A study of nearly 25,000 coronary artery bypass graft patients found that receiving blood from another person increased post-operative infection rates by two-fold. Hospital variation in transfusion practices was also significant, accounting for 30% of the variation.
BA profiling in IBD patients showed decreased levels of certain BAs, while UC patients with liver and gallbladder diseases exhibited increased primary and secondary BAs. The study also found accelerated detoxification activity in IBD patients and a significant increase in primary and secondary BAs in UC patients with extraintestinal ma...
A study presented at ENDO 2009 found that ghrelin infusions increased calorie intake by 51% in older women with frailty, improving growth hormone levels and overall health outcomes. Larger follow-up studies will investigate the therapeutic potential of ghrelin or mimetic agents for this population.
A new study published in American Journal of Hematology finds that iron chelation therapy is not a reliable predictor of patient survival. Instead, degree of anemia and need for red blood cell transfusion at diagnosis are stronger predictors.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that small colon polyps can be removed without interrupting anticoagulation therapy, resulting in an acceptable bleeding rate. The procedure was performed on 123 patients with lesions up to 1 cm in size.
A new study found that drugs to combat anemia in cancer patients may actually increase the risk of death and serious blood clots. The use of these agents should not be routine therapy unless proven safe and clinically beneficial.
A study of 971 patients found VAP accounted for almost half of nosocomial infections, with a crude mortality rate of 35%. Anticipative antimicrobial therapy may be a potential intervention to avoid VAP in mechanically ventilated patients.
A comprehensive review of medical literature by experts found no evidence supporting beneficial effects from blood transfusions. Studies show associations with higher rates of complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure, highlighting the need for restricted practice and safer storage methods.
Research found that children with sickle cell disease are less likely to receive transcranial Doppler ultrasound screenings due to limited lab access, despite increased overall screening rates.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has recognized Fred Winsberg, Martin Resnick, and Horace Thompson as pioneers in the field of ultrasound in medicine. Drs. Winsberg and Resnick were renowned experts in radiology and urology, respectively, while Dr. Thompson is considered the
A survey of tenure-track physicians at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that awareness and sensitivity to racial and ethnic diversity are poor among faculty, particularly those from underrepresented minorities. The study suggests that enhancing diversity remains a challenge for medical schools.
The new journal Genomic Medicine bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, providing open access to high-quality research articles. The journal features columns by leading experts on genomic medicine and its applications.
A new study demonstrates that training physicians in humanism fosters better communication skills, which are crucial for high-quality patient care. The research, conducted at five diverse medical schools, reveals a link between humanistic values and improved outcomes.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that transfusions of 'young' blood –– blood stored for less than 9 days –– increased the odds of survival in animals with leukemia and breast cancer. Fresh blood may be a game-changer in cancer treatment, potentially improving survival rates.
A new study at Ohio State University Medical Center has successfully grown human blood platelets in a laboratory for transfusion. The three-dimensional bioreactor produced up to 1.2 million platelets per day, continuing production for over 32 days.
A church-based initiative in St. Louis increased first-time African-American blood donations by 60%, with nearly 700 participants donating blood over three years. The Sickle Cell Sabbath Program educated predominantly African-American churches about sickle cell disease and its benefits, leading to more donors.
Simple clinical and laboratory tests can identify low-risk stomach bleed patients who can be safely managed as outpatients. This approach reduces hospital admissions by 71% without adverse effects on patient care.
A study found that hospitals with low SSI incidence rates had shorter operations, fewer blood transfusions, and more efficient care delivery. These findings suggest strategies to reduce operation length and blood transfusion rates can complement basic aseptic techniques.
The study presents a new combination therapy for previously untreated ITP, an investigational oral treatment for chronic ITP, and a low-dose platelet transfusion strategy. These approaches aim to minimize bleeding episodes in patients with platelet disorders.
The American College of Physicians recommends that physicians adopt a routine screening policy for HIV, encouraging patients to get tested regardless of risk factors. Timely identification of undiagnosed cases can help prevent HIV transmission.
Researchers found blood transfusions in hospitalized cancer patients increased venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thromboembolism (ATE) rates, comparable to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). This study highlights the need for cautious use of transfusions and exploration of ways to reduce clot risk in cancer patients.
