A recent study found that transfusion of COVID-19 convalescent plasma is associated with reduced mortality in immunocompromised patients. The research suggests this therapy may be beneficial for these patients, who are at high risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.
An international study found that an intermediate level of anticoagulation had a high probability of being better than low dose anticoagulation, with no increased risk of bleeding. The study's findings inform WHO guidelines and provide evidence for a middle ground in COVID treatment.
A literature review of existing research identified key areas for future research on race and racism in emergency medicine. The study's findings inform a research agenda aimed at developing evidence-informed interventions to address racial health inequities, including access, treatment, and provider experience.
A study by the University of Bonn elucidated an important immune mechanism crucial for making hemophilia treatment effective. The researchers found that regulatory T cells can activate a self-destruct button on B cells against factor VIII, leading to its tolerance.
Research found that blood transfusions following solid tumor removal in pediatric oncology patients are associated with higher rates of post-surgery infectious complications, shorter disease-free intervals, and tumor recurrence. The study aims to inform thoughtful use of blood transfusion and encourage multi-center data collection.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a groundbreaking discovery that could boost platelet production on demand to alleviate blood shortages. The finding offers hope for patients with thrombocytopenia and those receiving cord-blood transplants.
UTSW study reveals medical school programs are expanding but underfunded, lacking standardization and measurement of competencies. Culinary medicine could transform the problem into the solution, addressing top risk factor for early death in the U.S.
A recent study published in the Journal of Urology found that robotic IVC thrombectomy is not inferior to standard open surgery and has lower complication rates. The robotic approach also showed a lower blood transfusion rate, making it an attractive option for patients with optimal candidacy.
The AABB has released clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma, recommending its use for nonhospitalized patients at high risk for disease progression. The guidelines suggest that CCP is most effective when transfused with high neutralizing titers early after symptom onset.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued a position paper on the ethical use of genetic testing and precision medicine in internal medicine. The guidelines address key issues such as incidental findings, education for physicians and patients, and counseling needs. ACP emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance and anticoag...
Researchers from University Hospitals developed a transfusion appropriateness algorithm to analyze blood transfusions for adult patients. The algorithm led to a decrease in transfusions and an increase in appropriate use, resulting in cost savings of $2.5 million over 12 months.
A national clinical trial found that convalescent plasma therapy does not improve the ability to survive or recover for severely ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Despite receiving high-titer neutralizing antibodies, hospitalized patients did not benefit from the therapy.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine has achieved an impact factor of 11.082, a 10% increase over last year's score of 10.057. This marks the highest impact factor in the journal's history, reflecting the growing importance of nuclear medicine as a whole.
Researchers found that invasive therapy for non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients with CKD is associated with lower mortality and reduced risk of cardiac events. The study challenges the dominant practice of offering medical management instead of invasive therapy for this population.
A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has identified barriers and motivators to blood donation for people from ethnic minority groups in Ireland. Factors that motivate people from minority ethnic backgrounds to give blood include religious reasons and a desire to help others in their own communities.
Dmitry Beyder has been elected as the 2022-23 president-elect for the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS). As president-elect, Beyder will focus on guiding technologists out of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening the nuclear medicine technologist workforce and professional pipeline.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that receiving red blood cells from female donors does not increase the risk of death in transfused patients. The study controlled for lower haemoglobin levels in women's blood and found no difference in survival rates between male and female donors.
Munir Ghesani, MD, has been elected as president of SNMMI for his commitment to improving patient access to nuclear medicine scans. He plans to address issues such as reimbursement and regulatory approvals to grow the field of nuclear medicine.
A study found no increased mortality risk or serious adverse outcomes in high-risk patients receiving tranexamic acid during IT fracture surgery. The medication, which promotes blood clotting, was also associated with a small decrease in blood transfusion risk.
Researchers have discovered a new way to predict brain bleeds in unborn babies and newborns by analyzing platelet levels. The study found that babies are guaranteed to develop brain bleeds if their platelet count drops below 10%, while moderate levels may trigger the condition, but not extremely low levels.
