2 Minute Medicine Rewind: May 13 – May 19

May 13 – 19, 2013

In this section, we will highlight the some of the recent high-impact studies, updates, and analyses published in the past week.

Human Infection with a Novel Avian-Origin Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

Reminiscent of past SARS or H1N1 epidemics, a new rapidly progressing lower respiratory tract infection leading to ARDS and with high mortality was identified in eastern China near Shanghai in March 2013. Using samples obtained from three patients, a novel influenza (N7N9) virus was identified and sequenced to show reassortment of genes from multiple avian-origin viral strains, suggesting direct avian transmission.

Sofosbuvir for Hepatitis C Genotype 2 or 3 in Patients without Treatment Options

Sofosbuvir for Previously Untreated Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

RELATED REPORTS

2 Minute Medicine: Pharma Roundup – Merck and Mayo Clinic’s AI precision medicine lab, Novartis’ remibrutinib hits Phase III hive endpoint, FDA grants priority review for iberdomide in myeloma, oral infigratinib boosts growth velocity in achondroplasia, and shingles vaccine/sildenafil linked to lower Alzheimer’s risk [February 2026]

The Scan by 2 Minute Medicine®: Daily caffeine intake linked to lower dementia risk, AAP sues over federal vaccine schedule overhaul, Catherine O’Hara passes away after short illness, and GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce endometrial cancer risk

Mobile telemedicine is associated with higher chances of initiating hepatitis C virus treatment in intravenous drug users with chronic hepatitis C

In two similar studies, sofosuvir (a new nucleotide polymerase inhibitor) and ribavarin was studied for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C infection. In the first study of patients with chronic HCV (genotype 2 or 3) infection not eligible for peginterferon, a twelve week course of sofosbuvir -ribavarin had a greater sustained virologic response compared to placebo (78% vs. 0%). In the second study, a head to head comparison of sofosuvir-ribavarin with peginterferon-ribavarin had similar rates of response (67%) however with fewer side effects in the sofosuvir-ribavarin arm. In both trials, there was a better response in patients with genotype 2 than genotype 3 HCVs.

AREDS2 Trial: Lutein + Zeaxanthin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Although previous studies have shown supplementation with vitamin C and E, beta carotene, and zinc decreases the progression of age related macular degeneration, this mlticenter RCT showed there was no benefit to adding either lutein, zeaxanthin, or omega-3 fatty acids to the regimen.

Association of Single- vs Dual-Chamber ICDs With Mortality, Readmissions, and Complications Among Patients Receiving an ICD for Primary Prevention

A retrospective analysis of Medicare claims data failed to show a difference in 1-year hospitalization rate (43.9% vs. 44.8%) and mortality (9.9% vs. 9.8%) between patients with single chamber vs. dual chamber ICDs placed for primary prevention. There was a statistically significant lower rate of complication with single chamber ICDs compared to dual chamber ICDs (3.5% vs. 4.7%).

By David Ouyang