The launch of BioMed Central's Genome Medicine journal marks a significant milestone in the field of personalized medicine. The journal will focus on the latest technologies and findings impacting human health and disease, covering topics such as genomics, epigenetics, and computational approaches to disease management.
The grant will support the development of leaders in geriatric medicine and teaching programs, as well as new training opportunities for medical students and residents. The Wake Forest University School of Medicine will also establish a curriculum for specialty physicians to integrate geriatrics principles into their teaching programs.
Researchers successfully performed EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy in four patients with failed ERCP, achieving rapid improvement of obstructive jaundice. In some cases, a plastic stent or naso-biliary drainage tube was used to manage complications.
Researchers from Boston Medical Center developed a Chief Resident Immersion Training (CRIT) program to educate generalist physician trainees about addiction. The program resulted in improved knowledge, skills, and clinical practices among participants.
According to a study published in JAMA, approximately one in four approved biological medicinal products had at least one safety-related regulatory action issued 10 years after their approval. The average time to a safety-related regulatory action was 3.7 years, with 70.7% of actions occurring within five years after approval.
Researchers will conduct a two-year clinical trial at multiple trauma centers to analyze data on vital signs, blood transfusions, and medications. The goal is to improve mortality rates and develop standards for transfusion ratios.
A study by Mayo researchers found that outpatient stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma patients resulted in a high survival rate of 99% at 100 days. The treatment also showed significantly shorter hospital stays, with a median duration of four days for those who required some hospital care.
A patient with bone marrow hypoplasia contracted HCV through blood transfusion, yet maintained normal liver function despite high serum ferritin levels. The study highlights the complex relationship between HCV infection and immune status, suggesting potential for extra-hepatic manifestations such as arthritis and vasculitis.
A study found that hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at higher risk of experiencing adverse consequences of medical care. CKD patients were more likely to experience complications such as infections, respiratory failure, and post-operative hip fractures.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University develop a way to cultivate cells derived from insulin-producing beta cells, potentially implanting them into patients with type 1 diabetes. This innovative method could reduce the need for life-saving organ transplants and one day be as simple as a blood transfusion.
The use of anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and thrombolytics in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) increases the risk of bleeding, which has emerged as a major contributor to poor outcomes. Careful selection of drugs and measures to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding can help mitigate this risk.
A 9-year study in sheep found that the likelihood of BSE transmission via blood transfusion was 36% for BSE and 43% for scrapie. Researchers warn that up to 4,000 people could be carrying vCJD in the UK, posing a risk through infected blood.
A study of 50 healthy adult men found that black non-sensitized males had an average of 17.2% more HLA-sensitive B cells than white non-sensitized males, increasing their opportunity for antibody-mediated rejection. This increased number of B cells may be customized in treatments to lessen the likelihood of organ rejection.
A recent study found that blood transfusions can transmit a variant of mad cow disease (vCJD) to humans with high efficiency, particularly when donors are in the later stages of infection. The research suggests that blood from BSE- and scrapie-infected sheep could be used effectively in non-human experiments to develop diagnostic tests.
Researchers have created a new source of platelets that can be used for transfusions, addressing the risk of blood infections and improving clotting function. The innovative approach involves using a stem cell population already committed to becoming platelets, and blocking enzymes that cause clotting defects.
Peter J. Ell, director of the institute of nuclear medicine and chair of nuclear medicine at UCL, is awarded the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award for laying the foundations of nuclear medicine in Europe. The award recognizes his pioneering efforts in developing molecular imaging techniques, including SPECT.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNM) has awarded $170,000 in research grants to support nuclear medicine and molecular imaging research. This funding supports independent research projects, including the work of talented young scientists who will further advance diagnostic tools and treatments.
The American Society of Hematology has launched an initiative to provide increased support for training programs in hematology-related disciplines. Three grant recipients will develop new curricula that integrate emerging technologies into traditional training programs, addressing the need for clinicians and clinical researchers with s...
A Phase III clinical trial found that a blood substitute was relatively safe for patients under 80 years old with moderate transfusion needs, but not suitable for those over 80 with acute health issues. The study showed promising results for the blood substitute in reducing the need for regular blood transfusions.
