Recent studies have shown a significant decrease in multiple organ failure (MOF) incidence among severely injured patients over the last decade. Advances in trauma and critical care, including more judicious use of blood transfusions, have led to improved MOF outcomes.
A Phase 3 study of Aranesp dosed every three weeks achieved a 91% success rate in maintaining target hemoglobin levels, with 72% of patients sustaining the level over 16 weeks. The treatment showed reduced need for red blood cell transfusions and consistent adverse event profile.
A new study found that peginterferon-alfa-2b with ribavirin was well-tolerated and yielded a sustained viral response in 59% of children with chronic hepatitis C. Patients infected via needle or with normal liver enzyme levels responded better to treatment.
This study found that 71 percent of older adults used some form of alternative medicine in 2000, with chiropractor being the most commonly used. The findings suggest that older adults are using alternative medicine due to chronic health issues and dissatisfaction with conventional healthcare.
A meta-analysis of 27 clinical trials found that erythropoietin treatment lowers the likelihood of needing a blood transfusion and improves hematologic response in cancer patients. However, results on overall survival are inconclusive, suggesting erythropoietin should not be used to increase survival outside clinical trials.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding diabetic nephropathy by identifying CD36 as the probable trigger of kidney disease in diabetics. High glucose levels cause a change on the surface of cells, triggering the production of CD36, which leads to kidney cell death.
A new leukemia drug treatment has shown promise for MDS patients with 5q minus syndrome, becoming transfusion independent in 91% of cases. The defective chromosome abnormality may be linked to other serious cancers, including leukemias and small cell lung cancer.
The Pall Leukotrap Affinity Prion Reduction Filter reduces leukocytes and prions by 99%, making it effective against vCJD. The filter also preserves red cells without compromising their efficacy or purity.
The McMaster researchers developed a detailed bleeding history questionnaire to discriminate between patients with QPD and those without. The tool helps identify higher likelihoods of bleeding that leads to lifestyle changes, bruises or bleeding in joints, providing valuable clues for doctors diagnosing the condition.
A multicenter study found women attempting vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) face increased risk of maternal morbidity and serious obstetric complications. Conversely, elective repeat cesarean delivery shows lower risks for these complications.
A recent study has shown that children with sickle cell disease who are at risk for having a stroke need to continue receiving transfusions to minimize their risk. The study found that of the 41 children who came off transfusions, 14 reverted to high-risk status within 10 months and two others had strokes shortly after.
The NHLBI halted a clinical trial on periodic blood transfusions for patients with sickle cell anemia due to the treatment's proven effectiveness in preventing strokes. However, the trial also highlighted potential long-term side effects such as iron overload and the need for ongoing monitoring.
Loyola is conducting a clinical trial using a blood substitute in trauma patients to increase oxygen delivery and improve survival rates. The study aims to compare the survival rate of patients receiving the blood substitute to those receiving saline solution.
A study found that the Pall Leukotrap Affinity Prion Reduction Filter reduces infectious vCJD prions in red blood cell concentrates below detection limits. The filter also reduced scrapie prions, a similar TSE, from blood, with no clinical symptoms reported in animals treated with filtered blood.
Experts warn of a potential second wave of vCJD infections due to increased cases in France and the UK. The panel discussion highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent human-to-human transmission of this fatal neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers at Northwestern University are using regenerative medicine to help paralyzed people walk again and enable diabetic individuals to lead normal lives without daily treatments or organ donations. The team is focusing on synthetic scaffolds and their interactions with cells, a key component of regenerative medicine.
Research in British Columbia found a seventeen-fold higher risk of diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma in HCV-infected patients. The study confirmed the viral-cancer link, previously suspected in studies from other regions with higher hepatitis C prevalence.
A new study suggests that using whole blood for priming in pediatric heart surgeries may not be the best option, as it can lead to increased hospital stays and costs. Reconstituted blood, which combines red blood cells and plasma, has been shown to be just as effective but with lower risks of bleeding and inflammation.
A study published in JAMA Network found that heart attack patients who received blood transfusions had a significantly higher death rate compared to those who did not. The study included 24,111 participants and showed that blood transfusion was associated with nearly four times increased risk for 30-day death.
A study of over 24,000 patients found that blood transfusions during hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome increase mortality rates. Patients who received transfusions were also more likely to suffer a heart attack within 30 days.