Dr. Anil N. Makam, Assistant Professor of Medicine at UCSF, received the fifth Arti Hurria Memorial Award for Emerging Investigators in Internal Medicine Who are Focused on the Care of Older Adults. His research focuses on long-term acute care hospitals and evidence-based medicine.
Dr. Kenichi Miharada and his team received the grant to develop an in vitro red blood cell production method due to global blood shortage for transfusions. They have already established a semi-infinitely proliferating red blood cell source called immortalized human erythroblast cell line (ELLU cells), but face technical challenges.
A Phase 3 clinical trial shows that gene therapy can end the need for monthly blood transfusions in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. The treatment uses a patient's own stem cells modified with a healthy hemoglobin gene, allowing patients to achieve transfusion-free status within months.
A new study by Dr. Brian Stansfield and Dr. Jessica Gancar found a clear linear relationship between mortality and red blood cell transfusion volume in newborns on ECMO, with a 14% decrease in survival chances for every transfusion. The study suggests that reducing transfusion volumes may improve outcomes.
Researchers found that disulfiram protected rodents from immune-mediated lung injury in models of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection and TRALI, a rare lung failure syndrome. Disulfiram blocks NETs formation, which can cause lung damage and blood clots.
A study by Michigan Medicine reveals that 25% of young American men experience both delivering and receiving technology-facilitated abuse. Healthcare providers should consider addressing this issue, as men who have mental health care visits are more likely to be involved in abusive relationships.
Researchers found that exposure to addiction medicine consult teams led to a significantly reduced risk of death within three months of discharge. Medication played a key role in reducing mortality for patients with opioid use disorders, while other components may be crucial for those with alcohol use disorder.
A clinical trial will harness synthetic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to deplete immune B cells and plasma cells producing donor-specific antibodies, aiming to achieve a compatible kidney match for patients with pre-existing antibodies. The NIH-funded study, led by Penn Medicine, intends to begin enrolling patients in 2022.
Researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School found that Zika virus infection disrupts the glucose metabolism pathway in infected foetuses, leading to birth defects and death. A potential supplement, pyruvic acid, may protect foetuses from these impacts.
A new cell line from human adult bone marrow can grow infinitely and differentiate into red blood cells, making it a potential source for generating endless amounts of RBCs. This breakthrough could simplify methods for establishing immortalized cell lines and select clones with maximum RBC production potential.
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a silicon device that can change skin tissue into blood vessels and nerve cells. The technology, called tissue nanotransfection, is being explored for use in treating conditions such as stroke and diabetes-related nerve damage.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine are studying breast cancer as a series of inflection points to identify potential intervention points and develop therapeutics for triple negative breast cancer. The goal is to create a large repository of organoids from tissue samples to study gene expression, epigenetic changes, and immune response.
Researchers found delaying cord clamping reduces a child's relative risk of death or major disability in early childhood by 17 percent, including a 30 percent reduction in mortality before the age of two. In addition, fewer infants in the delayed-clamping group needed blood transfusions after birth.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that chlorthalidone significantly lowered blood pressure by 11mmHg in patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease. The results also showed a 50% reduction in albuminuria, suggesting potential benefits for reducing kidney failure progression and hospitalizations.
A review board comprising healthcare professionals from various disciplines has sharply reduced opioid prescribing at an OHSU internal medicine clinic. The clinic uses a systematic approach to review high-risk cases and coach primary care providers on tapering patients off opioids.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released new clinical guidelines that recommend against extensive preprocedural testing to estimate clotting in patients with cirrhosis. This change aims to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with unnecessary blood clotting tests.
Researchers identified three new human genes influencing HIV acquisition and progression in sub-Saharan Africa. The study provides valuable insights into genetic variants associated with HIV-1C infection and AIDS progression, potentially paving the way for new therapies.
A comprehensive patient blood management program implemented at Mayo Clinic reduced allogenic transfusion use by 33% and improved hospital length of stay and adverse events. The program's multi-faceted approach included education efforts, computerized order entry processes, and analytics to inform decision-making.
A new mathematical model suggests that patients with anemia can be effectively treated with transfusions of blood substitutes, which are more readily available than real blood. This approach could reduce the negative effects of blood transfusion and lower costs.
