-term ramifications of marijuana use by children and their parents.

Joining Dr. Bunik for this discussion are Dr. George Sam Wang, Ayelet Talmi, Ph.D., Dr. Karen M. Wilson, Dr. Kathryn M. Wells, and Dr. Erica M. Wymore of the University of Colorado at Aurora, and Dr. Leslie R. Walker of the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Wang disclosed receiving a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environments, and royalties from author contributions. The other presenters had no relevant financial disclosures.

dchitnis@frontlinemedcom.com

BALTIMORE – Experts from Colorado and Washington – two states which have legalized recreational use of the drug – came together at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies to discuss the challenges of treating and preventing short-term and long-term illness brought on by marijuana use.

“In Colorado, a lot of [mothers] use [marijuana] for depression, anxiety, as well as for nausea, and they’re not disclosing that” to their primary care doctors, explained Dr. Maya Bunik of the University of Colorado in Aurora. “Then they’re sort of surprised at birth when we tell them that we don’t know what [marijuana] does in terms of affecting [their] baby.”

In a series of interviews, presenters at the roundtable discussed the importance of talking to parents – particularly pregnant mothers – about the dangers of marijuana use around kids, keeping marijuana and related products away from children, what’s being done on the legislative side to keep marijuana away from children and adolescents, and the long-term ramifications of marijuana use by children and their parents.

Joining Dr. Bunik for this discussion are Dr. George Sam Wang, Ayelet Talmi, Ph.D., Dr. Karen M. Wilson, Dr. Kathryn M. Wells, and Dr. Erica M. Wymore of the University of Colorado at Aurora, and Dr. Leslie R. Walker of the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Wang disclosed receiving a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environments, and royalties from author contributions. The other presenters had no relevant financial disclosures.

dchitnis@frontlinemedcom.com

BALTIMORE – Experts from Colorado and Washington – two states which have legalized recreational use of the drug – came together at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies to discuss the challenges of treating and preventing short-term and long-term illness brought on by marijuana use.

“In Colorado, a lot of [mothers] use [marijuana] for depression, anxiety, as well as for nausea, and they’re not disclosing that” to their primary care doctors, explained Dr. Maya Bunik of the University of Colorado in Aurora. “Then they’re sort of surprised at birth when we tell them that we don’t know what [marijuana] does in terms of affecting [their] baby.”

In a series of interviews, presenters at the roundtable discussed the importance of talking to parents – particularly pregnant mothers – about the dangers of marijuana use around kids, keeping marijuana and related products away from children, what’s being done on the legislative side to keep marijuana away from children and adolescents, and the long-term ramifications of marijuana use by children and their parents.

Joining Dr. Bunik for this discussion are Dr. George Sam Wang, Ayelet Talmi, Ph.D., Dr. Karen M. Wilson, Dr. Kathryn M. Wells, and Dr. Erica M. Wymore of the University of Colorado at Aurora, and Dr. Leslie R. Walker of the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Wang disclosed receiving a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environments, and royalties from author contributions. The other presenters had no relevant financial disclosures.

dchitnis@frontlinemedcom.com

BALTIMORE – The legalization of recreational marijuana in certain states has brought with it a host of new challenges to health care professionals, particularly ob.gyns. and pediatricians, who may be faced with parents who use the drug but are unaware – or unwilling to recognize – the dangers of marijuana exposure to their children.

“A longitudinal, very good study that [showed] regular use [of marijuana] by adolescents [is] associated with about a 6-8 point reduction in adult IQ, and persistent neurocognitive deficits [that] may not even be fully reversible,” said Dr. Paula D. Riggs of the University of Colorado in Aurora.

In an interview at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies, Dr. Riggs discussed this and other key studies that point to the dangers of marijuana exposure to children, both before and after birth, and how important it is that all health care professionals ask parents the right questions to ensure that children aren’t being put in danger of long-term cognitive repercussions of marijuana use.

Dr. Riggs did not report any relevant financial disclosures.

dchitnis@frontlinemedcom.com

BALTIMORE – The legalization of recreational marijuana in certain states has brought with it a host of new challenges to health care professionals, particularly ob.gyns. and pediatricians, who may be faced with parents who use the drug but are unaware – or unwilling to recognize – the dangers of marijuana exposure to their children.