Research found that thalassemic patients had a higher prevalence of anti-HAV IgG antibodies than healthy controls. This is unexpected, as previous studies showed lower rates in thalassemics. The study recommends active immunization for transfused thalassemia patients to reduce liver infections.
The Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine (AFIRM) will focus on repairing battlefield injuries through regenerative medicine. Researchers aim to develop clinical therapies for burn repair, wound healing without scarring, craniofacial reconstruction, limb reconstruction, and treating compartment syndrome.
Researchers developed a special filter that quickly removes prion proteins, causing mad cow disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, from blood. The device has been approved for use in Europe and is expected to be commercialized in Ireland and the UK in mid 2008.
A study of 7,290 participants in eight European countries identified patterns of person-to-person contact relevant to controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Statins impair antitumor effects of rituximab and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against B cell lymphoma cells.
This meta-analysis found that aprotinin decreases intraoperative blood product needs and has no significant impact on postoperative bleeding, thromboembolic events, or mortality. More research is needed to confirm these results.
A study examining long-term outcomes following blood clots found that patients with pulmonary embolism are at higher risk of experiencing recurrent clotting, major bleeding episodes, or death. The research also highlights the need for better anticoagulation strategies to reduce complications in the community setting.
Researchers are developing a new approach to treat conditions like osteoarthritis and trauma injuries using patient-derived stem cells. The 'bioactive scaffold' protects the stem cells, simulating their growth into bone or cartilage in the affected area.
A recent study found a significant association between the combination of aprotinin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors during off-pump cardiac surgery and postoperative renal dysfunction. The study, published in The Lancet, analyzed data from over 9,700 patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2000 and 2007.
Researchers found that the biodegradable film reduced severe scarring by 30% compared to controls. The film was effective in reducing adhesions in patients with high-risk procedures, such as cardiopulmonary bypass and delayed incisions.
A study of 136 Bulgarian patients with HCV found that 76.5% had extra-hepatic manifestations, with common symptoms including fatigue, renal impairment, and paresthesia. The risk of developing B-cell lymphoma was higher in cryoglobulin-positive patients.
A Phase II study found that blood transfusion therapy helped shrink brain lesions caused by silent strokes in children with sickle cell disease. The therapy eliminated one lesion completely and showed no new silent strokes after two years. Researchers hope to preserve cognitive function in these children through prolonged transfusions.
A new study by University of Bristol scientists found that red blood cell transfusions may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in cardiac surgery patients, regardless of haemoglobin levels or age. The research suggests a three-fold increase in complications arising from lack of oxygen to key organs.
The study revealed that Rhesus protein is made by a bacterium, Nitrosomonas europaea, and determined its first X-ray crystal structure at high resolution. This provides important insights into how these proteins facilitate ammonium movement across cell membranes in humans.
A new predictive model using hemoglobin level, International Normalized Ratio, and penetrating injury mechanism can accurately predict which soldiers require massive blood transfusions, allowing for timely mobilization of resources. This model has been shown to reliably predict the need for massive transfusions in combat patients.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center analyzed 8,300 heart surgery patients and found no association between transfused female plasma and adverse outcomes, even a potential protective effect.
A recent study found that one in every 1,300 blood donors tested positive for dengue virus in Puerto Rico, highlighting the risk of transfusion-associated transmission. The disease is also grossly underreported globally, with an estimated 8 million cases and nearly 20,000 deaths projected annually.
Millions of patients receive transfusions with impaired blood, which can lead to heart attacks and death. Researchers found that adding nitric oxide back to stored blood restores its ability to deliver oxygen.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has revised its nuclear medicine technologist's scope of practice, reflecting changes in technology and molecular imaging. The updated document includes procedures such as CT scans and administering contrast.
A global struggle to provide adequate and safe blood supplies in the developing world is highlighted by The Lancet Editorial. Many countries are making progress in implementing strategies to reduce unnecessary transfusions, test for compatibility, and establish voluntary donor programs.
A University of Minnesota study found that only 37% of the US population is eligible to donate blood, a significant decrease from the previously estimated 177 million. The conventional method overestimated the national pool by 59%, mainly due to factors like chronic diseases and high-risk behaviors.