Showing results by author "Annenberg Center for Health Sciences" in All Categories

The management of persons with obesity is challenging, made even greater due to the numerous myths and misconceptions among patients and clinicians. For example, “Obesity is a choice, not a disease.” “Weight loss of at least 10% is needed for any health benefit.” “Drugs should not be used because weight will only be regained once they are discontinued.” Science and clinical experience, however, tell us otherwise.

This podcast contains a preview of a continuing education activity that provides an update on the epidemiology, monitoring, and treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), presented by Diane Kamen, MD, and Anca Askanase, MD. For the entire course and to obtain credit, please visit the course website at https://annenberg.net/courses/landingPage.php?courseID=60170

Obesity experts Drs. Apovian and Kushner delve into the complex and undertreated disease of obesity, addressing the importance of weight loss and chronic weight management. They discuss obesity as a chronic disease with its pathophysiologic basis, associated cardiometabolic risks, treatment options including pharmacotherapy, focusing on incretin-based medications, optimizing weight loss and maintenance, and how to approach patients about obesity.

Myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness, greatly impacts patients’ functioning and activities of daily living. Important treatment advances continue to be made to reduce patient burden of disease and overcome safety, efficacy, and other limitations of available therapies. Join Nicholas Silvestri, MD, as he reports on research results of some of these advances presented at the 2024 American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine Annual Meeting.

In this in-depth review, presented by Princess Ogbogu, MD, and developed in collaboration with Michael Wechsler, MD, MMSc, the wide-ranging presentations of HES will be reviewed, along with pathophysiology, classification, and acute and chronic management. Learnings from the presentation will be tied together with a case-based presentation of idiopathic HES, allowing learners to see how guideline recommendations and novel clinical trials can be applied in a real clinical setting.

An interprofessional faculty of primary care and specialty clinicians discuss real-world issues in managing patients with complex and challenging dyslipidemia, including elevated lipoprotein a (Lp(a)). Several paired conversations serve as the foundation for discussions related to recent cholesterol guidelines, patient risk stratification, and recommended goals for patients at risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

In this activity, case studies commonly encountered in cardiology practice are utilized to prompt reflection on opportunities for reducing cardiovascular risk. Drawing on seminal research and their own experience, cardiologist Jorge Plutzy, MD, and endocrinologist Helena Rodbard, MD, navigate through a series of ‘clinical questions’ to inform regarding the clinical pharmacology of the GLP-1RAs and their evidence-based role in cardiovascular risk reduction, particularly in patients with secondary atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The gut microbiome is recognized as playing a key role in infant health. Alessio Fasano, MD, world-renowned for his research on the gut microbiome focuses on the ways in which the gut microbiome influences allergy and autoimmunity. The effects of infant nutrition on the composition of the microbiome are also discussed, including the impact of feeding mode and probiotic and prebiotic supplementation.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection are significant gastrointestinal challenges that impact patient quality of life, requiring proper diagnosis and treatment. In this 60-minute, case-based educational activity, multidisciplinary faculty guide clinicians through contemporary diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatment strategies for both nonerosive and erosive GERD, as well as H. pylori infection.

In this activity, Jeremy Abramson, MD, highlights the significant disease burden of B-cell lymphomas, as well as the latest advances in therapeutics, and practical strategies for integrating novel therapies into practice through patient selection and supportive care management.

An interprofessional faculty of gastroenterology clinicians discuss real-world issues in managing patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Two mini-lectures serve as the foundation for understanding the diagnostic evaluation and risk factors of primary biliary cholangitis.

Survival outcomes for patients with HR+/HER2- mBC remain suboptimal, despite first-line treatment strategies with endocrine therapy (ET). Greater understanding of the biology of HR+/HER2- mBC, including the role of biomarkers like ESR1 mutations, and the development of biopsy techniques for early mutation detection, have paved the way for personalized treatment approaches. In this activity, medical oncologists discuss integrating these evidence-based advancements into practice.

In the first few weeks of life, the optimal growth rate for preterm infants is nearly twice that of term infants. To achieve this rapid rate of growth, preterm infants have high energy, protein, and micronutrient requirements. However, variability in human milk composition and inadequate fortification practices often result in suboptimal nutrition intake during these early critical weeks.

Renowned professor of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, and endowed chair in pediatric research, Fayez K. Ghishan, MD, discusses the important role gastrointestinal microbiota plays in the development of immune function.

Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, MD, PhD, takes a case-based approach to identify and diagnose food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) in infants and how to manage acute reactions.

Thyroid eye disease, also known as Graves’ orbitopathy, is a potentially serious, progressive autoimmune disease that most often occurs in people with hyperthyroidism, ie, Graves’ disease. Kimberley Cockerham, MD, FACS, moderates this series of six, paired conversations between endocrinologist Terry J. Smith, MD, and eye specialists Wendy W. Lee, MD, and Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD, to explore current and emerging treatment options for thyroid eye disease. In these conversations, faculty review the current understanding of the burden and pathophysiology of thyroid eye disease—including ...

Cold Agglutinin Disease is a rare, chronic hemolytic disorder, representing approximately 20% of all autoimmune hemolytic anemias. Catherine M. Broome, MD, and Alexander Röth, MD, provide an understanding of the pathogenesis of this disorder caused by cold-reacting IgM autoantibodies and reveal common clinical features. Because of the high mortality rate among those suffering from CAD, it is important to be aware of the diagnostic criteria, as well as the current and novel treatment options, with the goal of increasing hemoglobin levels, avoiding the need for transfusions, and improving ...

Human breast milk is comprised of several bioactive components, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are non-nutritive carbohydrates unique to human milk. In this course, Lars Bode, PhD, introduces HMOs and describes the structure, composition, and infant health benefits of these compounds. Topics include the prebiotic effects of HMOs, particularly related to the gastrointestinal and immune systems, but also growth and development and allergies. Also reviewed are the oligosaccharides found in infant formulas, with a focus on clinically relevant inform

Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is a lysosomal storage disorder that causes accumulation of sphingomyelin in various organs. In addition to a low incidence, ASMD has a heterogeneous presentation that makes management challenging. Join experts Margaret McGovern, MD, PhD, and Pramod Mistry, MD, PhD, in this review of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ASMD.

John Colombo, PhD, answers questions related to infant brain development and cognition. Fayez K. Ghishan, MD answers questions related to Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) Sean C.L. Deoni, PhD answers questions related to Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)