NASHVILLE, Tenn. Hospitalized patients with sepsis had a significantly lower mortality risk if they were on statin therapy at admission, according to a retrospective study.

BOSTON Women who have higher levels of endogenous estrogen before starting hormone therapy appear to have a lower risk of heart disease, according to a subgroup analysis of the Women's Health Initiative WHI data reported here.

SAN FRANCISCO In mitral valve repair surgery, younger patients tend to have a worse outcome, researchers here reported.

TORONTO In older men, vitamin D deficiency is associated with earlier death, a researcher said here.

TORONTO A large study presented here has added more evidence linking the use of bisphosphonate drugs used to treat osteoporosis to an elevated risk of what are being called "atypical" femur fractures.