A report highlights the challenges faced by underrepresented physicians in medicine, particularly in surgery. The authors emphasize the importance of enhancing mentorship and sponsorship relationships to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A clinical trial found that convalescent plasma did not improve survival rates in most critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, immunocompromised patients showed a slight improvement with the treatment. The researchers speculate that too few high-quality antibodies and a runaway inflammatory immune response may be to blame.
Researchers analyzed Neandertal and Denisovan genomes to identify blood groups, confirming their African origin and Eurasian dispersal. The study also found evidence of low genetic diversity and possible demographic fragility, shedding light on the disappearance of Neandertals.
A new Dartmouth-led study found that white patients receive higher annual doses of prescription pain medicine than Black patients, even when treated by the same health system and team of clinicians. The researchers suggest that systematic racial bias is a major contributor to these disparities.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that smartphone photos of the inner eyelid can be used to screen for anemia. The algorithm achieved accuracy rates of up to 94.4% in predicting anemia, making it a potential tool for early diagnosis and treatment in low-resource settings.
The new clinical practice guideline focuses on reducing blood loss and improving outcomes in heart surgery patients. It emphasizes patient-centered care by considering a patient's values and choices into treatment pathways.
A randomized double-blind controlled trial of convalescent plasma for adults hospitalized with severe COVID-19 found mortality at 28 days in the treatment arm was half the rate seen in the control arm. However, treatment was not associated with other improvements in clinical status among patients.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that oral tranexamic acid (TXA) is non-inferior to intravenous TXA in preventing blood loss during total knee and hip replacement surgeries. The study suggests that oral administration of TXA may be logistically easier, less costly, and equally effective as IV TXA.
Fadie Coleman, assistant professor of medical sciences and education at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2021 Metcalf Award for Excellence in Teaching. She is recognized for her innovative strategies to prepare undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds for success in the biomedical/STEM workforce.
A new study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University clinicians reveals that horizontal transmission is responsible for HTLV-1 uveitis, a severe eye inflammation. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, showing promise in managing the condition, but highlighting the need to consider infection route in diagnosis and treatment.
Increased tourniquet use in Los Angeles County has improved patient survival and reduced the need for blood transfusions. The study found that patients with prehospital tourniquets had lower mortality rates, fewer delayed amputations, and lessened blood transfusion requirements.
A study published in the Journal of Endocrinology found an association between higher body weight and greater menstrual blood loss, potentially due to delayed womb lining repair. The research used a combined approach of human and mouse studies, suggesting obesity may contribute to heavier periods through increased inflammation.
A study published in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice finds that the number of preventive medicine physicians is not likely to match population needs in the US. The specialty is aging, with nearly half of physicians over 60 years old, and new trainees are scarce.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has announced its 2021 award recipients, recognizing excellence in clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy. M. Safwan Badr, Terri Weaver, Scott Williams, and Indira Gurubhagavatula are among those honored for their dedication to advancing sleep care and enhancing sleep health.
A new study found that hysterectomies are used more frequently to treat significant postpartum bleeding than uterine artery embolization, a minimally invasive procedure. The procedure resulted in longer hospital stays and higher costs.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a new method for generating antibodies using CRISPR-Cas9, which enables the identification of novel target molecules and could lead to more effective treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
The Astra project aims to develop a realistic simulation technology using Unreal video game engine and Magic Leap augmented reality glasses. The system will focus on twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) training, using live surgery recordings and deep learning networks to create a natural environment for surgeons.
A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that people donate Covid-19 plasma because they want to show gratitude for surviving the virus and feel morally obligated to help others. The main barrier to donating was a fear of needles, with generic fears also playing a significant role.
Researchers propose a new field of study converging AI, basic research, and medicine to extend human lifespan. The framework uses deep learning to predict age-related changes, enabling the development of a new field of medicine - longevity medicine.
A large randomized clinical trial compared thresholds for blood transfusions in premature babies and found no advantage in survival or neurological impairment. The study, led by Dr. Rosemary Higgins of George Mason University, suggests that current guidelines for blood transfusions may not be optimal.
A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that providing a higher threshold of red cells offers no survival benefit for preterm infants and does not reduce neurological impairment. The study used data from 845 infants with varying hemoglobin thresholds to compare outcomes.