“A longitudinal, very good study that [showed] regular use [of marijuana] by adolescents [is] associated with about a 6-8 point reduction in adult IQ, and persistent neurocognitive deficits [that] may not even be fully reversible,” said Dr. Paula D. Riggs of the University of Colorado in Aurora.

In an interview at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies, Dr. Riggs discussed this and other key studies that point to the dangers of marijuana exposure to children, both before and after birth, and how important it is that all health care professionals ask parents the right questions to ensure that children aren’t being put in danger of long-term cognitive repercussions of marijuana use.

Dr. Riggs did not report any relevant financial disclosures.

dchitnis@frontlinemedcom.com

BALTIMORE – The legalization of recreational marijuana in certain states has brought with it a host of new challenges to health care professionals, particularly ob.gyns. and pediatricians, who may be faced with parents who use the drug but are unaware – or unwilling to recognize – the dangers of marijuana exposure to their children.

“A longitudinal, very good study that [showed] regular use [of marijuana] by adolescents [is] associated with about a 6-8 point reduction in adult IQ, and persistent neurocognitive deficits [that] may not even be fully reversible,” said Dr. Paula D. Riggs of the University of Colorado in Aurora.

In an interview at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies, Dr. Riggs discussed this and other key studies that point to the dangers of marijuana exposure to children, both before and after birth, and how important it is that all health care professionals ask parents the right questions to ensure that children aren’t being put in danger of long-term cognitive repercussions of marijuana use.

Dr. Riggs did not report any relevant financial disclosures.

dchitnis@frontlinemedcom.com

It’s well known that complex, chronic patients are some of the costliest patients in the health care system and utilize a disproportionate amount of health care resources.

To address this population, Banner Health Network (BHN) recently began a series of innovative programs that incorporate telehealth, including Banner iCare, which uses advanced technology and high-touch services to treat patients with multiple, chronic conditions.

Banner Health is a multihospital health system that operates in seven Western states and includes primary care clinics, skilled nursing facilities, surgery centers, hospitals, and home health care services. BHN is an accountable care organization of Banner Health based in the broader Phoenix area.

In a video interview at the American Telemedicine Association annual conference, Deb Dahl, BHN vice president of patient innovation, discussed how Banner’s telehealth program was designed, its operations, and the challenges faced by leaders along the way.

She also highlighted the program’s progress thus far, which includes a 27% reduction in cost of care and a 45% reduction in hospitalizations. Finally, Ms. Dahl spoke on reimbursement within the program and whether the initiative can work for other practices and health systems.

agallegos@frontlinemedcom.com

On Twitter @legal_med

It’s well known that complex, chronic patients are some of the costliest patients in the health care system and utilize a disproportionate amount of health care resources.

To address this population, Banner Health Network (BHN) recently began a series of innovative programs that incorporate telehealth, including Banner iCare, which uses advanced technology and high-touch services to treat patients with multiple, chronic conditions.

Banner Health is a multihospital health system that operates in seven Western states and includes primary care clinics, skilled nursing facilities, surgery centers, hospitals, and home health care services. BHN is an accountable care organization of Banner Health based in the broader Phoenix area.

In a video interview at the American Telemedicine Association annual conference, Deb Dahl, BHN vice president of patient innovation, discussed how Banner’s telehealth program was designed, its operations, and the challenges faced by leaders along the way.

She also highlighted the program’s progress thus far, which includes a 27% reduction in cost of care and a 45% reduction in hospitalizations. Finally, Ms. Dahl spoke on reimbursement within the program and whether the initiative can work for other practices and health systems.

agallegos@frontlinemedcom.com

On Twitter @legal_med

It’s well known that complex, chronic patients are some of the costliest patients in the health care system and utilize a disproportionate amount of health care resources.

To address this population, Banner Health Network (BHN) recently began a series of innovative programs that incorporate telehealth, including Banner iCare, which uses advanced technology and high-touch services to treat patients with multiple, chronic conditions.