HBOCs increase tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery, offering a temporary solution for situations with massive hemorrhaging or blood shortages. They can effectively increase the usable blood supply in cardiac surgery, creating a 20% increase in supply.
A large-scale study found that aprotinin therapy significantly reduced the need for blood transfusions during CABG surgery and decreased stroke risk. The study also showed no increased risk of adverse events, including mortality, myocardial infarction, or renal failure.
A nationwide study shows that nucleic acid-amplification testing (NAT) significantly reduces the risk of HIV-1 and HCV infections in blood recipients. NAT detects viral genes earlier than antibody tests, allowing for faster identification and disposal of infected donations.
Visilizumab shows promise in treating severe ulcerative colitis by blocking processes that lead to colon inflammation and damage. The new therapy offers an alternative to invasive surgery for patients with severe UC.
The study identifies a heterozygous genotype for the prion protein, suggesting that individuals with this genetic subgroup may be at higher risk of vCJD transmission. The findings highlight the need for continued surveillance and leucoreduction policies to reduce the risk of blood-borne transmission.
The Emory University Health Sciences Center, AABB, and Red Cross will work together to reduce HIV transmission in developing countries by improving blood supply systems, testing for HIV, and creating safe transfusion centers.
The meta-analysis of 22,000 patients found that enoxaparin was more effective than unfractionated heparin in preventing combined rates of death or heart attack. However, the difference was not significant for major bleeding or transfusion rates.
Loyola Medicine is conducting a clinical trial testing a new oxygen-carrying blood substitute for trauma patients. The study aims to compare the survival rate of patients receiving the blood substitute with those receiving saline solution. Community outreach efforts have been made to inform the public about the trial.
Research highlights disparities in stroke risk among Mexican-Americans and findings on treatment advancements for conditions like sickle cell disease and epilepsy. Studies also explore dementia prevalence in HIV-infected populations and the impact of diabetes and military service on neurological diseases.
A study found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a slightly increased risk of colorectal cancer. The American College of Physicians task force released eight recommendations to redefine the domain of general internal medicine, suggesting a balance between breadth and depth in practice, as well as team-based care.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have unraveled the biology behind chronic inflammatory anemia and propose new drug targets. They found a key regulator of hepcidin, a hormone controlling iron levels, and suggest that inhibiting it may improve treatment for patients with anemia of chronic disease.
In 2003, US blood banks screened nearly 6 million donations for West Nile virus, identifying over 1,000 infected units and removing them from the supply. The screenings reduced the risk of transmission associated with blood transfusions, highlighting the effectiveness of proactive measures in preventing disease spread.
A four-year study published by Ohio State University researchers found that attempting a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is associated with increased risk of maternal morbidity and serious obstetric complications. Despite this, many women continue to opt for VBAC due to the relatively low level of risk involved.
A UK-based study found that individuals who received blood components from donors later diagnosed with vCJD were at increased risk. Researchers also discovered that the BSE agent can be transmitted through intravenous routes, highlighting concerns for possible transfusion cases.
A new study using nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) screening detected a significant rate of West Nile Virus viremic donations, preventing recipient infections. Another study investigated the role of monocytes in transfusion-transmitted cytomegalovirus infections, shedding light on the underlying processes involved.
The American Society of Hematology presents the 2003 Public Service Award to Sen. Dianne Feinstein for her leadership on medical research and patient care issues. ASH also awards Dr. Claude Lenfant with its first-ever Lifetime Service Award for his decades-long dedication to hematology research and training.
Researchers have found a way to extend the lives of chilled platelets after transfusion, potentially increasing the platelet supply and making it easier to transport. This breakthrough could help more patients receive life-saving platelet transfusions.
Researchers developed a costimulatory blockade-based protocol to induce peripheral tolerance in stem cell transplantation. This approach combines donor-specific transfusion and anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody administration to achieve functional HSC populations without myeloablation or GVHD induction.
A recent study has found that 18F-FDG PET scans are more accurate than CT scans in predicting post-therapy Hodgkin's disease relapse. The diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET was 92%, while CT results were only correct in 56% of cases.
The Mayo Clinic Proceedings has released an early review of West Nile virus to aid clinicians and the public. The review, written by Priya Sampathkumar, M.D., provides the most current information on the disease's epidemiology, virology, transmission, management, and prevention in humans and animals.
