Top in Healio: COVID-19 rebound; how PCPs can combat suicide rates

Two analyses found antiviral drugs like Paxlovid do not elevate the risk for COVID-19 rebound, contrary to previous research.

Researchers looked at 23 COVID-19 rebound studies and two phase 2/3 trials of Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, Pfizer), and while some of the rebound studies showed a higher frequency of rebound among people who received antivirals, the analysis did not identify a consistent association. Further, in the Paxlovid clinical trials, COVID-19 rebound was similar between participants who received Paxlovid and those who received placebo. It was the top story on Healio last week.

The second top story was about how primary care physicians can integrate mental health care into their visits with patients to combat the record-breaking rate of suicides in the United States.

“PCPs, especially family physicians, are often the first line of contact for patients who enter the health care system and for those seeking mental health care,” Teresa L. Lovins, MD, FAAFP, a member of the board of directors of the American Academy of Family Physicians, told Healio. “Research shows nearly 40% of all visits for depression and anxiety are with PCPs. ... Family physicians are well equipped to help patients with a wide range of mental health needs.”

Read these and more top stories below:

Paxlovid unlikely to contribute to COVID-19 rebound

SARS-CoV-2 rebound risk is more likely related to the individual person, rather than reinfection or resistance to treatment such as Paxlovid, according to two studies. Read more.

'You will not find what you are not looking for': How PCPs can fight record suicide levels

In the wake of record suicide numbers, primary care physicians are in a unique position to offer front-line mental health care, according to experts. Read more.

Sleep and cognitive decline: How PCPs can help patients concerned about dementia

Asking about sleep habits during routine visits can help primary care physicians address cognitive decline among aging patients, according to experts. Read more.

Most adults prescribed obesity drugs discontinue use at 3 months

More than 80% of adults who are prescribed an obesity medication discontinue taking them at 1 year, though persistence rates are higher for adults receiving semaglutide and liraglutide, according to study data. Read more.

Sight Sciences announces MACs withdrawal of local coverage determinations for MIGS

Five Medicare Administrative Contractors have withdrawn their final local coverage determinations for micro-invasive glaucoma surgery that were scheduled to take effect on Jan. 29, 2024, according to a press release from Sight Sciences. Read more.