Banner Health is a multihospital health system that operates in seven Western states and includes primary care clinics, skilled nursing facilities, surgery centers, hospitals, and home health care services. BHN is an accountable care organization of Banner Health based in the broader Phoenix area.

In a video interview at the American Telemedicine Association annual conference, Deb Dahl, BHN vice president of patient innovation, discussed how Banner’s telehealth program was designed, its operations, and the challenges faced by leaders along the way.

She also highlighted the program’s progress thus far, which includes a 27% reduction in cost of care and a 45% reduction in hospitalizations. Finally, Ms. Dahl spoke on reimbursement within the program and whether the initiative can work for other practices and health systems.

agallegos@frontlinemedcom.com

On Twitter @legal_med

ATLANTA – Telepsychiatry “in some ways is a force multiplier” because it expands the flexibility of when, where, and how physicians can provide integrated care to more patients, Dr. James (Jay) H. Shore said at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association. But psychiatrists thinking about setting up a telepsychiatry practice must learn about regulations, technology, and administrative processes, he added.

In this video, Dr. Shore describes the regulatory landscape that exists for telepsychiatrists, how telepsychiatry fits into a collaborative care model, and reimbursement issues. He also discusses which services telepsychiatrists are not yet paid for and the regulatory landscape. In addition, he mentions specific training resources available to clinicians interested in learning how to incorporate telepsychiatry into their practices.

Dr. Shore, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado at Denver, is chair of the American Psychiatric Association’s Committee on Telepsychiatry.

wmcknight@frontlinemedcom.com

On Twitter @whitneymcknight

ATLANTA – Telepsychiatry “in some ways is a force multiplier” because it expands the flexibility of when, where, and how physicians can provide integrated care to more patients, Dr. James (Jay) H. Shore said at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association. But psychiatrists thinking about setting up a telepsychiatry practice must learn about regulations, technology, and administrative processes, he added.

In this video, Dr. Shore describes the regulatory landscape that exists for telepsychiatrists, how telepsychiatry fits into a collaborative care model, and reimbursement issues. He also discusses which services telepsychiatrists are not yet paid for and the regulatory landscape. In addition, he mentions specific training resources available to clinicians interested in learning how to incorporate telepsychiatry into their practices.

Dr. Shore, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado at Denver, is chair of the American Psychiatric Association’s Committee on Telepsychiatry.

wmcknight@frontlinemedcom.com

On Twitter @whitneymcknight

ATLANTA – Telepsychiatry “in some ways is a force multiplier” because it expands the flexibility of when, where, and how physicians can provide integrated care to more patients, Dr. James (Jay) H. Shore said at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association. But psychiatrists thinking about setting up a telepsychiatry practice must learn about regulations, technology, and administrative processes, he added.

In this video, Dr. Shore describes the regulatory landscape that exists for telepsychiatrists, how telepsychiatry fits into a collaborative care model, and reimbursement issues. He also discusses which services telepsychiatrists are not yet paid for and the regulatory landscape. In addition, he mentions specific training resources available to clinicians interested in learning how to incorporate telepsychiatry into their practices.

Dr. Shore, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado at Denver, is chair of the American Psychiatric Association’s Committee on Telepsychiatry.

wmcknight@frontlinemedcom.com

On Twitter @whitneymcknight

BOSTON – Prader-Willi syndrome patients lost more than 4% of their body weight over a 26-week period with the investigative antiobesity drug beloranib, compared with a similar gain in patients taking placebo, in the phase III bestPWS trial.

Hunger-related behavior was also reduced, along with total and LDL cholesterol levels and other cardiometabolic risk factors, lead investigator Dr. Merlin G. Butler reported at the annual meeting of the Endocrinology Society.

However, because of concerns over venous thromboembolic events in patients on beloranib, the trial was halted before all patients reached 26 weeks of treatment.

“bestPWS is the first phase III clinical trial to show statistically and clinically significant weight loss and improvement in hyperphagia-related behaviors in PWS [Prader-Willi syndrome] patients. The reduction in hyperphagia-related behaviors in the beloranib-treated groups represents a clinically meaningful benefit to patients,” Dr. Butler said.

