M. Alexander Otto began his reporting career early in 1999 covering the pharmaceutical industry for a national pharmacists' magazine and freelancing for the Washington Post and other newspapers. He then joined BNA, now part of Bloomberg News, covering health law and the protection of people and animals in medical research. Alex next worked for the McClatchy Company. Based on his work, Alex won a year-long Knight Science Journalism Fellowship to MIT in 2008-2009. He joined the company shortly thereafter. Alex has a newspaper journalism degree from Syracuse (N.Y.) University and a master's degree in medical science -- a physician assistant degree -- from George Washington University. Alex is based in Seattle.
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USPSTF goes neutral on adolescent scoliosis screening
Studies since 2004 suggest that the USPSTF “no longer has moderate certainty that the harms of treatment outweigh the benefits.”
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Continue to opt for HDT/ASCT for multiple myeloma
A systematic review and meta-analysis confirms that HDT/ASCT is still the best option for newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma.
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Risks identified for drug-resistant bacteremia in cirrhosis
Prevalence of multidrug-resistant organism bacteremia was 33% in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis.
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Cars that recognize hypoglycemia? Maybe soon
SAN DIEGO – An automobile that watches you.
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First month of LABA/LAMA ups cardiovascular risk
Researchers warn physicians to closely monitor new users of LABAs or LAMAs for cardiovascular symptoms.
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ACC guidance addresses newer HFrEF options
Opportunities are being missed.
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Enhanced recovery protocols after colectomy safely cut LOS
Enhanced recovery protocols for elective colectomy shortened length of stay (LOS) by more than a day and decreased complications without...
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Corynebacterium in the gut can trigger Parkinson’s disease
SAN DIEGO – Can the bacteria be eliminated to prevent the disease?
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Head injury linked to amyloid deposition decades later
SAN DIEGO – Increased amyloid deposition found in the frontal cortex but not other areas associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
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Intractable VT halted by noninvasive radiation ablation
A phase 1-2 trial is planned after VT episodes were cut by 99.9% in five patients.
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Novel metabolic biomarkers linked to CHD
ANAHEIM, CALIF. – The new findings “demonstrate the value of metabolomics for biomarker discovery and improved risk stratification,” said lead...
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Faciobrachial dystonic seizures require urgent immunotherapy
SAN DIEGO – There’s only a short window of opportunity in which to treat patients with immunotherapy to prevent cognitive impairment and brain...
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Benefit of dabigatran over warfarin persists in AF patient subgroups undergoing PCI
ANAHEIM, CALIF. – Dabigatran protected against thromboembolic events with less bleeding regardless of stent type, type of concomitant treatment,...
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Breakthrough cancer gene assay approved, CMS proposes coverage
FDA approves first breakthrough-designated, next-generation sequencing assay that can detect genetic mutations in 324 genes and two genomic...
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Aim for BP a bit above SPRINT
At Kaiser, hypertension treatment decisions are based on observed, single measurements, often without rest.