Researchers found that administering hydroxyurea to patients with severe forms of beta-thalassemia boosted hemoglobin levels and enabled five patients to stop undergoing transfusions. The treatment also improved quality of life for the children, who reported feeling better and more active.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine has announced an image that represents a significant advance in achieving high throughput in PET scanning without sacrificing quality. The image showcases technology such as 3D-LSO PET/CT, which could decrease whole-body scan duration substantially, benefiting nuclear medicine professionals and patients.
Dr. Barry Siegel is being recognized for his pioneering work in nuclear medicine, including the use of positron emission tomography (PET) in cancer detection and tumor staging. With over 220 publications to his credit, Dr. Siegel's contributions have significantly impacted the field of nuclear medicine.
A study of 2,466 HIV-positive adults reveals that 53% use alternative medicine, often without informing their doctors. This can lead to adverse interactions with conventional treatment and increased risk of treatment failure.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made a breakthrough in treating children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). A multi-center study found that peginterferon alfa-2a was effective in reducing the virus in 43% of pediatric patients. The new treatment approach offers hope to both affected children and their worried families.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has been awarded a federal grant to monitor the nation's blood supply for new infectious agents, particularly relevant for thalassemia patients who require frequent blood transfusions. The program will also expand its efforts to identify new patients with thalassemia and provide comprehensive ser...
Researchers found that cardiac surgery patients with the factor V Leiden gene variant lost less blood and required fewer transfusions than those without the mutation. The study suggests a new approach to personalized medicine, tailoring therapies based on individual genetic risk factors.
Researchers found that recombinant activated factor VIIA significantly reduced blood loss during abdominal prostate removal surgery. Patients given the drug required no blood transfusions, whereas those receiving placebo did.
China's blood banking system is fragmenting due to rural-urban differences and has a scarcity of volunteer donors, leading to paid donations and illegal activities. Improvements are needed to adopt a volunteer-donor-only system, increasing education and training for those involved in blood collection and transfusion.
A Phase II clinical trial has shown that an hemoglobin raffimer may be effective in reducing the need for transfused blood during heart surgery. The study found that patients treated with the agent experienced no significant negative side effects, except for elevated blood pressures, which were manageable.
Researchers found that administering recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) resulted in a 19% reduction in red blood cell transfusion. The study showed improved hemoglobin levels and reduced exposure to RBC tranfusions, with potential benefits including morbidity and mortality reductions.
Researchers from Purdue's schools of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine and IU School of Medicine will collaborate to study human diseases using animal models, improving understanding of muscle wasting, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. The $4.5M program aims to develop new treatments for devastating childhood diseases.
A team of physicians at the University of Toronto successfully treated a pediatric patient with an autoimmune disease using a cell-free hemoglobin solution. This alternative provides oxygen-carrying capacity similar to blood cells, making it a viable option for children and Jehovah's Witnesses.
A study by Dr. Tony Mok and his team investigates the potential benefits of Chinese herbal medicine in reducing chemotherapy-induced toxicity in breast and colon cancer patients. Early results show a moderate reduction in symptoms, paving the way for further research into this alternative treatment approach.
Researchers discovered that bone marrow cells can form new blood vessels in newborns, contrary to previous belief that this process only occurs before birth. The study also found that VEGF accelerates the formation of new blood vessels, with implications for tumor biology and congenital disorders.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Annals of Internal Medicine has published influential articles on Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, and evidence-based medicine. The journal has continued to evolve with innovative features like structured abstracts and international discussions on editorial issues.
H. William Strauss is a pioneer in cardiovascular nuclear medicine and has published extensively on the subject. He recently received the de Hevesy Pioneer Award for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of nuclear medicine.
Dr. Marianne Legato receives the American Medical Women's Association Woman in Science Award for her groundbreaking research on gender-specific medicine, aiming to redefine traditional health models and improve women's health outcomes.
Research suggests that individuals with coronary artery disease are less tolerant to anaemia during non-cardiac surgery. A study of 2059 patients found those with anaemia had a five-fold higher in-hospital mortality rate after bypass surgery despite blood transfusions, indicating the need for further investigation before surgery.
A national clinical trial is comparing two treatments for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), aiming to improve survival rates and outcomes. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of laser photocoagulation and amnioreduction in reducing health complications and premature birth.