Beloranib is a novel, first-in-class injectable molecule that works by inhibiting MetAP2, an enzyme that modulates the activity of cellular processes that are important in the control of metabolism. Its benefits in preclinical studies and a phase II trial in reducing body weight and decreasing hyperplasia fueled optimism regarding the therapeutic value in Prader-Willi syndrome, the most common genetic cause of morbid obesity. Although rare, Prader-Willi syndrome is life threatening and life limiting, with most of those affected dying before the age of 50.

“There are currently no treatment options for the intractable obesity and hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome,” said Dr. Butler of the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan.

In the bestPWS trial, 107 patients were randomized 2:1 to receive twice-weekly subcutaneous injections of beloranib or placebo for 26 weeks: 36 received 1.8 mg and 37 received 2.4 mg of beloranib, and 34 received placebo. Seventy-four patients completed the treatment. The coprimary efficacy endpoints were improvement in hyperphagia-related behaviors and reduction in body weight. Secondary endpoints included improvements in total body fat mass, lipids, and, as markers of cardiometabolic risk, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.

Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable in the three trial arms, with an average age of 20 years, average body mass index of 40 kg/m², average body weight of 100 kg, average fat mass of 51 kg, and average Hyperphagia Questionnaire for Clinical Trials (HQ-CT) total score of 16.9.

Patients in the placebo arm displayed an increase in body weight of about 4% over the 26-week trial. In contrast, patients treated with beloranib lost weight (4.1% and 5.3% in the 1.8-mg and 2.4-mg arms, respectively; both P less than .0001, compared with placebo). The weight loss in the two treatment arms did not differ significantly. Beloranib was also associated with improvements in body composition, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, leptin, and adiponectin, compared with placebo.

Both beloranib doses also appreciably reduced hunger-associated behaviors, with reductions of 6.7-7.4 points with beloranib, compared with a reduction of 0.4 with placebo.

Adverse events most commonly included injection-site bruising, aggression, and hyperphagia; they were generally mild and transient.

There were five serious adverse events. Those that occurred in the treatment arms were psychiatric disorders, which are common background comorbidities in Prader-Willi patients, and so are not necessarily treatment related. In the bestPWS trial, two deep vein thrombosis events and two fatal pulmonary embolism events occurred. After the first pulmonary embolism death, the trial was discontinued; at that point, 27 randomized patients had not completed the full 26-week course.

Overall, 11 venous thrombotic events, including pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and superficial thrombophlebitis, have occurred in the roughly 400 patients who have so far received beloranib in the course of its development, including the adverse events in the bestPWS trial. None of these events has occurred in those receiving placebo.

Even in light of these sobering events, Dr. Butler said he remains optimistic. “In addition to the reduction in body weight and decrease in excessive eating behaviors previously reported from this study, [these data] demonstrate important reductions in cardiometabolic risk factors and further support a strong rationale for continued evaluation of beloranib as a potential treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome,” said Dr. Butler.

Beloranib is currently on clinical hold while the potential for a prothrombotic effect of beloranib and a heightened risk for Prader-Willi syndrome patients are assessed, Dr. Butler said.

Dr. Butler disclosed study funding by Zafgen, the manufacturer of Beloranib.

BOSTON – Prader-Willi syndrome patients lost more than 4% of their body weight over a 26-week period with the investigative antiobesity drug beloranib, compared with a similar gain in patients taking placebo, in the phase III bestPWS trial.

Hunger-related behavior was also reduced, along with total and LDL cholesterol levels and other cardiometabolic risk factors, lead investigator Dr. Merlin G. Butler reported at the annual meeting of the Endocrinology Society.

However, because of concerns over venous thromboembolic events in patients on beloranib, the trial was halted before all patients reached 26 weeks of treatment.

“bestPWS is the first phase III clinical trial to show statistically and clinically significant weight loss and improvement in hyperphagia-related behaviors in PWS [Prader-Willi syndrome] patients. The reduction in hyperphagia-related behaviors in the beloranib-treated groups represents a clinically meaningful benefit to patients,” Dr. Butler said.

