A large Danish study found that anticoagulant medicine significantly reduces the risk of serious brain damage or death due to a stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study, which followed over 11,000 patients, also showed that mortality within 30 days is lower for those receiving treatment.
Researchers discovered imetelstat, a telomerase inhibitor, induces morphologic, molecular and clinical remissions in some patients with myelofibrosis. The study showed five patients achieved complete or partial remissions, including reversal of bone marrow fibrosis.
A Kyoto University research team developed a method to produce erythrocyte progenitor cells with almost unlimited replication ability in vitro. These cells were successfully differentiated into mature erythrocytes with oxygen-carrying capacity, showing potential for a reliable transfusion system.
The American College of Physicians recommends restricting red blood cell transfusions to severe anemia cases in patients with heart disease. ACP also advises against using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in mild to moderate anemia with heart conditions due to increased risks of thromboembolic events and stroke rates.
A new approach to palliative care has been shown to reduce emergency room visits and improve overall care for high-risk geriatric patients. The customized care model, matched to their changing needs at home, also reduces healthcare costs.
Northwestern University researchers have developed a new technique to profile enzyme activities in cell lysate, providing a fast, low-cost, and label-free method for studying post-transcriptional processes. By using peptide arrays and SAMDI mass spectrometry, the researchers were able to identify patterns of enzyme activities and shed ...
Researchers say Chagas disease remains a leading cause of heart disease in impoverished North American communities, with inadequate healthcare and limited treatment options available. The editorial calls for increased medical awareness, scientific cooperation, and public-private partnerships to develop new tools and treatments.
A survey of over 32,000 appendix samples found abnormal prion protein in 16 people, indicating a prevalence of 493 per million population. Researchers estimate one in 2,000 people are likely to be carriers, with no particular age group or geographic region affected.
A study by BUSM found that the majority of family medicine residency program directors believe complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is essential for resident training, but few have specific learning goals or adequate evaluation methods in place. The study also highlighted significant differences between strong and weak CAM/IM p...
Carl Nathan, MD, receives $20,000 prize for discoveries in immunology; monograph published in Molecular Medicine explores inspiration and purpose in scientific inquiry. The Anthony Cerami Award aims to document innovations and discoveries in medicine and healthcare.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that blood transfusions were needed in less than 3% of pediatric non-cardiac surgeries. In many cases, unnecessary testing and supply waste occurred due to precautionary measures. The study suggests that surgeons should assess each patient's specific needs for blood screening instead...
A recent analysis of 1432 patients found that women had a lower all-cause mortality at one year compared to men. Women's higher survival rate was attributed to their longer life expectancy and lower rates of comorbidity, with a hazard ratio of 0.75.
Researchers developed a way to change pancreatic cells to produce insulin, reducing the need for two pancreas donations for successful islet cell transplants. This breakthrough could save months of waiting time for Type 1 diabetes patients and make more organs available.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that epoetin alfa can help alleviate anemia in high-risk breast cancer patients while maintaining overall and relapse-free survival rates. However, the treatment may increase the risk of thrombotic events.
A randomized trial found that a 1:1:1 blood transfusion protocol is feasible but associated with higher waste of plasma. The study suggests that widespread adoption may lead to significant resource and safety implications due to the scarcity of plasma.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a therapeutic approach to restore nitric oxide levels in donated blood, improving tissue oxygen delivery and kidney function. The treatment, called renitrosylation therapy, may hold great promise for millions of patients who receive regular blood transfusions.
Research by Northwestern Medicine cardiologist Jeffrey Goldberger combines evidence-based guidelines with tailored treatment for patients, reducing over-treatment and under-treatment. By analyzing clinical data and individual characteristics, physicians can make more precise decisions, leading to better patient care.
A US study found a decline in ischemic stroke mortality among Black children over the past decade. The relative risk decrease was attributed to improvements in long-term blood transfusion therapy for sickle cell disease prevention.
The USPSTF recommends screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in persons at high risk for infection. One-time screening for all adults born between 1945 and 1965 may identify infected patients at an earlier, more treatable stage of disease.
A study of over 146,000 Dutch women found planned home births were associated with lower rates of severe maternal complications among parous women. However, first-time mothers showed no significant difference in risk.
