Eyeing scope creep; long-term mortality of sepsis; new developments in skin science – Morning Medical Update

Eye surgery allowed or not?

The American Medical Association (AMA) said West Virginia leaders need to rethink legislation expanding scope of practice for optometrists to perform some eyelid procedures. The West Virginia State Medical Association and the West Virginia Academy of Eye Physicians & Surgeons Inc. have sued that state’s optometry board hoping to block another example of scope creep there.

Sepsis effects on mortality

Sepsis can be a deadly condition in the short term, and long-term prospects may not be good, according to a new study. Half of sepsis patients died within two years of treatment, according to researchers studying the condition in hopes of predicting long-term outcomes for patients. This news release summarizes the findings.

In-depth study of skin

Skin is the largest organ of the human body. What are the best ways to study it, and the diseases that can afflict it? Researchers are discovering more by using organoids, or grown laboratory models of human skin that act like the real thing. “It’s a huge breakthrough for the field, because it’s the first time we’ve ever had a complex model of skin that doesn’t involve taking a biopsy,” or using animal skin that may lack features of human skin, said one researcher. Here’s a study, an accompanying news release and an explainer about the science of skin.