Beloranib is a novel, first-in-class injectable molecule that works by inhibiting MetAP2, an enzyme that modulates the activity of cellular processes that are important in the control of metabolism. Its benefits in preclinical studies and a phase II trial in reducing body weight and decreasing hyperplasia fueled optimism regarding the therapeutic value in Prader-Willi syndrome, the most common genetic cause of morbid obesity. Although rare, Prader-Willi syndrome is life threatening and life limiting, with most of those affected dying before the age of 50.

“There are currently no treatment options for the intractable obesity and hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome,” said Dr. Butler of the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan.

In the bestPWS trial, 107 patients were randomized 2:1 to receive twice-weekly subcutaneous injections of beloranib or placebo for 26 weeks: 36 received 1.8 mg and 37 received 2.4 mg of beloranib, and 34 received placebo. Seventy-four patients completed the treatment. The coprimary efficacy endpoints were improvement in hyperphagia-related behaviors and reduction in body weight. Secondary endpoints included improvements in total body fat mass, lipids, and, as markers of cardiometabolic risk, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.

Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable in the three trial arms, with an average age of 20 years, average body mass index of 40 kg/m², average body weight of 100 kg, average fat mass of 51 kg, and average Hyperphagia Questionnaire for Clinical Trials (HQ-CT) total score of 16.9.

Patients in the placebo arm displayed an increase in body weight of about 4% over the 26-week trial. In contrast, patients treated with beloranib lost weight (4.1% and 5.3% in the 1.8-mg and 2.4-mg arms, respectively; both P less than .0001, compared with placebo). The weight loss in the two treatment arms did not differ significantly. Beloranib was also associated with improvements in body composition, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, leptin, and adiponectin, compared with placebo.

Both beloranib doses also appreciably reduced hunger-associated behaviors, with reductions of 6.7-7.4 points with beloranib, compared with a reduction of 0.4 with placebo.

Adverse events most commonly included injection-site bruising, aggression, and hyperphagia; they were generally mild and transient.

There were five serious adverse events. Those that occurred in the treatment arms were psychiatric disorders, which are common background comorbidities in Prader-Willi patients, and so are not necessarily treatment related. In the bestPWS trial, two deep vein thrombosis events and two fatal pulmonary embolism events occurred. After the first pulmonary embolism death, the trial was discontinued; at that point, 27 randomized patients had not completed the full 26-week course.

Overall, 11 venous thrombotic events, including pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and superficial thrombophlebitis, have occurred in the roughly 400 patients who have so far received beloranib in the course of its development, including the adverse events in the bestPWS trial. None of these events has occurred in those receiving placebo.

Even in light of these sobering events, Dr. Butler said he remains optimistic. “In addition to the reduction in body weight and decrease in excessive eating behaviors previously reported from this study, [these data] demonstrate important reductions in cardiometabolic risk factors and further support a strong rationale for continued evaluation of beloranib as a potential treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome,” said Dr. Butler.

Beloranib is currently on clinical hold while the potential for a prothrombotic effect of beloranib and a heightened risk for Prader-Willi syndrome patients are assessed, Dr. Butler said.

Dr. Butler disclosed study funding by Zafgen, the manufacturer of Beloranib.

BOSTON – Prader-Willi syndrome patients lost more than 4% of their body weight over a 26-week period with the investigative antiobesity drug beloranib, compared with a similar gain in patients taking placebo, in the phase III bestPWS trial.

Hunger-related behavior was also reduced, along with total and LDL cholesterol levels and other cardiometabolic risk factors, lead investigator Dr. Merlin G. Butler reported at the annual meeting of the Endocrinology Society.

However, because of concerns over venous thromboembolic events in patients on beloranib, the trial was halted before all patients reached 26 weeks of treatment.

“bestPWS is the first phase III clinical trial to show statistically and clinically significant weight loss and improvement in hyperphagia-related behaviors in PWS [Prader-Willi syndrome] patients. The reduction in hyperphagia-related behaviors in the beloranib-treated groups represents a clinically meaningful benefit to patients,” Dr. Butler said.