The Lancet Series on transfusion medicine examines the use of restrictive transfusion practices, innovative solutions to address the growing demand for blood products, and alternative ways to manage the blood supply. The series aims to reduce unnecessary blood transfusions, improve patient safety, and cut costs.
A new protocol using single, high-dose erythropoietin administered two days prior to surgery reduces transfusion requirements by one-third and improves patient outcomes.
A new study reveals that surgical volume significantly affects the outcome of procedures, especially for robotic-assisted surgeries. High-volume hospitals demonstrated superior results in terms of complication rates and blood transfusions, while low-volume centers struggled with inferior outcomes.
The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine publishes quality research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on orthopaedic sports medicine topics. The first three published articles include studies on ACL reconstruction, running-related injuries, and knee kinematics.
Phyllis Guze, M.D., associate vice chancellor at UCR Medical School, has been awarded the Dema C. Daley Founder's award by APDIM for her career dedication to exemplary teaching and innovative educational program management. She also received the Mastership designation from ACP, recognizing her contributions to medicine and medical educ...
The USPSTF recommends screening all adults and adolescents aged 15-65 and pregnant women for HIV to improve clinical outcomes and reduce mother-to-child transmission rates. Universal screening is associated with minimal harm and targeted screening misses a substantial number of cases.
A large study found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with a 10% increased risk of adverse outcomes after surgery, including bleeding and transfusions. The study suggests that patients on SSRIs should discuss their medication with their surgeon or primary care physician before undergoing surgery.
The University of Washington School of Medicine's Division of Pain Medicine is developing leading-edge technologies to improve care for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and chronic pain. The grant will support provider education, clinical care guidelines, and outcomes-based research.
A team of healthcare professionals at Tufts University developed a list of 76 EPAs to structure competency-based assessment for family medicine residents. The EPAs cover key skills such as patient care, communication, and practice management.
A phase 1 clinical trial of Rigosertib, a dual kinase inhibitor, demonstrated the drug's effectiveness in patients with head and neck cancer who have failed platinum-based therapies. The results led to an 80-patient multi-institutional Phase II trial to explore biomarkers for accurate patient matching.
Researchers at Lund University have discovered a new protein that controls the presence of the Vel blood group antigen on red blood cells. The discovery makes it possible to use simple DNA testing to find blood donors for patients who lack the Vel antigen and need a blood transfusion.
Researchers discovered a genetic deletion in the SMIM1 gene responsible for the Vel blood group, allowing for more accurate DNA testing and reducing the risk of severe reactions during blood transfusions. The study also sheds light on how this gene influences red blood cell traits and haemoglobin levels.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that both black and white Americans have a similar lifetime risk of heart failure, ranging from 20 to 45 percent. The study explored the long-term risk of heart failure in different race groups and found that higher blood pressure and body mass index increased the risk.
A team of scientists from the University of Vermont and France has discovered the tiny protein SMIM1, which causes the rare 'Vel-negative' blood type. This breakthrough allows for fast DNA-based tests to identify Vel-negative individuals, enabling them to receive life-saving transusions.
A new tau transmission model opens doors for potential treatments of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases by inducing animal models to mimic the spread of tau pathology. The research demonstrates cell-to-cell transmission of neurodegenerative proteins, offering therapeutic opportunities.
A team of EPFL researchers has identified a key step in the manufacture of red blood cells, revealing the subtle regulatory mechanisms that direct their birth. The discovery highlights the importance of mitophagy, the elimination of mitochondrial respiratory apparatus, and its modulation by KRAB-containing zinc finger proteins and KAP1.
A study of over 3.3 million PCI procedures found that major bleeding was associated with significantly increased in-hospital mortality, with an estimated 12% of deaths related to bleeding complications. The researchers suggest that bleeding-related mortality may be modifiable through established strategies.
A study of hospital patients found that transfusing donated blood more than three weeks old impairs blood vessel function, a mechanism linked to nitric oxide deficiency. The results suggest that older blood may be detrimental to patient health, particularly in cardiovascular surgery or critical care scenarios.
A new method for estimating blood loss, based on base deficit (BD), is more accurate than the current Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) classification. BD was linked to increased severity of injury, length of stay, morbidity and mortality.
