US Health Care Spending by Health Condition and County—What Drives Variation?

Nationwide data are unavailable regarding changes in intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes over the past 10 years, limiting understanding of practice changes. Authors Emily Moin, MD, MBE, and Scott D. Halpern, MD, PhD, MBE, of the University of Pennsylvania join JAMA Associate Editor Christopher W. Seymour, MD, MSc, to discuss how ICU care and outcomes have changed in the US over the past decade. Related Content: Use of Life Support and Outcomes Among Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units

The incidence of invasive group A streptococcal infections has risen in the US. Similar observations have been reported in other parts of the world. Authors Joshua Osowicki, MBBS, PhD, of Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Theresa L. Lamagni, MSc, PhD, of the United Kingdom Health Security Agency join JAMA Deputy Editor Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, to discuss the public health challenge posed by group A strep. Related Content: Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease in the US Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections in 10 US States

Less than 20% of patients eligible for lung cancer screening get screened in the US. A recent study examined whether adults eligible for lung cancer screening engage in screening for other types of cancer. Coauthor Chi-Fu Jeffrey Yang, MD, of Harvard Medical School joins JAMA Deputy Editor Tracy Lieu, MD, to discuss. Related Content: Preventive Health Care Use Among Adults Eligible for Lung Cancer Screening in the US

Despite increased participation in US long-distance running races, cardiac arrest incidence remains stable. Authors Jonathan Kim, MD, MSc, of Emory University, and Aaron Baggish, MD, of the University of Lausanne Switzerland, discuss the RACER 2 study and compare results with initial findings published in the RACER 1 study from 13 years ago, with JAMA Associate Editor Gregory Marcus, MD, MAS. Related Content: Cardiac Arrest During Long-Distance Running Races

ARDS, which is characterized by hypoxemic respiratory failure and inflammatory injury to the lungs, has a mortality rate of 30% to 40%. Balasubramanian Venkatesh, MD, of the George Institute for Global Health joins JAMA Deputy Editor Kristin Walter, MD, MS, to discuss the effects of inhaled sedation with sevoflurane for patients with moderate to severe ARDS. Related Content: Sevoflurane Sedation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Inhaled Sedation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new draft regulatory guidance for pulse oximeters related to skin pigment. The guidance is a step forward but it may have unintended consequences. Authors Michael Lipnick, MD, and Philip Bicker, MD, PhD, professors of anesthesia at University of California, San Francisco, discuss this and more with JAMA Executive Editor Gregory Curfman, MD. Related Content: Pulse Oximetry and Skin Pigmentation—New Guidance From the FDA Adherence to FDA Guidance on Pulse Oximetry Testing Among Diverse Individuals, 1996-2024 Addressing Racial and Ethnic Bias in Pulse Oximeters—A Wicked Problem Evaluating the Accuracy of Pulse Oximetry in Children According to Race

The CAUGHT-CAD randomized clinical trial sought to determine whether a CAC score-informed strategy could slow the progression of coronary plaque volume. Author Thomas H. Marwick of the Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute joins JAMA Associate Editor Pradeep Natarajan to discuss "Effects of Combining Coronary Calcium Score With Treatment on Plaque Progression in Familial Coronary Artery Disease." Related Content: Effects of Combining Coronary Calcium Score With Treatment on Plaque Progression in Familial Coronary Artery Disease Cardiac CT Calcium Score Coronary Artery Calcium Testing—Too Early, Too Late, Too Often Filling the Evidence Gaps Toward a Coronary Artery Calcium-Guided Primary Prevention Strategy

The HEALEY ALS platform is an innovative first attempt at platform trials in ALS, looking to slow ALS disease progression. Author Sabrina Paganoni, MD, PhD, of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, discusses results of the first 4 drug regimens from this platform trial and how this study design makes efficient use of resources, with JAMA Deputy Editor Christopher Muth, MD. Related Content: Platform Clinical Trials for the Efficient Evaluation of Multiple Treatments Pridopidine in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Platform Trials in ALS Verdiperstat in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Efficacy and Safety of Zilucoplan in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis CNM-Au8 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Understanding health conditions with the most spending and variation across locations and over time is important for identifying trends, inequalities, and strategies for lowering health spending. Joseph Dieleman, PhD, of the University of Washington speaks with JAMA Associate Editor Karen Joynt Maddox, MD, MPH, about county-level variation in health care spending across the US. Related Content: Tracking US Health Care Spending by Health Condition and County

Two recent studies published in JAMA provide evidence about the effects of state-level abortion restrictions on birth rates and infant mortality. Author Alyssa Bilinski, PhD, MSc, of Brown University School of Public Health joins JAMA Deputy Editor Tracy Lieu, MD, to discuss her related Editorial "Abortion May Be Controversial—Supporting Children and Families Need Not Be." Related Content: Abortion May Be Controversial—Supporting Children and Families Need Not Be