Beloranib is a novel, first-in-class injectable molecule that works by inhibiting MetAP2, an enzyme that modulates the activity of cellular processes that are important in the control of metabolism. Its benefits in preclinical studies and a phase II trial in reducing body weight and decreasing hyperplasia fueled optimism regarding the therapeutic value in Prader-Willi syndrome, the most common genetic cause of morbid obesity. Although rare, Prader-Willi syndrome is life threatening and life limiting, with most of those affected dying before the age of 50.

“There are currently no treatment options for the intractable obesity and hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome,” said Dr. Butler of the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan.

In the bestPWS trial, 107 patients were randomized 2:1 to receive twice-weekly subcutaneous injections of beloranib or placebo for 26 weeks: 36 received 1.8 mg and 37 received 2.4 mg of beloranib, and 34 received placebo. Seventy-four patients completed the treatment. The coprimary efficacy endpoints were improvement in hyperphagia-related behaviors and reduction in body weight. Secondary endpoints included improvements in total body fat mass, lipids, and, as markers of cardiometabolic risk, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.

Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable in the three trial arms, with an average age of 20 years, average body mass index of 40 kg/m², average body weight of 100 kg, average fat mass of 51 kg, and average Hyperphagia Questionnaire for Clinical Trials (HQ-CT) total score of 16.9.

Patients in the placebo arm displayed an increase in body weight of about 4% over the 26-week trial. In contrast, patients treated with beloranib lost weight (4.1% and 5.3% in the 1.8-mg and 2.4-mg arms, respectively; both P less than .0001, compared with placebo). The weight loss in the two treatment arms did not differ significantly. Beloranib was also associated with improvements in body composition, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, leptin, and adiponectin, compared with placebo.

Both beloranib doses also appreciably reduced hunger-associated behaviors, with reductions of 6.7-7.4 points with beloranib, compared with a reduction of 0.4 with placebo.

Adverse events most commonly included injection-site bruising, aggression, and hyperphagia; they were generally mild and transient.

There were five serious adverse events. Those that occurred in the treatment arms were psychiatric disorders, which are common background comorbidities in Prader-Willi patients, and so are not necessarily treatment related. In the bestPWS trial, two deep vein thrombosis events and two fatal pulmonary embolism events occurred. After the first pulmonary embolism death, the trial was discontinued; at that point, 27 randomized patients had not completed the full 26-week course.

Overall, 11 venous thrombotic events, including pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and superficial thrombophlebitis, have occurred in the roughly 400 patients who have so far received beloranib in the course of its development, including the adverse events in the bestPWS trial. None of these events has occurred in those receiving placebo.

Even in light of these sobering events, Dr. Butler said he remains optimistic. “In addition to the reduction in body weight and decrease in excessive eating behaviors previously reported from this study, [these data] demonstrate important reductions in cardiometabolic risk factors and further support a strong rationale for continued evaluation of beloranib as a potential treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome,” said Dr. Butler.

Beloranib is currently on clinical hold while the potential for a prothrombotic effect of beloranib and a heightened risk for Prader-Willi syndrome patients are assessed, Dr. Butler said.

Dr. Butler disclosed study funding by Zafgen, the manufacturer of Beloranib.

WASHINGTON – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending blood or urine testing for all pregnant women with possible Zika exposure through travel or because they live in an endemic area, regardless of whether they are symptomatic, Dr. Denise J. Jamieson said at the annual meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Couples interested in conceiving who live in or have traveled to areas of active transmission should be alert for any signs of infection, no matter how slight; if they notice any, they should be tested for exposure before attempting conception, Dr. Jamieson, a medical officer with the CDC’s division of reproductive medicine, said in a video interview.

Unfortunately, she said at an update on the Zika situation, labs that process Zika blood and urine samples are backed up, and test results are being “unacceptably delayed.”

During a discussion period, some physicians in the audience complained of waiting up to 6 weeks for results. One said a local health department official told him that the CDC had a backlog of “a million tests.”

“We do not have a 1-million test backup,” Dr. Jamieson said. “But in some places there are still unacceptably long delays. This is not a test you can just check off on a form and send to a lab.”

