A large cohort study found that blood transfusion during curative liver cancer surgery increases the risk of cancer recurrence by 23% and death by 55%. The extent to which blood transfusions worsen cancer outcomes is poorly understood.
New research found that patients with high body fat mass had a four-fold increased mortality risk after heart bypass surgery, whereas BMI was not associated with an increased risk. The study also showed that lower lean body weight and higher fat mass were independently linked to longer ICU stays.
A recent study found that regulatory bodies in Australia are not seeking to blame doctors for patient deaths when opioids are administered, alleviating fears of professional ruin. Doctors should prescribe minimum doses to alleviate suffering and respect clinical practice.
A new survey found that around one in five doctors are aware of patient feedback about their care online, while the majority did not encourage patients to leave feedback. The study also revealed that GPs view online feedback as mostly negative, particularly on social media.
A large study has demonstrated that enzalutamide improves outcomes for men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, with an overall survival rate of 80% after three years. This new treatment option is especially relevant for men who cannot tolerate chemotherapy and have a lower burden of disease.
A recent study has uncovered how a non-profit research organisation has been deployed by its corporate backers to push industry-favourable positions to policymakers and international bodies. The International Life Science Institute (ILSI) analysed over 17,000 pages of emails obtained through Freedom of Information requests.
A new study of 4,803 cardiac arrest patients found that survival rates are unaffected by the day of the week, suggesting that specialist teams working 24/7 deliver consistent care. The research debunks previous claims of a 'weekend effect' in heart conditions, highlighting the importance of CPR and defibrillation.
A unique case of a chest cavity fire during emergency heart surgery was presented at the Euroanaesthesia Congress. The incident occurred when supplemental oxygen leaked from a ruptured lung, causing a spark from an electrocautery device to ignite a dry surgical pack.
A study of over 8,000 people in the UK found no association between moderate to heavy coffee consumption and arterial stiffness. The research, led by Queen Mary University of London, suggests that coffee may not be as detrimental to heart health as previously thought.
Scientists have identified a unique fraction of the genome that can be used to predict epigenetic causes of disease. The 'treasure map' of correlated regions of systemic interindividual variation (CoRSIVs) comprises a previously unrecognized level of molecular individuality in humans, associated with diseases such as obesity and cancer.
Researchers developed an automated system using facial recognition to predict high-risk behavior in ICU patients, such as removing breathing tubes. The tool achieved moderate accuracy and has the potential to continuously monitor patient safety.