Benzodiazepine

Nearly 5% of older adults initiate benzodiazepine after discharge for acute ischemic stroke, half of which receive up to a 30-day supply, despite known risks for cognitive decline, researchers reported in Stroke.

Benzodiazepines were associated with increased risk for CHD, HF and CV mortality among patients with insomnia, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Benzodiazepine use during early pregnancy was associated with almost 70% increased risk for miscarriage after accounting for measurable confounders, according to study results published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Among mechanically ventilated patients, implementation of the ICU Liberation Bundle meant shorter ICU stays and less time receiving ventilation, according to study results published in Critical Care Explorations.

The CDC has awarded $279 million to 49 states, the District of Columbia and 40 local health departments to address rising drug overdoses in communities, the agency announced.

Use of any benzodiazepine appeared associated with reduced risk for pancreatic cancer-related death, according to study results published in Clinical Cancer Research.

SAN FRANCISCO — Patients from underrepresented populations were less likely than white patients to be prescribed benzodiazepines by a primary care physician, with disparities persisting regardless of income, according to a poster presented here.

Children exposed to benzodiazepines and/or nonbenzodiazepines, also known as z-hypnotics, prenatally may not have increased risk for ADHD, according to data published in JAMA Network Open.

Patients of clinicians who believe the potential harms of benzodiazepines are low were at a greater risk of being prescribed them, survey results of primary care physicians showed in Annals of Family Medicine.