Many of the tests are being funneled to the CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases in Ft. Collins, Colo.; that facility is experiencing a long turnaround time. Other samples are being handled in private labs with CDC contracts, but Dr. Jamieson said there’s an urgent need to expand the testing to many more commercial labs. There is no concrete plan for how or when this expansion will happen, however, she added.

Dr. Jamieson also discussed the CDC’s recommendation for managing pregnant women who have a positive serology or urine. These women should have serial ultrasounds every 3-4 weeks to track fetal brain development. Amniocentesis can positively confirm fetal exposure. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist should be on board if the fetus tests positive or if any concerning signs appear on imaging. Newborns can also be tested for exposure, as can placental and cord tissue.

On May 16, the World Health Organization released a comprehensive document describing a management algorithm for pregnant women who live in or travel to Zika-endemic areas.

Women who haven’t experienced signs and symptoms of an infection can proceed with routine care, and, if possible, an ultrasound before 18 weeks’ gestation and another at 28-30 weeks.

Women who have had signs of an infection should be tested for exposure. If negative, routine care with an early ultrasound and one at 28-30 weeks is indicated. If the results are positive, or if an early scan is concerning, patients should have a diagnostic ultrasound and amniocentesis, with referral to specialty care.

In the case of confirmed maternal exposure but normal early ultrasound, serial scans are indicated every month until delivery.

As a federal employee, Dr. Jamieson has no financial disclosures.

msullivan@frontlinemedcom.com

WASHINGTON – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending blood or urine testing for all pregnant women with possible Zika exposure through travel or because they live in an endemic area, regardless of whether they are symptomatic, Dr. Denise J. Jamieson said at the annual meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Couples interested in conceiving who live in or have traveled to areas of active transmission should be alert for any signs of infection, no matter how slight; if they notice any, they should be tested for exposure before attempting conception, Dr. Jamieson, a medical officer with the CDC’s division of reproductive medicine, said in a video interview.

Unfortunately, she said at an update on the Zika situation, labs that process Zika blood and urine samples are backed up, and test results are being “unacceptably delayed.”

During a discussion period, some physicians in the audience complained of waiting up to 6 weeks for results. One said a local health department official told him that the CDC had a backlog of “a million tests.”

“We do not have a 1-million test backup,” Dr. Jamieson said. “But in some places there are still unacceptably long delays. This is not a test you can just check off on a form and send to a lab.”

Many of the tests are being funneled to the CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases in Ft. Collins, Colo.; that facility is experiencing a long turnaround time. Other samples are being handled in private labs with CDC contracts, but Dr. Jamieson said there’s an urgent need to expand the testing to many more commercial labs. There is no concrete plan for how or when this expansion will happen, however, she added.

Dr. Jamieson also discussed the CDC’s recommendation for managing pregnant women who have a positive serology or urine. These women should have serial ultrasounds every 3-4 weeks to track fetal brain development. Amniocentesis can positively confirm fetal exposure. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist should be on board if the fetus tests positive or if any concerning signs appear on imaging. Newborns can also be tested for exposure, as can placental and cord tissue.

On May 16, the World Health Organization released a comprehensive document describing a management algorithm for pregnant women who live in or travel to Zika-endemic areas.

Women who haven’t experienced signs and symptoms of an infection can proceed with routine care, and, if possible, an ultrasound before 18 weeks’ gestation and another at 28-30 weeks.

Women who have had signs of an infection should be tested for exposure. If negative, routine care with an early ultrasound and one at 28-30 weeks is indicated. If the results are positive, or if an early scan is concerning, patients should have a diagnostic ultrasound and amniocentesis, with referral to specialty care.

In the case of confirmed maternal exposure but normal early ultrasound, serial scans are indicated every month until delivery.

As a federal employee, Dr. Jamieson has no financial disclosures.

msullivan@frontlinemedcom.com

WASHINGTON – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending blood or urine testing for all pregnant women with possible Zika exposure through travel or because they live in an endemic area, regardless of whether they are symptomatic, Dr. Denise J. Jamieson said at the annual meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Couples interested in conceiving who live in or have traveled to areas of active transmission should be alert for any signs of infection, no matter how slight; if they notice any, they should be tested for exposure before attempting conception, Dr. Jamieson, a medical officer with the CDC’s division of reproductive medicine, said in a video interview.