Researchers found that red blood cells in blood stored longer than three weeks gradually lose their flexibility to deliver oxygen-rich cells. The study's findings suggest that the current practice of transfusing blood stored up to six weeks may need reconsideration.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia found that hospitals treating patients with anemia before surgery had better outcomes, including reduced blood transfusions, infections, and shorter hospital stays. Early diagnosis and treatment of anemia are crucial to avoid unnecessary transfusions and improve patient care.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that 71% of pediatric patients attending specialty clinics in Edmonton used alternative medicine, while only 42% did so in Ottawa. The study highlights a need for better communication between doctors and parents about alternative medicine use, which can lead to potential drug interactions.
A study found that infants with more severe pertussis have higher white blood cell counts and are at higher risk of death. Infants with less severe disease had lower white blood cell counts and were less likely to experience complications.
A new meta-analysis of 10 studies involving over 203,000 patients with anemia and heart attacks found that liberal blood transfusions increased the risk of death by 12% and had twice the odds of another heart attack. The study calls for rigorous randomized trials to determine when transfusions are appropriate.
A meta-analysis of 10 studies suggests that blood transfusions are associated with increased all-cause mortality in patients with myocardial infarction. The analysis found a weighted absolute risk increase of 12% and a higher risk for subsequent myocardial infarction, highlighting the need for further research.
A survey of US hospices found that restrictive policies limit access to hospice care for patients requiring costly treatments. Reforming Medicare reimbursement rates and eligibility requirements is necessary to support patients and their providers.
The Access to Medicine Index ranks pharmaceutical companies on their efforts to improve access to medicine in developing countries. This year's report finds that 17 out of 20 companies have improved their performance since 2010, with GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson emerging as leaders. The industry is becoming more organized in i...
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have made a promising breakthrough in reducing adverse inflammatory responses to blood transfusions in preterm babies. By understanding the mechanisms behind these responses, they aim to improve blood transfusion safety and reduce complications.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine has received a $1.5 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to provide four-year financial aid for at least 26 new and current students. The grant aims to increase access for underrepresented minorities, supporting diversity in dental education.
Elizabeth Garrett, MD, receives American Academy of Family Physicians' highest honor in education for her career contributions to family medicine education. She has improved training in family medicine across the country for nearly three decades through curriculum development and teacher development programs.
A randomized controlled trial of 377 premature infants found no significant differences in clinical outcomes between fresh and standard red blood cell transfusions. The study suggests that prolonged RBC storage may not have as great an impact on neonatal illness and death as previously thought.
A randomized clinical trial of 377 premature babies found that receiving fresher blood did not improve clinical outcomes, including major organ injury, mortality, and infection. The study, led by Dr. Dean Fergusson, used the gold standard of medical science and challenged existing beliefs about fresh blood being better.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is deeply influenced by Chinese philosophy and religion, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. The study explores TCM's underlying premise that good health requires cultivating a positive spirit and achieving harmony between the individual and nature.
Researchers at Rice University and three other US institutions are embarking on a five-year study to uncover the causes of hemoglobin toxicity in blood plasma. The study aims to develop strategies to prevent, reduce or reverse acellular hemoglobin toxicity.
Scientists have discovered a way to screen people for Mad Cow disease using a simple blood test, which could help boost critical blood stocks. The breakthrough involves recognizing specific 'signature genes' in the blood stream.
A recent study suggests that funding agencies should focus on providing a stable blood supply in sub-Saharan Africa. The authors argue that current policies and practices are not suitable for the region's emergency blood transfusion needs. This could lead to long-term reliance on external funding, making services unaffordable.
Drs. Blazar and June will present their lecture on adoptive T-cell therapy, which has potential to establish tolerance to hematopoietic or solid organs allografts, treat autoimmunity, and promote immunity to cancer and chronic infection. The researchers have made significant contributions to advancing the field of BMT.
A study led by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center finds that black men with prostate cancer receive lower quality surgical care than white men. Black men are less likely to use high-volume surgeons and hospitals, resulting in longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates.
A national survey of 7,288 US physicians found that 45.8% reported symptoms of burnout, with higher rates in emergency medicine and family medicine specialties. The study highlights the need for policy makers and healthcare organizations to address physician burnout to improve patient care.
A team of scientists from the University of Southampton will explore ways to prevent graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) and improve bone marrow transplants by stimulating donor T-cells to target cancerous cells while reducing immune system reactions.