Unfortunately, she said at an update on the Zika situation, labs that process Zika blood and urine samples are backed up, and test results are being “unacceptably delayed.”

During a discussion period, some physicians in the audience complained of waiting up to 6 weeks for results. One said a local health department official told him that the CDC had a backlog of “a million tests.”

“We do not have a 1-million test backup,” Dr. Jamieson said. “But in some places there are still unacceptably long delays. This is not a test you can just check off on a form and send to a lab.”

Many of the tests are being funneled to the CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases in Ft. Collins, Colo.; that facility is experiencing a long turnaround time. Other samples are being handled in private labs with CDC contracts, but Dr. Jamieson said there’s an urgent need to expand the testing to many more commercial labs. There is no concrete plan for how or when this expansion will happen, however, she added.

Dr. Jamieson also discussed the CDC’s recommendation for managing pregnant women who have a positive serology or urine. These women should have serial ultrasounds every 3-4 weeks to track fetal brain development. Amniocentesis can positively confirm fetal exposure. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist should be on board if the fetus tests positive or if any concerning signs appear on imaging. Newborns can also be tested for exposure, as can placental and cord tissue.

On May 16, the World Health Organization released a comprehensive document describing a management algorithm for pregnant women who live in or travel to Zika-endemic areas.

Women who haven’t experienced signs and symptoms of an infection can proceed with routine care, and, if possible, an ultrasound before 18 weeks’ gestation and another at 28-30 weeks.

Women who have had signs of an infection should be tested for exposure. If negative, routine care with an early ultrasound and one at 28-30 weeks is indicated. If the results are positive, or if an early scan is concerning, patients should have a diagnostic ultrasound and amniocentesis, with referral to specialty care.

In the case of confirmed maternal exposure but normal early ultrasound, serial scans are indicated every month until delivery.

As a federal employee, Dr. Jamieson has no financial disclosures.

msullivan@frontlinemedcom.com

MINNEAPOLIS – In 2014, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota began a pediatric telehealth program aimed at improving access to care for children living in remote areas.

A year and a half later, the health system has made significant headway toward these goals, Kristi Moline, the organization’s telehealth program manager, said at the American Telemedicine Association annual conference. The program’s telehealth services include pediatric emergency medicine consultations with outlying hospitals and virtual hematology appointments for children with rare bleeding disorders.

In this video, Ms. Moline discusses the need for the program in Minnesota and how the initiative developed. She also notes challenges the health system faced along the way and offers advice to other practices interested in starting similar telehealth programs.

agallegos@frontlinemedcom.com

On Twitter @legal_med

MINNEAPOLIS – In 2014, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota began a pediatric telehealth program aimed at improving access to care for children living in remote areas.

A year and a half later, the health system has made significant headway toward these goals, Kristi Moline, the organization’s telehealth program manager, said at the American Telemedicine Association annual conference. The program’s telehealth services include pediatric emergency medicine consultations with outlying hospitals and virtual hematology appointments for children with rare bleeding disorders.

In this video, Ms. Moline discusses the need for the program in Minnesota and how the initiative developed. She also notes challenges the health system faced along the way and offers advice to other practices interested in starting similar telehealth programs.

agallegos@frontlinemedcom.com

On Twitter @legal_med

MINNEAPOLIS – In 2014, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota began a pediatric telehealth program aimed at improving access to care for children living in remote areas.

A year and a half later, the health system has made significant headway toward these goals, Kristi Moline, the organization’s telehealth program manager, said at the American Telemedicine Association annual conference. The program’s telehealth services include pediatric emergency medicine consultations with outlying hospitals and virtual hematology appointments for children with rare bleeding disorders.

In this video, Ms. Moline discusses the need for the program in Minnesota and how the initiative developed. She also notes challenges the health system faced along the way and offers advice to other practices interested in starting similar telehealth programs.

agallegos@frontlinemedcom.com

On Twitter @legal_med